Trans-European transport network: Community guidelines

Mr PIECYK (PSE, D) emphasised the importance of trans-European networks both for economic and social cohesion and in the context of the White Paper on growth and employment. Underlining the close links between transport and the environment, the rapporteur highlighted the environmental benefits that could result from a greater investment in rail transport and the development of navigable waterways. Although he deplored the lack of cooperation shown by the Council under the codecision process, Mr Piecyk thought that it was better to be optimistic and to implement the trans-European transport network, while in future following the theories being advocated by Parliament. In criticising the joint project, Mr KAKLAMANIS (RDE, GR), Mrs ERIKSSON (GUE/NGL, S) and Mrs VAN DIJK (Greens, NL) declared that their groups were opposed to the compromise, for different reasons. Commissioner Kinnock said that the networks were important for employment, growth, competitiveness, and economic and social cohesion in the European Union. He also referred to Article129d, which specified that agreement had to be obtained from a Member State before trans-European networks could be implemented in its territory. In referring to the most important results of the conciliation procedure the Commissioner mentioned the inclusion of environmental aspects and the Council’s acceptance of 18 amendments to projects that had been adopted by Parliament at second reading. As regards ports, Mr Kinnock said that the Commission wanted to present a specific report aimed at identifying those that were eligible. Finally, the Commissioner pointed out that the conciliation process had resulted in a more realistic outcome on an economic and social level, while at the same time favouring the outlying regions and respecting environmental requirements.