The Joint Visegrad Group Statement on the Upcoming Revision of the TEN-T Network

• CONFIRMING that the development of transport infrastructure plays a key role in the improvement of cohesion and competitiveness of Europe, and it also contributes to the proper functioning of the European Single Market,

• TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION that the TEN-T regulation adopted in 2013 have set up a strong policy framework that aims at the achievement of a fully functional, interoperable and multimodal European transport network,

• RECOGNIZING the importance of an integrated, sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure in the Visegrad Group (V4) states,

• CONSIDERING the need for further measures to be taken to coordinate the future development of the TEN-T Network, both North-South and East-West connections,

The Ministers Responsible for Transport of the Visegrad Group States:

WELCOME the European Commission’s decision to advance the process of the TEN-T policy revision that has been launched in April 2019;

AGREE that an ongoing revision of the TEN-T policy is an opportunity for an update of the TEN-T network as certain adjustments are needed to support the creation of integrated, sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure within and between the Members States including the V4 states;

EXPRESS the expectations that the renewed TEN-T policy will take into consideration progress in its implementation, the mutual bilateral agreements, and adjust it where necessary to changes in national development strategies;

CALL for adequate and enhanced financing for the whole TEN-T network in the next Multiannual Financial Framework aiming to set up an infrastructure development plan for all Member States and

REITERATE that the implementation of the infrastructure investments can significantly support the post-COVID recovery of the European Union economy;

REMIND that implementation of TEN-T core network by 2030 is a significant challenge from both financial and construction capacity point of view;

AGREE that Intelligent Transport Systems, innovation and new technologies related to alternative fuels represent an important part of the TEN-T network and

UNDERLINE that it should enhance the efficient use of infrastructure and is the key to genuine network integration

RECOGNIZE that the relevant cross-border railway lines should be included in the TEN-T network, in order to increase the transport capability of V4 states

EMPHASIZE that the future TEN-T policy should be planned in a way that results in the elimination of the missing links and provides balanced access to the TEN-T network and

UNDERLINE that the renewed TEN-T policy should contribute to boosting economic growth, enhancing Europe's competitiveness and balanced development of the European regions.