Latest news with #TEN-T
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Modi's Balkan Masterstroke: How Bharat Redefined Europe's Power Map In Zagreb
Last Updated: The warm reception in Zagreb, as Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković welcomed Modi as the leader of a resurgent global power, set the tone for the visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his tour de force in Europe and across the pond, culminating in a historic visit to Zagreb. Via the visit, Modi has redrawn the geopolitical map, forging a powerful new era with a relationship with Croatia. The visit was a successful and powerful declaration of Bharat's arrival as a global rule-maker. The warm reception in Zagreb, as Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković welcomed Modi as the leader of a resurgent global power, set the tone for the visit. This was the crowning achievement of a historic tour that saw the Prime Minister command the world stage: He reaffirmed deep civilisational bonds with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, securing an unequivocal ally in the Eastern Mediterranean. He engaged in a frank and forthright discussion at the G7 summit in Canada, making it clear that the Global South would no longer be a silent spectator. He held a pivotal meeting with the President of the European Council, where onlookers noted the palpable shift in dynamic—Europe was listening to India, not the other way around. A Gateway to Europe's Core Croatia's geographic position on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea offers India a vital maritime gateway to Central and Eastern Europe. The country's major ports—Rijeka, Split, and Ploce—are not peripheral outlets but integral components of the European Union's core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The key pronouncements highlight that Croatia is a 'critical link" in this new trade chain, serving as a distribution hub for goods destined for the heart of Europe. This alignment positions Croatia as a key partner in a powerful repudiation of China's creeping influence in the Balkan. Beyond the steady growth in bilateral trade, which stood at a modest USD 337.68 million in 2023, the visit saw Modi extend a golden invitation to Croatian companies to participate in the revolutionary Sagarmala project. The initiative, focused on port modernisation and coastal development, opens vast opportunities for Croatian maritime expertise and technology, creating a synergistic relationship that links India's domestic infrastructure ambitions with Croatia's established strengths. Strategic Partnership in Defence and Technology In the defence and high-technology sectors, the bilateral talks have moved the India-Croatia relationship resolutely into the strategic domain. The decision to formulate a long-term Defence Cooperation Plan elevates the partnership beyond simple military exchanges. The explicit focus on joint defence production and industry-level partnerships signifies a deep-seated trust and a shared vision for co-development, building upon the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed in 2023. The strategic alignment extends to critical technology sectors that are central to India's future economic growth and national security. The leadership have identified specific new areas for enhanced cooperation, including pharmaceuticals, information technology, clean and digital technologies, renewable energy, and, most notably, semiconductors. A standout announcement was the plan for India to share its space expertise with Croatia, marking a new frontier in bilateral cooperation. It reflects India's growing capabilities as a major space-faring nation and its willingness to collaborate with trusted partners on advanced technology. Such an initiative not only opens avenues for joint ventures but also cements a high-technology alliance that is forward-looking and strategically significant. A Reliable Voice within European Institutions As a full member of both the European Union and NATO, Croatia provides India with indirect access and a valuable, friendly voice within two of the world's most influential political and security blocs. This diplomatic leverage is particularly crucial for advancing India's interests on complex issues that require consensus-building, chief among them being the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). During the visit, Croatia reiterated its 'strong support for the early conclusion of the FTA." Croatia's consistent backing provides India with a reliable advocate in a forum where geopolitical and regulatory hurdles have often stalled negotiations. This support is rooted in a shared understanding of the mutual benefits the agreement would bring, which will help strengthen supply chain resilience for both India and the wider European Union. Furthermore, Croatia has consistently backed India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council and, critically, maintained a non-interventionist stance on sensitive internal. A Red Line Drawn on Global Terror For too long, India has had to endure the sanctimonious lectures and hypocritical double standards of Western nations on the issue of terrorism. In Zagreb, Prime Minister Modi put an end to it again. Referencing the recent, horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack, he thanked Croatia for its unwavering and immediate solidarity—a stark contrast to the selective, mealy-mouthed condemnations that often emanated from other Western capitals. He drew a clear red line that left no room for ambiguity. 'There are no 'good terrorists' and 'bad terrorists'," Modi declared. 