European Commission High Level Group Extension of the major trans-European transport axes to the neighbouring countries and regions 15 September 2006

Background New political and geographical context: Adoption of the Guidelines for trans-European transport networks on 29 April 2004 for the territory of EU27 Accession of 10 new Member states on 1 May 2004 Need to integrate regional exercises into a coherent framework: Pan-European Corridors and Areas mostly in EU territory TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) Euro Mediterranean regional transport programme South East European MoU signed in 2004 European Neighbourhood and Partnership Policy launched in preparation of the financial perspectives 2007-2013

The High Level Group The Commission Decision of 29/9/2004 established the Group Chair of the Group - Ms Loyola de Palacio 26 neighbouring countries: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya (as observer), Morocco, Moldova, Norway, Palestinian Authority, Russia, Serbia & Montenegro, Kosovo, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine EU27: Member States + Bulgaria and Romania EIB, EBRD and World Bank Commission provided the secretariat for the Group

The Group’s methodology Following the mandate given by the Commission, a 3-step approach agreed upon from the outset of the work Criteria for identifying major axes Criteria for selecting priority projects Horizontal measures (“soft” measures)

Methodology - Step 1 Criteria for identifying major axes Institutional dimension a priority axis should facilitate and stimulate the development of exchanges between the European Union and its neighbours by extending the major TEN axes to the neighbouring countries or broader regions, taking into account the existing priority reference networks and corridors in the different regions Functional dimension in addition to carrying significant volumes of inter-regional long-distance traffic, a priority axis should be an important route for international traffic flows between the EU and the neighbouring countries or regions, in particular in the longer term. In addition, a priority axis can be a route that allows traffic to avoid a major environmental bottleneck or barrier

Methodology – Step 2 Criteria for selecting priority projects First stage – pre-selection Part of one of the priority transnational axes Sufficient size and significance There should be a firm commitment by the country concerned Second stage – evaluation Improving economic efficiency Enhancing environmental sustainability of the transport system Improving transport safety and security

The Group’s recommendations 5 major transnational axes to focus cooperation and financing 2 indicative lists of infrastructure projects >20 horizontal measures: less costly and easier to be implemented rapidly

Recommendations - 5 axes Motorways of the Seas Northern axis Central axis South Eastern axis South Western axis

Recommendations - Projects List 1 – Projects of short to medium term interest (completion by 2020, 62 projects, 35 bn €) List 2 – Projects of longer term interest (completion beyond 2020, 16 projects, 10 bn €) Further studies and project analyses necessary, particularly concerning the economic viability, technical specification, environmental and social impact and financing mechanisms

Recommendations - Horizontal Technical, legal and administrative interoperability (railways, signalling systems, infrastructure charging) Efficient border crossing procedures (implementation of relevant international conventions (UNECE, IMO), “one-stop” offices, simplification and harmonisation of trade and transport related documentation) Effective and compatible traffic management and information systems, satellite navigation (Galileo) Safety and security (harmonisation of standards and procedures) Application of international conventions and environmental assessment, public procurement procedures etc. in accordance with the EU standards, donors' funding rules and best international practice.

Way ahead Public consultation open December-March Report and recommendations welcomed Environmental organisations expressed some concern regarding the lack of environmental analysis Effective cooperation structure supported Commission will present a Communication to the Council and the European Parliament in autumn 2006 Connections with other countries to be developed – cooperation with UNECE

Further information: http://ec.europa.eu/ten/transport/index_en.htm e-mail catharina.sikow@ec.europa.eu tel. +32-2-2962125