Dear Vice-President,

Professor Boccardelli,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a privilege to speak here today at a university that exemplifies the blend of academic excellence and civic engagement.

We share this stage with distinguished speakers from finance, academia, and politics.

Such dialogues are vital for addressing Europe’s urgent challenges.

Today, we spotlight an often-overlooked issue: transport infrastructure.

This isnt just any infrastructure; it’s smart and sustainable, linking people and businesses across Europe.

Our transport systems—roads, ports, airports, railways, and inland waterways—are the backbone of Europes mobility, Single Market, and our overall competitiveness.

Central to our transport strategy is the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), designed for seamless cross-border connectivity.

Our TEN-T targets are not mere bureaucratic goals; they are critical deadlines impacting mobility, supply chains, decarbonization, and digitalization.

I’m pleased to share we are nearing the completion of the TEN-T core network.

However, coordinating and financing large-scale infrastructure projects is complex, particularly for cross-border initiatives.

Persistent barriers include lengthy permitting processes and complicated procurement.

This is why the “EU Streamlining Directive” is crucial; it simplifies permitting and fosters a culture of efficiency.

Time saved equates to enhanced connectivity.

Investing in transport infrastructure is costly, requiring significant financial input.

The Connecting Europe Facility for Transport (CEF Transport) plays a vital role, funding projects where Member States fall short, particularly in cross-border connections.

The current CEF budget for 2021-2027 is €25.8 billion, with projects selected through competitive calls to ensure high-quality investments.

Italy is a major beneficiary of CEF, with 183 projects supported since its inception, unlocking €3.2 billion in EU funding and over €7.6 billion in total investments.

Despite the oversubscription of all CEF calls, we aim to maximize the impact of public funds through the “use-it-or-lose-it” principle.

While demand outstrips supply, the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will be essential for completing the TEN-T core network by 2030.

Additionally, other instruments like the Cohesion Fund, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and InvestEU are significant.

These funds primarily support national and regional projects, but we seek to finance high-value European projects as well.

Italy’s RRF funding, totaling €235.1 billion, is predominantly directed towards high-speed rail, a progressive investment.

We also utilize guarantees to attract private investment, with InvestEU providing assurances to the European Investment Bank and other partners.

Concrete examples include the high-speed rail line between Palermo and Catania and the modernization of Italys motorway network.

These initiatives align with EU priorities: sustainability, decarbonization, and resilience.

Moreover, we must consider the rapid movement of military assets across Europe, necessitating dual-use infrastructure standards.

CEF has allocated €1.7 billion to military mobility, highlighting the urgency of adapting our infrastructure to current geopolitical demands.

Looking ahead, completing the TEN-T is not solely a transport policy; it encompasses economic, climate, and security dimensions.

We estimate that achieving this will require €845 billion from 2025 to 2040, with key projects like the Lyon-Turin link being pivotal.

On July 16, the Commission will propose the next MFF, aiming for predictable, long-term funding for transport infrastructure, including military mobility.

We need a robust, centrally managed EU funding program to ensure consistency and strategic prioritization.

Support from finance ministers and prime ministers is crucial for this initiative.

Ultimately, completing the TEN-T is about connecting Europeans economically, socially, and politically.

It’s about sustainability and building a safer, more competitive Europe for future generations.

Let’s invest wisely, act decisively, and create a Europe that moves smartly and sustainably.

Thank you.