Sittings · Document

OPINION (2024/2051(INI)) 2025-03-19

On a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world

Committee on Transport and Tourism · Rapporteur: Rosa Serrano Sierra

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AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Transport and Tourism submits the following to the Committee on Budgets, as the committee responsible :

Amendment 1

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to Article 170 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which provides that the Union shall contribute to the establishment and development of trans-European networks in the areas of transport, telecommunications and energy, so that EU citizens, economic operators and regional and local communities can derive the full benefit from an area without internal frontiers,

Amendment 2

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to Article 171 TFEU, which establishes the framework for achieving the objectives outlined in Article 170, encompassing, inter alia, the provision of support for projects of common interest,

Amendment 3

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/20141a,

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1a OJ L 249 14.7.2021, p. 38, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1153/2024-07-18.

Amendment 4

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/20131a,

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1a OJ L, 2024/1679, 28.6.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj.

Amendment 5

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 e (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the Commission communication of 29 January 2025 entitled ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’ (COM(2025)0030),

Amendment 6

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 f (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the Commission communication of 9 December 2020 entitled ‘Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – putting European transport on track for the future’ (,

Amendment 7

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 g (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the Brussels Declaration of 4 April 2024 on the mobility of tomorrow,

Amendment 8

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 h (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the Palma Declaration of 31 October 2023 calling for the social sustainability of the tourism sector in the European Union,

Amendment 9

Motion for a resolution

Citation 1 i (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the Barcelona Declaration of 22 September 2023 on ‘Mobility for people: advancing social and territorial cohesion’,

Amendment 10

Motion for a resolution

Citation 19 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to Special Report 04/2025 of the European Court of Auditors of 5 February 2025 entitled ‘EU military mobility – Full speed not reached due to design weaknesses and obstacles en ,

Amendment 11

Motion for a resolution

Citation 22 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999 (‘European Climate Law’),

Amendment 12

Motion for a resolution

Citation 22 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to European Environment Agency (EEA) Report No 1/2024 – European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA),

Amendment 13

Motion for a resolution

Citation 22 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the Better Regulation Guidelines and toolbox,

Amendment 14

Motion for a resolution

Citation 22 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to Decision (EU) 2022/591 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 April 2022 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2030,

Amendment 15

Motion for a resolution

Citation 22 e (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the special reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on ‘Global Warming of 1.5 °C’, on ‘Climate Change and Land’, and on ‘The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing ,

Amendment 16

Motion for a resolution

Citation 22 f (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the EU’s obligations under the Paris Agreement as well as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,

Amendment 17

Motion for a resolution

Citation 22 g (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

– having regard to the Aarhus Convention and the obligations it entails,

Amendment 18

Motion for a resolution

Recital B a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

B a. whereas the specific cross-border nature of sectors such as transport and energy, which have high EU added value and play a key role in the achievement of various strategic goals for the Union, should be taken into account when establishing a new budgetary framework for the post-2027 MFF;

Amendment 19

Motion for a resolution

Recital C

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

C. whereas spending through the Union budget, if effectively targeted, aligned with the Union’s political priorities and coordinated with spending at national level, helps to avoid fragmentation in the single market and to boost the overall impact of public investment; whereas public investment is essential to incentivise private investment;

Amendment 20

Motion for a resolution

Recital G

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G. whereas the context in which the Commission will prepare its proposals for the post-2027 MFF is every bit as challenging, with the established global and geopolitical order changing quickly and radically and the Union budget needing to change accordingly;

G. whereas the context in which the Commission will prepare its proposals for the post-2027 MFF is even more challenging, with a full-scale war at the gates of the European Union, the established global and geopolitical order and common transatlantic values being radically challenged, and the Union budget needing to change and respond accordingly to current and future challenges;

Amendment 21

Motion for a resolution

Recital G a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G a. whereas the transport sector, transport systems and reliable, accessible, safe and sustainable transport infrastructure are indispensable for the Union’s strategic autonomy, security, resilience, economic development, competitiveness, decarbonisation and social cohesion, as well as the territorial accessibility and connectivity of all EU regions;

Amendment 22

Motion for a resolution

Recital G b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G b. whereas the European rail network is still very fragmented, in particular when it comes to high-speed and multimodal connections;

Amendment 23

Motion for a resolution

Recital G c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G c. whereas the implementation of the EU road safety policy framework 2021-2030 and achieving ‘Vision Zero’ by 2050 requires stable and sufficient financial resources from the EU and Member State budgets;

Amendment 24

Motion for a resolution

Recital G d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G d. whereas EU-coordinated just transition funding is essential for creating quality jobs and boosting EU competitiveness while upholding our decarbonisation objectives;

