2. Infrastructure system
Important
transnational infrastructure lines according to national documents
- National transport infrastructure systems are frequently discussed in a transnational framework, particularly in smaller countries.
- In this context, also specific corridors are highlighted:
- In countries where long distances between cities have to be travelled, efficient domestic transport is a major issue. Although this is addressed by most countries, it is a more dominant issue in Sweden, Norway and Finland.
- Nordic countries also stress the need for efficient regional air connections. But land transport corridors are also highlighted, being vital for the economy and for regional development. This is explicitly addressed by Finland (with clear focus on railways).
- The strengthening of cross-Baltic Sea maritime transport is highlighted by all BSR countries.
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Spatial concepts of BSR countries give priority to:
- transnational transport corridors, and
- enhancement of public transport.
Upgrading and developing the existing infrastructure system is addressed by all countries. Then, the orientation towards sustainable transport modes is on the forefront. In general a shift from road to rail and to waterborne transport is envisaged.
Border-crossing bottlenecks
The improvement of border crossing points in order to reduce waiting time especially for goods transport, is an important issue, especially in transition countries. Belarus, for example, has initiated investment projects for the reconstruction of facilities along borders with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. Similar efforts are taken at other BSR borders.
Intermodality
All countries support the development of intermodal junctions in order to enhance the use of environment friendly modes of transport (water and rail).
Specific transport infrastructure demands
In some countries other, more specific priorities are mentioned. Lithuania and Latvia emphasise the need to improve the infrastructure regarding tourism, for example for cruising and yachting. Small harbours are considered as an opportunity for regional development.
Urban transport
The need to improve public transport within urban regions (cities and their hinterland) is addressed in all countries, due to negative impacts of growing road traffic on the environment and on urban functionality and attractiveness.
As an example, Denmark has taken steps to lower emissions caused by motorised traffic in the cities through awareness campaigns, education, information, car pooling, etc.
Priorities concerning the
energy system
- In national spatial development documents, energy is largely addressed as a national policy issue: enhancement of renewable energy production.
- Transnational issues are particularly addressed by Finland and Baltic States, where the latter have an important transit function.
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Road pricing or other measures to raise the cost of car transport are generally under discussion, though few specific steps have been taken in BSR countries.
Subsidising public transport to enhance services quality and to reduce prices is politically supported. But this is difficult to implement in transition countries, and is also getting increasingly difficult in other BSR countries.
Energy
The diversification of sources of gas supply is a major issue in the Baltic States. They aim at lowering industrial and domestic energy consumption and work towards renewable energy sources.
The construction of a pipeline linking Tallinn and Helsinki is given high importance by Estonia.
In Sweden the use of bio-fuel is strongly supported by the national government.
Germany has set up a programme providing price privileges to renewable energy production. Many cities have embarked on comprehensive energy saving programmes.
