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)

(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.

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

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

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.

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;

(c) developing a smooth flow of information enabling transport services across the trans-European transport system;

(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.

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.

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

(c) specifying individual deadlines for submitting such data.

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).

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

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;

(c) for road transport: ITS;

(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.

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.

Article 47

Risks to security or public order

In determining whether the participation or the contribution of an undertaking of a third country in a project of common interest is likely to affect infrastructure on grounds of security or public order, Member States may consider its potential effects on, inter alia:

(a) the supply of inputs essential for the building, operation and maintenance of the infrastructure; and

(b) the access to sensitive information, including personal data, or the ability to control such information in conjunction with the building, operation and maintenance of the infrastructure.

Member States may also take into account, in particular, the factors listed in Article 4(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/452.

Article 48

Military mobility

Article 49

Maintenance and project life cycle

Without prejudice to the responsibility of the Member States regarding the planning, financing and management of the maintenance of infrastructure, and to the budgetary principle of annuality, where applicable, Member States shall make all possible efforts to ensure:

(a) the infrastructure of the trans-European transport network is maintained in a way that it provides, during its lifetime, a high level of service and safety adapted to the traffic flow, and that preventive maintenance needs, improvements to its resilience and estimated costs over the life-time of the infrastructure are taken into account in the planning phase of construction or upgrading;

(b) long term maintenance planning for road and where relevant, for inland waterway infrastructure; and

(c) consistency between the maintenance and renewal needs in the case of railway infrastructure related to the development of the trans-European network for transport and the indicative rail infrastructure development strategy referred to in Article 8(1) of Directive 2012/34/EU and the contractual agreement referred to in Article 30 of Directive 2012/34/EU.

Article 50

Accessibility for all users

Trans-European transport infrastructure shall allow seamless mobility and accessibility for all users, in particular:

(a) people in situations of transport poverty or vulnerability including persons with disabilities or reduced mobility; and

(b) people living in outermost regions and other remote, rural, insular, peripheral and mountainous regions, as well as sparsely populated areas.

CHAPTER V

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INSTRUMENTS OF EUROPEAN TRANSPORT CORRIDORS AND HORIZONTAL PRIORITIES

Article 51

The instrument of European Transport Corridors and horizontal priorities

In order to lead to resource-efficient multimodal transport and to contribute to cohesion through improved territorial cooperation, the European Transport Corridors shall be focused on:

(a) modal integration with a particular view to strengthening the most environmentally friendly transport modes, notably rail, inland waterways and short-sea shipping;

(b) interoperability and continuity of the network;

(c) a coordinated development of infrastructure for all transport modes, in particular in cross-border sections, notably with a view to developing an interoperable rail freight system as well as a performant long-distance rail passenger network, including at high speed, across the Union, as well as with a view to ensuring an efficient and sustainable integration of inland waterway and maritime infrastructure with other modes of transport;

(d) supporting the coordinated and integrated development and deployment of innovative solutions for the digitalisation and interoperability of transport; and

(e) promoting the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure.

Article 52

Coordination of European Transport Corridors and horizontal priorities

The European Coordinators shall:

(a) support the coordinated implementation of the European Transport Corridor or horizontal priority concerned;

(b) draw up a work plan together with the Member States concerned and, where relevant, in consultation with neighbouring countries which are part of the European Transport Corridors, and monitor its implementation in accordance with Article 54;

(c) consult with the Corridor Forum or the consultative forum for the horizontal priorities respectively in relation to that work plan and its implementation and regularly inform the Forum on the implementation of the work plan;

(d) report to the Member States, to the neighbouring countries that are part of the European Transport Corridors, to the European Parliament and to the Commission and, as appropriate, to other entities directly involved in the development of the European Transport Corridor or horizontal priority on any difficulties encountered and, in particular when the development of a corridor or horizontal priority is being impeded, with a view to helping to find appropriate solutions; and

(e) submit an annual status report to the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission and the Member States concerned on the progress achieved in implementing the European Transport Corridors and horizontal priorities; that annual status report shall focus on the progress made on key priorities and investments, describe the nature of problems encountered in their implementation, and suggests potential solutions.

Without prejudice to the competences of the rail freight governance under Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 and to the competence of the Member States with respect to management and financing of infrastructure, the European Coordinators of the European Transport Corridors shall cooperate closely with the Member States concerned and the rail freight governance in order to:

(a) help identify priorities and investment needs for rail freight on the rail freight lines of the European Transport Corridors taking into account the benefits provided to the trans-European transport network and the overall completion dates as set out in this Regulation; and

(b) monitor the performance of rail freight services, and identify potential barriers, such as technical, administrative and operational ones, with a particular focus on the cross-border dimension, and make recommendations in this regard, where relevant.

The European Coordinators of the European Transport Corridors shall:

(a) cooperate closely with the Member States concerned in order to help identify priorities and investment needs for the rail passenger lines of the European Transport Corridors; and

(b) monitor the performance of rail passenger services, and identify potential barriers, such as technical, administrative and operational ones, with a particular focus on the cross-border dimension, and make recommendations in this regard, where relevant.

Article 53

Governance of European Transport Corridors and horizontal priorities

With the agreement of the Member States concerned, the European Coordinator may set up and chair corridor working groups which focus on:

(a) interoperability and deployment of new technologies and infrastructure;

(b) the coordinated development and implementation of infrastructure projects in cross-border sections;

(c) cross-border passenger rail services;

(d) operational bottlenecks;

(e) urban nodes;

(f) cooperation with third countries; and

(g) other topics deemed to be necessary.

Where relevant, the European Coordinator shall cooperate and coordinate with the rail freight governance on the activities of the working groups to avoid any duplication of work.

Article 54

Work plan of the European Coordinator

When drafting the work plan, the European Coordinator shall take into account the implementation plan referred to in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 913/2010.

The work plan for the European Transport Corridor shall provide a detailed analysis of the state of implementation of the corridor concerned, which includes in particular:

(a) a description of the characteristics of the corridor, in particular the cross-border sections;

(b) an analysis of the state of compliance of the corridor with the transport infrastructure requirements of this Regulation and its related progress achieved, including potential delays;

(c) an identification of the missing links and bottlenecks hampering the development of the corridor, with particular attention to the cross-border sections;

(d) an analysis of the investments required, including the different financing and funding sources committed or envisaged, or both, for the implementation of the projects needed for the development and completion of the corridor, in particular the cross-border sections;

(e) a description of possible solutions to address the investment needs and bottlenecks, in particular for the passenger and freight lines and links of the corridor, with the objective of meeting the deadlines set out in this Regulation;

(f) a plan, that may contain intermediate indicative milestones, for the removal of physical, technical, digital, operational and administrative barriers between and within transport modes and for the enhancement of efficient and accessible multimodal transport with particular attention to rail and its cross-border sections and national missing links. For the analysis of the investments and the preparation of the plan, the European Coordinator shall: (i) take into account national plans and programmes referred to in Article 60(1) of this Regulation; (ii) cooperate with the executive board and the management board of the corridor in line with Article 11 of Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 for the aspects related to rail freight; (iii) take into account the corridor relevant elements of the analysis, the action plans elaborated by the Member States pursuant to Article 36(4) of this Regulation and the list referred to in Article 18, point (b), of Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 for the aspects related to the multimodal freight terminals; (iv) take into account the results of the monitoring performed in accordance with article 52 (7), point (b), for the aspect related to passenger services; and (v) take into account the recommendations of the European Court of Auditors and the works of the designated authorities as set out in Directive (EU) 2021/1187;

(g) the results of the performance monitoring of rail freight traffic undertaken by the rail freight governance in accordance with Article 19(2) of Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 and the list of corridor objectives, targets and measures defined in accordance with Article 9(1) of Regulation (EU) No 913/2010, as means to reach the operational priorities of Article 19 of this Regulation;

(h) an identification of measures in urban nodes, in cooperation with the Member States concerned, relevant local authorities and the national SUMP contact points, which can contribute to the effective functioning of the freight and passenger transport on the corridor and the achievement of the objectives of the trans-European transport network, while being consistent with relevant SUMPs;

(i) an identification, in cooperation with the Member States concerned, of priorities for the development of the corridor;

(j) an analysis of the possible impacts of climate change on the infrastructure and, where appropriate, proposed measures to enhance resilience to climate change; and

(k) measures to be taken in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, noise and, as appropriate, other negative externalities.

