Advancing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)

 

SUMMARY OF:

Directive (EU) 2021/1187 on streamlining measures for advancing the realisation of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T)

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DIRECTIVE?

• It aims to streamline measures to advance the realisation of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T).
• It also aims to make the procedural process clearer for project promoters, in particular as regards permit granting and public procurement.

KEY POINTS

The directive is known as the ‘smart TEN-T directive’ and is the third part of the EU’s third Mobility Package — Europe on the Move.

Scope

The directive covers the following:

• the pre-identified cross-border links and missing links of the TEN-T core network* corridors, as set out in Annex I;
• projects on the core network corridors exceeding €300 million.

It does not cover projects that exclusively relate to telematics applications, new technology and innovation, as defined in the TEN-T guidelines — Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (see summary).

EU Member States can choose to extend the Directive’s scope to include all projects on the core network or even of the comprehensive network. In case a Member State chooses to extend the scope, it should notify the European Commission.

Prioritisation

• Member States shall ensure that national authorities give priority to projects covered by the directive in granting procedures.
• Where specific permit-granting procedures for priority projects exist under national law, Member States shall ensure that these procedures are used for projects covered by the directive.

Designated authority

By 10 August 2023, each Member State must establish a designated authority which will take responsibility for projects. Its role will include:

• serving as the point of contact for the project promoter and other relevant authorities;
• outlining applications to project promoters;
• overseeing the time-frame for permit-granting procedure;
• providing guidance where required on the submission of documents and information;
• taking authorising decisions, if given the power to do so by the respective Member State.

Permit-granting procedure

The directive simplifies the rules for the permit-granting procedure.

• A maximum of 4 years are to be granted for authorisation, although this may extended in duly justified cases.
• Member States may incorporate stages into the permit-granting process under national law.

Member States' designated authorities shall cooperate on cross-border procedures, with the assistance and oversight of EU coordinators, with a view to coordinating their timetables and agreeing on a joint schedule concerning the permit-granting procedure.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?

It has applied since 9 August 2021 and has to become law in the Member States by 10 August 2023.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

• Trans-European Transport Network TENtec (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

MAIN DOCUMENT

Directive (EU) 2021/1187 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 on streamlining measures for advancing the realisation of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) (OJ L 258, 20.7.2021, pp. 1–13).

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU T(OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, pp. 1–128).

Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

last update 13.10.2021