CLECAT joins call to maintain Strong, Centralised EU Transport Funding Instrument
CLECAT, alongside 44 other organisations representative of Europe’s transport sector, has signed a letter urging Member States and the European Commission to preserve and strengthen a solid dedicated European transport funding instrument in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The letter, sent to the General Affairs and Finance Ministers of the EU Member States, raises deep concern over the Commission’s plans to redirect a large majority of the European transport funding into National Single Plan. This shift risks undermining Europe’s supply chain resilience, connectivity, and economic competitiveness at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions and ongoing climate challenges. The association notes it must be Europe’s top priority to strengthen and adapt EU’s infrastructure, address bottlenecks and missing links, and optimise its connectivity and capacity.
CLECAT Director General, Nicolette van der Jagt commented: “The reports presented by Mario Draghi, Enrico Letta and Sauli Niinistö all emphasised that Europe's transport sector is critical for trade, economic growth, and resilience against future disruptions. Instead of turning to an approach where national priorities may prevail, it is more than ever crucial to maintain an EU coordinated and managed investment instrument. That is the only way to achieve a well-integrated and interconnected transport network across the Union, to the benefit of Europe’s economy, society and security.”
The organisations recognise the need for a flexible EU budget but insist that a European wide, centrally managed investment approach offers far greater value than disjointed national plans. By harmonising efforts, pooling financial resources, with long-term strategic and stable investment planning, a central EU funding instrument can effectively deliver a well-integrated and interconnected transport network across the Union, to the benefit of Europe’s economy, society and security.
The transport sector urges Member States and the Commission to opt for an approach that strengthens Europe, to preserve a strong and centrally coordinated dedicated European transport funding instrument that prioritises investments of high European added value, and to refrain from jeopardising the future and competitiveness of Europe’s transport network, which is fundamental to achieve Europe’s priorities.
CLECAT, representing European freight forwarders, logistics service providers and customs agents, warns that shifting transport funding away from the EU level jeopardises Europe’s supply chain sovereignty, economic resilience, and preparedness for future crises. With growing pressure on Europe’s transport sector this is not the time to weaken Europe’s ability to invest in a seamless and resilient transport system.
The full open letter is available via this link.