Proposal on adjusting TEN-T in the light of Brexit

Key points

• The EESC welcomes the Proposal as a preparedness measure that meets the need to ensure a cohesive TEN-T network and adapt the North Sea-Mediterranean Core Network Corridor to a scenario where the UK is not part of the TEN-T.
• The EESC takes the view that one or more direct links between the continental EU and the Republic of Ireland are needed to preserve the cohesion of the North Sea-Mediterranean Core Network Corridor and ensure transport operations between Ireland and the continental EU without border controls, and seriously consider the potential negative effects on the EU/Irish economy.
• The EESC notes that the corridor configuration now proposed by the Commission was questioned during the consultation procedure preceding the proposal, and this for various reasons, including the suitability of the choice of ports and the need to also reconsider the alignment of the Atlantic Core Network Corridor.
• The EESC therefore questions the configuration of the proposed new corridor leg as it may not correspond to future traffic flows and thus may fall short of the objective of TEN-T Core Network Corridors to facilitate the most important long-distance traffic flows.
• The EESC regrets that no impact analysis was carried out to check the suitability of the proposed configuration, e.g. for perishable goods. The EESC recommends that a dedicated review clause be added to the Proposal, stipulating that the Commission should review the adopted Regulation within two years of it becoming applicable.