CER Position Paper on the Review of the TEN-T Policy

One of the main objectives of the 2011 Transport White Paper is to reduce transport greenhouse gas emissions by 20% on the 2008 level by 2030 and by 60% on the 1990 level by 2050. To achieve this, the new White Paper puts forward ambitious long-term targets for the rail sector. For freight transport, the aim is to shift 30% of road freight over 300 kilometres to other modes such as rail or waterborne transport by 2030, and more than 50% by 2050. For passenger transport, the aim is to triple the length of the existing high-speed rail network by 2030 and to complete a European high-speed rail network by 2050. Furthermore, by 2050, the majority of medium-distance passenger transport should go by rail and all core network airports should be connected to the rail network, preferably high speed.

The Commission proposals for the Trans-European Transport Network Guidelines and the related financial instrument, the Connecting Europe Facility, are important instruments for reaching these long-term White Paper targets.

CER supports the Commission’s proposal with a clear focus on a highly efficient core network, with a strong emphasis on environmental protection, safety and quality. The rail sector must play an important role in helping to contribute to these objectives.