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Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (Text with EEA relevance)

Type Regulation

Publication 2024-06-28

State In force

Department Council of the European Union, European Parliament

Source EUR-Lex

articles 69

Reform history JSON API

(l) infrastructure necessary for zero waste operations and circular economy measures.

Equipment associated with inland waterways may include equipment for the loading and unloading of cargos and storage of goods in inland ports. Associated equipment may include, in particular, propulsion and operating systems which reduce pollution, such as water and air pollution, energy consumption and carbon intensity. It may also include waste reception facilities, shore-side electricity power supply and other alternative fuels infrastructure for supply and generation, as well as equipment for ice-breaking, hydrological services and dredging of the fairway, port and port approaches to ensure year-round navigability.

In order to be part of the comprehensive network, an inland port shall meet the following conditions:

(a) it has an annual freight transhipment volume exceeding 500 000 tonnes, where the total annual freight transhipment volume shall be based on the latest available three-year average, based on the statistics published by Eurostat; and

(b) it is located on the inland waterway network of the trans-European transport network.

Article 22

Transport infrastructure requirements for the comprehensive network

Member States shall ensure that inland ports on the comprehensive network, by 31 December 2050:

(a) are connected with the road or rail infrastructure;

(b) offer at least one multimodal freight terminal open to all operators and users in a non-discriminatory way and which shall apply transparent and non-discriminatory charges; and

(c) are equipped with facilities to improve the environmental performance of vessels in ports, which may include waste reception facilities, degassing facilities, noise reduction measures, as well as measures to reduce air and water pollution.

Member States shall ensure that alternative fuels infrastructure is deployed in inland ports in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1804.

Article 23

Transport infrastructure requirements for the core network

Member States shall ensure that the inland ports of the core network comply with Article 22(2) and meet the requirements set out in Article 22(1), points (a) and (b), by 31 December 2030 and in Article 22(1), point (c), by 31 December 2040.

Member States shall ensure that the inland waterway network, including connections referred to in Article 21(1), point (e), is maintained to enable efficient, reliable and safe navigation for users by ensuring minimum waterway requirements and minimum levels of service requirements laid down in paragraph 3 of this Article (Good Navigation Status).

Member States shall prevent the deterioration of the Good Navigation Status, as well as prevent the deterioration of the current status of those parts of the network that already exceed those minimum requirements by 18 July 2024.

Member States shall by 31 December 2030 in particular ensure that:

(a) rivers, canals, lakes, lagoons, inland ports and their access routes provide a navigable channel depth of at least 2,5 m and a minimum height under non-openable bridges of at least 5,25 m at specified reference water levels, which are exceeded at a defined number of days per year on a statistical average;

(b) Member States shall publish on a website accessible to the public the number of days per year as referred to in point (a) during which the actual water level exceeds or does not achieve the specified reference water level for navigation channel depth, as well as the average waiting times at each lock;

(c) operators of locks shall ensure that locks are operated and maintained in such a way that waiting times are minimised; and

(d) rivers, canals, lakes and lagoons are equipped with RIS for all services in accordance with Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0025]), so as to guarantee real-time information to users across borders.

For the purposes of point (a) of this paragraph, the reference water levels shall be established on the basis of the number of days per year on which the actual water level exceeded the specified reference water level. Subject to the approval of the Member States concerned in accordance with Article 172, second paragraph, TFEU, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts, to be elaborated in close cooperation with such Member States, in consultation with the European Coordinators concerned and, if applicable, in consultation with river navigation commissions set up by international agreements, specifying the reference water levels referred to in point (a) of this paragraph per corridor, per waterway or per waterway section. These implementing acts shall be consistent with the requirements which are set out in international conventions, in agreements concluded between Member States, including in the regulations adopted by the river navigation commissions set up by such conventions and agreements. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 61(3) of this Regulation.

At the request of a Member State, in duly justified cases, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts granting exemptions from the requirements referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 per waterway and where appropriate per waterway section, on the ground of specific geographical or significant physical constraints, negative result of socio-economic cost-benefit analysis, or significant negative impacts on environment, biodiversity or cultural heritage. Any such request shall be substantiated with sufficient justification. The request for exemptions shall be coordinated with the neighbouring Member State or Member States where applicable. The neighbouring Member States may provide an opinion to the Member State requesting the exemption. The Member State shall attach the opinions of the neighbouring Member States to its request. A Member State may request the granting of several exemptions in a single request.

The Commission shall assess the request in the light of the justification provided under the first subparagraph. The Commission shall take duly into account the opinions of the neighbouring Member States concerned.

The Commission may ask for additional information from the Member State no later than 30 calendar days following the receipt of request pursuant to the first subparagraph. If the Commission considers that the information provided is insufficient, it may ask the Member State to supplement that additional information within 30 calendar days from the receipt of that additional information.

The Commission shall take a decision on the requested exemption no later than six months following the receipt of the request pursuant to the first subparagraph or, in the event that further information has been provided by the Member States concerned pursuant to the third subparagraph, no later than four months following the latest receipt of such information, whichever is later. In the absence of an explicit decision by the Commission within such time-limits, the exemption shall be deemed to be granted.

The Commission shall inform other Member States of the exemptions granted pursuant to this Article.

Deterioration of the minimum requirements caused by direct human action or by lack of diligence in the maintenance of the inland waterway network shall not be considered as a case justifying the granting of an exemption.

In the event of force majeure, Member States shall restore the navigability conditions to their previous status as soon as the situation permits.

The Commission may adopt guidelines ensuring a coherent approach on the application of the Good Navigation Status in the Union. These guidelines may cover in particular:

(a) specific parameters for free flowing rivers;

(b) complementary parameters for navigable width of channel;

(d) use of digital applications of the network and automation processes;

(e) resilience of the infrastructure to climate change, natural hazards and human-made disasters or intentional disruptions; or

(f) introduction and promotion of new technologies and innovation for zero and low carbon energy fuels and propulsion systems.

Article 24

Additional priorities for inland waterway infrastructure development

In the promotion of projects of common interest related to inland waterway infrastructures, and in addition to the general priorities set out in Articles 12 and 13, attention shall be given to the following:

(a) where appropriate, achieving higher standards for modernising existing waterways and for creating new waterways, in order to meet market demands;

(b) prevention and mitigation measures against flooding and droughts;

(c) improvement of digitalisation and automation processes, in particular with a view to increasing safety, security and sustainability in inland waterway transport, including within urban nodes;

(d) modernisation and expansion of the capacity of the infrastructure, including mooring and rest places and their services necessary for multimodal transport operations both within and outside the port area and along the waterway;

(e) promoting and developing measures to improve the environmental performance of inland waterway transport and transport infrastructure, including zero and low emission vessels and measures to mitigate impacts on water bodies and water-dependent biodiversity, in accordance with the applicable requirements under Union law or relevant international agreements;

(f) development and use of shallow-draught inland waterway vessels suited for low water levels;

(g) when building or upgrading inland waterways infrastructure, ensuring the continuity and accessibility of pedestrian and cycling paths in order to promote the active modes of transport;

(h) promoting actions to prevent deterioration of the waterway requirements, including means to monitor fairway conditions; and

(i) where appropriate, improving the navigation conditions, along the inland waterways in the construction of new bridges, or in the renovation of non-openable bridges, by paying particular attention to their height clearance in relation to the existing bridges of a specific waterway section.

SECTION 3 Maritime transport infrastructure and the European Maritime Space

Article 25

Infrastructure components

The European Maritime Space connects and integrates the maritime components described in paragraph 2 with the landside network through the creation or upgrading of short-sea shipping routes and through the development of maritime ports on the territory of Member States and their hinterland connections, including the geographical area of outermost regions, to provide an efficient, viable and sustainable integration with other modes of transport.

The European Maritime Space consists of:

(a) the maritime transport infrastructure within the port area of the core network and comprehensive network, including hinterland connectivity;

(b) wider benefit actions that are not linked to specific ports and that benefit the European Maritime Space and the maritime industry widely, such as support to activities ensuring year-round navigability (icebreaking), facilitating the transition towards sustainable maritime transport, improving the synergies between transport and energy, inter alia by fostering the role of ports as energy hubs and helping the energy transition, and ICT systems for transport and hydrographic surveys; and

(c) the promotion of sustainable and resilient short-sea shipping links, in particular those that concentrate flows of freight in order to reduce negative external costs such as emissions and congestion from road transport within the Union and those that improve access to outermost and other remote, insular and peripheral regions through the establishment or upgrading of sustainable, regular and frequent maritime services.

Maritime transport infrastructure referred to in point (a) of paragraph 2 shall comprise, in particular:

(a) maritime ports, including the infrastructure necessary for transport operations within the port area;

(b) basic port infrastructure such as internal basins, quay walls, berths, platforms, jetties, docks, dykes, backfills, and land reclamation;

(d) navigational aids;

(e) port approaches, fairways and locks;

(f) breakwaters;

(g) the connections of the ports to the trans-European transport network;

(h) ICT systems for transport, including EMSWe and VTMIS;

(i) infrastructure related to alternative fuels;

(j) associated equipment, which may include, in particular, equipment for traffic and cargo management, for the reduction of negative effects on the environment, including for zero waste operations and circular economy measures, for improving energy efficiency, for the reduction of noise, and for the use of alternative fuels, as well as equipment to ensure year-round navigability, including ice-breaking, hydrological surveys, and for dredging and protection of the port and port approaches; and

(k) infrastructure facilitating port activities related to renewable energy, including offshore wind farms.

In order to be part of the comprehensive network, a maritime port shall meet at least one of the following conditions:

(a) its total annual passenger traffic volume exceeds 0,1 % of the total annual passenger traffic volume of all maritime ports of the Union with the reference amount for this total volume being the latest available three-year average, based on the statistics published by Eurostat;

(b) its total annual cargo volume, either for bulk or for non-bulk cargo handling, exceeds 0,1 % of the corresponding total annual cargo volume handled in all maritime ports of the Union with the reference amount for this total volume being the latest available three-year average, based on the statistics published by Eurostat;

(c) its total annual cargo volume, for bulk and /or for non-bulk cargo handling, exceeds annually 500 000 tonnes and its contribution to the diversification of EU energy supplies and to the acceleration of the roll-out of renewable energies is one of the main activities of the port with the reference amount for this total volume being the latest available three-year average, based on the statistics published by Eurostat;

(d) it is located on an island and provides the sole point of access to a NUTS 3 region in the comprehensive network within the meaning of Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003; or

(e) it is located in an outermost region or a peripheral area, outside a radius of 200 km from the nearest other port in the comprehensive network.

Article 26

Transport infrastructure requirements for the comprehensive network

Member States shall ensure that:

(a) alternative fuels infrastructure is deployed in maritime ports of the comprehensive network in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2023/1804;

(b) maritime ports of the comprehensive network are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to improve the environmental performance of ships in ports, in particular reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/883 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0026]);

(d) maritime national single windows are implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1239.

Member States shall ensure that, by 31 December 2050:

(a) maritime ports of the comprehensive network with a total annual cargo volume of more than 2 million tonnes are connected with the rail and road infrastructure and, where possible, inland waterways; the reference amount for this total volume being the latest available three-year average, based on the statistics published by Eurostat;

(b) any maritime port of the comprehensive network that serves freight traffic offers at least one multimodal freight terminal which is open to all operators and users in a non-discriminatory way, and which applies transparent and non-discriminatory charges;

(c) sea canals, port fairways and estuaries which connect two seas, or which provide access from the sea to maritime ports correspond at least to inland waterways that meet the requirements of Article 23; and

(d) maritime ports of the comprehensive network connected to inland waterways are equipped with handling capacity for inland waterway vessels.

The obligation to ensure the connection referred to in point (a) of the first subparagraph shall not apply where specific geographic or significant physical constraints prevent such connection.

At the request of a Member State, in duly justified cases, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts granting exemptions from the minimum requirements referred to in paragraph 2 on the ground of specific geographical or significant physical constraints, negative result of socio-economic cost-benefit analysis, or significant negative impacts on environment or biodiversity. Any such request shall be substantiated with sufficient justification. A Member State may request the granting of several exemptions in a single request.

The Commission shall assess the request in the light of the justification provided under the first subparagraph.

The Commission shall inform other Member States of the exemptions granted pursuant to this Article.

Article 27

Transport infrastructure requirements for the core network

Member States shall ensure that the maritime transport infrastructure of the core network complies with Article 26(1).

Member States shall ensure that the maritime transport infrastructure of the core network meets the requirements set out in Article 26(2) by 31 December 2030.

The Commission shall assess the request in the light of the justification provided under the first subparagraph.

The Commission shall inform other Member States of the exemptions granted pursuant to this Article.

Article 28

Additional priorities for maritime infrastructure development and the European Maritime Space

In the promotion of projects of common interest related to maritime infrastructure and the European Maritime Space, and in addition to the priorities set out in Articles 12 and 13, attention shall be given to the following:

(a) upgrading maritime access, such as breakwaters, sea channels, fairways, locks, dredging and navigational aids;

(b) construction or upgrading basic port infrastructure, such as internal basins, alternative fuels infrastructure, quay walls, berths, platforms, jetties, docks, dykes, backfills and land reclamation;

(c) the improvement of the infrastructure interconnecting the different modes of transport, the equipment and systems referred to in Article 37, points (a), (b) and (d); as well as the modernisation and expansion of the capacity of the rail infrastructure necessary for transport operations in or adjacent to the port area, if needed for connection to the trans-European rail network;

(d) improvement of digitalisation and automation processes, in particular with a view to increasing safety, security, efficiency and sustainability;

(e) introduction and promotion of new technologies and innovation, as well as renewable and low carbon fuels;

(f) improvement of the resilience of the logistic chains and international maritime trade, including in relation to climate adaptation;

(g) noise reduction and energy efficiency measures;

(h) promoting zero and low emission vessels serving and operating short-sea shipping links, and developing measures to improve the environmental performance of maritime transport for port call and supply chain optimisation in accordance with the applicable requirements under Union law or relevant international agreements, such as the use of eco-incentives schemes;

(i) actions linked to the promotion of wider benefit actions and of short-sea shipping links in the framework of the European Maritime Space, including the promotion of an improved access to outermost and other remote, insular and peripheral regions;

(j) promoting zero and low emission ferry transport as a sustainable mode of passenger transport;

(k) actions aimed to increase the share of freight, including for short-sea shipping links, that transfers from road and air transport to maritime or inland waterways and rail transport, in order to reduce negative external costs such as emissions and congestion; and

(l) improving access to outermost regions and other remote, insular and peripheral regions.

SECTION 4 Road transport infrastructure

Article 29

Infrastructure components

Road transport infrastructure shall comprise, in particular:

(a) roads including:
(i) bridges;
(ii) tunnels;
(iii) junctions;
(iv) crossings;
(v) interchanges;
(vi) hard shoulders; and
(vii) infrastructure mitigating impact on environment, including solutions for fauna preservation or noise mitigation;

(b) associated equipment, including weigh in motion systems;

(d) access routes to multimodal freight terminals;

(e) connections of the freight terminals and logistic platforms to the other modes in the trans-European transport network;

(f) bus terminals;

(g) infrastructure related to facilities for alternative fuels; and

(h) parking and rest areas, including safe and secure parking areas for commercial vehicles.

The roads referred to in paragraph 1, point (a), of this Article and specified in the maps set out in Annex I are those which play an important role in long-distance freight and passenger traffic, integrate the main urban and economic centres and interconnect with other transport modes.

Equipment associated with roads referred to in paragraph 1, point (b), may include, in particular, equipment for traffic management, information and route guidance, for the levying of tolls or user charges, for safety, for reducing negative environmental effects, for refuelling or recharging of vehicles with alternative propulsion, and for safe and secure parking areas for commercial vehicles.

Article 30

Transport infrastructure requirements for the comprehensive network

Member States shall ensure that:

(a) the safety of road transport infrastructure is ensured, monitored and, when necessary, improved in accordance with Directive 2008/96/EC;

(b) the roads are designed, built or upgraded and maintained with high quality and safety standards;

(c) the roads are designed, built or upgraded and maintained with a high level of environmental protection, including as appropriate through noise reduction measures and the collection, treatment and release of water run-off;

(d) road tunnels over 500 m in length comply with Directive 2004/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0027]);

(e) where applicable, the interoperability of toll collection systems is ensured in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0028]) and with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/204 ([^E0029]) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/203 ([^E0030]);

(f) where applicable, tolls or user charges are levied in accordance with Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0031]);

(g) any intelligent transport system on road transport infrastructure complies with Directive 2010/40/EU and is deployed in a manner consistent with delegated acts adopted on the basis thereof; and

(h) alternative fuels infrastructure is deployed on the road network in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1804.

