The Secretary of State, José Antonio Santano, defends investment in cross-border projects, warns of the need for additional resources for dual military mobility and reaffirms the commitment to sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF).
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El Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable MobilityJosé Antonio Santano, has ratified at the EU Council of Ministers (Brussels) Spain's commitment to the Atlantic and Mediterranean corridors, urging that the Connecting Europe Facility funds be focused on cross-border sections to ensure territorial cohesion and logistical competitiveness.
Strategic investment in the Trans-European Transport Network
During his speech, Santano highlighted the budget allocated to the development of critical infrastructure, emphasizing that the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) It has a record allocation for the new period. The Spanish government's objective is to ensure that these resources are primarily used to complete connections with neighboring countries and the rest of the European Union.
The following details the key figures and financial needs presented by the Spanish delegation during the meeting:
| Charge Description | Figure / Detail | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| CEF Budget | More than 50.000 millones de euros | Funding Trans-European Network projects (twice as much as the previous period). |
| Military Mobility | 17.000 millones de euros (estimated need) | Adapting infrastructure for dual use (civil and defense). |
| Geographical Priority | Atlantic and Mediterranean Corridors | Safeguarding the competitiveness of ports and peninsular connectivity. |
Military mobility and the challenge of dual infrastructures
One of the critical points addressed has been the military mobility packageSantano has emphasized the dual nature of these initiatives which, while responding to defense needs, act as a modernization engine for civil, logistics and connectivity infrastructures.
However, the Secretary of State has warned that the proposed CEF funds for this chapter are "insufficient to meet needs." Therefore, he has stressed the urgent need to open a fully dual debate that integrates transport and defense and to mobilize additional resources both at the national and European levels to cover the funding gap.
High Speed: The Madrid-Lisbon connection as a backbone
Within the framework of the new High-Speed Plan In Europe, Spain has reaffirmed its leading position after 30 years of network development. Santano was emphatic in highlighting the strategic importance of the Madrid-Lisbon connection, requesting that it be explicitly listed as a "funding commitment" in the execution of the plan.
According to the Government, completing cross-border connections is essential to: achieve an effective modal shift towards rail transport; advance the decarbonization of transport; and strengthen social cohesion and the economic competitiveness of the Iberian Peninsula.
Air Legislation and Sustainability (e-SAF)
In the legislative sphere, Spain has shown its optimism regarding the Mass and Dimensions Directivesupporting adjustments that allow the deployment of zero-emission vehicles and advocating for equal treatment between national and international transport.
Finally, regarding the decarbonization of the aviation sector, the Secretary of State pointed out that sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are the main lever for complying with the regulations. ReFuel EUSpain has positively assessed the creation of the “Coalition of pioneering eSAF Member States”, urging the acceleration of e-SAF production in Europe to meet short and medium-term climate goals.
Key points and frequently asked questions about EU Infrastructure
What priority has Spain set regarding European transport funds?
Spain demands that Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funds be prioritized for cross-border projects in the Atlantic and Mediterranean corridors, vital for connecting with France and Portugal.
What is the problem with the funding of military mobility?
The government warns that current funding is insufficient. It estimates that more than €17.000 billion will be needed to adapt the infrastructure for dual use (civilian and military), requiring the mobilization of additional budget.
What is Spain's position regarding sustainable air transport?
Spain is firmly committed to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and supports the "Coalition of pioneering eSAF Member States" to accelerate European production and decarbonize aviation.
