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OPINION (COM(2021)0812 – C90472/2021 – 2021/0420(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 and Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) 1315/2013

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Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection · Rapporteur: Salvatore De Meo

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The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection gives its opinion on the proposed regulation on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network. It calls on the lead committee to take into account 119 amendments that add accessibility, consumer and business concerns to the proposal. The amendments require free and non-discriminatory access to the network, better access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and peripheral production centres, and stronger passenger rights and price transparency. They also add military and food security goals, active mobility infrastructure, and a permanent mechanism for activating "Green Lanes" at internal borders.

Committee position. The committee calls on the Committee on Transport and Tourism to take into account 119 amendments that add accessibility, consumer protection, SME access, active mobility, military and food security, and Green Lanes to the proposed regulation.

Key points

  1. The opinion states that the trans-European transport network is essential for the single market and must overcome bottlenecks through targeted investment in accessibility, inclusiveness and sustainability.
  2. It asks for free access to the networks in all member states, sufficient funds for construction and maintenance, and long-term investment planning by transport businesses.
  3. It calls for access to European transport corridors for SMEs in peripheral and remote areas, and for synergies between structural funds and national recovery and resilience plans.
  4. It wants the network adapted to strengthen military and food security, with investment in strategic infrastructure and the inclusion of strategic agri-food production centres.
  5. Amendments add accessibility for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, passenger rights and price transparency to the regulation's recitals and objectives.
  6. They require member states to develop strategies on the infrastructure needs of smaller production centres and to guarantee market access to SMEs.
  7. They add active mode infrastructure, including walking and cycling, to planning, maintenance and upgrading, and require safe crossing points for active modes.
  8. They require member states to ensure free access without discrimination and fair competition by all public and private entities involved in developing the network.
  9. They require sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) to be published and urban mobility data to be collected, submitted and published every year.
  10. They require member states to keep supply chains and essential travel running, if necessary by activating "Green Lanes" in cooperation with the European Coordinators.
  11. They require the Commission to assess adapting the network for military and dual use, and to include new infrastructure and urban nodes important for military mobility and food security.
  12. They ask the Commission to evaluate creating a new southern European Transport Corridor connecting the east and west sides of the Mediterranean Sea.

Who is affected

  • SMEs and businesses in peripheral, isolated or remote production centres, which would gain better access to transport corridors and markets.
  • Persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, who would gain accessibility requirements and protection in transport infrastructure and services.
  • Member states, which must ensure free access, fair competition, strategies for smaller production centres and continued functioning of supply chains.
  • Transport operators, hauliers and terminal owners, whose terminal operation costs and investment needs must be assessed.
  • Rail passengers, who would gain a single ticket for cross-border trips and a seamless user experience.

Figures and deadlines

  • Completion of a core network by 2030, of an extended core network by 2040 and of the comprehensive network by 2050.
  • Passenger lines at a minimum line speed of 160 km/h to complement existing high-speed lines.
  • Rest areas at a maximum distance of 60 km from each other.
  • Safe and secure parking areas at a maximum distance of 100 km from each other.
  • By 31 December 2025, the Commission shall conduct a feasibility study on European Modular System vehicles on the TEN-T core network.
  • By 31 December 2040, development of at least one multimodal freight terminal within or near each urban node.
  • Information on projects of common interest must be available at least six months before the final decision.
  • Draft national plans and programmes must be notified to the Commission at least six months before adoption.