Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-03-10-Speech-3-176"
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"en.20040310.5.3-176"2
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".
Mr President, a key collective goal of the European Union has always been and will always be that of a single market. The trans-European networks are a potent symbol of that single market, creating transport links that spread evenly the length and breadth of the EU and providing calculable benefits for business and people alike. As Parliament's rapporteur, this is the core consideration I have used in developing this proposal. The Community is set for enlargement in May, bringing under its umbrella another 75 million citizens, while at the same time huge growth is predicted in our major transport networks over the next decade. This more than ever is the right time to concentrate our efforts and bring this programme to a timely conclusion. We have a great opportunity to tie up this decision quickly, a mere three months after Parliament first debated this revised document.
Whilst I firmly believe that Parliament can achieve most of what it wants within the body of this proposal, there clearly remain a number of issues on which we must all exercise good judgment and flexibility. I would urge all Members to come together to successfully conclude this legislation by moving forward as quickly as possible. Europe needs improved transport links now. We have to remember that this piece of legislation is Member State driven, and the fact that the Member States have met and managed to agree a comprehensive list of projects has to be recognised positively, whilst not denying Parliament its rights under the codecision procedure.
There are certain areas that still need to be addressed. In our opinion the Council's position does not go far enough in placing restrictions on state aid for some key elements. Following the Commission's decision on Charleroi, we feel this principle should be upheld in respect of the TENs and in particular the motorways of the sea element of the programme. You cannot pick and choose when to enforce state aid rules and cannot add state aid
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We have also discussed the time limit for funding and I am pleased that the Commissioner referred to that in her address. I hope that both the Council and Commission will agree with Parliament on this, because in order to secure the long-term viability of the trans-European networks, it is imperative that we first ensure a commitment to act, as well as the sound management and financial probity of suitable projects.
In conclusion, the TENs programme deserves implementation. It has at its core the achievement of a single market. I sincerely hope we can move forward to a sensible and above all balanced approach to Europe's infrastructure needs, which after all will help determine the future shape of transport across our continent for decades to come. I commend this report to the House."@en1
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