'Terrorism is the sworn enemy of humanity. Any nation that provides safe havens, funding, or ideological justification to its perpetrators will find itself on the wrong side of history. Bharat will not tolerate it, and the world should not either." It is a much-needed reality check for those who conveniently categorise terror to suit their geopolitical agendas. The message was clear: India's security is non-negotiable, and its friends are those who stand with it unequivocally in this fight. The message from Zagreb is unambiguous, and it couldn't have come at a better time, especially as old alliances fray and global institutions falter. The days of a unipolar or bipolar world are ending soon. A new, confident, and unshakeable pole has risen, and its name is Bharat. The world would do well to listen. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. tags : croatia pm narendra modi view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 20, 2025, 11:47 IST News opinion Modi's Balkan Masterstroke: How Bharat Redefined Europe's Power Map In Zagreb Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Corridors of Opportunity: Europe and Africa Pave the Way Together
Paul Riembault | Published 3 hours ago Transport corridors are among the most powerful engines for economic transformation. In Europe, every euro invested in the continent's Trans-European Transport Network has been estimated to return four euros in GDP. The same – or even greater - potential exists in Africa – if investments are focused and coordinated. That's according to Paul Riembault of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) at the European Commission. Speaking at the 43rd Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) on 10 July, Riembault explored how Africa could leverage the European Union's long and complex corridor development experience. He encouraged African institutions, planners and financiers to continue their coordinated approach to corridor development – and to consider Europe's successes as well as challenges in transforming fragmented infrastructure into the backbone of a thriving single market. 'Transport corridors are not just about roads and rails,' Riembault told delegates. 'They're about unlocking integration, intra-African trade, and regional prosperity.' What sets Europe's TEN-T model apart is its data-driven, criteria-based approach. Corridors are not selected arbitrarily or through purely political negotiation. Instead, they are based on criteria or even hard data: e.g. ports handling more than 33 million tonnes of freight annually – corresponding to 1% of total EU freight -, cities with over one million inhabitants, capital cities and strategic industrial zones. These 'core nodes' anchor each multimodal corridor. 'In a Union of 27 Member States, it's natural that national interests may diverge,' Riembault said. 'Hence, a strong common framework serves as protection against shifting political priorities and pet projects ' Currently, TEN-T consists of nine multimodal corridors, supported by harmonised regulations in road safety, rail electrification, axle loads, rail signalling systems, and even ticketing interoperability. Infrastructure is just one layer – governance, standardisation and financing form the others. 'Without harmonisation, corridors become patchworks. We learned that the hard way in Europe. Interoperability should start from day one.' Riembault outlined Europe's difficult past – a continent once divided by war, incompatible rail gauges, and isolated national railway systems. 'Europe's map was built to divide, not connect,' he noted. But from the wreckage of conflict came the political will to unite, and with that will came the need for infrastructure that reflected integration. Corridors in Europe, he explained, were not the starting point but the outcome of political alignment. The EU's single market project created the demand for connectivity, and the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) emerged to meet that demand. Riembault's presentation also highlighted how the EU is applying the approach of concentrating investment through the Global Gateway initiative – the EU's global investment strategy, which prioritises energy, digital and transport infrastructure. Through Global Gateway, the EU has identified a shortlist of African corridors – aligned with African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Community (REC) priorities – where it is focusing its transport funding between 2021 and 2027. 'The goal is not to duplicate Africa's frameworks like the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) or the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),' he said. 'The goal is to support them strategically and at scale.' More than €1.5 billion (about R30 billion) in grants have already been earmarked to African corridor development under the Global Gateway initiative, with many projects supported through blended financing that combines EU grants with loans and private capital. Among the flagship investments is the Maputo–Walvis Bay rail corridor, where upgrades in Mozambique are set to significantly boost freight capacity. In Dakar, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been rolled out, featuring over 120 electric buses and dedicated lanes to enhance urban mobility and reduce emissions. Meanwhile, in Lagos, the OMI EKO water transport project should improve connectivity along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor by expanding ferry services and infrastructure to better serve the region's rapidly growing population. In addition to physical infrastructure, the EU is funding soft measures such as trade facilitation, customs reform, axle load regulations, and corridor governance frameworks. The session, which brought together representatives and experts from the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, the United Nations, the World Bank, and German cooperation, concluded with a vibrant discussion around a central question: Is it time to develop a more robust, African continental framework for corridor development? This would not replace existing initiatives, but rather add a layer of consistency – shared criteria, common standards, and cross-border monitoring. 