Amendment 25

Motion for a resolution

Recital G e (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G e. whereas the Social Climate Fund (SCF) will be crucial for supporting vulnerable households and transport users in the transition towards more sustainable mobility, leaving no one behind;

Amendment 26

Motion for a resolution

Recital G f (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G f. whereas centrally managed funding instruments such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) have been the most efficient in fostering Member States’ cooperation and alignment on large-scale, cross-border projects in transport, energy and telecommunications with the highest European added value; whereas CEF has been highly successful in developing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), especially for cross-border projects;

Amendment 27

Motion for a resolution

Recital G g (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G g. whereas the necessity and added value of CEF, along with overall transport investment needs, are underscored by the high number of funding applications, which consistently and significantly exceed the available budget;

Amendment 28

Motion for a resolution

Recital G h (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G h. whereas the practice of concentrating co-funding, especially in the initial phase of the funding period, and decreasing funding later on has proven successful for transport projects by providing the necessary investment security;

Amendment 29

Motion for a resolution

Recital G i (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G i. whereas European public procurement provisions are essential to ensure fair competition in transport projects, foster the creation of jobs within Europe and reward best practices in infrastructure project delivery;

Amendment 30

Motion for a resolution

Recital G j (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G j. whereas Europe should take the lead in the innovation and transport of the future;

Amendment 31

Motion for a resolution

Recital G k (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

G k. whereas the 2021 European industrial strategy recognises tourism as a key EU industrial ecosystem, prioritising its green and digital transition and resilience; whereas tourism, which is vital for employment, social well-being and competitiveness, persistently faces socioeconomic, environmental and digital challenges; whereas rural, mountainous, island, coastal and remote areas are vital for the advancement of tourism in Europe; whereas preserving and promoting local cultures and biodiversity in those regions and in tourist locations outside the scope of mass tourism requires support; whereas Europe needs specific plans to make tourist facilities accessible for people with disabilities and reduced mobility;

Amendment 32

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 6 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

6 a. Highlights that, as indicated in the Draghi report, well-functioning transport networks and services and a thriving transport industry are crucial for the competitiveness of the entire EU economy, generating 5 % of its GDP, 5 % of all direct jobs and 10 % of cross-border employment; recognises that transport systems are fundamental to ensuring access to goods, services and resources, which drives economic growth, creates jobs and fosters territorial and social cohesion across the Union;

Amendment 33

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 9 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

9 a. Calls on the Commission, in consultation with stakeholders, to conduct regular reviews and updates of public procurement guidelines, promoting a fair and competitive EU internal market and bolstering EU funding for innovative European technologies and industries; urges the Commission and the Member States to take decisive action to prevent unfair competition from third-country entities in EU public procurement through the strict application of reciprocity criteria, where appropriate, and the implementation of monitoring and response mechanisms, prioritising European industries in EU-funded projects;

Amendment 34

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 10

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

10. Insists that, in the next MFF, more must be done to maximise the potential of the role of the European Investment Bank Group – together with other international and national financial institutions – in lending in strategic policy areas, such as climate and, latterly, dual-use defence projects;

Amendment 35

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11. Emphasises that funding for research and innovation should be significantly increased, should be focused on the Union’s strategic priorities and should continue to be determined by the principle of excellence; considers that there should be sufficient resources across the MFF and at national level to fund all high-quality projects;

11. Emphasises that funding for research and innovation should be significantly increased, in particular to ensure the effectiveness of the Competitiveness Compass, should be focused on the Union’s strategic priorities and should continue to be determined by the principle of excellence; considers that there should be sufficient resources across the MFF and at national level to fund all high-quality projects;

Amendment 36

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 a. Underlines in this respect that the next MFF should continue supporting key joint undertakings such as Clean Aviation, SESAR 3 and EU-Rail, which are crucial for driving public-private partnerships in research and innovation to the benefit of the European transport sector, and ultimately citizens, by fostering collaboration, setting strategic priorities, leveraging public funding to attract private investment, enhancing the operations and safety of EU businesses and enabling their growth;

Amendment 37

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 11 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

11 b. Underlines the key role of digital technology in developing efficient and sustainable transport, mobility and logistics management; encourages the Commission to support research and innovation in the development of innovative solutions across all transport modes in urban and rural environments, ensuring seamless connections to public transport that benefit all EU citizens, as well as cutting-edge technologies such as hyperloop;

Amendment 38

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12. Stresses that the next MFF should include much greater funding for energy, transport and digital infrastructure, with priority given to cross-border connections and national links with European added value; considers that such infrastructure goes hand in hand with a deepening of the single market;