The European Coordinator shall offer support to the Member States and, where appropriate and relevant, neighbouring countries in implementing the work plan, in particular as regards:

(a) the priority setting in national planning, by helping to identify implementation problems and bottlenecks, including operational issues, on each corridor or for each horizontal priority;

(b) the project and investment planning, the related costs and implementation timeline estimated to implement the European Transport Corridors or horizontal priority; and

(c) the work in the supervisory body or a similar steering body of a single entity, where relevant, for the coordination, construction or management of cross-border infrastructure projects, in accordance with Article 8(6).

Article 55

Implementing acts

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

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

Article 56

Cooperation with neighbouring countries involved in the European Transport Corridors and the horizontal priorities

CHAPTER VI

COMMON PROVISIONS

Article 57

Reporting and monitoring

The Commission shall also ensure that TENtec does not make publicly available any information which is confidential or which could prejudice or unduly influence any process of public procurement in a Member State.

Article 58

Updating of the network

Subject to the approval of the Member State concerned in accordance with Article 172, second paragraph, TFEU, the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 62 of this Regulation to amend its Annexes I and II, in order to:

(a) take account of changes resulting from the quantitative thresholds laid down in Article 21(3), point (a), Article 25(4), points (a) and (b), and Article 33(2) and from the quantitative thresholds and qualitative requirements set out in Article 25(4), point (c); in that respect, the Commission shall: (i) include inland ports, maritime ports and airports in the comprehensive network, if it is demonstrated that the latest three-year average of their traffic volume exceeds the relevant threshold; and (ii) exclude maritime ports and airports from the comprehensive network, if it is demonstrated that the average of their traffic volume over the last six years is below 85 % of the relevant threshold except for maritime ports included in the comprehensive network for which the conditions set out in Article 25(4), point (d) or (e), are met, or at the request of the Member State concerned;

(b) include inland ports, maritime ports and airports in the comprehensive or core network, at the request of the Member State concerned, where this infrastructure has acquired further European added value due to its geostrategic importance for the Union and where it is demonstrated that the requirements of the relevant section in Chapter III are complied with or, alternatively, where it is reasonably justified that the relevant deadlines for the compliance of these requirements will be accomplished;

(c) include urban nodes in the trans-European transport network, if it is demonstrated that they meet the requirements set out in Article 40(2);

(d) exclude urban nodes from the trans-European transport network if it is demonstrated that they no longer meet the requirements set out in Article 40(2), at the request of the Member State concerned;

(e) exclude urban nodes that meet the requirements set out in Article 40(2) from the trans-European transport network at the request of the Member State concerned, in exceptional and duly justified cases, with the agreement of the relevant authorities of the urban node concerned;

(f) include in the trans-European transport network rail road terminals and terminals along inland waterways identified by the Member State in accordance with Article 36(5), exclude rail road terminals from the trans-European transport network at the request of the Member State concerned or exclude multimodal freight terminal referred to in Article 36(1), points (a), (b) and (c) at the request of the Member States concerned; or

(g) adjust, on the basis of the information provided by the Member State concerned in accordance with Article 57(1), the maps for road, railway and inland waterway infrastructure in a strictly limited way so as to reflect progress made in completing the network; when adjusting those maps, the Commission shall not make any adjustment in route alignment beyond that which is allowed by the relevant project authorising decision.

The adaptations referred to in point (a) of the first subparagraph shall be based on the latest available statistics published by Eurostat or, if those statistics are not available, by the national statistics offices of the Member States, while excluding years impacted by unforeseen events causing significant declines in traffic flows.

