In its communication "The Road to the Next Multiannual Financial Framework," published on 12 February, the Commission highlights key principles for the next MFF. It should be a policy-based budget rather than a programme-based one. It should be simpler, with fewer programmes and a country-specific plan linking key reforms with investments, focusing on shared priorities like economic, social, and territorial cohesion. It should be more impactful, notably with a European Competitiveness Fund and by leveraging the EU budget to attract additional national, private, and institutional financing. It should be more flexible, allowing for swift responses to crises.

At the beginning of 2025 it is good to look back and to the future. 2024 was the year in which we celebrated 10 years of our Connecting Europe Facility. The European Union is marking a major milestone—ten years of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the funding instrument that has been instrumental in shaping Europe’s transport infrastructure. Over the past decade, CEF has played a crucial role in moving the EU towards its decarbonisation targets for 2030 and 2050 by investing in sustainable and resilient transport systems.

The new call supports the production of renewable hydrogen for decarbonizing the maritime sector, funding new facilities with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and long-term viability.

The European Maritime Space Coordinator, Gesine Meissner, visited Finland and met with the Minister of Transport and Communications, Lulu Ranne, to discuss EMS and CEF projects and to exchange views on the future of CEF and the importance of maritime transport to the Finnish economy.

European Shipowners ECSA and Sea Europe are urging the European Commission to integrate the maritime sector into the European Industrial Maritime Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP). They emphasize the sector's role in achieving EU climate goals and improving Europe's international competitiveness.

The European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee raised concerns on April 9 about the impact of extending the Emissions Trading System (ETS) to the maritime sector. Key issues discussed included carbon leakage and the potential relocation of freight, with calls for global cooperation with the International Maritime Organization.

A new meeting of the Working Group on resilience in transport systems is being prepared for the Occitanie region. While it is expected to take place in the second half of October 2025, the exact date has yet to be confirmed.

Urban Mobility Days (UMD) is the European Commission’s leading urban mobility policy conference, bringing together local and national authorities, EU policymakers, NGOs, researchers, and transport professionals. This year’s edition will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, a city recognised for its sustainability leadership, and will explore how urban mobility can drive competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.

The European Transport Conference (ETC) is the annual conference of the Association for European Transport, attracting transport policy makers, practitioners and researchers from all over Europe and beyond. ETC offers in-depth presentations on policy issues, best practice and research findings across the broad spectrum of transport. ETC also provides an opportunity where delegates can enjoy networking opportunities, participate in technical visits, and explore the exhibition.

This edition of the Mediterranean Corridor Newsletter opens with an interview with Mr. XX, Commissioner XX. Following that, we provide important updates on recent events related to the Mediterranean Corridor, as well as a progress update on the ongoing Mediterranean Corridor study. In addition, this edition offers updates on upcoming Corridor events, the progress of progress on the Coordinator's commitments and much more, continuing our commitment to keeping stakeholders informed and engaged. Enjoy your reading!

The ATL ETC study started in March 2024, and is expected to be completed in 2026. The contract can be extended for an additional two years, with the second phase spanning between 2026 and 2028. The studies are dedicated to monitoring the implementation of the Corridor, supporting the elaboration of the future Corridor Work Plan and possible elaboration of implementing acts.

This edition of the Mediterranean Corridor newsletter focuses on one of the most urgent challenges of our time: "climate change and the resilience of infrastructure". Recent environmental disasters, including the devastating DANA floods in Spain and extreme weather events in Italy and other Corridor countries, have highlighted the critical need for action and collaboration. As we approach the upcoming Mediterranean Corridor working group, this newsletter delves into the impact of climate change on TEN-T infrastructure. Leading the discussion is an exclusive interview with Mr. Josep Vicent Boira, Commissioner for the Development of the Mediterranean Corridor in Spain, who shares insights into the disruptions caused by the DANA floods in the Valencian community, lessons learned, and the steps ahead. In addition, this edition offers updates on upcoming Corridor events, the progress of major initiatives and much more, continuing our commitment to keeping stakeholders informed and engaged. Enjoy your reading!

The European transport network is undergoing significant transformations, driven by ambitious projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability. In the first quarter of 2025, several projects have made significant progress, new projects have been launched, and political decisions have been made that will change the conditions for the transportation sector. This article provides a quick overview of relevant updates for the NSRM corridor in the European media.

This press review provides an overview of recent Corridor-related developments described in European media

As shipping moves toward decarbonisation, new fuels and energy systems bring not just opportunities—but also the need for new skills at sea. A new two-part study highlights the training gap in current STCW standards and outlines the specific competences seafarers need to safely operate ships using alternative fuels. It also proposes methods to assess these skills and design appropriate training programmes.

In an interview with Marcel de la Haye, Technical Director at CER, we explore his vision for the future of ERTMS and European rail. He addresses the challenges of ERTMS rollout and highlights key technologies like Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) and the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). Mr. de la Haye discusses potential solutions to enhance ERTMS efficiency and touches upon innovations that can boost the rail sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.

Claudiu Staicu, Director General at Romania’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, shares insights on the transformative impact of Romania and Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen Area. He discusses how this milestone will drive infrastructure development, enhance European transport corridors, and align with Romania’s broader mobility strategies. Mr. Staicu highlights key opportunities, including increased investment potential, strengthened regional integration, and improved efficiency in cross-border trade and transport. Read the full interview to explore how Schengen membership will shape Romania’s infrastructure and economic landscape in the years ahead.

Claudiu Staicu, Director General at Romania’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, shares insights on the transformative impact of Romania and Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen Area. He discusses how this milestone will drive infrastructure development, enhance European transport corridors, and align with Romania’s broader mobility strategies. Mr. Staicu highlights key opportunities, including increased investment potential, strengthened regional integration, and improved efficiency in cross-border trade and transport. Read the full interview to explore how Schengen membership will shape Romania’s infrastructure and economic landscape in the years ahead.