The European Parliament calls on the European Commission to improve railway connections with Moldova and Ukraine and implement more cross-border projects
This is stated in the report of MEP Daniel Buda, approved by the European Parliament, which concerns improving cooperation in the field of security and railway communications with Moldova and Ukraine, connecting the Black Sea ports to transport hubs and the TEN-T network and managing migration in the Mediterranean. The document is a report on EU cross-border cooperation with Moldova and Ukraine. “Cross-border cooperation with neighboring non-EU countries contributes to the development of democracy and is an important tool for promoting cooperation between interested regions on both sides of the EU border. We asked the European Commission to allocate more money for cross-border cooperation, given the current reality. Whether we are talking about the southern or eastern neighbourhood, the EU faces problems. We therefore recommend focusing on greater complementarity between projects, synergies between funds, as well as simplifying procedures as much as possible,” said Romanian MEP Daniel Buda. As part of cross-border cooperation with neighbors, MEPs stressed the importance of synergies with other EU funding instruments and specific programs aimed at addressing regional priorities, and also called on the Commission to reduce bureaucratic burdens and pay attention to cross-border rural areas struggling with demographic problems, and called for maximum involvement in the preparation and implementation of projects of regional and local authorities and representatives of civil society and the private sector. Deputies emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation in strengthening local democracy and the administrative capacity of partner countries, as well as the importance of dialogue with a range of stakeholders, including academia, the private sector, citizens and NGOs. As noted, in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine, EU cross-border cooperation with Russia and Belarus was suspended, and funds were redirected to Ukraine and Moldova. MEPs are now emphasizing the need to work on collective defense through cross-border cooperation, calling for the development of transport infrastructure, especially rail links and storage facilities near the borders with Ukraine and Moldova, to optimize the flow of goods and grain. MEPs also emphasize the importance of supporting the deployment of renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency to reduce dependence on Russia. They denounce Russia's influence in neighboring countries through manipulation and disinformation and call for greater cooperation in the education and cultural sectors with affected countries. Due to security concerns in the Black Sea region, members of the European Parliament are calling for increased security cooperation, with a particular focus on Black Sea ports and related infrastructure. They want to see them upgraded, expanded and connected to existing transport hubs, especially the TEN-T corridors. They also highlight the region's untapped potential for sustainable energy. Members of the European Parliament believe that cross-border programs should play an active role in solving common security problems and be aimed at regional stability in the Mediterranean. They should help manage migration flows, combat illegal migration and human trafficking, and promote inclusion. They also highlight the need to improve the region's competitiveness, the role of onshore and offshore renewable energy sources and call for prioritizing projects with economic, social and environmental impacts. They also propose that the European Council ask the European Commission to present a detailed macro-regional strategy for the Mediterranean region, focusing on the ecological transition, climate resilience, energy and the environment. EU cooperation programs with neighboring regions cover 184 regions, 33 countries and 260 million inhabitants. Their goal is to develop special relations with neighboring countries, based on the values of the Union and characterized by close and peaceful relations and protection of the environment. // 16.01.2024 — InfoMarket.
