A well functioning transport system connecting the European Union (EU) and the neighbouring countries is essential for sustainable economic growth and the wellbeing of all citizens in this part of the world. Better integration of national networks will foster regional cooperation and integration not only between the EU and its neighbours but also between the neighbouring countries themselves. Also, good transport connections in the EU as well as in the neighbouring countries are important for trade with Asia, sub-Saharan Africa or America. In short improving transport connections would be for the mutual benefit of both the European Union and its neighbouring partner countries. With this development in mind, in April 2004 the EU adopted an ambitious plan1 that focused investments on a limited number of major trans-European transport axes. In particular, the plan aimed at integrating the networks of the new EU Member states, thereby contributing to a stronger Single Market. Following the ministerial seminar that took place in Santiago de Compostela, Spain in June 2004, the European Commission decided to establish a High Level Group (the Group) on the "extension of the major trans-European transport axes to the neighbouring countries and regions". This was to extend the concept of European Neighbourhood Policy into the transport field and to find ways to better connect the European Union with the neighbouring countries and regions. Former Commission Vice President Ms Loyola de Palacio was appointed Chair of the Group, which comprised 26 neighbouring countries, the 25 EU States plus Bulgaria and Romania, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank (the Banks). The Group met on 10 occasions between October 2004 and November 2005.