The CorREDores.eu Alliance has taken a decisive step by presenting before the Petitions Commission of the European Parliament an initiative to include the Central Railway Crossing of the Pyrenees in the «Connecting Europe» Mechanism 2028–2034. This project aims to establish a low-level railway tunnel connecting the Iberian Peninsula with France, aligning with the strategic policies of the European Union.
A Strategic Connection Project
The Central Railway Crossing (TCP) is shaping up to be a modern, high-capacity infrastructure that will complement the historic Pau–Canfranc line. This railway tunnel will allow for a direct connection between the Iberian Peninsula and Central Europe, closing the «missing link» in the center of the Pyrenees. The TCP will not only improve railway interoperability but also relieve current corridors, reducing dependency on border crossings that are more than 400 kilometers apart.
Furthermore, the project promises to boost freight rail transport, decreasing CO₂ emissions and reinforcing the strategic axis of Sines/Algeciras–Madrid–Zaragoza–Paris. This would benefit regions that account for approximately 46% of Spain’s population and GDP.
Relevance in Security and Defense
The TCP presents itself as a key infrastructure for Europe’s strategic autonomy. It will allow for rapid and large-scale movements of troops and material between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe, diversifying strategic routes and reducing border vulnerabilities. Additionally, it will contribute to greater resilience in the face of crises and hybrid threats, facilitating the deployment of critical infrastructure such as secure communications and energy interconnections.
Legal Support and Call to Action
The petition to include the TCP in the CEF Regulation 2028–2034 has already been accepted by the European Parliament. Its consideration as a strategic cross-border section within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is requested. The CorREDores.eu Alliance urges the governments of Spain and France to urgently define the final routing, initiate the construction projects, and establish a clear execution timeline, taking advantage of available European funding.
Federico Aránega Álvarez, president of the Legislative Observatory of the CorREDores.eu Alliance, emphasizes that «the Central Pyrenees Crossing fully meets European criteria: it is a project of common interest, closes a critical link in the network, and responds to the new demands of dual civil and military use. Its inclusion is a strategic decision for Europe.»
