maritime links between maritime ports of the comprehensive network or between a port of the comprehensive network and a third-country port where such links are of strategic importance to the Union.

maritime links between maritime ports of the comprehensive network or between a port of the comprehensive network and a third-country port where such links are of strategic importance to the Union;

Proposed actions Short term (until 2013) Define strategic transport networks in the Eastern Partnership region with connectivity to revised TEN-T Adapt the planning of future Trans-Mediterranean transport network to the context of the revised TEN-T policy Prepare a potential pipeline of transport projects of European interest in the Eastern Neighbourhood countries prioritising projects that connect the neighbouring countries with the EU Strengthen the Commission´s cooperation with the International Financial Institutions in the Eastern and Southern ENP Increase the uptake of transport interconnection projects by the Neighbourhood Investment Facility and start financing of mature projects In the Western Balkans, give priority to financing pr ...[+++]ojects that help to develop the South East Europe Comprehensive Regional Transport Network Enlarge the scope of the TENtec Information System to cover all countries in the neighbouring regions Developing further maritime based connections through the Motorways of the Sea concept Longer term Continue developing the pipeline of priority projects, by placing emphasis on projects that promote regional integration and better connections with the EU |

The Marine Liaison Office (MARLO) operates as a conduit for information exchange between the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the commercial shipping community within the region (See Glossary at Annex A.)

The trans-European combined transport network comprises railways and inland waterways, which are suitable for combined transport and maritime links which permit the long-distance transport of goods, and intermodal terminals equipped with installations permitting transhipment between railways, inland waterways, shipping routes and roads.

1. The trans-European network of motorways of the sea is intended to concentrate flows of freight on sea-based logistical routes in such a way as to improve existing maritime links or to establish new viable, regular and frequent maritime links for the transport of goods between Member States so as to reduce road congestion and/or improve access to peripheral and island regions and States.