The UK has been left out of major trans-European transport projects that the EU is expected to approve. The trans-European transport network (TEN-T) regulatory framework agreement between the European Parliament and the European Council was approved earlier this week by the European Commission.
The new plan sets mandatory goals, such as having all trains in the network reach 160 km/h or faster by 2040 and putting in place a single European signalling system.
To improve connectivity and encourage rail transport over domestic flights, it also requires airports that handle more than 12 million passengers annually to be connected by long-distance rail.
Adina Vălean, the European Commissioner for Transport, said: “This is a landmark agreement for the EU.
“Europe needs a transport network that addresses the mobility concerns of our citizens and businesses, both sustainable and resilient, and that builds a bridge with our neighbours, in particular Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans.
The European Union is expected to place a staggering 12 countries on its fiscal watchlist as the bloc’s budget comes under pressure.
According to sources speaking to Bloomberg, France is at risk of flouting guidance and Germany and Italy are expected to be deemed not fully compliant.
A ‘watch list’ of countries is expected to be released today (November 21) as part of the European Commission’s national budgets report for 2024. However, the verdict might still change before it’s adopted by the commission.
In a confidential EU report, Belgium, Finland, and Croatia are also reportedly posing a threat to exceed budgetary targets. Austria, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Slovakia are grouped in with the bloc’s largest economy, according to the report.
The EU’s assessment comes after a pandemic-induced suspension of the fiscal regime, which had limited deficits to three percent of GDP.
