The European transport sector has urged the European Commission and EU member states to stick to a centrally managed European transport budget. The call comes against the backdrop of proposals to divert funding to national programmes, which the industry believes could jeopardise pan-European mobility. The European Union faces a number of challenges - from geopolitical tensions to the impacts of climate change - that require a continued strong and well-coordinated transport structure.
In an increasingly interconnected world, an efficient transport network that works across borders is essential. It plays a key role in economic growth, military mobility and the resilience of supply chains. A strong trans-European transport network not only enables the free movement of goods and people within the internal market, but also strengthens European competitiveness in a global context.
The European transport sector stresses that investments in infrastructure are essential to ensure Europe's competitiveness. Especially at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and increasing uncertainty, the EU must continue to develop and strengthen its transport strategy. Connecting member states via a modern and reliable transport network is one of the pillars that will stabilize Europe as an economic and political union in the long term.
Threat from national programs
The call for a stable and centrally managed EU transport budget is the response to recent proposals to divert funds from this budget to national programmes. Industry officials warn of the negative impact of these decisions. If such a shift of funds were to take place, it could jeopardise the coherence and efficiency of the entire European transport network.
In the eyes of the sector's representatives, a strong focus on national programmes could make intermodal connections and cross-border cooperation more difficult. This would undermine the benefit of an integrated internal market, as national interests would take centre stage and common European objectives would be pushed into the background.
infrastructure investments for the future
Investments in European infrastructure are urgently needed, particularly in view of the challenges associated with climate change and geopolitical tensions. In order to meet increasing demands, Europe must invest in a future-proof transport infrastructure. This not only concerns the expansion of roads, railways and airports, but also the modernization of digital systems that ensure the efficient transport of goods and people.
Another aspect is military mobility: in times of global uncertainty, the ability of EU member states to mobilize quickly and effectively is becoming increasingly important. A well-functioning transport network is not only important for the civilian sector, but also for the Union's security and defense capabilities. Investments in this area increase the resilience of the entire EU, especially in times of crisis.
Appeal to the EU Commission and Member States
The European transport sector is now urging the EU Commission and the Member States to maintain a stable and centrally managed transport budget. This is the only way to ensure that infrastructure projects, which are crucial for Europe's economic growth and geopolitical stability, will continue to be successfully implemented in the future.
Such a budget must be flexible enough to respond to the constantly changing demands of the market and global politics. At the same time, it must be managed centrally to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of investments. The European internal market, the argument goes, must be strengthened as a whole and not endangered by national fragmentation.
The demand for a secure EU transport budget goes hand in hand with the vision of a strong, competitive Europe that not only pursues its economic goals but also strengthens its geopolitical position. Europe's transport network must not only meet the needs of the present but also the challenges of the future - from climate change to global crises. The Union's long-term goals can only be achieved with continuous and coherent financing.
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