The European transport sector urges Member States and the European Commission to preserve and strengthen a dedicated European transport funding instrument within the future EU budget. Now more than ever, coordinated infrastructure development across Europe is crucial. It is the only way to ensure the smooth functioning of the EU internal market, enhance Europe’s competitiveness and cohesion, and reinforce its resilience and military preparedness.
The sector is deeply concerned about the Commission’s plans to redirect the majority of European transport funding towards National Single Plans. We call on the General Affairs and Finance Ministers of the Member States to send a clear and strong signal to the Commission: a dedicated European transport funding mechanism must be maintained and reinforced.
The Legacy of European Transport Policy
The importance of European connectivity has been recognized for decades. Jacques Delors underscored the vital role of European networks in his 1993 White Paper on “Growth, Competitiveness, and Employment,” highlighting their economic and job-creating potential. Since then, EU policymakers have continued to develop a trans-European transport network policy, acknowledging the necessity of a dedicated EU funding mechanism to ensure its completion.
Recent reports by Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta reaffirm this as a crucial policy priority. They emphasize that a well-functioning European transport network is indispensable for driving economic growth, job creation, and social and regional cohesion. Europe must resist the shift toward fragmented national priorities and instead reinforce a coordinated European investment strategy. Only a centralized and well-managed funding instrument can deliver an integrated and interconnected transport network that benefits Europe’s economy, society, and security.
Addressing Today’s Challenges with a Strong Transport Network
A robust European transport network is strategically vital for tackling Europe’s current challenges. Only with state-of-the-art transport infrastructure at its core can Europe enhance military mobility, strengthen industrial competitiveness, ensure the supply of critical raw materials, and safeguard supply chain sovereignty.
With escalating geopolitical tensions and the growing impacts of climate change, reinforcing and adapting Europe’s infrastructure must be a top priority. Addressing bottlenecks, closing missing links, and optimizing connectivity and capacity are essential. Transport is the backbone of the EU internal market. If Europe aims to lead the transition to a net-zero economy, it must invest in a competitive and efficient transport network that links existing and emerging production hubs with their markets.
A Coordinated European Approach for Maximum Impact
In times of uncertainty, Europe cannot afford to weaken connectivity, cohesion, or integration. A European-level approach delivers unparalleled value by harmonizing efforts and pooling financial resources—achieving results beyond the reach of individual national initiatives. While flexibility and agility in the EU budget are important, long-term strategic and stable investment planning with centralized European coordination is essential for an effective transport network.
The transport sector calls on the Member States and the European Commission to prioritize Europe’s collective strength. It urged them to maintain a robust, centrally coordinated transport funding mechanism focused on investments with high European added value. Anything less would jeopardize the future and competitiveness of Europe’s transport network, which is fundamental to achieving the EU’s broader economic, social, and strategic objectives.
ESPO – European Sea Ports Organisation; ERFA – European Rail Freight Association; EIM – European Rail Infrastructure Managers; CLECAT – European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services; INE – Inland Navigation Europe; IRU – International Road Transport Union; EBU – European Barge Union; UNIFE – The European Rail Supply Industry Association; EFIP – European Federation of Inland Ports; FEPORT – Federation of Private Port Operators and Terminals; UETR – European Road Hauliers Association; POLIS – European Cities and Regions Networking for Innovative Transport Solutions; ETSC – European Transport Safety Council; COCERAL – European traders in agri-commodities and agrosupply; CPMR – Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions; UIRR – International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport; IWTP – Inland Waterways Transport Platform; ETF – European Transport Workers’ Federation; ECG – Association of European Vehicle Logistics; ACEA – European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association; STRING – String Megaregion; Scandria Alliance – Scandria Alliance; ESPORG – European Secure Parking Organisation; UITP – International Association for Public Transport; ERF – European Union Road Federation; WATERBORNE – Waterborne Technology Platform; UIP – International Union of Wagon Keepers; ESC – European Shippers’ Council; ECASBA – European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents; BPO – Baltic Ports Organisation; EMPA – European Maritime Pilots’ Association; ALE – Federation of European Train Drivers’ Unions; UNISTOCK – European association of portside storekeepers of agri-bulk commodities; ALICE – Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe; ETA – European Tugowners Association; ARDAN – Solutions for Innovation; EIT UM – European initiative transforming urban mobility; CER – Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies; ACI EUROPE – Airports Council International Europe; ESO – European Skippers’ Organisation; EUROPLATFORMS – European Association of Logistics Platforms; ASECAP – Association Européenne des Concessionnaires d’Autoroutes et d’Ouvrages à Péage; A4E – Airlines for Europe; EuDA – European Dredging Association; Rhine-Alpine Corridor – Corridor Rhine-Alpine.
