The EU programme "trans-European networks"--a critical assessment

H. Sichelschmidt

Transport Policy, 1999, vol. 6, issue 3, 169-181

Abstract: The paper deals with the "Trans-European Networks" (TEN) concept adopted by the European Union. Along the lines drawn by the theory of fiscal federalism, an assessment is made about the appropriate division of labour between various layers of administration. It is shown that the competences and activities of the European Commission in the TEN programme are much more comprehensive than could theoretically be justified. In its present form, the programme raises many problems, especially of mixed financial responsibilities, of biased incentives to Member States' governments and of the economic feasibility of the intended modal shift towards rail transport. The programme seems overloaded with primarily non-economic (distributional or environmental) goals. Therefore, its contribution to the real task of more rational infrastructure planning appears doubtful. Consequently, the paper urges that EU competences and financial engagement should at least not be expanded, and any form of taxation or debt financing by EU authorities should be avoided.

Date: 1999
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