'Africa doesn't need to copy Europe,' Riembault said. 'But it can draw on key lessons that fit its context' The EU, he added, stands ready to support African partners in shaping corridors that are modern, multimodal and resilient. 'This is Africa's corridor moment, the continent can transform transport corridors into economic lifelines,' he concluded. Paul Riembault from the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Corridors of Opportunity: Europe and Africa Pave the Way Together
Transport corridors are among the most powerful engines for economic transformation. Image: Supplied Transport corridors are among the most powerful engines for economic transformation. In Europe, every euro invested in the continent's Trans-European Transport Network has been estimated to return four euros in GDP. The same – or even greater - potential exists in Africa – if investments are focused and coordinated. That's according to Paul Riembault of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) at the European Commission. Speaking at the 43rd Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) on 10 July, Riembault explored how Africa could leverage the European Union's long and complex corridor development experience. He encouraged African institutions, planners and financiers to continue their coordinated approach to corridor development – and to consider Europe's successes as well as challenges in transforming fragmented infrastructure into the backbone of a thriving single market. 'Transport corridors are not just about roads and rails,' Riembault told delegates. 'They're about unlocking integration, intra-African trade, and regional prosperity.' A criteria-based approach to planning What sets Europe's TEN-T model apart is its data-driven, criteria-based approach. Corridors are not selected arbitrarily or through purely political negotiation. Instead, they are based on criteria or even hard data: e.g. ports handling more than 33 million tonnes of freight annually – corresponding to 1% of total EU freight -, cities with over one million inhabitants, capital cities and strategic industrial zones. These 'core nodes' anchor each multimodal corridor. 'In a Union of 27 Member States, it's natural that national interests may diverge,' Riembault said. 'Hence, a strong common framework serves as protection against shifting political priorities and pet projects ' Currently, TEN-T consists of nine multimodal corridors, supported by harmonised regulations in road safety, rail electrification, axle loads, rail signalling systems, and even ticketing interoperability. Infrastructure is just one layer – governance, standardisation and financing form the others. 'Without harmonisation, corridors become patchworks. We learned that the hard way in Europe. Interoperability should start from day one.' From fragmentation to connectivity Riembault outlined Europe's difficult past – a continent once divided by war, incompatible rail gauges, and isolated national railway systems. 'Europe's map was built to divide, not connect,' he noted. But from the wreckage of conflict came the political will to unite, and with that will came the need for infrastructure that reflected integration. Corridors in Europe, he explained, were not the starting point but the outcome of political alignment. The EU's single market project created the demand for connectivity, and the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) emerged to meet that demand. Global Gateway: Investment approach in Africa Riembault's presentation also highlighted how the EU is applying the approach of concentrating investment through the Global Gateway initiative – the EU's global investment strategy, which prioritises energy, digital and transport infrastructure. Through Global Gateway, the EU has identified a shortlist of African corridors – aligned with African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Community (REC) priorities – where it is focusing its transport funding between 2021 and 2027. 'The goal is not to duplicate Africa's frameworks like the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) or the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),' he said. 'The goal is to support them strategically and at scale.' More than €1.5 billion (about R30 billion) in grants have already been earmarked to African corridor development under the Global Gateway initiative, with many projects supported through blended financing that combines EU grants with loans and private capital. Among the flagship investments is the Maputo–Walvis Bay rail corridor, where upgrades in Mozambique are set to significantly boost freight capacity. In Dakar, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been rolled out, featuring over 120 electric buses and dedicated lanes to enhance urban mobility and reduce emissions. Meanwhile, in Lagos, the OMI EKO water transport project should improve connectivity along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor by expanding ferry services and infrastructure to better serve the region's rapidly growing population. In addition to physical infrastructure, the EU is funding soft measures such as trade facilitation, customs reform, axle load regulations, and corridor governance frameworks. A call for a common framework The session, which brought together representatives and experts from the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, the United Nations, the World Bank, and German cooperation, concluded with a vibrant discussion around a central question: Is it time to develop a more robust, African continental framework for corridor development? This would not replace existing initiatives, but rather add a layer of consistency – shared criteria, common standards, and cross-border monitoring. 