Update of TEN-T maps for the neighbouring countries

21 febbraio 2016 - The Commission adopted recently new maps of the extension of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) to Iceland, Norway and the countries of the Western Balkans. For the Western Balkans region, the maps reflect an important agreement with the EU as regards the connectivity within the region and with the EU as a whole.

This core network will provide a common reference for deploying and coordinating investments and traffic optimisation measures along strategic transport routes. These indicative maps were prepared with the concerned countries and endorsed at the Western Balkans 6 Summit in Vienna on 27 August 2015. Adjustments were made to the existing maps for Iceland and Norway in order to reflect more accurately the alignment of the network on the ground, in accordance with the TEN-T criteria. They are based on a high level agreement reached within the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Committee. Commissioner Bulc welcomed this positive step forward:

"By facilitating people's mobility and trade, the realisation of this integrated transport will create favourable conditions for growth and job creation. It will also significantly contribute to the economic development of the Western Balkans region. Its successful implementation will depend, however, on the timely implementation of the core infrastructure projects. The Commission offers support through a number of instruments: the Western Balkans Investment Framework, the Connecting Europe Facility and the European Fund for Strategic Investments. I encourage all project promoters to make the best use of these instruments and of the new Advisory Hub."