The European Union has already shaped the landscape in the transport system for 2050 focusing on the hypothesis that freight traffic will grow by 80%, while passenger traffic by over 50%. As the EU also envisages a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, railway transport will automatically be part of the picture.
However, for this vision to become reality, Europe needs a performing and efficient central transport network that will connect 85 important economic centres and airports, 138 river and maritime ports and 28 cross-border points (by 2030). Under the circumstances, the European railway network plays an important role being the link which connects these transport modes. This resides from the funds allocated by the EU to infrastructure projects in its future programmes. So far, vital links are missing in the EU. Railways have to use 7 different gauges and only 20 main airports and 35 major ports have direct connection to the railway network. Therefore, the EU has to ensure a major and constant financing for railway projects. For example, the Connecting Europe Facility focuses on the financing of railway networks. 99 of 129 projects concern this transport mode.
At the end of March, the European Commission announced the TEN-T projects selected to receive co-financing estimated at EUR 160 Million for improving the transport infrastructure at EU level. The 26 selected projects will use EU’s financial support to accelerate the implementation of priorities within the TEN-T Programme.
“Once more, the European Commission grants significant financing through the TEN-T programme to improve the European infrastructure. Projects will not only have a positive influence on the life quality of the citizens in the coming years, but they will also contribute to expanding EU’s base infrastructure”, said the European Commissioner for Transport, Siim Kallas.
15 projects of 26 have been selected in the railway segment. They have received a total financing of EUR 103.3 Million and are aimed at implementing the ERTMS. Another 7 projects on the motorways of the Sea (MoS) have been also selected to receive co-financing of EUR 47.8 Million and the remaining 4 projects are included in the River Information Services which involve the management of inland waterways for which the EU grants funds of EUR 10.2 Million.
Granting financing to railway projects reflects EU’s priority for the promotion of a sustainable transport, for eliminating congestion in the central network, developing environmentally friendly transport systems and developing an efficient and interoperable railway system.
Share on:
