FIEC calls for transport spending in Europe

The European contracting association, the FIEC, is calling for greater spending levels on transport infrastructure across the EU. According to the FIEC, better transport will benefit Europe’s citizens as well as economic development. As a result, the FIEC is advocating for more EU funds for transport in the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework.

Together with a number of other organisations involved in transport matters, the FIEC believes that investing in transport, and in particular in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), is crucial for Europe’s growth and jobs. FIEC president Jean-Louis Marchand said, “This is why we advocate for a stronger budget for the Connecting Europe Facility for after 2020, with grants remaining the major component.

Indeed, FIEC considers that there are a number of transport infrastructure projects that are vital for EU’s competitiveness but do not generate the necessary return on investment in order to attract private investors. They therefore require a strong commitment from the EU and national public authorities.