NETWORKS FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT Extension of the major trans-European transport axes to the neighbouring countries and regions Report from the High Level Group chaired by Loyola de Palacio November 2005 European Commission Extension of the major trans-European transport axes to the neighbouring countries and regions Pictures of the cover of the HLG report courtesy of: British Rail, Egnatia Odos A.E, ESA and Port Autonome de Marseilles. Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OPERATIONAL CONCLUSIONS 1. OBJECTIVES AND MANDATE OF THE GROUP........................................................................ 10 2. BACKGROUND.................................................................................................................................. 11 2.1. NEED TO CONNECT BETTER THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ITS NEIGHBOURS .................................... 11 2.2. TAKING STOCK OF COMPLETED AND ON-GOING EXERCISES ........................................................... 12 2.2.1. Revision of the trans-European transport network ................................................................. 12 2.2.2. Recent international conferences and regional exercises ....................................................... 13 3. METHODOLOGY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY AXES AND PROJECTS ........... 15 3.1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................. 15 3.2. STEP 1: CRITERIA FOR IDENTIFYING MAJOR AXES.......................................................................... 16 3.3. STEP 2: CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PRIORITY PROJECTS.................................................................. 17 4. MAJOR TRANSNATIONAL AXES IDENTIFIED BY THE GROUP ......................................... 19 4.1. TRAFFIC VOLUMES TODAY AND THE FORECAST FOR 2020............................................................. 19 4.2. APPLICATION OF THE GROUP’S METHODOLOGY ............................................................................ 21 4.3. THE FIVE MAJOR AXES TO CONNECT THE EU WITH ITS NEIGHBOURS ............................................. 23 4.3.1. Motorways of the Seas............................................................................................................. 23 4.3.2. Northern Axis........................................................................................................................... 23 4.3.3. Central Axis............................................................................................................................. 23 4.3.4. South Eastern Axis................................................................................................................... 24 4.3.5. South Western Axis.................................................................................................................. 25 5. PROJECTS PUT FORWARD BY THE GROUP ............................................................................ 25 5.1. CLASSIFICATION OF PROJECTS....................................................................................................... 25 5.2. SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PROJECTS ........................................................................................ 26 5.3. ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION ....................................................................................................... 26 6. HORIZONTAL MEASURES - THE ISSUES AND GROUP’S RECOMMENDATIONS .......... 27 6.1. THE PROCESS................................................................................................................................. 27 6.2. MOTORWAYS OF THE SEA AND INTERMODALITY........................................................................... 28 6.3. MARITIME SAFETY ........................................................................................................................ 29 6.3.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................. 29 6.3.2. Port state control and maritime safety .................................................................................... 29 6.3.3. Maritime safety and protection of the environment................................................................. 31 6.3.4. Accident investigation ............................................................................................................. 33 6.4. SATELLITE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS................................................................................................. 33 6.5. ENSURING INTEROPERABLE RAIL SYSTEMS.................................................................................... 34 6.5.1. Overcoming technical obstacles to interoperable rail systems ............................................... 35 6.5.2. Addressing organisational obstacles....................................................................................... 35 6.5.3. Legal interoperability between the EU/COTIF zone and the OSJD zone ............................... 36 6.5.4. Interoperable telecommunication and data exchange systems ............................................... 36 6.6. INLAND WATERWAYS .................................................................................................................... 37 6.6.1. Benefits of inland waterway transport..................................................................................... 37 6.6.2. Interoperable traffic information and management systems................................................... 38 6.6.3. Common rules and open access .............................................................................................. 38 6.7. ROAD TRANSPORT ......................................................................................................................... 38 6.7.1. Traffic management systems.................................................................................................... 38 6.7.2. Road safety .............................................................................................................................. 39 6.7.3. Vehicle dimensions .................................................................................................................. 39 6.8. AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................................... 39 6.9. FACILITATION OF TRANSPORT BY REMOVING NON-PHYSICAL BARRIERS ....................................... 41 6.9.1. The aim: seamless traffic across borders................................................................................ 41 6.9.2. Customs controls and procedures ........................................................................................... 41 6.9.3. Promotion of a “one-stop office”............................................................................................ 42 6.9.4. Facilitation of maritime transport........................................................................................... 43 6.9.5. Visa questions.......................................................................................................................... 43 6.10. SECURITY...................................................................................................................................... 44 7. OPTIONS FOR FINANCING............................................................................................................ 45 7.1. SUPPORT FROM PUBLIC BUDGETS AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCING INSTITUTIONS........................ 45 7.1.1. European Commisison support ............................................................................................... 45 7.1.2. Important role of the Banks.....................................................................................................46 7.1.3. The proposed complementary role for Community support, Member states’ and the Banks’ involvement............................................................................................................................................ 48 7.2. ROLE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE-PARTNERSHIPS ..................................................................................... 49 7.2.1. Clear and transparent legislative framework.......................................................................... 49 7.2.2. Sound financial package.......................................................................................................... 50 7.2.3. Exchange of best practice........................................................................................................ 52 8. COORDINATION MODALITIES .................................................................................................... 52 8.1. AIM AND EXISTING MECHANISMS .................................................................................................. 52 8.2. STRONGER COORDINATION MODALITIES FOR TRANSPORT ............................................................. 54 9. ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................................ 56 9.1. LIST OF MEMBERS ......................................................................................................................... 56 9.2. LIST OF MEETINGS ......................................................................................................................... 64 9.3. LIST OF MOTORWAYS OF THE SEA PORTS.....................................................................................