Highlights

A train control system called the European Rail Traffic
Management System (ERTMS), designed to improve
railway safety and efficiency, is due to be deployed on
the entire core network.
© European Union, 1995-2012

With its trans-European transport network (TEN-T), the EU aims to enable people and goods to move more quickly and more easily across all member states in a resource-efficient way. On 22 March 2012, transport ministers agreed on new guidelines for long-term development of the network. The Council's agreement provides a basis for negotiations with the European Parliament.

The TEN-T integrates member states' land, sea and air routes into a single, multimodal system.

The guidelines distinguish between a core network to be put into place as a priority, by 2030 unless financial or other reasons justify a delay, and a comprehensive network to be completed later on, with an indicative deadline of 2050.

The core network will involve connecting main European ports with the TEN-T railway and road network; providing key airports with rail connections into major cities; upgrading railway lines to high speed; and carrying out cross-border projects to remove bottlenecks and bridge missing links.

Projects meeting specific criteria and demonstrating clear European added value will be eligible for co-financing from EU funds.

Balanced development of the various modes of transport as provided for in the guidelines will reinforce competitiveness, while taking environmental considerations into account. Improved access to all regions of the Union will promote economic and social cohesion.

More information:
Draft regulation on the guidelines as agreed by the Council on 22 March 2011 ("general approach", full text in pdf)
TEN-T network maps (pdf)
Council deliberation (video in all EU languages)
Press conference (video in several languages)
Press release (pdf) - covers the whole meeting
Danish Presidency website on the results of the Council meeting
TEN-T transport infrastructure (European Commission webpages)
TEN-T Executive Agency (implements and manages the TEN-T programme)