'Africa doesn't need to copy Europe,' Riembault said. 'But it can draw on key lessons that fit its context' The EU, he added, stands ready to support African partners in shaping corridors that are modern, multimodal and resilient. 'This is Africa's corridor moment, the continent can transform transport corridors into economic lifelines,' he concluded. Paul Riembault from the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships
Euractiv
01-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Europeans would swap planes for trains… if they could
EU citizens believe continental transport links are inadequate and support greater investment in high-speed rail, according to a new survey suggesting most would opt for train travel over flying – if the option existed. Nine out of ten EU citizens are dissatisfied with current transport connections between the bloc's countries, according to a poll of over 5,000 people, commissioned from market research firm Polling Europe by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER). As cross-border rail travel remains fragmented – due in part to a lack of political will and coordination among member states – the findings highlight a strong public appetite for faster, more accessible train services across the continent. 'These new poll results confirm citizens' climate concerns and show that they are ready to make the necessary changes to their travel habits if they are given the opportunity," CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola told Euractiv. The survey found that most EU citizens would prefer taking a high-speed train rather than flying for short- to medium-distance journeys, if reliable options were available. A striking 79% of respondents support increased EU investment in high-speed rail. "With a developed network, high-speed rail has the potential to carry over half of all long-distance travellers within Europe by 2070," Mazzola said. EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas is expected to unveil a new high-speed rail action plan in the coming months, aimed at connecting all EU capitals and major urban centres. While the current Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) regulation calls for long-distance passenger trains to travel at speeds of at least 160 km/h, the upcoming proposal will urge governments to go further – targeting speeds above 250 km/h. The plan is also expected to address key technical barriers and missing links that continue to hinder the development of international high-speed routes. (rh, aw)
India Today
19-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
PM Modi's historic visit to Croatia: Why Croatia matters for India
This historic visit, part of Modi's broader diplomatic tour including Cyprus and Canada, underscores Croatia's growing importance in India's European strategy and highlights the deep civilisational connections between the two nations. Croatia's significance to India extends far beyond its modest size, encompassing strategic geographic positioning, political influence, and cultural resonance that makes it a vital partner in India's evolving European geographic gateway Croatia's location on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea positions it as a crucial maritime gateway to Europe. The country's major ports—Rijeka, Split, and Ploce—are integral components of the European Union's core TEN-T network, supporting trans-European transport infrastructure. For India, these ports represent vital nodes for European exports, particularly as international logistics routes undergo reshaping in the post-COVID era and amid ongoing disruptions in the Suez and Red Sea strategic importance becomes even more pronounced in the context of India's ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiative. The country serves as a critical link in this new trade chain, particularly for distribution to Central and Eastern Europe, offering India an alternative route to traditional Western European influence within EU and NATOAs a full member of both the European Union and NATO, Croatia wields considerable political authority and provides India with indirect access to European regulatory systems and policy debates. This dual membership is particularly valuable for India's ongoing negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which has faced delays due to regulatory and geopolitical position within these institutions offers India a diplomatic ally that can advocate for Indian interests within European decision-making processes, providing a level of influence that extends far beyond the country's multilateral partnerCroatia has consistently supported India's positions on international forums, backing India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council and maintaining a non-interventionist stance on sensitive issues like Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike larger EU countries that sometimes adopt more complex diplomatic positions, Croatia has proven to be a reliable and predictable diplomatic partner for gateway and growing trade relationsDespite Croatia's relatively small market size, Indian companies view it as a strategic gateway to the