Trans-European Networks (TEN)

Subsidiarity monitoring in the area of trans-European networks

 

Legal basis

Articles 170 to 172 TFEU
Click here to see the consolidated version of the Treaty of Lisbon. 
 
Under the Treaty of Lisbon, this policy has been categorised as a shared competence between the Union and the Member States (Article 4 TFEU).
Ever since the Single European Act (1986), the smooth functioning of the single market has been indelibly linked to the objective of economic and social cohesion. However, the free movement of persons, goods and capital has not reduced the regional and national disparities within the European Union. Accordingly, the interconnection and interoperability of national infrastructure networks have emerged as factors of key importance for the coherent planning of Community territory.
 
Title XVI of the Lisbon Treaty provides the legal basis for trans-European networks (TENs). In accordance with this Title, the Union contributes to the establishment and development of trans-European networks in the areas of transport (TEN-T), telecommunications (eTEN) and energy (TEN-E). Union action in this area aims, to encourage the interconnection and interoperability of national networks and access to these networks within a system of open and competitive markets. The text of the Treaty places particular stress on the need to link island, landlocked and peripheral regions with the central regions of the Community, in order to improve territorial cohesion.
 
Guidelines and projects of common interest are adopted in this area by the Council and the Parliament, acting under the ordinary legislative procedure (Article 294 TFEU), after consultation with the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee.
 

Further information on the CoR's work in this area

The CoR commission responsible for work on Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) is the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy (COTER). Click here for comprehensive information about this commission, its work programme and activities.
 
The CoR commission responsible for work on Trans-European Telecommunications Networks (e-TEN) is the Commission for Education, Youth, Culture and Research (EDUC). Click here for comprehensive information about this commission, its work programme and activities.
 
The CoR commission responsible for work on Trans-European Networks in the energy sector (TEN-E) is the Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE). Click here for comprehensive information about this commission, its work programme and activities.