When excluding urban nodes from the trans-European transport network, as referred to in point (d) of the first subparagraph, at the request of the Member State, the request shall be accompanied by the opinion of the relevant authorities of the urban node concerned.

The adjustment referred to in point (g) of the first subparagraph may include the adaptation of the status of new constructions which are marked as dotted lines on the maps of the Annexes including, subject to the consent of the neighbouring Member State or Member States, their cross-border connections. The adjustment may also include the upgrade of cross-border sections, subject to the consent of both Member States involved.

A delegated act including an urban node in Annex II, pursuant to paragraph 1, point (c), of this Article, shall:

(a) extend the deadlines laid down in Article 41(1), points (b) and (c), by three years, until 31 December 2030 and 31 December 2033 respectively; and, for those urban nodes included in Annex II after the deadlines laid down in Article 41(1), point (b) or (c), have expired, extend those deadlines by three years after the entry into force of that delegated act; and

(b) extend the applicable deadline for meeting the requirements under Article 41(1), point (d), by five years, until 31 December 2045; and, for those urban nodes included in Annex II after the deadline laid down in Article 41(1), point (d), has expired, extend that deadline by five years after the entry into force of that delegated act.

A delegated act including a rail road terminal in Annexes I and II, pursuant to paragraph 1, point (f), of this Article shall:

(a) extend the deadlines laid down by Article 38(1), point (c), and Article 38(2) by three years, until 31 December 2033; and, for those rail road terminals included in Annexes I and II after the deadlines laid down in Article 38(1), point (c), and Article 38(2) have expired, extent those deadlines by three years after the entry into force of that delegated act; and

(b) extend the deadline laid down by Article 38(3) by five years, until 31 December 2045; and, for those rail road terminals included in Annexes I and II after the deadline laid down in Article 38(3) has expired, extend that deadline by five years after the entry into force of that delegated act.

Projects of common interest concerning infrastructure which have been excluded from the trans-European transport network shall cease to be eligible from the date of entry into force of the delegated acts adopted pursuant to paragraph 1. The cessation of eligibility shall not affect financing or grant decisions taken by the Commission before that date.

Article 59

Engagement with public and private stakeholders

National procedures regarding the involvement and consultation of regional and local authorities and civil society concerned by a project of common interest shall be complied with, where appropriate, in the planning and construction phase of a project. For projects of common interest that fall within the scope of Directive (EU) 2021/1187, its requirements must be respected. The Commission shall promote the exchange of good practice in this regard, notably as regards the consultation and inclusion of people in situations of vulnerability.

Article 60

Alignment of national plans with Union transport policy

The Commission may issue an opinion on the coherence of the draft national plans and programmes with the priorities set out in this Regulation and with the priorities set out in the work plans of the corresponding European Transport Corridors and of the horizontal priorities and in the implementing acts adopted in accordance with Article 55(1) and (2). The opinion shall not affect the validity of the national plans and programmes and shall not prevent their adoption and application.

Member States shall also provide the Commission with the final national plans or programmes once adopted.

Article 61

Committee procedure

Where the committee delivers no opinion, the Commission shall not adopt the draft implementing act and the third paragraph of Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

Article 62

Exercise of delegation

Article 63

Review

The assessment shall take into account the annual status report and the work plans drawn up by the European Coordinators pursuant to Article 52(5), point (e), and Article 54(1) respectively, as well as the national plans and programmes referred to in Article 60(1).

By 31 December 2033, the Commission, having consulted with Member States as appropriate and with the assistance of the European Coordinators, shall carry out a review of the implementation of the extended core network and the comprehensive network, evaluating:

(a) compliance with this Regulation;

(b) progress in the implementation of this Regulation, including any potential delays;

(c) changes in passenger and freight transport flows;

(d) developments in national transport infrastructure investment; and

(e) the need for amendments to this Regulation.

The evaluation shall also consider the impact of evolving traffic patterns and relevant developments in infrastructure investment plans.