European Union, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information technology, and engineering. Bilateral trade, while modest at USD 337.68 million in 2023, demonstrates steady growth and potential for institutional framework supporting this economic relationship includes the India-Croatia Agreement on Economic Cooperation (2017), the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (2001), and various sector-specific agreements. The India-Croatia Startup Bridge, initiated in 2021, has fostered entrepreneurial cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, green technology, and Modi accomplished in CroatiaPrime Minister Modi's visit to Zagreb resulted in several significant commitments and agreements that are set to transform the bilateral relationship into a more strategic and dynamic cooperation frameworkadvertisementOne of the most significant outcomes was the announcement of long-term plans for deepening defence partnership. Modi emphasised that this cooperation would focus on defence production alongside training and military exchanges, building upon the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed between the two countries in Prime Minister highlighted areas where the two economies can supplement each other's capacities, suggesting a comprehensive approach to defence collaboration that goes beyond traditional military cooperation to include industrial partnerships and technology and industrial collaborationModi announced India's commitment to enhance investment in Croatia's critical industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, information technology, clean technology, digital technology, and semiconductors. This comprehensive investment strategy demonstrates India's recognition of Croatia as a key partner in technological advancement and sustainable significant was Modi's invitation for Croatian companies to participate in India's Sagarmala project, which focusses on port modernisation, coastal zone development, and multimodal connectivity. This initiative opens vast opportunities for Croatian maritime expertise and technology, leveraging the country's strong maritime heritage and cooperation initiativeThe Prime Minister announced that India would share its space expertise with Croatia, marking a new frontier in bilateral cooperation. This collaboration reflects India's growing capabilities in space technology and its willingness to share expertise with strategic partners, potentially opening avenues for joint space ventures and technology and cultural exchangesBuilding on the existing cultural connections, Modi announced that academic institutes from both countries would carry out joint research projects. He specifically appreciated the Indology department at Zagreb University, acknowledging the deep academic interest in Indian studies that has existed in Croatia for over six two sides finalised a five-year plan for cultural exchange programs, institutionalising the people-to-people connections that have historically linked the two nations. This cultural framework builds upon Croatia's long-standing engagement with Indian philosophy, with Sanskrit studies at the University of Zagreb and widespread adoption of yoga and Ayurveda practices amongst Croatian mobility and diplomatic engagementModi announced that India and Croatia would "soon" sign a mobility agreement to facilitate the movement of people between the two countries. This agreement is expected to boost tourism, educational exchanges, and business cooperation, making it easier for citizens of both nations to engage in various collaborative visit also established a framework for expanded annual foreign office consultations, ensuring regular diplomatic dialogue at the highest level and institutionalising the diplomatic momentum generated by this historic solidarityThe Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Croatia's support following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, emphasising shared values in combating terrorism. This solidarity demonstrates Croatia's reliability as a partner willing to stand with India during challenging times and reinforces the democratic values that bind the two ahead: Strategic implicationsModi's visit to Croatia represents more than bilateral engagement; it signals India's evolving European strategy that moves beyond traditional Western European partnerships to embrace newer EU members who often hold significant influence in the bloc's consensus-driven decision-making generally neutral stance on major global confrontations and its willingness to cooperate on technology make it an important ally in India's diversified European approach. The country's minimal reliance on China and scepticism toward the Belt and Road Initiative position it as an ideal partner for India's alternative vision of democratic cooperation and sustainable agreements and commitments made during this visit have the potential to not only transform India-Croatia relations but also enhance India's overall engagement with Eastern Europe. As Croatia shares borders with major European countries including Hungary, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, strengthening ties with Zagreb provides India with enhanced access to Central European markets and emerging Minister Modi's historic visit to Croatia thus marks the beginning of a new chapter in India's European engagement, one characterised by deeper strategic partnerships, enhanced economic cooperation, and strengthened people-to-people connections. The visit demonstrates that in an increasingly multipolar world, meaningful partnerships can transcend size and geography, rooted instead in shared values, mutual respect, and complementary Watch
