European elections: the FNTP calls for decarbonizing transport infrastructure and reducing standards

The National Federation of Public Works, which brings together more than 8.000 companies throughout France, is launching an appeal to candidates for the European elections to place two priorities for action at the heart of the next European mandate.

On the one hand, ensuring a network of carbon-free and quality infrastructure

The transport of goods and people, which represents 23% of GHG emissions at European level, constitutes the only sector whose emissions continued to increase between 1990 and 2021 (more than 16%). Knowing that the European Environment Agency anticipates a delay in the EU's decarbonization objectives for 2030 if no additional action is implemented (41% instead of 55%), the decarbonization of transport infrastructure at European level must constitute a major priority for action.

This ambition can only succeed under three conditions:

Establish an ambitious financial framework: the total investment expenditure required is estimated at more than 1.500 billion euros per year for carbon neutrality to become a reality in the European Union by 2050.
Supporting companies towards decarbonization: the “taxonomy”, which constitutes the central part of the European regulatory strategy, must be the subject of actions promoting better appropriation of this legislation by companies.
Invest in infrastructure maintenance: Structural maintenance and routine upkeep of road networks, railway networks, engineering structures and drinking water networks have suffered for more than a decade from chronic underinvestment in Europe. However, regular maintenance is necessary to keep these networks in good condition. This will extend their lifespan and constitute the first lever for decarbonization.
- Following on from the regulation on the trans-European transport network adopted in 2024, which introduces for the first time an entire article on the responsibility of Member States in terms of maintenance, guaranteeing an investment amount of 2% per year of the total value of the asset.
- In order to combat shortages of water resources, implement a European “Blue Deal”.

On the other hand, lighten the regulatory structure

The accumulation of normative texts and the implementation of legislation that is not always adapted and adaptable to businesses is a source of legal insecurity and political contestation. To fight against the temptation of an “ecological and European backlash”, the National Federation of Public Works wants the next mandate to be devoted to:

Simplify the legislation.
Make existing legislation operational: More than 70 texts were proposed and adopted as part of the Green Deal during the 2019-2024 term alone.
Produce standards that meet the needs of businesses: in September 2023, the European Commission reaffirmed the importance of the “SME test”, making it possible to better take into account the specificities of SMEs in legislation. It is important to ensure its correct application.

For Jean-Pierre PASERI, Vice-President of the Federation of the European Construction Industry (FIEC), representing the FNTP: “If the last European mandate was dedicated to building a very ambitious regulatory arsenal in climate matters, the new mandate must now focus on its operational and pragmatic implementation with all economic players. It must also prioritize financing the decarbonization of transport infrastructure, which constitutes one of the main levers for reducing GHGs on a European scale. »