Member States shall ensure that, by 31 December 2050, the roads referred in Article 29(1), point (a), of the comprehensive network meet the following requirements:

(a) the road is specially designed, built or upgraded for motor traffic;

(b) rest areas are available at a maximum distance of 100 km from each other, providing safe and sufficient parking space, and appropriate facilities, including sanitary facilities, that meet the needs of a diverse workforce; and

For the purposes of point (c) of the first subparagraph, when installing weigh in motion systems Member States may focus on road sections with high intensity of freight traffic. Weigh in motion systems shall allow the identification of vehicles and vehicle combinations that are likely to have exceeded the maximum authorised weights set out in Directive 96/53/EC.

Member States shall ensure the deployment or use of the means to detect safety-related events or conditions, and the collection of the relevant road traffic data for the purpose of providing road safety-related minimum universal traffic information as defined in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 886/2013 ([^E0032]):

(a) for the existing infrastructure of the comprehensive network by 31 December 2030; and

(b) for the new infrastructure of the comprehensive network by 31 December 2050 or, in the event that the road section is completed before, by its date of completion.

At the request of a Member State, in duly justified cases, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts granting exemptions from the requirement set out in paragraph 2 with respect to roads where the traffic density does not exceed 10 000 vehicles per day in both directions, or on grounds of specific geographical or significant physical constraints, negative result of socio-economic cost-benefit analysis or significant negative impacts on environment or biodiversity. Any such request shall be substantiated with sufficient justification, considering also that the infrastructures concerned are subject to road safety impact assessments, audits and inspections and, where necessary, to remedial actions in accordance with Directive 2008/96/EC. The request for exemptions shall be coordinated with the neighbouring Member State or Member States where applicable. Neighbouring Member States may provide an opinion to the Member State requesting the exemption. The Member State shall attach the opinions of neighbouring Member States to its request. A Member State may request the granting of several exemptions in a single request.

The Commission shall inform other Member States of the exemptions granted pursuant to this Article.

Article 31

Transport infrastructure requirements for the core network and extended core network

Member States shall ensure that the road infrastructure of the core network and extended core network complies with Article 30(1).

Member States shall ensure that the roads, as referred in Article 29(1), point (a), comply with the following requirements, by 31 December 2030 for the road infrastructure of the core network and by 31 December 2040 for the road infrastructure of the extended core network:

(a) the roads are specially designed, built or upgraded for motor traffic;

(b) the roads provide, except at special points or temporarily, separate carriageways for the two directions of traffic, separated from each other by a dividing strip not intended for traffic or by other means ensuring equivalent level of safety; and

Member States shall ensure that the road infrastructure of the core network and extended core by 31 December 2040 complies with the following:

(a) rest areas are available along roads of the core network and extended core network at a maximum distance of 60 km from each other, providing sufficient safe parking space and appropriate facilities, including sanitary facilities, that meet the needs of a diverse workforce; and

(b) meets the requirements set out in Article 30(2), point (c).

Member States shall, by 31 December 2040, ensure the development of safe and secure parking areas along the roads of the core network and extended core network, or within 3 km driving distance from the nearest exit of the road of the trans-European network, with an average maximum distance of 150 km between two such areas, providing sufficient parking space for commercial vehicles and complying with the requirements set out in Article 8a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006. Member States may focus on road sections with high intensity of freight traffic.

Member States shall ensure that the road infrastructure meets the requirements set out in Article 30(3):

(a) for the existing infrastructure of the core network, by 31 December 2025, and for the existing infrastructure of the extended core network, by 31 December 2030; and

(b) for the new infrastructure of the core network, by 31 December 2030, and for the new infrastructure of the extended core network, by 31 December 2040, or, in the event that the road section is completed before, by its date of completion.

At the request of a Member State, in duly justified cases, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts granting exemptions from the requirements set out in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 with respect to roads where the traffic density does not exceed 10 000 vehicles per day in both directions or on grounds of specific geographical or significant physical constraints, negative result of socio-economic cost-benefit analysis or significant negative impacts on the environment or on biodiversity. Any such request shall be substantiated with sufficient justification considering also that the infrastructures concerned are subject to road safety impact assessments, audits and inspections and, where necessary, to remedial actions in accordance with Directive 2008/96/EC. The request for exemptions shall be coordinated with the neighbouring Member State or Member States in the case of cross-border sections. Neighbouring Member States may provide an opinion to the Member State requesting the exemption. The Member State shall attach the opinions of the neighbouring Member States to its request. A Member State may request the granting of several exemptions in a single request.

The Commission shall inform other Member States of the exemptions granted pursuant to this Article.

Article 32

Additional priorities for road infrastructure development

In the promotion of projects of common interest related to road infrastructure, and in addition to the general priorities set out in Articles 12 and 13, attention shall be given to the following:

(a) improvement and promotion of road safety, taking into account the needs of vulnerable users and road users in all their diversity, in particular persons with reduced mobility;

(b) mitigation of congestion on existing roads, in particular through intelligent traffic management, including dynamic congestion charges or tolls varied based on the time of day, week or season;

(c) improvement of digitalisation and automation processes, introduction of innovative technologies to improve the control of compliance with the Union road transport legal framework, including smart and automated enforcement tools and communication infrastructure;

(d) when building or upgrading road infrastructure, ensuring the continuity and accessibility of pedestrian and cycling paths in order to promote the active modes of transport and improving, where relevant, the infrastructure for active mobility; and

(e) development of safe and secure parking areas providing a sufficient parking space for commercial vehicles and complying with the requirements set out in Article 8a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 on the comprehensive network.

SECTION 5 Air transport infrastructure

Article 33

Infrastructure components

Air transport infrastructure shall comprise, in particular:

(a) air space, routes and airways;

(b) airports, including the infrastructure and equipment necessary for ground and transport operations within the airport area, and vertiports;

(d) ATM/ANS Systems and associated equipment, including space-based equipment;

(e) infrastructure related to alternative fuels, and electricity supply to stationary aircraft;

(f) infrastructure for the on-site production of alternative fuels and improving energy efficiency and reducing climate, environmental and noise emissions of airports or of associated airport operations such as ground-handling services, aircraft operations and passenger ground transport;

(g) infrastructure used for separate waste collection, waste prevention and activities in the area of circular economy; and

(h) spaceports.

In order to be part of the comprehensive network, an airport shall meet at least one of the following conditions:

(a) for cargo airports, the total annual cargo volume is at least 0,2 % of the total annual cargo volume of all airports of the Union;

(b) for passenger airports, the total annual passenger traffic is at least 0,1 % of the total annual passenger volume of all airports of the Union, unless the airport in question is situated outside a radius of 100 km from the nearest airport in the comprehensive network or outside a radius of 200 km where there is a high-speed railway line in the region in which it is situated.

The total annual passenger volume and the total annual cargo volume are based on the latest available three-year average, based on the statistics published by Eurostat.

Article 34

Transport infrastructure requirements for the core network and comprehensive network

Member States shall ensure that:

(a) the airports of the trans-European transport network with a total annual passenger traffic volume of more than 12 million passengers are connected to the trans-European railway network, including the high-speed railway network where possible, allowing long distance services by 31 December 2040, except where specific geographic or significant physical constraints prevent such connections;

(b) the airports of the trans-European transport network with a total annual passenger traffic volume of more than four million and less than 12 million passengers are connected to the trans-European railway network or, where the airport is located in or in the vicinity of an urban node of the trans-European railway network, to that urban node, by railway, metro, light rail, tramways, cable car or, exceptionally, other zero emission public transport solutions, by 31 December 2050, except where specific geographic or significant physical constraints prevent such connections;

(c) any airport of the trans-European transport network offers at least one terminal which is open to all operators and users in a non-discriminatory way and which shall apply transparent and non-discriminatory charges;

(d) common basic standards for safeguarding civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference, as adopted by the Union in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0033]), apply to the air transport infrastructure;

(e) infrastructure for air traffic management is such as to permit the implementation of the single European sky, in accordance with Regulations (EC) No 549/2004, (EC) No 550/2004, (EC) No 551/2004 and (EU) 2018/1139, of air transport operations, in order to improve the performance and sustainability of the European aviation system, of implementing rules and of Union specifications;

(f) alternative fuels infrastructure is deployed in airports in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1804; and

(g) the airports of the core network and comprehensive network with a total annual passenger traffic volume of more than four million passengers provide infrastructure for pre-conditioned air supply to stationary aircraft at aircraft contact stands used for commercial transport operations by 31 December 2030 for airports of the core network and 31 December 2040 for airports of the comprehensive network.

The total annual passenger volume referred to in points (a), (b) and (g), of the first subparagraph shall be based on the latest available three-year average on 18 July 2024, based on the statistics published by Eurostat.

At the request of a Member State, in duly justified cases, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts granting exemptions in respect of the requirements set out in paragraph 1, points (a), (b) and (g) on the ground of specific geographical or significant physical constraints, the non-existence of a railway system on the territory, negative result of socio-economic cost-benefit analysis, or significant negative impacts on environment or biodiversity. Any such request shall be substantiated with sufficient justification. Member States may request the granting of several exemptions in a single request.

The Commission shall assess the request in the light of the justification provided under the first subparagraph.

The Commission shall inform other Member States of the exemptions granted pursuant to this Article.

Article 35

Additional priorities for air transport infrastructure development

In the promotion of projects of common interest related to air transport infrastructure, and in addition to the priorities set out in Articles 12 and 13, attention shall be given to the following:

(a) increasing airport energy and operational efficiency;

(b) supporting the implementation of the single European sky and of interoperable systems, in particular those developed by the SESAR project in accordance with the European ATM Master Plan, including those aiming at ensuring safe and full integration of new air vehicles, manned and unmanned;

(d) improving multimodal interconnections between airports and infrastructure of other transport modes, and between airports and urban nodes where appropriate;

(e) improving sustainability and mitigating climate, environmental and noise impacts, in particular by introducing new technologies and innovation, alternative fuels, zero and low emission aircraft and zero and low carbon infrastructure and other alternative fuel infrastructure complying with Regulation (EU) 2023/1804, as well as fuels complying with Regulation (EU) 2023/2405 of the European Parliament and of the Council ([^E0034]);

(f) connection of the airports of the comprehensive network and core network with a total annual passenger traffic volume of less than 4 million passengers to the network and, where applicable, to corresponding urban nodes, as set out in Annex II, by railway, metro, light rail, tramways, cable car or, exceptionally, other zero emission public transport solutions; and

(g) infrastructure providing pre-conditioned air supply to stationary aircraft at remote stands, and at contact stands in the airports of the trans-European transport network with a total annual passenger traffic volume of less than 4 million passengers.

SECTION 6 Infrastructure for multimodal freight terminals

Article 36

Identification of the multimodal freight terminals

The multimodal freight terminals of the trans-European transport network are terminals that are open to all operators and users in a non-discriminatory way and are:

(a) located in or adjacent to the maritime ports of the trans-European transport network, as listed in Annex II;

(b) located in or adjacent to the inland ports of the trans-European transport network, as listed in Annex II;

(d) classified as rail road terminals or terminals along the inland waterways of the trans-European transport network, as listed in Annex II.

Member States shall make all possible efforts to ensure that there is sufficient multimodal freight terminal capacity serving the trans-European transport network, taking into account current and future traffic flows, in particular flows serving urban nodes, industrial centres, ports and logistics hubs.

By 19 July 2027, Member States shall conduct a market and prospective analysis on multimodal freight terminals on their territory. This analysis shall at least:

(a) examine the current and the future traffic flows of freight, per transport mode;

(b) identify the existing multimodal freight terminals of the trans-European transport network on their territory, and assess the need for new multimodal freight terminals or additional transhipment capacity in existing terminals; and

(c) analyse how to ensure adequate distribution of multimodal freight terminals with adequate transhipment capacity in order to meet the needs identified in point (b), this shall take into account the terminals located in border areas of neighbouring Member States.

Member States shall consult shippers, transport, logistics operators, as well as other relevant stakeholders which operate on their territory. They shall take into account the results of the consultation in their analysis.

Member States shall notify the results of the analysis to the Commission without delay.

Where the analysis referred to in paragraph 3 identifies the need for new multimodal freight terminals or additional transhipment capacity in existing terminals, Member States shall elaborate an action plan for the development of a multimodal freight terminal network, including locations where such needs have been identified.

The action plan shall be notified to the Commission no later than 12 months after finalising the analysis referred to in paragraph 3.

On the basis of that action plan, Member States shall notify to the Commission a list of rail road terminals and terminals along inland waterways which they propose to add to Annexes I and II.

In order to be part of the trans-European transport network and to be listed in Annex II, a rail road terminal or a terminal along inland waterways shall meet at least one of the following conditions:

(a) its annual transhipment of freight exceeds, for non-bulk cargo, 800 000 tonnes or, for bulk cargo, 0,1 % of the corresponding total annual cargo volume handled in all maritime ports of the Union;

(b) it is the main rail road terminal designated by the Member State for a NUTS 2 region, where there is no rail road terminal complying with point (a) in that NUTS 2 region;

Article 37

Infrastructure components

Multimodal freight terminals shall comprise, in particular:

(a) infrastructure interconnecting the different modes of transport within a terminal area and its vicinity;

(b) equipment such as cranes, conveyors or other transhipment devices to move freight between different transport modes and for the positioning and storage of freight;

(c) dedicated areas such as gate area, intermediate buffer and waiting area, transhipment area and driving or loading lanes;

(d) ICT systems for transport relevant for efficient terminal operations such as those that facilitate infrastructure capacity planning, transport operations, connections between the modes, and transhipment; and

(e) infrastructure for alternative fuels.

Article 38

Transport infrastructure requirements

Member States shall make all possible efforts to ensure in a fair and non-discriminatory manner that all multimodal freight terminals, which are open to all operators and users in non-discriminatory way and apply transparent and non-discriminatory charges in maritime ports and inland ports as listed in Annex II and in all rail road terminals and terminals along inland waterways specified in the maps set out in Annex I and listed in Annex II, meet the following requirements:

(a) they are connected to at least two modes of transport which are available in the area;

(b) they are, by 31 December 2030, equipped inside the terminal or within the 3 km distance from the terminal with at least one recharging station, as defined in Article 2, point (52), of Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 dedicated to serve heavy-duty vehicles, and, where appropriate, one refuelling station, as defined in Article 2, point (59), of that Regulation, used for hydrogen and dedicated to serve heavy-duty vehicles; and

(c) they are equipped with digital tools to facilitate by 31 December 2030:
(i) efficient terminal operations which may include, photogates, terminal operation system, driver digital check-in/check-out, cameras or other sensors on transhipment equipment as well as railside camera systems; and
(ii) the provision of information flows within a terminal and between the transport modes along the logistic chain and the terminal able to exchange information with open and interoperable systems.

Member States shall make all possible efforts to ensure in a fair and non-discriminatory manner that, by 31 December 2030, those multimodal freight terminals referred to in paragraph 1 which are connected to the rail network and which carry out vertical transhipment, have enough transhipment capacity and are able to handle the following types of craneable intermodal loading units: container, swap body or semi-trailer.

Member States shall make all possible efforts to ensure in a fair and non-discriminatory manner that multimodal freight terminals referred to in paragraph (1), which are connected to the core rail network or extended core rail network, shall be able to accommodate 740 m long trains without manipulation or, if this is not economically viable, that adequate measures are taken to improve the operational efficiency of accommodating 740 m long trains by 31 December 2040.

This paragraph shall not apply to multimodal freight terminals which are only connected to isolated rail networks.

At the request of a Member State, in duly justified cases, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts granting exemptions from the requirements referred to in this Article on the ground of specific geographical or significant physical constraints, in particular when the terminal is located in spatially restricted area, negative result of socio-economic cost-benefit analysis, or significant negative impacts on environment or biodiversity. Any such request shall be substantiated with sufficient justification. A Member State may request the granting of several exemptions in a single request.

The Commission shall assess the request in the light of the justification provided under the first subparagraph.

The Commission shall inform other Member States of the exemptions granted pursuant to this Article.

Article 39

Additional priorities for multimodal transport infrastructure development

In the promotion of projects of common interest related to multimodal transport infrastructure, and in addition to the general priorities set out in Articles 12 and 13, attention shall be given to the following:

(a) facilitating interconnections between different transport modes;

(b) removing the main technical and administrative barriers to multimodal transport, including by the implementation of eFTI;

(d) facilitating the interoperability for data sharing, access to data and data re-use within and between the transport modes;

(e) promoting, where appropriate, that sidings and multimodal freight terminals on the trans-European transport network allow for the handling of 740 m long trains without manipulation;

(f) extension and electrification of departure and arrival sidings, adjustments to signalling systems and improvements to the track configuration;

(g) promoting, where appropriate, that sidings are migrated to European nominal standard track gauge of 1 435 mm; and

(h) promoting multimodal transport infrastructure that facilitates an effective modal shift towards sustainable transport modes.

