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Trans-European transport networks
European transport corridors, indispensable in the development of the single market

First defined in the late 1980s

Interoperable

All modes of transport

 

 

  • Trans-European transport networks
  • Trans-European transport networks
  • Trans-European transport networks
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Europe is sewn together with a network of supranational routes comprising a complex mesh. A series of tracks that are indispensable to the development and proper functioning of the single market, as they guarantee the free movement of goods, people and services.

The aim of the trans-European networks (TENs) is to connect European regions using modern, effective infrastructure that goes beyond simply juxtaposing national networks. The priority objective of European transport policy is to guarantee the effectiveness and sustainability of trans-European transport, as well as taking common actions to resolve problems which it would be less rational for individual member states, regions or cities to address.

Ineco is an active participant in various projects related to these networks, with the work on technical and operational interoperability being worthy of particular mention. Moreover, the company developed the Spanish work plan for the Atlantic Corridor study in 2014, and has supported the Ministry of Public Works and Adif in drawing up studies and plans to adapt the Mediterranean Corridor to international gauge. Ineco is currently participating in studies to update and enlarge work plans for the Atlantic and Mediterranean corridors, both of which are to be developed in the 2015–2017 period.

Data Sheet
Location: European Commission
Client: European Commission
Execution period: 2014 - 2017
Market: Railways

TENs by sector

The TENs cover three areas of activity: TEN-Energy (TEN-E), covering the electricity and natural gas sectors, TEN-Telecommunications (eTEN), and TEN-Transport (TEN-T), which covers road and rail transport, maritime and river transport and the high speed rail network.

TEN-T guidelines define the European Union’s priorities by attaching the network label to certain routes, so channelling EU financial support to projects with greater Community added value. Each corridor is made up of a series of elements such as infrastructure, systems and services which are susceptible to new development, enlargement and improvement projects and which contribute to increasing the capacity and interoperability of the different modes of passenger and freight transport. Financing and executing the projects is the responsibility of member states. Through inclusion in a corridor, they are granted access to TEN funds and other sources of European funding.


Corridors beyond the European Union

The enlargement of corridors to central and eastern European countries reinforces the importance of the TENs, spreading their coverage across the entire European continent. In addition, effective connection to third country networks further east (Russia and CIS countries) and south (countries in the Mediterranean basin) represents a factor providing balance and economic development, by establishing connections between the main centres of the EU and non-European Union countries.