New EU framework for state aid. How will TBER change Polish transportation?

The European Commission has introduced new regulations that change the rules for financing transportation projects. The TBER regulation makes it easier and faster for member states to grant financial support. The rail sector, inland waterways and multimodal transport will benefit in particular.

Transportation investments often require huge expenditures. Until now, many such projects have had to wait for individual approval from the European Commission. The new regulations remove this barrier. In this way, the Union wants to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal more quickly.

What is TBER public assistance?

TBER stands for Transport Block Exemption Regulation. It is the sectoral equivalent of the well-known GBER regulation. The European Commission created the document specifically with transportation in mind. TBER exempts member states from the obligation to notify Brussels each time they have projects that support green transport and move freight from roads to tracks or rivers.

The most important facilities for beneficiaries

The implementation of the new regulations brings four specific benefits to the market:

• Faster procedures. Funding decisions are made at the national level. We bypass the months-long wait for notification at the European Commission.

• Money for green rolling stock. The regulation gives preference to the purchase and modernization of low- and zero-emission vehicles. This applies to both locomotives and inland vessels.

• Support for multimodality. You can more easily finance the construction and expansion of transshipment terminals. This is a key element in linking different transport modes.

• Digital Security. TBER facilitates the subsidization of modern traffic management systems. This includes the implementation of ERTMS on the railroad.

TBER versus GBER – how does it work in practice?

TBER state aid does not replace the GBER regulation, but complements it. GBER has helped finance seaports, airports or electric vehicle charging infrastructure for years. Now TBER closes a loophole. It gives similar privileges to investments in land transport and inland waterways. This gives beneficiaries a clear and consistent playing field.

Where can you find a detailed analysis of the regulations?

The Center for EU Transport Projects is constantly monitoring changes in EU law. We are committed to ensuring that Polish applicants make smooth and flawless use of the new facilitations.

• Maybe you would like to read:New EU framework for state aid in transport on Open Rail portal