Emphasizing the strategic importance of Europe’s transport networks, Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas delivered a keynote speech at LUISS Guido Carli University focusing on the future of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). He underlined the role of transport infrastructure as a crucial backbone for mobility, economic integration, climate goals, and security in the EU.
Backbone of Integration and Connectivity Tzitzikostas highlighted that completing the TEN-T core network by 2030 is imperative not merely for administrative fulfillment but to ensure efficient multimodal connectivity, supply chain resilience, and decarbonization. He stressed the complexity of coordinating cross-border infrastructure projects due to permitting and procurement challenges.
Strategic Financing and Efficiency Measures The Commissioner applauded the "EU Streamlining Directive" aimed at enhancing permitting efficiency and accountability. Funding mechanisms like the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport, with a current budget of €25.8 billion for 2021-2027, play a critical role in financing cross-border projects where national investment is limited. Italy stood out as a major beneficiary, receiving €3.2 billion in EU funding supporting 183 projects, stimulating €7.6 billion in total investment.
CEF’s oversubscription indicates a robust demand for infrastructure investments, though supply constraints persist. Tzitzikostas called for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to secure substantial, predictable funding, estimating €845 billion needed by 2040 for completing TEN-T segments, including signature high-speed rail projects like Lyon-Turin and Brenner Base Tunnel.
Balancing Public and Private Investment; Policy Orientations He discussed mobilising private capital through instruments like InvestEU and collaborations with entities such as the European Investment Bank and Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. The speech emphasized a shift towards tying access to cohesion and recovery funds with national reforms in permitting and procurement to boost project delivery.
Rail Modernization and Military Mobility Rail infrastructure occupies a central role in achieving climate neutrality goals. Tzitzikostas previewed an upcoming High-Speed Rail Action Plan aiming to raise speeds above 250 km/h and surmount operational barriers, with Italy as a benchmark for success derived from liberalisation benefits. The Commissioner also drew attention to military mobility needs, noting an exhausted €1.7 billion CEF tranche dedicated to dual-use infrastructure projects in response to geopolitical circumstances, advocating increased military mobility funding in the next MFF.
Stakeholder Impacts EU producers and infrastructure operators, especially in Italy’s transport sector, are positioned to benefit from increased and streamlined funding but face greater accountability and efficiency demands. National authorities may encounter intensified pressure to reform permitting and procurement processes to qualify for EU funds. EU taxpayers and civil society could see long-term advantages in connectivity, sustainability, and security but must also accommodate significant investment scales and budget priorities. Private investors get enhanced opportunities under InvestEU guarantees but will share the risks of large transport projects.
Commissioner Tzitzikostas' speech signals a policy trajectory favoring increased EU-level funding and oversight of strategic transport infrastructure, promoting integration and sustainability while confronting governance challenges at national levels. The emphasis on comprehensive investments spanning economic, environmental, and security dimensions reflects an expansive role for EU transport policy moving forward.
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