A critical task within WP 2 was to determine 10–15 corridors from which some
(6–8 according to the description of work) would be selected for further benchmarking.
Given the multitude of corridors in Europe, that process consisted of two
steps: (a) pre-selection and (b) selection. Pre-selection is first described.
An initial database of corridors was obtained from the current TEN-T network.
That programme consists of hundreds of projects—defined as studies or works
—whose ultimate purpose is to ensure the cohesion, interconnection and
interoperability of the trans-European transport network, as well as access to it. The
TEN-T projects, located in every EU Member State, involve all modes (road, rail,
maritime, inland waterways, and air) plus horizontal priorities such as logistics,
co-modality4 and innovation. Thirty Priority Projects (either transport axes or other
horizontal priorities) were established to focus on European integration and
development. Those 30 projects identified by EU Member States and included in the
Community guidelines for development of the TEN-T as projects of European
interest, are listed in Table 9.2.