47 European transport organisations, among which LEVA-EU, have joined forces and are collectively urging national governments and the European Commission to maintain and strengthen a robust dedicated European transport funding instrument under the future EU budget.

With the upcoming discussions on the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF), the 47 transport organisations underline that the European coordination and implementation of infrastructure across Europe is more than ever crucial. It is the only guarantee for safeguarding the smooth functioning of the EU internal market and is instrumental to enhancing Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and military preparedness – the key EU priorities for the coming years. The Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta reports reaffirm this as a crucial policy priority, underscoring how a well-functioning European transport network is essential to drive economic growth, job creation and cohesion in Europe.

Europe’s transport sector is therefore very concerned about the Commission’s plans to redirect a large part of the European transport funding towards National Single Plans. In an open letter, Europe’s transport sector is asking Member States to give a strong signal towards the Commission in favour of preserving a solid dedicated European transport funding instrument under the next MFF. 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.

Annick Roetynck, Managing Director of the Light Electric Vehicles Association (LEVA-EU): “The LEV industry is joining the other European transport associations in sounding the alarm. Transport is the backbone of Europe’s internal market and plays a key role in supporting the livelihood and mobility needs of millions across the continent. 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. Every Member State will benefit from a stronger transport industry economically and socially.”

The open letter to the EU Member States, with the full list of signatories, can be found here.