07 May 2012

CLECAT calls for investments in Infrastructure for Growing and Driving the EU economy



CLECAT welcomes the importance of developing the infrastructure of the trans-European transport network since it will improve the interconnection and interoperability of national transport networks; it will aim at removing bottlenecks and bridging missing links. However, Mr Huybrechts also noted concerns with the current Commission proposals: “Europe’s transport infrastructure, especially its road network, is falling behind which is mainly due to lack of investment. CLECAT will be calling for more funding for road related infrastructure.”

He then added that “It is essential that mistakes of the past do not repeat themselves and that the TEN-T does not become once again a patchwork of individual national networks during its implementation phase. We agree that priorities will have to be established but EU interests should nevertheless be promoted in order to have a true TEN-T with EU added value, delivering a TEN-T that would be environmentally sustainable and economically viable for the benefit of the entire EU. But, project assessment is particularly important to avoid directing funds to places with no or little demand.”

“It is now important that Member States are convinced of the European approach. We are convinced that a European Transport network will lead to more growth and more jobs for the benefit of the wider economy. “

Nicolette van der Jagt, Director General of CLECAT, after attending the International Transport Forum 2012 in Leipzig last week said that she was happy with the general consent reached that it is not affordable not to invest in transport improvements. Ministers clearly stand out on their conviction that mobility is the catalyzer of economic development.”

She continued: “one of the most important opportunities that the future TEN-T policy can offer is the cutting of red tape, especially in cross-border transport where it is holding back the enhancing of economic development and the integration and completion of the internal market. As CLECAT demonstrated in Leipzig, by organising together with FIATA a side event on “E-documents for co-modal transport of goods,” the simplification of administrative procedures through enhanced possibilities of e-documentation, national single windows and enabling of better technological solutions is and will remain a priority for the freight forwarding and logistics industry.”

For more information:

Nicolette van der Jagt
Director General
CLECAT Aisbl
Rue du Commerce 77
B-1040 BRUXELLES
Tel + 32 2 503 4705
Mob + 32 497 484570
www.clecat.org