Press release: The funding of TEN-T networks under the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework, the role of local and regional authorities in the Connecting Europe Facility management and the contribution of EU cohesion policy 2014-2020 to infrastructure investment were discussed by the President of the Committee of the Regions (CoR), Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, and the European Commission's Vice-President in charge of transport, Siim Kallas, during a meeting on 6 March.

As regards the Trans-European Networks, President Valcárcel insisted on the relevance of the revision of the current guidelines, reiterating the support of the CoR for the Commission's proposal. He stressed the need to ensure that regional and local authorities are strongly involved in the planning and financing of the networks' implementation also through a compulsory presence in the corridors' platforms.

Nonetheless Mr Valcárcel shared with Vice-President Kallas regions' and cities' concerns on the financing of an adequate development of TEN-T networks taking into account the difficulties faced by private investors and the budgetary austerity on EU and national levels.

"Completing Trans-European transport corridors is a key factor to overcoming the crisis since it involves labour intensive activities, enhances sustainable growth and allows a better circulation of freight within the single market" said President Valcárcel at the end of the meeting, adding that "regional and local authorities are therefore determined to pro-actively support this process through investment, incentives and the coordination of local stakeholders".

As regards the reform of the EU railway sector, envisaged through the 4th railway package presented by the Commission on 31 January, the CoR President informed Mr Kallas on the progress of work undertaken by the rapporteur Pascal Mangin (FR/EPP). The CoR position is envisaged to be formally adopted by the plenary next July.

Source: Commitee of the Regions