The Maastricht Treaty provides for the realisation of trans-european networks, transport infrastructure of all modes that should provide for possibilities to travel and to transport goods throughout Europe. The task of the institutions of the Community is to realise these networks, so that in the future national frontiers will provide neither administrative nor physical barriers to movement. At the present moment, a strategy for realising the networks is lacking. This paper describes four activities that need to be undertaken for realising them: (1) a definition of networks that can cater for any expected transport need; (2) a transnational decision process; (3) appropriate financing arrangements; and (4) subjecting infrastructure to market mechanisms. Neither extensive studies nor availability of money are in the first place essential for realising the networks, but firmness in decision making. (A)
Abstract