SECTION 7 Urban nodes

Article 40

Urban nodes components

An urban node shall comprise, in particular:

(a) transport infrastructure in the urban node that is part of the trans-European transport network, including bypasses; and

(b) access points to the trans-European transport network, which are open to all operators and users in a non-discriminatory way, notably ports, airports as well as railway stations, bus terminals and multimodal freight terminals.

The cities at the centre of each urban node of the trans-European transport network are listed in Annex II. In order to be part of the trans-European transport network and to be listed in Annex II, an urban node shall have a population of 100 000 inhabitants or more, or, where no such urban node exists in a NUTS 2 region, it shall be the main node of that NUTS 2 region.

Article 41

Urban nodes requirements

When developing the trans-European transport network in urban nodes, in order to ensure the effective functioning of the entire network without bottlenecks, Member States shall ensure:

(a) the availability of alternative fuels recharging and refuelling infrastructure, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1804;

(b) by 31 December 2027:
(i) the adoption and monitoring of a sustainable urban mobility plan (SUMP) for each urban node that includes inter alia measures to integrate the different modes of transport and shift towards sustainable mobility, to promote efficient zero and low emission mobility including urban logistics, to reduce air and noise pollution and where appropriate, to assess the user’s accessibility to transport; and
(ii) the collection and submission to the Commission of urban mobility data per urban node in the fields of sustainability, safety and accessibility according to the indicators and methodology referred to in paragraph 2;

(c) by 31 December 2030, the development of multimodal passenger hubs to facilitate first and last mile connections, including the facilitation of access to public transport infrastructure and active mobility, and which are equipped with at least one recharging station as defined in Article 2, point (52), of Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 dedicated to serve buses and coaches; Member States shall also examine the development in such hubs of a refuelling station, as defined in Article 2, point (59), of that Regulation, used for hydrogen dedicated to serve buses and coaches; and

(d) by 31 December 2040, the development, subject to a socio-economic cost-benefit analysis, of at least one multimodal freight terminal, if such a terminal does not already exist, allowing for sufficient transhipment capacity within or in the vicinity of the urban node.

One multimodal freight terminal may serve several urban nodes and be located in the urban node itself or in its vicinity. Member States shall inform the Commission accordingly.

When adopting and monitoring the SUMPs, local authorities, in cooperation with national authorities where relevant, shall make all possible efforts to ensure that SUMPs are in line with the guidelines in Annex V while also taking into consideration long distance trans-European transport flows.

No later than by 19 July 2025, the Commission shall adopt an implementing act:

(a) defining, in a limited number, the indicators to be used for data collection provided for under paragraph 1, point (b), of this Article;

(b) establishing a methodology for the collection and submission of data pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Article; and

Those deadlines shall be set from three to five years.

The implementing act shall be prepared in close cooperation with Member States and their regional and local authorities and when doing so, the availability and accessibility of data at local level, as well as existing urban mobility plans, shall be taken into consideration.

That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 61(3).

The Commission shall also establish, no later than 19 July 2025, an internet interface allowing the relevant authorities to submit the SUMPs and the indicators referred to in paragraph 1, point (b), and allowing the Member States to ensure that the SUMPs and the indicators have been submitted.

By 19 July 2025, the Member States shall, without prejudice to Article 8(5), designate a national SUMP contact point and shall establish a national SUMP programme with the aim of supporting the urban nodes to adopt and to implement the SUMPs referred to in paragraph 1, point (b), point (i) of this Article.

Article 42

Additional priorities for urban nodes

In the promotion of projects of common interest related to urban nodes, and in addition to the general priorities set out in Articles 12 and 13, attention shall be given to the following:

(a) first and last mile connections between and to the access points to the trans-European transport network referred to in Article 40(1), point (b), in order to increase the performance of the trans-European transport network, such as metros or tramways;

(b) seamless interconnection between the infrastructure of the trans-European transport network and the infrastructure for regional and local sustainable transport, which may include:
(i) for passengers, the ability to access information, book, pay their journeys and retrieve their tickets through multimodal digital mobility services in order to allow for optimised itineraries for vehicles with a view to improving the management of traffic flows, road safety and reducing congestion and air pollution; and
(ii) for freight, urban logistic facilities to enhance the consolidation of deliveries in urban areas, such as micro-hubs and cycle logistic hubs, in particular those connected with railway and waterborne transport infrastructure;

(c) sustainable, seamless and safe interconnection of passenger transport infrastructure between rail, road, and, as appropriate, inland waterway, air, and maritime, including the integration of infrastructure for active modes, especially when building or upgrading transport infrastructure;

(d) sustainable, seamless and safe interconnection of freight transport infrastructure between rail, road, and as appropriate, inland waterway, air, and maritime, as well as appropriate connections with logistics platforms and facilities;

(e) mitigation of the exposure of urban areas to negative effects of transiting rail and road transport;

(f) promotion of efficient and low-noise zero emission transport and mobility, including greening urban fleets for passengers and freight;

(g) where appropriate, increase of the modal share of public transport and of active modes through measures to orientate primarily the mobility of passengers in favour of these modes, including safe and secure infrastructure for active modes;

(h) promotion of efficient low-noise and low-carbon urban freight delivery;

(i) where appropriate, increase of accessibility and connectivity between urban and rural areas and access to smart, sustainable and affordable transport; and

(j) the adoption of concrete measures fostering the wider deployment of ICT tools and intelligent transport systems, with open access to all operators, to allow optimised itineraries for vehicles with a view to improving the management of traffic flows, reducing congestion, air pollution and improving road safety, as well as real-time information on availability of alternative fuels infrastructure.

