Limassol, Cyprus. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades on Friday called on the European Union to provide more funding for transport systems in remote areas of Europe while addressing a trans-European transport conference held in Limassol. He said the conference would focus on ensuring transport systems serve all EU member states equitably.
Call for equitable planning and funding
Vafeades said European transport planning and funding should reflect the needs of remote regions, where maritime and air connections are “vital lifelines” supporting economic activity, local communities, and links to the single market. He said the conference would discuss how improved transport links, including ports and airports, can help all parts of Europe grow.
Challenges to transport corridor efficiency
He said stakeholders should also address challenges affecting the efficiency of transport corridors, including “missing connections”, “simplicity in regulations”, and improving cross-border links between EU member states. Vafeades said reliable connectivity is important for Europe’s future and citizens’ wellbeing, providing equal access to education, healthcare, and jobs.
Reference to the TEN-T network
Vafeades referred to the EU’s trans-European transport network, known as the Ten-T policy, which the European Commission describes as a key instrument for planning and developing a coherent, efficient, multimodal, and high-quality transport infrastructure across the EU. According to the Commission, the network includes railways, inland waterways, short sea shipping routes, and roads linking urban nodes, maritime and inland ports, airports, and terminals.
Corridors meeting in Cyprus
He noted that the network comprises nine core corridors across Europe, along with other corridors, and said conference participants had gathered at the southeastern tip of two important corridors.
What transport investment priorities do you think should receive more EU funding in remote regions?
