EUROPE’S largest transport organisations and lobby groups have called on the European Union to preserve and strengthen dedicated sector funding, as the bloc prepares for initial discussions over the priorities of its next long-term budget.

In an open letter to EU member states, as many as 45 signatories including the European Sea Ports Organisation, the European Transport Workers’ Federation and European RailFreight Association, noted how the coordination of infrastructure across Europe was more crucial than ever.

“It is the only guarantee for safeguarding the smooth functioning of the EU internal market, promoting Europe’s competitiveness and cohesion, and bolstering its resilience and military preparedness,” the signatories said.

As such, the transport sector raised concerns over the commission’s intention to redirect a large part of European transport funding towards “National Single Plans”.

The signatories called on the General Affairs and Finance Ministers of EU member states to “give a strong signal towards the commission in favour of preserving a solid dedicated European transport funding instrument”.

“Such an approach ensures that the European budget prioritises investments of high European added value and safeguards a much needed long-term strategic and stable investment planning,” the letter continued.

Later this month, the General Affairs Council will meet in Warsaw where opening discussions will take place over the next multiannual financial framework, which will determine the EU’s funding distribution for the next seven-year period. The current MFF is set to run until 2027. 

ESPO secretary-general Isabelle Ryckbost said that with talks on the future EU budget fast approaching “it is time we sound the alarm”.

“Transport infrastructure is the backbone of Europe’s internal market and is fundamental in achieving Europe’s key priorities,” Ryckbost said.

“In deliberations on the future EU budget, we are collectively asking the national governments and the European Commission to preserve and further strengthen the European transport budget to support the transport investments that are needed to keep Europe’s economy and society moving and to build the stronger, more resilient and competitive Europe we need.

“Ports in Europe are pillars of economic, climate and geopolitical resilience. To play this important role for Europe, they need Europe to support them. This is to the benefit of each of the member states.”