MEPs suggest kicking Belarus, Russia out of major EU infrastructure project

April 14, BPN. The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee voted on April 13 to approve a proposal to exclude Belarus and Russia from the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

The committee cited the countries’ role in the Russia’s war against Ukraine. At the same time, MEPs agreed to expand the partnerships with Ukraine and Moldova.

The TEN-T is part of the EU transport strategy connecting the EU and its partners via a network of roads, railways, airports and water infrastructure. It aims to improve traffic safety, facilitate economic growth and promote trade.

Committee members also want to exclude non-EU businesses from the major TEN-T projects if they pose security risks. The EU countries will have to “ensure seamless transfer of military troops and material within the EU” when constructing or upgrading TEN-T infrastructure, MEPs noted.

In July 2022, the European Commission suggested removing Russia and Belarus from the TEN-T maps, noting that future cooperation with both countries was no longer appropriate and was incompatible with the EU interests.

The EU authorities also suggested extending four EU transport corridors to Ukraine and Moldova to improve their transport links to the EU and promote economic exchange. The Commission described these corridors as “a key priority in rebuilding the transport infrastructure of Ukraine once the war ends.”