12. Stresses that the next MFF should include much greater, centrally-managed funding for energy, transport and digital infrastructure, consistent with the current MFF, with priority given to cross-border connections, missing links, and national links with European added value, including eliminating bottlenecks; takes note of both the Letta and Draghi reports, which confirmed that such infrastructure is an absolute precondition for a successful deepening of the single market, building a resilient economy, fostering growth and job creation, and enhancing competitiveness, climate and environmental protection, social cohesion and military mobility;

Amendment 39

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 a. Insists that CEF has been highly successful in developing TEN-T, particularly implementing cross-border sections, addressing missing links and bottlenecks, executing corridor work plans, deploying alternative-fuel infrastructure and digitalising transport; recalls that it has proven to be the most efficient financing instrument for large- and small-scale cross-border projects in transport, energy and telecommunications, delivering the highest European added value; further recalls that programmes such as CEF are essential for implementing these complex, multi-state (including third countries) projects, which therefore require not only a continuation but also a significant upscaling that translates into a substantial budget increase in the next MFF, facilitating stable and strategic investment planning and centralised EU coordination; argues that single national plans would hinder the cooperation and alignment with EU strategic priorities that CEF guarantees;

Amendment 40

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 b. Points out that the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) announced by the Commission should not in any way replace CEF – a robust, centrally managed and dedicated European transport funding instrument; underlines that ECF should be a complementary financing instrument with a dedicated budget supporting research and innovation in transport and fostering cross-sector synergies (e.g. with digital technologies and energy);

Amendment 41

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 c. Recalls that the TEN-T completion deadlines of 2030 for the core network, 2040 for the extended core network, and 2050 for the comprehensive network are binding on the Member States and require massive and sustained infrastructure investments to comply with the new transport infrastructure requirements outlined in the revised TEN-T Regulation1a; underscores that, in line with the Draghi report, TEN-T requires EUR 845 billion in investment by 2040, including EUR 210 billion for cross-border links; emphasises, however, that, as stated in the Draghi report, completing the TEN-T network could unlock further growth and competitiveness in the EU as it is projected to bring an annual GDP increase of EUR 467 billion in 2050; highlights that infrastructure investments must consider the altered geopolitical situation, necessitating EU funding to bolster the resilience of both new and existing infrastructure;

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1a Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013.

Amendment 42

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 12 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

12 d. Underlines that all transport modes – road, rail, air, maritime, and inland waterways – play critical and interdependent roles in ensuring the smooth flow of goods, services and people; stresses that neglecting any one of them would jeopardise the overall effectiveness and competitiveness of the European transportation system; insists therefore on sustained and equitable funding through CEF for all transport infrastructure;

Amendment 43

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 13

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

13. Considers that the Union must develop a competitiveness framework in line with its own values and political aims and that competitiveness must therefore be understood as encompassing not only economic growth, but also social, economic and territorial cohesion and environmental sustainability; acknowledges that European competitiveness is significantly weakened by persisting single market barriers; insists that simplifying the EU’s regulatory framework and reducing regulatory burdens is important to restore its competitive edge in line with EU standards; points out that reduced regulatory burdens across all sectors would free up resources, including EU budgetary means, for increased investment, particularly, in transport and energy infrastructure; reiterates the importance of conducting prior assessments of all simplification proposals and new legislative initiatives, with due consideration to regulatory burdens that a proposal would create or resolve, to upholding EU standards, and to its budgetary implications;

Amendment 44

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 14

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

14. Underlines that a more competitive, productive and socially inclusive economy helps to generate high-quality, well-paid jobs, thus enhancing people’s standard of living; emphasises that, through programmes such as the European Social Fund+ and Erasmus+, the Union budget can play an important role in supporting education and training systems, boosting workforce adaptability through reskilling and upskilling, and thus preparing people for employment in a modern economy;

14. Underlines that a more competitive, productive, resilient and socially inclusive economy helps to generate high-quality, well-paid jobs, thus enhancing people’s standard of living; emphasises that, through programmes such as the European Social Fund+ and Erasmus+, the Union budget can play an important role in supporting education and training systems, boosting workforce adaptability through reskilling and upskilling, and thus preparing people for employment in a modern economy;

Amendment 45

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15. Insists that the Union budget should continue to support important economic and job-creating sectors where the Union is already a world leader, such as tourism and the cultural and creative industries;

15. Insists that the Union budget should continue to support important economic and job-creating sectors where the Union is already a world leader, such as tourism, which accounts for almost 10 % of the EU’s GDP, and the cultural and creative industries;

