Accessibility of EU outermost regions

Study on the physical accessibility of the Outermost Regions of France, Spain and Portugal

Source: European Commission

The objective of the study was to develop a list of transport projects to improve the connectivity of the nine Outermost Regions of France, Spain and Portugal.

The study aimed to identify the physical disadvantages, bottlenecks and missing links of the Outermost Regions. This comprehensive analysis was needed for the TEN-T policy to ensure connectivity to all European regions by 2050.

The study provided a comprehensive information base of the observed transport conditions of the Outermost regions and a proposition of well-justified actions to improve the overall physical connectivity.

In general, the study:

• identified existing transport links between the EU Member States and the Outermost Regions as well as among and between the Outermost Regions, including regional hubs;
• identified existing transport links between the Outermost Regions and their neighbouring countries, including regional hubs;
• developed an assessment of insufficient, missing and promising links;
• identified key investment needs regarding maritime and air transport;
• developed an evaluation how to strengthen the Motorway of the Sea policy and its funding;
• provided recommendations and a list of projects including the sources of funding.

This study analysed the observed state of the transport connectivity of (i) Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, Saint-Martin, Mayotte (France), (ii) the Azores and Madeira (Portugal) and the Canary Islands (Spain). These Outermost Regions strongly rely on air and maritime transport connections for accessing to basic goods and services, as well as for their regional economic development.

The study found that, in general, the Outermost Regions are well connected with their mainland, both in terms of air and maritime transport. On the other hand, the connectivity with neighbouring regions and countries remains limited.

Developing regional connectivity increases territorial cooperation and stimulates regional economic development. Therefore, policy recommendations have suggested to stimulate the level of regional integration, by optimising conditions for operators to provide regional connections through more liberal traffic rights and balanced taxation.

In addition, policy recommendations on territorial cohesion aimed at improving the mobility of the residents of the Outermost Regions, as well as the conditions for transport of goods. The recommendations to support general connectivity needs focussed on the development of resilient transport infrastructures and funding options to accelerate the  development of the TEN-T in the Outermost Regions.