As regards intelligent transport systems, TEN-T policy has helped in particular to prepare Galileo and the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) ( major European projects which, once operational, are expected to make the use of transport infrastructure far more efficient. In road, rail and air transport, as in Vessel Traffic Management and River Information Services, ITS projects have been developed in a flexible way, on the basis of characteristics set out in the TEN-T Guidelines. This conceptual approach makes it possible to incorporate technological developments, market needs and cooperation initiatives between p ...[+++]artners from different Member States and, combined with the 50% funding possibility for project preparation, has had a significant impact on the development of cross-border projects which might not have existed otherwise. This kind of flexible approach to project development, based on pre-established objectives and criteria, should also be lend itself to achieving other transport policy objectives – the provision of efficient (both economically and environmentally), safe, secure and high quality transport services.

public service compensation for air or maritime links to islands on which average annual traffic during the two financial years preceding that in which the service of general economic interest was assigned does not exceed 300 000 passengers;

9". domestic shipping" means any transport service by ship in sea areas from a port facility of a Member State to the same port facility or another port facility within that Member State,

[28] The decision may be applicable to certain maritime links to islands, on which annual traffic does not exceed a defined threshold

[28] The decision may be applicable to certain maritime links to islands, on which annual traffic does not exceed a defined threshold

(17) A framework for cooperation between the Member States and the Commission needs to be established to enhance the implementation of the monitoring and information system for maritime traffic, with proper communication links being established between the competent authorities and ports of the Member States.