Amendment 46

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15 a. Reiterates Parliament’s repeated request to create a specific EU programme and a dedicated budget line in the future MFF for tourism, including to implement the EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, to address the sector’s needs, increase its resistance to economic shocks, and contribute to further growth and jobs across the value chain, bringing significant benefits and long-term well-being to local populations and their businesses; regrets the fragmented funding landscape for tourism in the current MFF; highlights the need to reduce administrative burdens for SMEs in tourism by simplifying rules, minimising data collection requirements, where appropriate, and providing tailored financial support;

Amendment 47

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15 b. Calls on the Commission to develop a dedicated EU tourism strategy with clear aims, objectives, indicators and actions, engaging all tourism stakeholders; urges better coordination of policies and regulations that impact tourism;

Amendment 48

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 15 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

15 c. Notes that the tourism sector stands to benefit greatly from digital innovations, such as smart tourism platforms and integrated digital ticketing systems for attractions and services, which enhance visitor experiences while driving significant economic growth for local communities; stresses that the further development of sustainable tourism, including through the promotion of regional products to strengthen local value chains or the management of tourist flows, could foster economic growth in less visited, more remote and peripheral areas, improve urban-rural connectivity, bolster the climate resilience of European territories and protect residents’ well-being;

Amendment 49

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 16 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

16 a. Underlines in this respect that completing TEN-T is key to EU strategic autonomy; points out that European manufacturing requires support to secure access to critical raw materials and technologies relevant to transport (e.g. for electric vehicles, battery production, advanced rail technologies, etc.); draws attention to the role that the circular economy could play in this regard;

Amendment 50

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

18. Recalls that social, economic and territorial cohesion is a cornerstone of European integration and is vital in binding the Union together and deepening the single market; underlines that a modernised cohesion policy must follow a decentralised, place-based, multilevel governance approach and be built around the shared management, cooperation and partnership principle, fully involving local and regional authorities; draws attention to the role of regional and local authorities in the successful implementation of EU transport projects, with particular reference to those funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cohesion Fund and Interreg programmes;

Amendment 51

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

18 a. Underlines that continued direct management of the transfer from the Cohesion Fund for cross-border transport connections between the cohesion Member States, notably missing links, would facilitate the development of the TEN-T network and economic convergence in the EU;

Amendment 52

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 18 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

18 b. Notes that cohesion policy, through its European Structural and Investment Fund, has significantly contributed to the financing of key transport projects, particularly cross-border and missing links; considers that, in the next MFF, structural funds should continue to help EU regions and cities reduce disparities and improve territorial accessibility and sustainable connectivity across the EU, including for the connectivity and accessibility for people living in peripheral, rural, island, mountainous and outermost regions, as well as other disadvantaged geographical areas;

Amendment 53

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 20

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

20. Points out that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has had substantial economic and social consequences, in particular in Member States bordering Russia; insists that the next MFF provide support to these regions;

20. Points out that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has had substantial economic and social consequences, in particular in Member States bordering Russia; in this context, underscores the importance of the interconnectedness of the single market and its transport network with the neighbouring countries, in particular with Ukraine and Moldova, as well as other candidate or potential candidate countries; insists that the next MFF provide support to these regions and establish EU-Ukraine-Moldova connectivity as a priority, by focusing on enhanced border crossings, waterway and port connectivity and the integration of Ukrainian rail through the adoption of the European standard gauge;

Amendment 54

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 21

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

21. Highlights that the green and digital transitions are inextricably linked to competitiveness, the modernisation of the economy and the resilience of society and that, therefore, the post-2027 MFF must continue to support the twin transitions;

21. Highlights that the green and digital transitions are inextricably linked to competitiveness, the modernisation of the economy, creation of high-quality jobs and the resilience of society and that, therefore, the post-2027 MFF must continue to support the twin transitions;

Amendment 55

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 22

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

22. Recalls that the Union is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, which requires a decarbonisation of the economy through the deployment of clean technologies, improved energy and transport infrastructure and more energy-efficient housing; notes that the Commission estimates additional investment needs to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at 1.5 % of GDP per year compared to the decade 2011-2020 and that, while the Union budget alone cannot cover the gap, it must remain a vital contributor;

22. Recalls that the Union is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, which requires a decarbonisation of the economy through the deployment of clean technologies, improved energy and transport infrastructure, including by means of innovative renovation, and more energy-efficient housing; notes that the Commission estimates additional investment needs to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at 1.5 % of GDP per year compared to the decade 2011-2020 and that, while the Union budget alone cannot cover the gap, it must remain a vital contributor; points out that, according to Draghi, annual EU transport decarbonisation goals will require substantial investments by 2050, indicating that funding for this purpose should be significantly increased in the next MFF;

Amendment 56

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23. Underlines that industry will be central in the transition to net zero and that support will be needed in helping some industrial sectors and their workers to adapt; stresses that the transition must leave no one behind, requiring investment in regions that are heavily fossil-fuel dependent and increased support for households, in particular through the Social Climate Fund;

