Revised TEN-T Regulation adopted - a sustainable and resilient transport network bringing Europe closer together

The revised Regulation on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) has been adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. This Regulation will solidify the EU's commitment to building a sustainable and resilient network that will bring Europe closer together. Featuring a number of ambitious urban mobility related targets, the Regulation promises to drive change in passenger and freight transport across EU cities. 

One key target in the context of urban mobility is that all 431 urban nodes along the TEN-T network will have to adopt and monitor Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) by 2027, covering the entire Functional Urban Area (FUA). The overarching goals of the SUMPs are to integrate the diverse transport modes, shift towards sustainable mobility, facilitate the uptake of zero or low-emission mobility, reduce air and noise pollution and assess transport accessibility. Notably, Member States will be required to collect urban mobility data per urban node in the fields of sustainability, safety and accessibility, with a view to improve the performance of the trans-European transport network (Article 41). 

Furthermore, by 2030, Member States will be required to develop multimodal passenger hubs to facilitate first and last mile connections. This includes the requirement to facilitate access to both public transport infrastructure and active mobility (Article 41). 

A comprehensive set of guidelines for SUMP development are included in Annex V of the Regulation. This document should serve as a tool for urban mobility planners when developing and monitoring SUMPs. The guide includes the following key points: 

1. Goals and objectives: The SUMP should aim to provide transport that is accessible, high-quality, safe, and sustainable. It should also specifically promote the uptake of zero and low emission vehicles, where possible. 
2. Long-term vision and short-term implementation plan: The SUMP should link to a long-term strategy for future development of transport infrastructure and multi-modal services. It should also include a delivery plan for short-term implementation. 
3. Integration of different modes: The SUMP should promote accessible and seamless multimodal transport. It should aim to decarbonise fleets as well as increase the modal share of public, shared and active travel. 
4. Effective functioning of the trans-European network: The SUMP should aim to ensure seamless transit, bypass or connection through and around the urban nodes. 
5. Participatory approach: Government, local authorities, citizens, and other relevant stakeholders should be involved in the development and implementation of the SUMP. 
6. Monitoring and performance indicators: The SUMP should include objectives and indicators stating the current and future performance of the transport system. These indicators should be used to monitor the performance and progress of the SUMP. 

Other targets set out by the Regulation, related to the wider TEN-T, include: 

• Rail Travel Speed: By 2040, passenger railway lines on the TEN-T core and extended core network must allow for trains travelling at speeds of at least 160 km/h.
• European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS): ERTMS will be implemented across the entire TEN-T network as the single European signalling system. This is done to enhance rail safety and efficiency. National legacy 'class B' systems will be phased out, encouraging industry investment in ERTMS.
• Safe and Secure Parking: By 2040, secure parking areas will be developed on the core and extended core road network every 150 km on average, ensuring the safety and appropriate working conditions for professional drivers.
• Airport Connectivity: Major airports with over 12 million passengers annually must be connected by long-distance rail, enhancing passenger connectivity and making rail a viable alternative to domestic flights.
• Freight Terminals: The number and capacity of transhipment terminals will be expanded to meet current and projected traffic demands. This includes accommodating 740m long trains, promoting a shift to sustainable transport modes and boosting Europe's combined transport sector.
• European Maritime Space: The maritime sector will be efficiently and sustainably integrated with other transport modes. Short-sea shipping routes will be upgraded, new routes established, and maritime ports and their hinterland connections further developed. Transport links with neighbouring third countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, and the six Western Balkan partners, will be enhanced through the new European Transport Corridors.

The timeline for completion is 2030 for the core network, 2040 for the extended core network, and 2050 for the comprehensive network. The revised Regulation includes advanced governance measures that will address cross-border issues and implementation, with a key focus on national sections along the nine European Transport Corridors. 

Follow this link to access the full Regulation (Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013).

Follow this link to access the Annexes to the trans-European network (A9-0147/2023-2021/0420(COD)).