Euro-Mediterranean Partnership in the transport sector
The European Commission has published a communication on the development of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership in the transport sector. The aim is to define a framework for cooperation in the transport sector to achieve improved integration of networks and thereby help create a space in which people and goods can move around more easily. The communication looks at the existing status of different transport sectors in the Mediterranean region, and at ongoing cooperation in different areas of the Mediterranean. On the basis of this assessment, the Commission outlines a number of specific objectives for transport infrastructure and for transport services. In the field of infrastructure, the communication calls for the inter-connection of national networks in all the countries concerned, in order to create multimodal and interoperable networks. As far as services are concerned, it aims to ensure that the most efficient and cost-effective services can operate with high standards of safety, and social and environmental benefits, across a common transport space covering the whole of the Euro-Mediterranean region. In the field of transport research, the Commission calls for the establishment of structures and effective institutional frameworks which would increase Mediterranean partners' capacity to participate in joint research activities. Currently, only Israel, of the Mediterranean partners, is able to participate on an equal footing in the EU's RTD Framework Programmes. A working group on transport research and development, RETRAMED, has been established by the Commission. This brings together representatives of the Member States and the Mediterranean partners, and has approved a work programme for transport research in areas of common interest. Certain projects will be funded under the MEDA programme, the EU's support programme for the Mediterranean. RETRAMED projects would not, under current circumstances be funded through the Framework Programme. On the basis of the communication, the Commission will draw up an action plan which will integrate the elements of maritime and transport research already underway, as well as new initiatives in other transport modes. A Mediterranean transport group will be established as a framework for meetings and exchanges of information on transport cooperation.
Countries
Cyprus, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Malta, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye