Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council [1] sets out a common framework for the creation of state-of-the-art, interoperable networks for the development of the internal market. The trans-European transport networks (TEN-T) have a dual layer structure: the comprehensive network ensures connectivity of all regions of the Union whereas the core network consists of those elements of the network which are of the highest strategic importance for the Union . Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 defines binding completion targets for implementation, with the core network to be completed by 2030 and the comprehensive network by 2050.

Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council [1] sets out a common framework for the creation of state-of-the-art, interoperable networks for the development of the internal market and for the social, economic and territorial cohesion of the Union . The trans-European transport networks (TEN-T) have a dual layer structure: the comprehensive network ensures connectivity of all regions of the Union, as well as the necessary distribution channels to supply the basic network , whereas the core network consists of those elements of the network which are also of the highest strategic importance for the EU and should accordingly serve as cross-border and multimodal accelerators for a single European transport and mobility area . Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 defines binding completion targets for implementation, with the core network to be completed by 2030 and the comprehensive network by 2050. Furthermore, Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 focuses on cross-border connections that will improve interoperability between the different modes of transport and contribute to the multimodal integration of Union transport.

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Notwithstanding the necessity and binding timelines, experience has shown that many investments aiming to complete the TEN-T are confronted with complex permit granting procedures, cross-border procurement procedures and other procedures. This situation jeopardises the on time implementation of projects and in many cases results in significant delays and increased costs. In order to address these issues and make synchronised TEN-T completion possible„ harmonised action is necessary at Union level.

Notwithstanding the necessity and binding timelines, experience has shown that many investments aiming to complete the TEN-T are confronted with complex permit granting procedures, cross-border procurement procedures and other procedures. In addition, early public participation and consensus building are often neglected which results in the lack of support by citizens due to missing transparency. This situation jeopardises the on time implementation of projects and in many cases results in significant delays and increased costs. In order to address these issues and make synchronised TEN-T completion possible, simplified and timely harmonised action is necessary at Union level.

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

In the legal frameworks of many Member States priority treatment is given to certain project categories based on their strategic importance for the economy . Priority treatment is characterised by shorter timelines, simultaneous procedures or limited timeframes for appeals while ensuring that the objectives of other horizontal policies are also reached. When such a framework exists within a national legal framework, it should automatically apply to Union projects recognised as projects of common interest under Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013.

In the legal frameworks of many Member States priority treatment is given to certain project categories based on their strategic importance for the territorial, economic and social cohesion of the Union and measures to combat climate change . Priority treatment is characterised by shorter timelines, simultaneous procedures or limited timeframes for appeals while ensuring that the objectives of other horizontal policies are also reached. When such a framework exists within a national legal framework, it should automatically apply to Union projects recognised as projects of common interest under Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013. Where such a framework does not exist, competent authorities should give priority to the harmonisation of administrative procedures for the issuing of permits and project implementation or, where appropriate, take the necessary steps to facilitate the creation of a joint management entity .

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

In order to improve the effectiveness of the environmental assessments and streamline the decision-making process, where the obligation to carry out assessments related to environmental issues of core network projects arises simultaneously from Directive 2011/92/EU, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU, and from other Union legislation such as Directive 92/43/EEC, Directive 2009/147/EC, Directive 2000/60/EC, Directive 2008/98/EC, Directive 2010/75/EU, Directive 2012/18/EU and Directive 2011/42/EC, Member States should ensure that a joint procedure fulfilling the requirements of these Directives is provided.

In order to improve the effectiveness of the environmental assessments and streamline the decision-making process, where the obligation to carry out assessments related to environmental issues of core network projects arises simultaneously from Directive 2011/92/EU, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU, and from other Union legislation such as Directive 92/43/EEC, Directive 2009/147/EC, Directive 2000/60/EC, Directive 2008/98/EC, Directive 2010/75/EU, Directive 2012/18/EU and Directive 2011/42/EC, Member States should ensure that a joint procedure fulfilling the requirements of these Directives is provided without necessarily having to lay down new procedures, if adequate ones already exist .

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Given the urgency to complete the TEN-T core network, the simplification of permit granting procedures should be accompanied by a time limit within which competent authorities responsible should make a comprehensive decision regarding the construction of the project. This time limit should stimulate a more efficient handling of procedures and should, under no circumstances, compromise the Union’s high standards for environmental protection and public participation.

Given the urgency to complete the TEN-T core network, the simplification of permit granting procedures should be accompanied by a time limit within which competent authorities responsible should make a comprehensive decision regarding the construction of the project. This time limit should stimulate a more efficient handling of procedures and should, under no circumstances, compromise the Union’s high standards for environmental protection and public participation. That said, the time limit should only be set after an initial, early public consultation, including that with local and regional authorities, on the planned project.

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Public procurement in cross-border projects of common interest should be conducted in accordance with the Treaty and Directives 2014/25/EU and/or 2014/24/EU. In order to ensure the efficient completion of the cross-border core network projects of common interest, public procurement carried out by a joint entity should be subject to a single national legislation. By way of derogation from the Union public procurement legislation, the applicable national rules should in principle be those of the Member State where the joint entity has its registered office. It should remain possible to define the applicable legislation in an intergovernmental agreement.

Public procurement in cross-border projects of common interest should be conducted in accordance with the Treaty and Directives 2014/25/EU and/or 2014/24/EU. In order to ensure the efficient completion of the cross-border TEN-T network projects of common interest, public procurement carried out by a joint management entity should, by joint agreement between the parties , be subject to a single EU or, where appropriate , national legislation. By way of derogation from the Union public procurement legislation, the applicable national rules should in principle be those of the Member State where the joint entity has its registered office. It should remain possible to define the applicable legislation in an intergovernmental agreement.

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Subject matter and scope

This Regulation sets out requirements applicable to the administrative procedures followed by the competent authorities of Member States in relation to the authorisation and implementation of all projects of common interest on the core network of the trans-European transport network.

Subject matter and scope

This Regulation sets out requirements applicable to the administrative procedures followed by the competent authorities of Member States (national, regional or local authorities or other project promoters) in relation to the authorisation and implementation of all infrastructure components and requirements , of all projects of common interest on the core network of the trans-European transport network, with priority status as identified in Article 3 .

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

‘Cross-border project of common interest’ means a project of common interest according to Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 covering a cross-border section as defined in point (m) Article 3 of that Regulation which is implemented by a joint entity.

‘Cross-border project of common interest’ means a project of common interest according to Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 covering a cross-border section within the framework of a cooperation agreement or any other type of agreement between Member States or between Member States and regional or local authorities or between regional or local authorities in different Member States or between Member States and third countries, for the planning and implementation of transport infrastructure which is implemented by a joint entity.

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

‘Priority status’ of projects of common interest

‘Priority status’ of projects of common interest

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

In order to meet the time limits set out in Article 6 and reduce the administrative burden related to the completion of projects of common interest, all the administrative procedures resulting from the applicable law, both national and of the Union, shall be integrated and result in only one comprehensive decision.

In order to meet the time limits set out in Article 6 and reduce the administrative burden related to the completion of projects of common interest, all the administrative procedures resulting from the applicable law, including the relevant environmental assessments as well as citizens information and participation campaigns , both at national and Union level , shall be integrated and result in only one comprehensive decision.

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

By … (OP please insert the date one year of the entry into force of this Regulation), each Member State shall designate one single competent authority which shall be responsible for facilitating the permit granting process including for making the comprehensive decision.

By … (OP please insert the date one year of the entry into force of this Regulation), each Member State shall designate single competent authority /authorities which shall be responsible for facilitating an integrated permit granting process including for making the comprehensive decision. If a Member State has already designated a single competent authority/authorities, the Member State in question may confirm the designation of that/those single competent authority/authorities.

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

T he responsibility of the single competent authority referred to in paragraph 1 and/or the tasks related to it may be delegated to, or carried out by, another authority at the appropriate administrative level, per project of common interest or per particular category of projects of common interest, under the following conditions :

The single competent authority may retain the responsibility to establish time limits, without prejudice to the time limits set in accordance with Article 6.

Member States may delegate t he responsibility of the single competent authority referred to in paragraph 1 and/or the tasks related to it, to an existing or a newly established authority at the appropriate administrative level taking into consideration national, regional and local competences , per project of common interest or per particular category of projects of common interest, provided that :

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

If a project of common interest requires decisions to be taken in two or more Member States, the respective competent authorities shall take all the necessary steps for efficient and effective cooperation and coordination among themselves. Without prejudice to obligations arising under applicable Union and international law, Member States shall endeavour to provide for joint procedures, particularly with regard to the assessment of environmental impacts.

If a project of common interest requires decisions to be taken in two or more Member States, the respective competent authorities shall take all the necessary steps for efficient and effective cooperation and coordination among themselves. Without prejudice to obligations arising under applicable Union and international law, Member States shall endeavour to provide for joint procedures, particularly with regard to the assessment of environmental impacts. Especially in cases where a joint entity is set up by the participating Member States or competent local and regional authorities, this entity shall benefit from joint procedures and coordination among the Member States and should only be in contact with one single competent permit granting authority.

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

Duration and implementation of the permit granting procedure

Duration and implementation of the permit granting procedure

Text proposed by the Commission

CoR amendment

For projects that involve two or more Member States, the competent authorities of the Member States concerned shall align their timetables and agree on a joint schedule.

For projects that involve two or more Member States, the competent authorities of the Member States concerned shall align their timetables and agree on a joint schedule. If a joint entity set up by the participating Member States applies for a permit, it shall only have to contact one competent authority. The competent authority will then coordinate with the other authority/authorities involved to ensure fulfilment of all obligations under applicable law in all Member States concerned by the project, as stated in Article 5(5).