EC PUBLISHES STUDY INTO SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE EU AND CENTRAL ASIA
On 30 June, the European Commission published the EU Study on Sustainable Transport Connections between Europe and Central Asia as part of the implementation of the Global Gateway strategy. This study identifies a network of sustainable transport connections and investment opportunities between the EU and Central Asia.
For reference, the study, conducted from November 2021 to June 2023, assesses sustainable transport corridors between the five Central Asian republics and the EU's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). CLECAT was among the stakeholders that provided comments and insights to the Commission.
The study identifies 33 priority investment needs for hard infrastructure, including the modernisation of railways, roads, and ports. Additionally, it proposes seven coordinated actions for soft connectivity measures, such as trade facilitation, regulatory measures, digitalisation, and harmonisation tariffs. The recommendations include the establishment of a formal corridor management institution, the digitization of transport documents, the enhancement of cross-border trade processes, improved interoperability, and the promotion of market liberalisation. These actions are intended to enhance the sustainability and operational efficiency of transport connections in Central Asia.
Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, emphasised the geopolitical significance of the comprehensive study, especially given recent events in Ukraine.
The full study can be access by following this link.
Source: European Commission