CHAPTER IV PROVISIONS FOR SMART AND RESILIENT TRANSPORT

Article 43

ICT systems for transport

ICT systems for transport shall be such as to enable capacity and traffic management and the exchange of information within and between transport modes, for multimodal transport operations and value-added transport-related services, improvements in resilience, safety, security, congestion and operational and environmental performance, and simplified administrative procedures. ICT systems for transport shall also facilitate seamless connection between infrastructure and mobile assets.

The following ICT systems for transport shall be deployed in accordance with and within the limits of specific provisions laid down in Union law, across the Union, in order to ensure the presence of a set of interoperable basic capabilities in all Member States:

(a) for railways: ERTMS, telematics applications for freight and passenger services as referred to in the Technical Specification for Interoperability, in particular outputs from Shift2Rail and Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking;

(b) for inland waterways: RIS;

(d) for maritime transport: for vessel traffic management VTMIS services and for information exchange the EMSWe;

(e) for air transport: ATM/ANS systems, in particular those resulting from the SESAR project; and

(f) for multimodal transport: eFTI.

Member States may also promote other ICT systems for transport, where relevant, in a coordinated and harmonised way on the trans-European transport network. These may include digitalisation improvements for railways, the promotion of the Union Mobility Data Space and frameworks facilitating business to business data exchange, where established by the Union, for supply chain transparency and optimisation and appropriate ICT infrastructure allowing for smart enforcement based on the exchange of real-time data between economic operators and enforcement authorities necessary to check compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including while vehicles are in motion.

Article 44

Sustainable freight transport services

Member States shall promote projects of common interest which both provide efficient freight transport services that use the infrastructure of the trans-European transport network and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other negative socio-economic and environmental impacts, such as air and noise pollution, and which aim to:

(a) improve sustainable use of transport infrastructure, including its efficient management;

(b) promote the deployment of innovative transport services, including short-sea shipping links in the framework of the European Maritime Space, ICT systems for transport and the development of the ancillary infrastructure necessary to achieve mainly environmental and safety-related goals of those services;

(c) facilitate multimodal transport service operations, including the necessary accompanying information flows, and improve cooperation of the participants of the logistic chain, including shippers, operators, service providers and their customers;

(d) stimulate resource efficiency and zero and low emission operation, in particular in the fields of technologies, operations, vehicle traction, driving/steaming, systems and operations planning; or

(e) improve links to the most vulnerable and isolated parts of the Union, in particular the outermost regions, and other remote, insular, peripheral and mountainous regions, as well as sparsely populated areas promoting regular and frequent services.

Article 45

New technologies and innovation

In order for the trans-European transport network to keep up with innovative technological developments and deployments, the Member States and the Commission shall, in a coordinated way, promote projects of common interests which aim in particular to:

(a) support and promote the decarbonisation of transport through transition to zero and low emission vehicles, trains, vessels and aircraft powered by alternative fuels and other innovative and sustainable transport and network technologies;

(b) promote sustainable emerging technologies to enhance and ease the transport and mobility of passengers and freight;

(c) enhance the decarbonisation of all transport modes by stimulating energy efficiency, introduce zero and low emission solutions powered by alternative fuels, and provide corresponding infrastructure, where possible through synergies with the trans-European energy network;

(d) support the take-up and deployment of new digital technologies, in particular promote data exchange and connectivity infrastructure with uninterrupted coverage across the network to ensure the highest level and performance of digital infrastructure and reach higher levels of automation, with special focus on the rail sector;

(e) improve the safety and sustainability of the movement of persons and of the transport of goods;

(f) improve the operation, management, accessibility, interoperability, multimodality and efficiency of the network, including through the development of multimodal digital mobility services such as the development of ‘Mobility as a Service’ solutions;

(g) promote efficient ways to provide accessible and comprehensible information to all users and providers of transport services regarding interconnections, interoperability and multimodality and regarding the environmental impacts of their transport choices;

(h) promote measures to reduce negative externalities, such as congestion, damage to health and pollution of any kind including noise and emissions;

(i) introduce security technology;

(j) improve transport infrastructure resilience against disruptions and climate change through infrastructure upgrades and design, as well as digital, cyber secure solutions aimed at the protection of the network in the context of natural and human-made disasters; and

(k) further advance the development and deployment of ICT systems and new technologies for transport within and between modes of transport. For the purposes of point (c) of the first paragraph, corresponding transport infrastructure may:
(a) include grid access, pipelines and other facilities necessary for the energy supply;
(b) take account of the infrastructure-vehicle interface, including smart and bi-directional recharging;
(c) include ICT systems for transport;
(d) act as energy hub serving different transport modes, in order to connect local production of clean energy with zero-emission mobility applications; and
(e) contribute to the deployment of other technologies accelerating the decarbonisation of the economy.

Article 46

Resilience of infrastructure

When projects of common interest are planned and implemented, Member States shall make all appropriate efforts to improve the security and resilience of the infrastructure to climate change, natural hazards, hybrid threats, human-made disasters, accidents, and operational interruptions, as well as intentional disruptions affecting the functioning of the Union transport system. In particular, consideration shall be given to:

(a) interdependencies, linkages and cascading effects with other networks such as telecommunication and electricity network;

(b) safety, security and performance in the presence of multiple hazards;

(c) structural infrastructure quality during its whole lifecycle, with particular attention to the environmental conditions and the future projected climate conditions;

(d) civil protection needs to react to disruptions, including those for the transport of dangerous goods; and

(e) cyber-security and resilience of infrastructure, with particular attention to cross-border infrastructure.

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