Article 64

Delay in completion of the core network, the extended core network and the comprehensive network

Article 65

Exemptions

The provisions relating to railways, and in particular any requirement to connect airports and ports to railways, as well as the provisions related to multimodal freight terminals shall not apply to Cyprus, Malta, islands and outermost regions for as long as no railway system is established within their territory. The provisions relating to safe and secure parking shall not apply to Cyprus, Malta, islands and outermost regions.

The provisions related to European standard nominal track gauge of 1 435  mm for rail in Article 17 shall not apply to Ireland, islands and outermost regions.

Article 66

Amendments to Regulation (EU) 2021/1153

Annex to Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 is amended in accordance with Annex VI to this Regulation.

Article 67

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 913/2010

Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 1 is replaced by the following: ‘Article 1 Purpose and scope

;

(2) Article 2 is replaced by the following: ‘Article 2 Definitions

(a) “freight corridor” means the freight railway lines of the European Transport Corridor as specified in Article 11(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and the Council of 13 July 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (^*2) and in Annex III to that Regulation, including the railway infrastructure and its equipment and relevant rail services in accordance with Directive 2012/34/EU; (b) “implementation plan” means the document presenting the means, the strategy and the measures that the parties concerned intend to implement which are necessary and sufficient to organise and manage the freight corridor; (c) “terminal” means the installation provided along the freight corridor which has been specially arranged to allow either the loading or the unloading of goods onto or from freight trains, and the integration of rail freight services with road, maritime, river and air services, and either the forming or modification of the composition of freight trains; and, where necessary, performing border procedures at borders with European third countries; (d) “European Coordinator” means the Coordinator referred to in Article 52 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679.

(3) the title of Chapter II is replaced by the following: ‘ ORGANISATION AND GOVERNANCE OF THE FREIGHT CORRIDORS ’;

(4) Article 3 is replaced by the following: ‘Article 3 Organisation and governance of freight corridors

;

(5) Articles 4 to 7 are deleted;

(6) Article 8 is amended as follows: (a) paragraphs 1 and 2 are replaced by the following: ‘1. For each freight corridor, Member States concerned shall establish an executive board responsible for defining the general objectives of the freight corridor, supervising and taking the measures as expressly provided for in paragraph 7 of this Article, and in Articles 9 and 11, Article 14(1) and Article 22. The executive board shall be composed of representatives of the authorities of the Member States concerned. The executive board shall regularly assess the consistency between the general objectives and the objectives defined by the management board in accordance with Article 9(1), point (c).

; (b) the following paragraphs are inserted: ‘2a. A Member State which made use of Article 5(4) before 18 July 2024 may decide that, for a period not exceeding 10 years from 18 July 2024, an infrastructure manager responsible for the railway infrastructure on its territory shall not participate in the management board set up pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article. The Member State concerned shall notify without delay the Commission and the other Member States participating in the freight corridor concerned of its decision. In that case, the Member State and the infrastructure manager concerned shall cooperate with the management board where necessary for the execution of the functions of that board. A Member State making use of the first subparagraph of this paragraph may, at any time thereafter during the 10 year-period referred therein, decide that an infrastructure manager responsible for the railway infrastructure on its territory shall participate in the management board set up pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article. It shall notify without delay the Commission and the other Member States participating in the freight corridor concerned of its decision. 2b. Ireland may decide that the representatives of its authorities and an infrastructure manager responsible for the railway infrastructure on its territory shall not participate in the executive board, in the management board set up pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2, or in both. Ireland shall notify without delay the Commission and the other Member States participating in the freight corridor concerned of its decision. In that case, the authorities and the infrastructure manager or managers concerned shall cooperate with the executive board and the management board where necessary for the execution of the functions of those boards. Ireland may, at any time thereafter, decide that the representatives of its authorities and the infrastructure manager or managers responsible for the railway infrastructure on its territory shall participate in the executive board, the management board set up pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2, or in both. It shall notify without delay the Commission and the other Member States participating in the freight corridor concerned of its decision.’ ; (c) paragraphs 4 to 8 are replaced by the following: ‘4. The executive board shall take its decisions on the basis of mutual consent of the representatives of the authorities of the Member States concerned participating in the executive board.

