Trans-European transport network: seaports, inland ports, intermodal terminals and project No 8

OBJECTIVE: to clarify the position of seaports, inland ports and intermodal terminals in the trans-European transport network (TEN). SUBSTANCE: Decision No 1692/96/EC on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN) provides a broad framework for the establishment of an integrated, multimodal infrastructure network. This proposed amendment is intended to clarify and reinforce the position of seaports, inland ports and intermodal terminals in the TEN in particular with a view to a better allocation of resources. The main modifications proposed relate to the identification of 300 seaports, 210 intermodal terminals and 35 inland ports in the outline plans (schematic maps) in Annex I of the decision. The proposal thus strengthens the position of interconnection points in the TEN but does not change the scope of the infrastructure covered by Decision 1692/96/EC. The other proposed modification seeks to take account of the Dublin European Council decision (13/14 December 1996) under which Project No 8 in the list from the Essen European Council should be the multimodal link between Portugal and Spain and the rest of Europe. �