Commission staff working document
PA Transport – Improving internal and external transport links
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- Targets and indicators
- Data Sources
- Actions 1. Implementation/Monitoring of TEN-T network
- 2. External links: improvement of connections with EU neighbouring countries
- 3. Innovations and sustainable transport solutions
- 4. Enhancement of cooperation between the Member States
PA Transport – Improving internal and external transport linksCoordinated by: Lithuania and Sweden In the Baltic Sea region, transport is particularly important as the distances – internally, to the rest of Europe and to the wider world – are very long and the conditions for traffic are often difficult (forests, lakes, snow and ice in the winter, etc.). Raw materials and manufactured goods deriving from the rich natural resources in the northernmost parts of the region are attractive on the world market. This region, which is partly located on the periphery of the economic centre of Europe, depends strongly on foreign trade in goods and on an international exchange of knowledge and services. Thus a well-functioning transport system, combined with greater attention to the spatial development and location patterns, is of vital importance for its prosperity and economic growth. 85 million people within a large territory, world-renowned industries in a rich variety of branches, a competitive economic and scientific capacity, but comparably small urban regions, also call for improved accessibility within the region aiming at strengthening the joint Baltic market potential. Moreover, the Baltic Sea is a sensitive ecosystem, which makes environmental considerations important in the development of transport infrastructures. The designation of the Baltic Sea as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) allows for the development of specific measures for the Baltic Sea to ensure the sustainability of maritime transport. The geography of the Baltic Sea region makes transport particularly challenging. The improvement of internal and external transport links, increasing the efficiency and minimising the environmental impact of transport systems, should contribute to higher competitiveness of the Baltic Sea region, and increase its accessibility and attractiveness. Strategic framework for a synchronised infrastructure development in the EU was provided by Regulation No 1315/2013 on the Guidelines of Transeuropean transport network in 2013 and Regulation No. 1316/2013 on the establishment on the Connecting Europe Facility, which adopt the model of future development of the TEN-T based on the dual structure, consisting of core and comprehensive layers. Additionally, they established the nine core network corridors out of which four – Baltic-Adriatic, North Sea-Baltic, Orient/East-Med, Scandinavian-Mediterranean – have a direct coverage within the Baltic Sea region. Implementation of these Corridors will result in a significant improvement of transport links in the region and more sustainable transport in terms of energy sources. The further development of a sustainable and efficient transport system in the macro-region is one of the key objectives of the strategy. Actions in the transport area have an important impact on the environment and the economy, thus contributing to other goals of the strategy as well. The recent drive for innovation and environmentally-friendly transport solutions has become evident through green corridors initiatives, which bring together various stakeholders and actions in order to provide greener international logistics services. The Directive of the European Parliament and the Council of 22 October 2014 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure provides additional strategic framework to the Member States of the Baltic Sea Region for the coordinated action in this field, especially the evaluation of the necessity to introduce LNG terminals in ports according to market needs. One of the main elements of the EUSBSR is the potential to generate added value for the region through the coordination of activities aimed at facilitating border crossing. Of particular interest are activities concerning border crossing infrastructure and procedures on the border between the EU and its neighbouring countries. The region benefits from transiting freight flows and from higher mobility among EU and non-EU citizens. Regional initiatives that aim to remove bottlenecks should receive adequate attention and support. Northern Dimension Partnership for Transport and Logistics should provide a suitable framework for cooperation in this area. It is important for stakeholders in the Baltic Sea region to be able to exchange information on policy issues and best practise experiences, whilst taking into account the results of the work of the nine Corridor fora as regards the implementation of the nine TEN-T core network corridors. As a result, as well as through the input of regional projects, a common view and coordinated policy actions will be facilitated. Targets and indicators
Actions 1. Implementation/Monitoring of TEN-T network Macro-regional cooperation to develop transport infrastructure networks as defined by the TEN-T policy (TEN-T Guidelines regulation) is essential. Links to remote islands, EU neighbouring countries and the periphery (including air connections) should be considered. In particular, both the TEN-T core and comprehensive network should be implemented on time, with due priority given to the TEN-T Core Network Corridors. As an area for action, the Steering Committee of policy area ‘Transport’ will prioritise to follow the implementation of the Core Network Corridors of relevance for the interconnectivity of the Baltic Sea region. The main relevant fora for the implementation of the Core Corridors are the nine Corridor fora for issues relating to particular corridors, and the TEN-T Committee for horizontal issues relating to all nine Core Network Corridors as well as Motorways of the Sea and ERTMS. It is important that the work of the Steering Committee does not overlap the work taking place in these fora. The Steering Committee will, however, follow the progress of the implementation of the Core Network Corridors on issues such as of cross-border connectivity, intermodality, deployment of new technologies aimed at e.g. decarbonisation of transport, and the reduction of emissions of air pollutants improving traffic safety and optimizing the use of infrastructure within the framework of Core Network Corridors. While leaving coordination of implementation of Core Network Corridors to Corridor Fora, specific issues, of horizontal nature, common to each of the Corridor, can be looked at into more detail manner at Steering Committee meetings. In addition to that, the Steering Committee will attend to the bottlenecks and missing links in the comprehensive TEN-T networks, as it relate to cross-border dimension. The inland waterway and estuary navigation should be promoted addressing existing infrastructural bottlenecks in order to ensure optimal connections between the various regions of the Baltic Sea, such as the Oder Waterway (project E30). Attention will be paid to linking transport measures with Air Quality Plans under Directive 2008/50/EC in case of exceedance of EU limit values and with National Air Pollution Control Programmes to ensure compliance with National Emission Ceilings. 2. External links: improvement of connections with EU neighbouring countries The Northern Dimension policy (with specific Northern Dimension Partnership on Transport and Logistics) is a suitable platform, when concerning border crossings shared with neighbouring countries, for cooperation regarding development of major transport connections and freight transport logistics. Special attention should be given to removing non infrastructure-related bottlenecks, such as those associated with border crossings on EU external border in the region. Member States should also explore options for new connections to the East and Far East (the gateway to Asia) and to the Arctic. 3. Innovations and sustainable transport solutions Freight transport solutions can be supported through a number of initiatives, e.g. by removing non infrastructure-related bottlenecks, promoting inter-modal connections, developing the Green Corridor concept by implementing specific projects, developing infrastructure, supporting logistics service providers, establishing coordinated electronic administrative procedures or harmonising control procedures. A revived concept of Motorways of the Sea, which was enforced by the Motorways of the Sea Work Plan (European coordinator – B. Simpson), should provide a basis for a more efficient use of maritime logistics in the Baltic Sea. Green Corridors, MoS, together with the forthcoming network of LNG refuelling points, as well as development of other alternative fuels, will provide a focused area of action aimed at bringing innovation perspective into transnational transport policy. 4. Enhancement of cooperation between the Member States It is important for stakeholders in the Baltic Sea region to be able to exchange information on policy issues and best practise experiences, whilst taking into account the results of the work of the nine Corridor fora as regards the implementation of the nine TEN-T Core Network Corridors. As a result, as well as through the input of regional projects, a common view and coordinated policy actions will be provided. Directory: regional policy -> sources -> docoffic -> official -> communic -> baltic baltic -> Commission staff working document regional policy -> The contribution of regional and local authorities to economic development baltic -> Commission staff working document Download 0.86 Mb. Share with your friends:
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