23. Underlines that industry will be central in the transition to net zero and that support will be needed in helping some industrial sectors such as transport and their workers to adapt; calls on the Commission to support European industries, highlighting that a legislative framework for industrial competitiveness should establish a level playing field both within the EU and with regard to third countries; stresses that the transition must leave no one behind, requiring investment in regions that are heavily fossil-fuel dependent and increased support for households, in particular through the Social Climate Fund, to address energy and transport poverty; calls therefore for continued and appropriate funding for the Just Transition Fund to enable a stronger just transition for transport workers, including robust upskilling and reskilling programmes, as well as concrete measures to address persistent labour shortages across all the transport modes and enhance the sector’s attractiveness;

Amendment 57

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 a. Highlights that, as recognised by the Draghi report, insufficient public and private charging and refuelling infrastructure remains a major obstacle to the uptake of zero-emission vehicles; calls for the post-2027 MFF to increase its support for financing instruments such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) to accelerate the deployment of charging and refuelling networks across the EU;

Amendment 58

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 b. Points out that road congestion is estimated to cost the EU around EUR 230 billion a year; notes that, according to the Draghi report, improved infrastructure and services, coupled with more efficient cross-border management of railways and inland waterways, could unlock further growth, alleviate freight congestion and accommodate rising demand; highlights that both sectors require European funding to overcome bottlenecks, optimise logistics supply chains and invest in rolling stock, modern, sustainable and climate-proof vessels, signalling and information and automated systems;

Amendment 59

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 c (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 c. Points out that rail transport is a leader in sustainability and contributes significantly less to total EU transport emissions compared to other modes of transport; welcomes the commitment to develop an ambitious high-speed master plan for Europe, with the inclusion of night trains, connecting European capitals and major cities, while preserving regional and local rail connectivity, as well as the commitment to create a single digital ticketing system and accelerate rail freight; insists on a proper funding framework for these purposes in the next MFF;

Amendment 60

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 d (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 d. Stresses the need for CEF to fund horizontal rail priorities such as European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), including European train control system (ETCS) on-board units, digital automatic coupling (DAC) and digital capacity management (DCM), in order to ensure the digitalisation of the sector, enhance operational efficiency and facilitate the modal shift in European transport;

Amendment 61

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 e (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 e. Underlines that efficient green logistics management in the Union can greatly contribute to traffic decongestion and reduced CO2 emissions; encourages the Commission to promote digitalisation in logistics such as cargo-pooling initiatives; calls for strengthening the infrastructure, efficiency, sustainability, availability and accessibility of multimodal freight terminals, as well as for the modernisation and sustainable optimisation of existing facilities;

Amendment 62

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 f (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 f. Welcomes the Commission’s announcement of a sustainable transport investment plan to de-risk investments in decarbonising hard-to-abate transport sectors, such as waterborne and aviation; highlights that, following the Draghi report, estimated annual investment needs to decarbonise the aviation and waterborne sectors are, respectively, EUR 61 billion and EUR 39 billion; underscores that the next MFF should, building on the Clean Industrial Deal, provide for coordinated European funding to swiftly expand the implementation of the charging and refuelling infrastructure, along with the production and distribution of renewable and low-carbon fuels;

Amendment 63

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 g (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 g. Highlights that, as spelt out in the Letta report, ports are critical EU infrastructure, acting as gateways to the single market for trade as well as industrial clusters and hubs for military mobility and energy, while also driving growth and job creation; underlines that the future EU port strategy should strengthen the competitiveness of European ports and their crucial role in the decarbonisation of waterborne transport, including through the provision of onshore power for ships, production of green hydrogen and their contribution to the circular economy; recalls that the upcoming strategy should assess and address the diversion of maritime routes to non-EU ports, which, as recognised by the Letta report, undermines EU competitiveness, climate goals and the socioeconomic development of EU regions; considers that the next MFF should significantly increase investment in the EU port sector;

Amendment 64

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 h (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 h. Underlines that, as pointed out in the Letta report, urban mobility is a critical component of the European transport ecosystem and that urban areas encounter substantial challenges regarding safety, congestion and environmental sustainability; points out that, in line with the revised TEN-T Regulation, Member States should implement sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) by 2027, which should be backed by appropriate funding;

Amendment 65

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 23 i (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

