Major changes to the Marco Polo programme

Following a recent evaluation of Marco Polo I and current experiences with Marco Polo II, the European Commission announced it wants to improve certain aspects to make the programme more attractive, leading to more and better projects for more sustainable freight transport in Europe. Some 12 changes are envisioned, and a public consultation on these matters is open until May 30.

The most important change aims at doubling funding intensity from 1 to 2 euro per 500 t-km shifted. As Marco Polo II has an objective to transfer 140 billion t-km over 7 years, and an available budget of420 million euro, a minimum of 1,5 euro could be paid per 500 t-km shifted. But, as Marco Polo I only reached its objectives in 65%, and assuming that Marco Polo II scores better and achieves 75% of the t-km objectives, then the subvention per 500 t-km could reach 2 euro.