europavägar

Europavägar, or European routes, refer to the international E-road network, a system of principal highways that connect and facilitate cross‑border traffic across Europe. The network is coordinated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) under the European Agreement on Main International Traffic Arteries (AGR). Its purpose is to provide a coherent framework for routing and designation of major international roads, while the actual construction and maintenance remain the responsibility of national authorities.

The E-road network spans tens of thousands of kilometres and covers dozens of countries. Routes are designated with an E number, with the numbering pattern broadly following a scheme in which even numbers run roughly east–west and odd numbers run roughly north–south; three-digit routes are typically branches or connections off main corridors. Examples of well-known routes include E4 and E6, which traverse parts of northern Europe, and E20, which links several countries across the region.

Signage for Europavägar varies by country, but in many jurisdictions the E-number is signposted on blue signs in addition to national road identifiers. The system serves as an overlay to national road networks and is used for international planning and navigation, rather than replacing country-specific design standards.

Relation to other European transport planning: The E-road network intersects with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and is aligned where possible with major European corridors. However, TEN-T and the E-road network are separate frameworks, each with distinct governance and implementation pathways.

In Sweden, the term Europavägar is commonly used to describe these international routes, and signs typically display the E-number alongside national road markers.