Commissioner Vălean kicks off the Connecting Europe Days

The Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, is participating in the four-day Connecting Europe Days taking place in Brussels from today, 2 April, until Friday, 5 April.

This EU flagship mobility conference brings together various stakeholders, such as transport ministers, policymakers, financial institutions, industry and civil society representatives. They will exchange good practices on creating a sustainable, smart and resilient transport and mobility network.

Central to the discussions will be the implementation of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation, and how it can effectively improve mobility for citizens. Participants will also address the impacts climate change already has on infrastructure, which are set to intensify in the future. It is therefore essential to identify and invest in a climate-neutral and climate-resilient infrastructure. Additionally, participants will deliberate on the future of infrastructure funding and financing.

The different sessions will delve into topics such as the EU transport network's role in ensuring connectivity within Europe and with neighbouring countries and its preparedness and resilience against external threats, given the ongoing unjustified aggression of Russia against Ukraine.

The Commissioner will officially open the conference with a keynote speech. She will also attend the ‘Connecting Europe by Air event’ at Brussels Airport, alongside the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander de Croo. On 4 April, the Commissioner will take part in a panel discussion on transport connectivity with neighbouring countries and the Union’s resilience in the new geopolitical environment.

The Connecting Europe Days are organised together with the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.