23 i. Highlights that EU funding is crucial for investing in sustainable and smart road safety solutions and accelerating road safety improvements across the EU; recalls that in 2023, there were 20 418 deaths on EU roads, in addition to a significant number of serious injuries; calls on the Commission to safeguard, increase and track EU investment in road safety across all the relevant EU financing programmes in the next MFF, in order to halve road deaths and serious injuries by 2030, in line with the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030 and Vision Zero objectives for 2050; points out that the current CEF programme includes, among its eligible financing actions, the improvement of road safety and that its continuation is key to enhancing EU road safety; stresses that the next MFF should ensure financing for road safety in EU-funded projects;

Amendment 66

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 29

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

29. Underscores the importance of a competitive and resilient European defence technological and industrial base and considers that joint EU-level investment in defence can generate economies of scale, and thus significant savings for Member States, and help ensure the interoperability of equipment and systems, as well as safeguard critical infrastructure; points to the need to direct support towards the defence industry within the Union, thus creating quality high-skilled jobs; calls for a new military mobility action plan, developed jointly with NATO, which prioritises dual-use infrastructure projects that address and close gaps in the EU’s military mobility network;

Amendment 67

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 30

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

30. Points to the importance of support in the budget for military mobility, which upgrades infrastructure for dual-use military and civilian purposes and thus contributes to the Union’s defence capabilities;

30. Points to the importance of support in the budget for military mobility for building or upgrading parts of the TEN-T network for dual use along the priority axes, particularly at cross-border connections, improving both military and civilian mobility and thus contributing to the Union’s defence readiness, which is crucial for deterring future Russian aggression and maintaining the vital flow of allied security assistance to Ukraine; acknowledges the findings of the European Court of Auditors, which reveal that troop and armament movement across EU countries is hampered by inadequate funding and overly complex military mobility governance; requests, in line with the Court’s recommendation, that the funding of dual-use infrastructures be made more predictable;

Amendment 68

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 30 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

30 a. Insists in this context on a drastic increase in the military mobility budget in view of an estimated EUR 70 billion investment need for the completion of the four military mobility corridors alone; reiterates that the Council’s radical cut of 75 % to military mobility funding under the current MFF, as compared to Parliament’s and the Commission’s position, has considerably weakened this policy in the light of the recent geopolitical developments; insists that investing in military mobility within the next MFF is essential to identify options to ensure swift and efficient short-notice, large-scale movement of military equipment and humanitarian aid across the continent, enabling a joint response to military threats to the EU Member States and their allied nations; calls for the inclusion of military mobility in the White Paper on the future of European Defence;

Amendment 69

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 31

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

31. Emphasises that the Union needs to ramp up funding for preparedness across the board; underlines that, in addition to efforts to mitigate climate change through the green transition, significant investment is required to adapt to climate change, in particular to protect against and reduce the impact of natural disasters and severe weather events; considers that support for this purpose must be significantly increased in the next MFF;

31. Emphasises that the Union needs to ramp up funding for civil protection, climate resilience and preparedness across the board; underlines that, in addition to efforts to mitigate climate change and ensure climate resilience through the green transition, significant investment is required to adapt to climate change and anticipate crises, in particular to protect against and reduce the impact of natural disasters and severe weather events; stresses that the transport sector is heavily affected by such extreme weather and climate events, which necessitates specific and integrated measures for the design, construction, adaptation and management of transport infrastructure to enhance its resilience and responsiveness to these challenges; underlines that, according to a Commission study, approximately EUR 71 billion is needed to adapt the TEN-T network to mid-century (2024-2075) climate conditions; considers that support for this purpose must be significantly increased in the next MFF;

Amendment 70

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 32

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

32. Recalls that the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked economic and social havoc globally and that a key lesson from the experience is that there is a need to invest in preparedness for health threats, in medical research and in the resilience of public health systems in the Union; underlines that initiatives such as the EU’s Green Lanes, which included fast-track procedures for TEN-T border crossings and proved crucial for maintaining the flow of goods across the EU during the COVID-19 crisis, are essential for strengthening supply chain resilience and preparedness; considers that the next MFF must build on the work done in the current programming period;

Amendment 71

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 33

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

33. Underlines that, with technological change, it has become easier for malicious and opportunistic foreign actors to spread disinformation, interfere in elections and mount cyberattacks against the Union’s interests; insists that the next MFF must invest in enhanced cybersecurity; points to the importance of digital and media literacy and critical thinking in this regard, and to the need for continued Union budget support for initiatives in these areas;

33. Underlines that, with technological change, it has become easier for malicious and opportunistic foreign actors to spread disinformation, interfere in elections and mount cyberattacks against the Union’s interests; points out that transport infrastructure, particularly ports, airports and transport hubs, is critical infrastructure vulnerable to hybrid threats, including cyberattacks; insists that the next MFF must invest in enhanced cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure; in this regard, welcomes the European Ports Alliance Public Private Partnership, which aims to detect vulnerabilities, share best practice and seek solutions, in particular as regards drug trafficking and infiltration of European ports by criminal networks; points to the importance of digital and media literacy and critical thinking in this regard, and to the need for continued Union budget support for initiatives in these areas;

