The European Parliament has approved updated plans for cross-border roads, railways, bridges and tunnel projects to serve alternative transport on the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.
The updated guidelines will ensure major infrastructure projects on the core TEN-T network should be completed by the end of 2030, to therefore secure a comprehensive network by the end of 2050. An intermediary deadline of 2040 has been introduced to accelerate project rollout.
In addition, transport infrastructure projects planned for Russia and Belarus will be halted, reinforcing instead links with Ukraine and Moldova. Project involvement from companies in third countries must inform the European Parliament of measures adopted to mitigate any security risk.
Last year, it was announced that MEPs must ensure hydrogen refuelling stations are implemented along the TEN-T network every 200km by 2031.
Read more:European Parliament approves HRS and maritime fuel regulations
European Parliament Rapporteur, Barbara Thaler, explained that the new regulation will “enable rail transport to compete with road transport if it is implemented as foreseen.”
“It’s now the Commission’s responsibility to ensure that member states fulfil their duties and to put the necessary pressure on them if they don’t act accordingly.”
Rapporteur Dominique Riquet, Vice-Chair of the Renew Europe Group, added, “New rules will strengthen the performance, accessibility, security and resilience of our infrastructure, which is a key element of our sovereignty.
“It will also help to encourage Europeans to travel and make our economy more competitive.”
The new guidelines for the development of the TEN-T network were adopted by 565 votes in favour, 37 votes against and 29 abstentions. Once the council has approved them, they will enter into force 20 days after publication.
Earlier this month (April), the EU Commission selected 42 new infrastructure projects to receive more than €424m ($450m) in EU funds, with up to €120m of funding directed to deploy 48 hydrogen refuelling stations along the TEN-T network.
Poland’s ORLEN secured more than half of this sum to establish 16 stations in the country.
Read more:ORLEN secures half of €120m sum awarded to European hydrogen refuelling projects
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