EU to create a unified transport network across member states

Date: 21/10/2011

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to create a unified transport network (TEN-T) across Europe, funded mainly by the 27 member states.

Aiming to upgrade the infrastructure for transporting people and goods around the Single Market area, the initiative will target roads, railways, airports and canals.

Siim Kallas, European Commission vice president, maintains that transport is fundamental to an efficient EU economy, but is not currently at its best.

He said: "Without good connections Europe will not grow or prosper."

It is aimed that by 2050, the majority of Europe's citizens and businesses will be no more than 30 minutes away from the network, providing safer and less congested travel with smoother and quicker journeys.

The network will also contribute to the EU's 20-20-20 climate change scheme, which aims by 2020 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent compared to 1990 levels, have 20 per cent of energy consumption coming from renewable resources and to cut overall energy use by 20 per cent.