Article: How to better integrate French transportation in European networks?

By Matthias RUETE

Director general of DG Mobility and Transport, representing the European Commission

Abstract

France has always lain at the center of questions related to a trans-European infrastructure for transportation. Owing to its geographical position, economic weight and the quality of its own infrastructure, France is a major player in European transportation. However, investments in this infrastructure in France have decreased and, furthermore, are concentrated on the necessary development of urban transit. These factors delay the amount invested in constructing big European axes, in particular for hooking the French transportation system up with neighboring countries. In the long run, this situation can hamper Europe’s geographical unity and hinder the competitiveness of firms in France and Europe. France must profit from the window of opportunity opened through the new European program for planning and funding trans-European infrastructures so as to stimulate its investments and thus boost growth.