Amendment 72

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

37. Stresses that the next MFF must continue to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change, to providing relief in the event of natural disasters, ensuring global food security, improving healthcare systems, reducing poverty and inequality and boosting competitiveness and the security of global supply chains; emphasises, in particular, the need for support for the Union’s Southern and Eastern Neighbourhoods;

37. Stresses that the next MFF must continue to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change and strengthening water resilience through a coordinated, integrated and cross-sector approach to providing relief in the event of natural disasters, ensuring global food security, improving healthcare systems, reducing poverty and inequality and boosting competitiveness and the security of global supply chains; emphasises, in particular, the need for support for the Union’s Southern and Eastern Neighbourhoods; underlines that the Global Gateway should continue to promote strategic transport infrastructure investments in third countries, focusing on the European industry’s strategic interests;

Amendment 73

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 37 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

37 a. Acknowledges the important role of the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes in providing alternative logistics routes, maintaining economic flow and ensuring global food security; furthermore, highlights that further strengthening the Solidarity Lanes with Ukraine and Moldova is key to preparing for the future enlargement of the Union;

Amendment 74

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 40

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

40. Emphasises that, in a context in which global actors are increasingly using trade interdependence as a means of economic coercion, the Union must bolster its capacity to protect and advance its own strategic interests, develop more robust tools to counter coercion and ensure genuine reciprocity in its partnerships;

40. Emphasises that, in a context in which global actors are increasingly using trade interdependence as a means of economic coercion, the Union must bolster its capacity to protect and advance its own strategic interests, its rules and common values, develop more robust tools to counter coercion and ensure genuine reciprocity in its partnerships;

Amendment 75

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 41 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

41 a. Emphasises that maintaining and strengthening efficient and modern TEN-T connections with third countries and further integrating the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries is strategically valuable for the EU to promote integration, cooperation and regional stability, as well as for candidate countries to enhance their economic development;

Amendment 76

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 46

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

46. Emphasises the importance of the Union budget in promoting and protecting democracy and the Union’s values, fostering the Union’s common cultural heritage and European integration, enhancing citizen engagement and youth participation and promoting fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the rule of law; points to the importance of independence of justice, the sound functioning of national institutions, cooperation between Member States, support for civil society and de-oligarchisation; underlines that EU initiatives such as DiscoverEU are key to enabling young people to explore Europe and the Union’s values through learning, culture and promotion of local cultural heritage;

Amendment 77

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 46 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

46 a. Recalls that the European Pillar of Social Rights places transport among the essential services to which everyone has the right of access; recalls that the Treaties recognise transport as a service of general interest, which is also observed in the Draghi report;

Amendment 78

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 46 b (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

46 b. Points to the existing gender gap within the transport sector, in particular regarding the workforce across all modes, but also regarding road safety and mobility in general;

Amendment 79

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 53 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

53 a. Highlights that disaggregated data based on gender, age and disability are important to monitor equal access to services and infrastructure; calls for targeted MFF investments to ensure safe infrastructure for vulnerable road users, improved public transport safety and services and making transport jobs more attractive and suitable, including for women;

Amendment 80

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 54

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

54. Points out that effective mainstreaming is best achieved through a toolbox of measures, primarily through policy design, thorough impact assessments and solid tracking of spending and, in specific cases, spending targets;

Amendment 81

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 57

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

57. Insists that, post-2027, sufficient financial and staff resources be allocated from the outset so that Union institutions, bodies and decentralised agencies can ensure effective and efficient policy design, delivery and enforcement, continue to attract the best people from all Member States, thus ensuring geographical balance, and have leeway to adjust to changing circumstances;

57. Insists that, post-2027, sufficient financial resources and the necessary staff be provided from the outset so that Union institutions, bodies and decentralised agencies can ensure effective and efficient policy design, delivery and enforcement, continue to attract the best people from all Member States, thus ensuring geographical balance, and have leeway to adjust to changing circumstances;

Amendment 82

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 57 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

57 a. Stresses the need to reinforce the budgets of the decentralised EU transport agencies, in particular the EU Aviation Safety Agency, the European Maritime Safety Agency and the EU Agency for Railways, which are crucial for EU transport policy implementation and strategic priorities, ensuring funding that matches their responsibilities amid growing challenges;

Amendment 83

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 64

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

64. Points out that, traditionally, the MFF has not been conceived with a crisis response or flexibility logic, but rather has been designed primarily to ensure medium-term investment predictability; underlines that, in a rapidly changing political, economic and social context, such an approach is no longer tenable; insists on sufficient in-built crisis response capacity in the next MFF;

