Honourable Members,

It is a great pleasure to be here today to discuss the cornerstone of EU transport policy, the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). This network connects people, businesses, and economies, enabling the single market. It is crucial for effective infrastructure funding. TEN-T enhances economic opportunities and strengthens European defense.

Completing the TEN-T by closing gaps and removing bottlenecks is a priority, with the first deadline for strategic connections in 2030. The Lyon-Turin base tunnel project will significantly reduce travel time and benefit freight transport.

Last years update of the TEN-T regulation will make the network more competitive, sustainable, and smarter. However, investments are needed, with costs estimated at nearly 850 billion euros by 2040. The Connecting Europe Facility has already provided substantial support, but additional private investments are necessary.

TEN-T is also crucial for defense and military readiness. The Military Mobility Action Plan 2.0 ensures our infrastructure is suitable for military movements. 1.7 billion euros have been allocated for investments in dual-use transport infrastructure. Future investments must be more targeted and significantly increased.

The White Paper on the Future of European Defence underscores the importance of military mobility. We have established military mobility corridors and identified 500 priority projects. These projects will also benefit everyday TEN-T users.

To realize these projects, we must increase funding for military mobility and procure specialized transport assets. Streamlining national rules is essential, and a revision to the Rail Capacity Regulation has already been proposed. All of this is reflected in the White Paper on Defence, providing a clear mandate for action.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing your views.