New EUI policy brief explores the crucial role of urban nodes in Europe’s transport network

A newly released policy brief provides an in-depth analysis of the crucial role urban nodes will play in shaping Europe’s future transport infrastructure, as outlined in the revised Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Regulation. Authored by experts from the European University Institute (EUI), the brief offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and strategies for integrating urban nodes—cities and their surrounding areas—into the broader TEN-T framework.

Urban nodes are central to Europe’s transport strategy, serving as key connection points where different modes of transport—rail, road, air, and maritime—converge. These nodes are vital not only for the efficiency of the TEN-T but also for the economic and social vitality of Europe’s urban centres. The recent revision of the TEN-T Regulation underscores their strategic importance by expanding the list of urban nodes from around 90 to over 400.

The policy brief identifies key issues to address to successfully integrate urban nodes into the TEN-T. One primary challenge is improving coordination among stakeholders such as national governments, regional authorities, transport operators, and urban planners. The brief calls for clear governance structures to facilitate effective coordination and management of urban nodes, ensuring they contribute to the broader goals of the TEN-T.

To address these challenges, the brief outlines a four-step roadmap: define the nodes, identify relevant stakeholders, coordinate their roles, and establish robust governance structures. The authors emphasise a bottom-up approach, where local coordinators align urban nodes with the TEN-T’s objectives. This approach is crucial for accommodating the diverse starting points and varying levels of infrastructure maturity across Europe’s urban nodes.

Another key focus of the brief is the implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), now mandatory for all urban nodes under the revised regulation. These plans are essential for ensuring that urban nodes function as efficient transport hubs and support the EU’s sustainability goals. By the end of 2027, all urban nodes must have a SUMP in place, with specific targets for reducing emissions, improving accessibility, and integrating different transport modes.

The brief also addresses the challenges of funding and technical support, noting that the successful integration of urban nodes into the TEN-T will require substantial investment and collaboration across multiple levels of government. It urges the European Commission to provide clear guidelines and support mechanisms to help local authorities navigate these challenges.

Overall, the policy brief presents a detailed and strategic vision for the future of urban nodes within the TEN-T, emphasising the need for coordinated governance, flexible strategies tailored to local conditions, and a strong commitment to sustainability. As urban nodes become more integrated into the European transport network, their successful development will be critical to achieving the EU’s broader goals of connectivity, sustainability, and economic growth.

For further insights and recommendations on Europe’s transport infrastructure, the policy brief can be accessed here. Additionally, all presentations shown by the participants who attended the Forum are available here.

Author: Jonathan De Vriendt

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.