(d) the following paragraph is added: ‘10. The executive board and the management board shall cooperate with the European Coordinator concerned by the freight corridor to support the development of rail freight traffic along the corridor.’ ;

(7) Article 9 is replaced by the following: ‘Article 9 Measures for developing the freight corridor

This plan shall include: (a) a description of the characteristics of the freight corridor, including bottlenecks, and the programme of measures necessary to improve its organisation and management; (b) the essential elements of the study referred to in paragraph 3; (c) the objectives for the freight corridors, in particular in terms of performance of the freight corridor expressed as the quality of the service and the capacity of the freight corridor in accordance with Article 19 of this Regulation, and, where relevant, quantitative or qualitative targets relating to these objectives. The objectives and the targets shall take into account the priorities set out in Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679; (d) the measures to implement Articles 12 to 19 and the measures to improve the performance of the freight corridor, based on the results of the assessment referred to in Article 19(3), with a view to achieving the objectives and targets referred to in point (c) of this paragraph; (e) the views and assessment of the advisory groups referred to in Articles 8(7) and (8) with respect to corridor development; (f) a summary of the cooperation and the results of the consultation referred to in Article 11, including the opinions of the advisory groups referred to in Articles 8(7) and (8) and a summary of the responses of other stakeholders. When drawing up the implementation plan, the management board shall take into account the objectives and measures contained in the work plan of the European Coordinator, referred to in Article 54 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679. The implementation plan shall include a reference to the elements of the work plan which are relevant for rail freight traffic along the corridor. The management board shall regularly review and adjust the targets referred to in point (c) of this paragrah and the measures referred to in point (d) of this paragraph, based on the assessment referred to in Article 19(3) following the consultation of the advisory groups referred to in Articles 8(7) and (8) and the European Coordinator.

;

(8) Article 11 is replaced by the following: ‘Article 11 Investment planning

(a) capacity needs of rail freight transport relevant for infrastructure and investment planning, in particular as regards freight trains with a length of no less than 740 m, taking into account the need for capacity pursuant to Article 14(2) of this Regulation and any infrastructure declared congested pursuant to Article 47 of Directive 2012/34/EU; (b) Trans-European transport network infrastructure requirements relevant for rail freight transport as defined in Chapters II and III of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679; (c) need for targeted investments to remove local bottlenecks, improvements to nodes and rail access routes or technical equipment enhancing operational performance.’ ;

(9) in Article 13 paragraphs 3 and 4 are replaced by the following: ‘3. The one-stop shop shall take a decision with regard to applications for pre-arranged train paths specified in Article 14(3) and for the reserve capacity specified in Article 14(5). It shall allocate the capacity in line with rules regarding capacity allocation as set out in Directive 2012/34/EU. It shall inform the competent infrastructure managers of these applications and the decision taken without delay.

;

(10) Article 14 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: ‘1. The executive board shall define the framework for the allocation of the infrastructure capacity on the freight corridor in accordance with Article 39 of Directive 2012/34/EU.’ ; (b) paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: ‘3. On the basis of the evaluation specified in paragraph 2 of this Article, infrastructure managers of the freight corridor shall jointly define and organise international pre-arranged train paths for freight trains following the procedure referred to in Article 10 of Directive 2012/34/EU recognising the need for capacity of other types of transport, including passenger transport. They shall facilitate journey times, frequencies, times of departure and destination and routings suitable for freight transport services with a view to increasing the transport of goods by freight trains running on the freight corridor. These pre-arranged train paths shall be published not later than 3 months before the final date for receipt of requests for capacity referred to in Annex VII to Directive 2012/34/EU. The infrastructure managers of several freight corridors may, if necessary, coordinate international prearranged train paths offering capacity on the freight corridors concerned.’ ; (c) paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: ‘5. Infrastructure managers shall, if justified by market need and the evaluation as referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, jointly define the reserve capacity for international freight trains running on the freight corridors recognising the need for capacity of other types of transport, including passenger transport and keep this reserve available within their final working timetables to allow for a quick and appropriate response to ad hoc requests for capacity as referred to in Article 48 of Directive 2012/34/EU. This capacity shall be reserved until the time limit before its scheduled time as decided by the management board. This time limit shall not exceed 60 days.’ ; (d) paragraph 8 is replaced by the following: ‘8. Save in the case of force majeure, including urgent and unforeseeable safety-critical work, a train path allocated to a freight operation pursuant to this Article may not be cancelled less than two months before its scheduled time in the working timetable if the applicant concerned does not give its approval for such cancellation. In such a case the infrastructure manager concerned shall make an effort to propose to the applicant a train path of an equivalent quality and reliability which the applicant has the right to accept or refuse. This provision shall be without prejudice to any rights the applicant may have under an agreement as referred to in Article 44(1) of Directive 2012/34/EU. In any case, the applicant may refer the matter to the regulatory body referred to in Article 20 of this Regulation.’ ; (e) paragraph 10 is replaced by the following: ‘10. In paragraphs 4 and 9 of this Article, references to infrastructure managers shall include, where relevant, allocation bodies as referred to in Article 7(2) of Directive 2012/34/EU.’ ;

