The European Union (EU) has announced plans to invest more than €117m in 39 key transport projects that will help develop missing connections across the continent while focusing on sustainable transport modes, railjournal.com reports.
The projects, which will reduce the noise generated by freight trains, develop and improve cross-border railway links and upgrade crucial infrastructure in ports, will be supported via the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
“We are delivering on our commitments to make transport more sustainable, safer and smarter,” notes EU commissioner for transport, Ms Violeta Bulc. “Today’s decision gives a further push to the transition to low-emission mobility across Europe – starting with our railways and our ports.”
The call will support eight projects targeted at reducing the noise emitted by freight wagons, by upgrading the braking systems. The quieter and more efficient brakes will result in better energy performance, and will also improve the living conditions for those living close to the railways. Nearly 75,000 freight wagons will be upgraded as part of the projects.
The call will also support infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading existing railway lines, such as the electrification of the Vienna – Hungarian border line, which has been awarded €2.9 million for studies.
The EU has also provided €12.7 million towards developing the cross-border section the Bremen (Germany) – Groningen (The Netherlands) line.
Furthermore, the announcement includes a large group of projects to upgrade infrastructure within EU ports to foster multimodality and lower pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions.
The projects were selected for funding through a competitive call for proposals launched on January 8 across all EU member states. The EU’s financial contribution comes in the form of grants, with different co-financing rates depending on the project type.
After approval by EU member states, the European Commission will adopt a formal decision in the coming days. The commission’s Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) will then sign the grant agreements with the project beneficiaries by January 2020 at the latest.
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