The transnational character of the Trans-European Network (TEN) projects of the European Union (EU) has led to several complications and problems that could hinder their development. The successful and cost-effective promotion and implementation of the projects requires appropriate policies, including: (1) a common set of project evaluation criteria and procedures for use by all EU Member States; (2) a mechanism for redistributing costs and benefits, including appropriate compensatory machinery; and (3) an appropriate institutional arrangement to promote, evaluate, and implement such projects. Problems with financing TEN projects include: multiplicity of legal and institutional frameworks, project promotion, the scope for complicated gaming, conflicts of interest, network effects, and the need to develop a common evaluation methodology. There are three approaches to promoting and funding TEN projects. Hitherto, their development has relied on ad hoc arrangments between member states, which have formed the basis for developing international transport systems. A second approach is to modify the traditional system of international service agreements. A third is to establish a Trans-European Agency, to evaluate projects from the EU's viewpoint and assess sources of appropriate public financial support.
Abstract