“The Transport Network Must Be Developed Across Europe”
Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), expressed concern over the EU Commission’s potential restructuring of its budget framework, which could shift EU funding control to individual member states. She fears this could undermine a European approach to transport policy, as countries might prioritise local projects, like roads, over critical cross-border infrastructure, such as ports or rail connections.
Despite the EU’s existing guidelines for the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), Ryckbost stresses that coordinated European investment is essential for an integrated transport network, ensuring optimal connections that serve the entire EU, not just individual countries.
While she acknowledges the need to streamline EU programmes, she highlights the importance of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which funds key infrastructure projects. Ryckbost believes this targeted approach must continue to ensure the development of essential transport links, like hinterland connections for major ports, which benefit all of Europe.
Source: DVZ