North Sea-Mediterranean corridor in the Trans-European Transport Network

28.8.2018

Question for written answer E-004359-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Gilles Pargneaux (S&D)

In preparation for the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, the Commission adopted a proposal on 1 August 2018 for a new North Sea-Mediterranean corridor within the Trans-European transport network that would connect Ireland to continental Europe by linking the cities of Dublin and Cork to the ports at Zeebrugge, Antwerp and Rotterdam. This proposed new route does not include any of the French ports currently forming part of the North Sea-Mediterranean corridor.

Why has the Commission not included the French ports in this proposed new corridor? The proposed new route will contribute to a concentration of flows at the Belgian and Dutch ports while depriving Ireland of any alternative routes, even though ports in north-west France are much closer.