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Communication of the Commission on Guidelines for Transport in Europe and the neighbouring countries

Speech by Patricia Fontaine, Policy Officer, DG TREN, European Commission

The development of the Trans-European-Transport network (TEN-T)
The TEN-T network established for the EU is aiming at contributing to the smooth functioning of the internal market, the strengthening of economic and social cohesion and ensuring the sustainable mobility of persons and goods under the best possible social, environmental and safety conditions and integrating all modes of transport.

Within the new geopolitical context following the European Union (EU) enlargement and to implement the concept of European Neighbourhood Policy into the transport field, it was crucial to find ways to better connect the EU with its neighbours.

The Communication

In January 2007, the Commission adopted a Communication "Guidelines for Transport in Europe and neighbouring countries" on the extension of the major European transport axes to the neighbouring countries. This Communication follows a report by the High Level Group II chaired by ex-Commissioner Mrs de Palacio. The overall aim of the Commission's Communication is to facilitate and stimulate trade between the EU and the neighbouring countries through efficient transport connections.

5 axes to connect the EU and the neighbours

In this Communication, 5 transnational axes are identified to better connect the major axes of the Trans-European networks with those of the neighbouring countries.The proposals of the Communication concern also infrastructure projects, horizontal measures and coordination frameworks.

Cooperation with other organisations

The Commission considers it is essential that the development of the 5 axes is closely coordinated with organisations developing international transport corridors in other regions.

These include in particular the TRACECA corridor in Central Asia.

See the Powerpoint presentation

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