1990
Commission adopts first action plan on trans-European networks (transport, energy and telecommunications).

1993
TENs given legal base in Maastricht Treaty.

1994
Essen European Council endorses list of 14 TEN-T ‘specific’ projects, drawn up by a group chaired by then Commission Vice-President Henning Christophersen.

1995
Financial regulation for TEN-T support adopted.

1996
Adoption of TEN-T guidelines.

2001
Extension of TEN-T guidelines to port infrastructure (seaports, inland ports and intermodal terminals) adopted.

2003
A group chaired by former Commission Vice-President Karel Van Miert proposes new priority projects and calls for new means of funding.

2004
Revised guidelines and financial regulation adopted, with a list of 30 priority projects (including the original 14) and a higher maximum funding rate of 20 % in certain cases.

2005
Nomination of the first six European coordinators.

2005
A group chaired by former Commission Vice-President Loyola de Palacio due to propose axes linking TEN-T to neighbouring countries outside the EU.