64. Points out that, traditionally, the MFF has not been conceived with a crisis response or flexibility logic, but rather has been designed primarily to ensure medium-term investment predictability; underlines that, in a rapidly changing political, economic and social context, such an approach is no longer tenable; insists on both anticipatory planning and sufficient in-built crisis response capacity in the next MFF;

Amendment 84

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 65

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

65. Underscores that the current MFF has been beset by a lack of flexibility and an inability to adjust to evolving spending priorities; considers that the next MFF needs to strike a better balance between investment predictability and flexibility to adjust spending focus; highlights that spending in certain areas requires greater stability than in others where flexibility is more valuable; stresses that recurrent redeployments are not a viable way to finance the Union’s priorities as they damage investments and jeopardise the delivery of agreed policy objectives;

Amendment 85

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 72

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

72. Emphasises that, in order to maximise impact, it is imperative that spending under the next MFF be much more rigorously aligned with the Union’s strategic policy aims and carefully coordinated with spending at national level; recalls in this regard that the revised TEN-T Regulation requires Member States to align their national transport and investment plans with the EU priorities set out in the Regulation; advocates for the inclusion of similar measures to coordinate national investment plans in the next MFF for strategic Union areas such as transport;

Amendment 86

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 72 a (new)

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

72 a. Underlines that the already exposed characteristics of the transport sector make it a fundamental pillar of various Union strategic goals; stresses in this context that transport should be recognised as an indispensable policy area requiring robust and sustained funding;

Amendment 87

Motion for a resolution

Paragraph 75

Motion for a resolution

Amendment

75. Points out that any application of an RRF-style delivery model in the next MFF would have to correct the RRF’s fundamental flaws, by involving regional and local authorities from design to delivery through a place-based and multilevel governance approach, ensuring the cross-border dimension of investment projects, focusing on results and impact rather than outputs, guaranteeing full transparency in relation to final recipients of Union spending and safeguarding Parliament’s role as legislator, budgetary and discharge authority and in holding the executive to account;

75. Points out that any application of an RRF-style delivery model in the next MFF would have to correct the RRF’s fundamental flaws, by involving regional and local authorities from design to delivery through a place-based and multilevel governance approach, ensuring the cross-border dimension of investment projects, focusing on results and impact rather than outputs, setting realistic milestones and targets to ensure timely payments within the MFF timeframe, guaranteeing full transparency in relation to final recipients of Union spending and safeguarding Parliament’s role as legislator, budgetary and discharge authority and in holding the executive to account;

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR FOR OPINION HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for opinion declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

Entity and/or person

Altrom SA

DG MOVE, European Commission

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA)

The European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE)

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF)

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC)

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur for the opinion.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for opinion declares that she has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Date adopted

18.3.2025

Result of final vote

+ : 33

- : 5

0 : 1

Members present for the final vote

Adrian-George Axinia, Tom Berendsen, Rachel Blom, Nikolina Brnjac, Nina Carberry, Benoit Cassart, Vivien Costanzo, Johan Danielsson, Valérie Devaux, Gheorghe Falcă, Jens Gieseke, Borja Giménez Larraz, Sérgio Gonçalves, Roman Haider, Dariusz Joński, François Kalfon, Martine Kemp, Sophia Kircher, Elena Kountoura, Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus, Julien Leonardelli, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Milan Mazurek, Alexandra Mehnert, Ştefan Muşoiu, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Philippe Olivier, Matteo Ricci, Arash Saeidi, Marjan Šarec, Andreas Schieder, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Kai Tegethoff, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Maciej Wąsik

Substitutes present for the final vote

Carlo Fidanza, Marianne Vind

Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

Niels Geuking

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

ECR

Axinia Adrian-George, Fidanza Carlo

Lazarus Luis-Vicentiu

PPE

Berendsen Tom, Brnjac Nikolina, Carberry Nina, Falca Gheorghe, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Jonski Dariusz, Kemp Martine, Kircher Sophia, Mehnert Alexandra, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet

Renew

Cassart Benoit, Devaux Valérie, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Sarec Marjan

S&D

Costanzo Vivien, Danielsson Johan, Gonçalves Sérgio, Kalfon François, Musoiu Stefan, Ricci Matteo, Schieder Andreas, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Vind Marianne

The Left

Kountoura Elena, Saeidi Arash

Verts/ALE

Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Sinkevicius Virginijus, Tegethoff Kai

ESN

Mazurek Milan

PfE

Blom Rachel, Haider Roman, Leonardelli Julien, Olivier Philippe

ECR

Wasik Maciej

Key:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstentions