Transport Council narrows TEN-T network

Ministers modified the Commission’s proposal on the definition of “projects of common interest” so as to cover any project complying with the requirements for the comprehensive or the core network.

The council decided that the expected time agreements about the core network by 2030 and the comprehensive network by 2050 are not longer binding. Moreover, Member States may decide independently on the necessary investments. For example, they may refrain from certain projects when the required funds are not available or if projects are not yet mature enough to be considered. Furthermore, Member States will no longer be required to completely realise cross-border projects.

During the Transport Council it was also agreed to define the corridor concept differently. The Transports Ministers decided to renounce on the fixed number of countries and transport modes that should be covered by a corridor. Instead, more emphasis should be laid on interoperability and cross-border connections. These general guidelines will form a basis for talks with the European Parliament, whose approval is necessary before the directive takes effect.