More than 80 per cent of this significant investment will back projects that prioritise sustainable and smart solutions. These initiatives are part of the European Union’s (EU) strategy to transform its transportation sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with global sustainability goals.

Significant infrastructure projects include the upgrade of cross-border rail connections along the TEN-T core network. These include the Brenner Base tunnel, linking Italy and Austria, and Rail Baltica, connecting the three Baltic States and Poland with the rest of Europe. The cross-border section between Germany and the Netherlands, Emmerich–Oberhausen, will also receive funding, the European Commission said in a press release.

Ports in Ireland, Greece, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Poland are set to receive substantial funding to develop on-shore power supply capabilities. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from moored vessels, further contributing to the EU's environmental goals.

In an effort to future-proof inland waterway transport, key infrastructure along the Seine-Scheldt cross-border waterways between France and Belgium will be modernised. Furthermore, inland ports on the Danube and the Rhine basins, including Vienna and Andernach, are also set to receive upgrades.

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) will be installed on trains and railway lines in Czechia, Denmark, Germany, France, Austria, and Slovakia to increase safety and interoperability. Meanwhile, on the roads, several EU member states will deploy Intelligent Transport Systems and Services (ITS), specifically cooperative ITS (C-ITS) for safer and more efficient transport.

Lastly, funding will support air traffic management projects across various member states, aiming to increase efficiency in air transport and make strides towards a Single European Sky. The funding will also fortify EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, thereby facilitating Ukraine's export and import activities.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)