Europe's Transport Future Was Discussed in the EP

Europe's Transport future for a more inclusive union, under the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027 was debated in the European Parliament between the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Crețu, and Greek Transport Minister Christos Spirtzis, New Europe reports.

Crețu came out strongly in defence of Greece, reiterating the rolse she played during the economic crisis that gave Greece the opportunity to complete works under a 100% co-financing rate. 

"Greece is a part of my heart, I fought in front of the European Parliament to have exceptional measures (taken) in exceptional times," said Crețu, who also congratulated Spirtzis and the Greek government for the handling of the situation in Greece under difficult circumstances.

The EU executive has invested up to ?70 billion in the transport sector, with ?30 billion being especially allocated to the trans-European transport networks (TNT).

"Our aims is to expand the rail networks by 4,600km while more than 2,000km TNT roads are constructed," added Crețu, who has been active when it comes to inspecting most European projects on the ground. "One of the most moving moments for me was in Tempi [Greece] with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras" said Crețu, who added that their visit to what was one of the most dangerous stretches of the road to Thessaloniki was a watershed moment for her.

The trip from Romania to Thessaloniki used to take 9-10 hours in the 1990s, but can now be completed in 3-4 hours by car.

The Commissioner outlined her plans for the simplification of regulations, especially on the Common Provisions Regulation by saying, "We want a radical simplification of the regulations…We hope for the support of the European Parliament to approve...