The TEN-T network is a key element of the EU's transport policy, enhancing sustainable mobility while promoting economic, social, and territorial cohesion. In line with the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the TEN-T Regulation of 2013 has been revised and adopted (June 2024) to support the transition to cleaner, greener, and smarter mobility. The updated regulation aligns infrastructure planning with operational needs by integrating rail, road, and waterways, consolidating the core network corridors with rail freight corridors into the 'European Transport Corridors.' 

The revised TEN-T regulation merges the Rhine-Alpine (RALP) and North Sea-Mediterranean (NSM) Corridors into the North Sea Rhine Mediterranean Corridor (NSRM). The NSRM connects Belgium, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, linking cities from Dublin and Cork to Paris, Strasbourg, Amsterdam, and Marseille. The Rhine-Alpine Corridor, stretching 1,200 km from Rotterdam to Genoa, is a key transport backbone, serving seven countries and a fifth of the EU’s population. It connects major North Sea ports to Northern Italy, with a unique governance structure, the EGTC RALP, in place since 2015. 

This targeted analysis should form the basis for facilitating connections with new territories/partners in the eastern and western part of the new corridor and stimulate development of an integrated governance approach, considering all policy levels from the local to European. It may serve as a blueprint or good practice for other transport corridors, too. This represents added value for all stakeholders involved including how to valorise the merged corridor with regard to exploiting funding opportunities.  

 Policy questions 

The project is addressing the following policy questions: 

• What are the main bottlenecks affecting the corridor, and how can they be addressed? How can the merger enhance East-West rail connections, and what infrastructure improvements are needed?
• What spatial development scenarios can be envisioned, and how can they be effectively communicated? How can key indicators like traffic volume, modal split, and population growth inform planning and policy?
• What governance structures are needed for effective coordination from local to European levels? How can stakeholder participation be integrated for harmonised transport and spatial planning?
• How can the EGTC RALP serve as a model for governance and coordinated development in the merged corridor and other European transport corridors? 

Expected results 

The main outputs of the service will be: 

• Stakeholder Information Leaflet: a clear, visual summary of current logistics and transport challenges, including maps, analyses, and key obstacles within the NSRM corridor.
• Scenario Report: presentation of future spatial scenarios to enhance cross-border and transnational cooperation.
• Governance and Cooperation Mapping: a concise overview of relevant authorities, institutions, and initiatives, detailing governance structures and cooperation processes.
• Integrated Governance Recommendations: guidelines for a coordinated governance model, ensuring effective stakeholder participation across all policy levels.
• Data, interactive maps, and graphs, formatted for integration into the ESPON Portal. 

Stakeholders 

The Interregional Alliance for the Rhine-Alpine Corridor- EGTC RALP (Germany) is the lead stakeholder. Other stakeholders:  

• Rhine-Rhône high-speed line association - Rhine-Rhône HSL (France); 

• METREX Network for European Metropolitan Regions and Areas (Belgium); 

• A.L.S.E.A. Lombard Freight Forwarders and Haulers Association (Italy) 

• Metropolitan City of Milan – MCM (Italy). 

Contractor 

Panteia B.V. – The Netherlands 

Contact 

Sandra Di Biaggio (Research and Policy Manager)    

Angela Emidio (Public Procurement Manager)