EU transport investment policy discussed in Tallinn

The Connecting Europe Conference took place in Tallinn, on 21-22 September, 2017. The event, organised by the European Commission and the Estonian Presidency of the Council, saw the Baltic Ports Organization promote a selection of BPO led projects, including „LNG in the Baltic Sea Ports” and „Go LNG”.

The conference focused on identifying policy actions and financing solutions to invest in the Transport sector with the perspective of the post-2020 EU financial framework. The TEN-T strategic framework and the long-term infrastructure plans are key enablers for achieving EU common objectives, including economic growth, efficient functioning of the EU single market as well as low-emission and smart mobility.

Many of the European ministers for transport present at the event also met during a meeting at the Tallinn Crative Hub. They confirmed that in order for major investments in infrastructure to be realised, it is vital to ensure the continuation of investments in the same manner as in the current period of 2014-2020.

Violeta Bulc, the European Commission’s Transport Commissioner, present at the Tallinn Creative Hub meeting, said: „In the transport sector, €22.4 billion committed by 2017 will mobilise over €46.7 billion in overall investments in the EU. By 2030, we need €750 billion of additional investments in the core network and €1.5 trillion worth of investments, including core and comprehensive network".

The Baltic Ports Organization was present at the conference, inviting the participants to explore a plethora of the Organization’s many projects. The BPO shared its experiences with EU initiatives, including the „LNG in Baltic Sea Ports” and „Go LNG” projects, at its exhibition stand.

Bogdan Ołdakowski, BPO Secretary General, attending the event, said:  „BPO follows a discussion about the EU investment policy and future budget for transport infrastructure in the EU. It seems that it is too early to hear concrete proposals. Experience from the past shows that maritime projects had less favorable positions, for example when compared to rail projects. Therefore we have to keep an eye on the process, making sure that on one hand there will be enough money for transport infrastructure in the EU in the future budget but at the same time that the distribution of money is well balanced between various modes of transport”.

The BPO will remain actively involved in ensuring that maritime projects are treated evenly.