(11) Article 15 is replaced by the following: ‘Article 15 Authorised applicants Notwithstanding Article 41(1) of Directive 2012/34/EU, applicants other than railway undertakings or the international groupings that they make up, such as shippers, freight forwarders and combined transport operators, may request international pre-arranged train paths specified in Article 14(3) and the reserve capacity specified in Article 14(5). In order to use such a train path for freight transport on the freight corridor these applicants shall appoint a railway undertaking to conclude an agreement with the infrastructure manager in accordance with Article 28 of Directive 2012/34/EU.’

(12) Article 17(2) is replaced by the following: ‘2. Each infrastructure manager concerned shall draw up priority rules for the management between the different types of traffic in the part of the freight corridors within the responsibility of that infrastructure manager in accordance with the common targets or guidelines referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, or both. Those priority rules shall be published in the network statement referred to in Article 27 of Directive 2012/34/EU.’ ;

(13) Article 18, point (a), is replaced by the following: ‘(a) all the information contained in the network statement for national networks regarding the freight corridor, drawn up in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 27 of Directive 2012/34/EU;’ ;

(14) Article 19 is replaced by the following: ‘Article 19 Quality of service on the freight corridor

;

(15) Article 20 is amended as follows: (a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: ‘1. The regulatory bodies referred to in Article 55 of Directive 2012/34/EU shall cooperate in monitoring the competition in the rail freight corridor. In particular, they shall ensure non-discriminatory access to the corridor and shall be responsible for the appeal provided for under Article 56(1) of that Directive. They shall exchange the necessary information obtained from infrastructure managers and other relevant parties.’ ; (b) paragraph 6 is replaced by the following: ‘6. Any associated representatives of infrastructure managers as referred to in Article 40(1), second subparagraph, of Directive 2012/34/EU shall ensure provision, without delay, of all the information necessary for the purpose of the handling of the complaint or the investigation referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article and requested by the regulatory body of the Member State in which the associated representative is located. This regulatory body shall be entitled to transfer such information regarding the international train path concerned to the regulatory bodies mentioned in paragraph 3 of this Article’ ;

(16) Article 21 is deleted;

(17) Articles 22 and 23 are replaced by the following: ‘Article 22 Monitoring implementation Every four years from the time of the establishment of a freight corridor, the executive board referred to in Article 8(1) of this Regulation shall present to the Commission the results of the implementation plan for that corridor. The Commission shall analyse those results and notify the Committee referred to in Article 62 of Directive 2012/34/EU of its analysis.

Article 23

Report The Commission shall periodically examine the application of this Regulation. It shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council, for the first time by 10 November 2015, and every four years thereafter.’

(18) the Annex is deleted.

Article 68

Repeal

Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 is repealed with effect from 18 July 2024.

References to the repealed Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 shall be construed as references to this Regulation and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex VII.

Article 69

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

(The Annexes are not reproduced here for technical reasons. For their content, please refer to https://www.europarl.europa.eu/tent/en)

ANNEX I

ANNEX II