K. Ah. Karamanlis: Greece present in the development of alternative routes for the export of cereals from Ukraine

Dealing with the effects of the Russian attack on Ukraine in transport and trade, through the Solidarity Belt Initiative and the development of the Trans-European Transport Network through the revision of the relevant Regulation, has been the focus of discussions in the EU Council of Transport Ministers.

The meeting of EU Transport Ministers under the French Presidency, which took place today in Luxembourg, was attended by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Mr. Costas Karamanlis, in order to express the country’s positions in a number of important legislative and political debates. In particular, this meeting gave significant impetus to the dossiers of the transport package “Fit for 55” (General Approval Approach), related to transport, such as the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation, as well as to sustainable aviation fuels. Both initiatives are aimed at reducing the carbon footprint caused by the transport sector. Similar progress has been made in revising the Directive on the development of intelligent transport systems on the EU road network, as technological developments provide the tools for safer and more efficient transport.

The focus was on addressing the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on transport and trade, through the Solidarity Belt Initiative and the development of the Trans-European Transport Network through the revision of the relevant Regulation.

In particular, Mr. Karamanlis, regarding the disruption of traditional trade flows and global logistics due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, noted that this is a moment where the EU should function. Despite the measures taken to facilitate trade and the smooth flow of humanitarian aid taken at national level, individual initiatives are not enough. He therefore welcomed the European Commission’s initiative to establish solidarity lanes, as well as the transport emergency plan. He noted that Greece, in continuous cooperation with the Directorate General for Mobility, is exploring the possibilities to contribute to the above initiatives and to formulate alternative routes for the export of grain from Ukraine and vice versa, for the inflow of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

In connection with the process of reviewing the Trans-European Transport Network, the Minister stressed that this is an excellent opportunity to further promote connectivity in the wider region, the multimodality and interoperability of networks. However, although the ambition is focused on completing a high-standard network at EU level, the highly demanding technical requirements at each point and in a tight timeframe may create increased investment requirements, which are often not technically feasible.

At the same time, Mr. Karamanlis referred to the main priorities of the country for the development of TEN-T. He made special reference to the importance of ports and in the field of energy, highlighting the criticality of the inclusion of the Port of Alexandroupolis in the extensive trans-European network due to its importance in the energy stability of the wider region and especially in the current conditions. Also, for reasons of regional development and cohesion, he stressed the need for the development of a complementary branch of the European Corridor along the Adriatic – Ionian coastline.