Dear UBC Friends,

Announcement of the proposals for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Union guidelines for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (COM(2011)650EC, invites to discussion about the content and consequences of the new approach. For the first time the cities were indicated as important nodes of the future core network. The concept of “urban node”, referred in Article 3 of a/m proposals, is  defined as follows:

“(o) “urban node” means an urban area where the transport infrastructure of the trans-European transport network is connected with other parts of that infrastructure and with the infrastructure for regional and local traffic”.

Such definition comprises numerous transport issues – determining  its value as well as its  social and economic impact. It concerns also hard infrastructure – like transport lines and terminals – both passenger and freight. It is confirmed, that the Baltic Sea Region is particularly sensitive and important –  in terms of transport. Baltic Sea Region’s cities are stakeholders of all transport issues, mentioned in the EC Transport Policy.

Therefore, Union of the Baltic Cities should take part in the public consultations of EC proposals.
UBC Commission on Transportation is going to start up the dialogue between members of the Commission. We should involve also other relevant UBC Commissions, in order to prepare common contribution of UBC Executive Board transport policy considerations. Any other stakeholder organizations willing to support urban nodes issues are also welcome and invited, including the potential speakers.

In my opinion, the concept of “urban nodes”  should be submitted at the nearest meeting of the Commission on Transportation, which is to be held in the city of Gdynia on 15-16  October.
I propose to focus the discussion on the subject: “Urban nodes in the Baltic Sea Region – challenges and chances”. Put this date into your calendars please.

We hope that our proposal will meet with your approval. We are open to any opinions and suggestions. If you think of any other vital issues that should be included in the programme – feel free to inform us about it –  till 25th of June.


With best regards,


Andrzej Bień
Chairman
UBC Commission on Transportation