Trans-European networks: rules for granting financial aid

The committee adopted the report by Francesco TURCHI (UEN, I) amending the proposal under the codecision procedure (1st reading). The committee voiced concern at the backlog of delays in funding TENS and completing the crossborder rail projects, and agreed with the Commission that the emphasis should be on projects with a major 'social and economic added value' which also improve safety. It stressed that the Commission's proposed increase, for the period 2003-2006, of EUR 100 million for budget heading B5-700 which covers the TENs must comply with the current financial perspective. As to the reallocation of 50m within the overall budget for transport TENs, the report argued that the budgetary authority must be consulted to ensure that this decision is in line with Parliament's priorities. As regards energy networks, MEPs insisted that measures in support of RTE energy projects should be detailed in a separate report. Lastly, the committee wished to include RTE telecommunications projects in the proposal so that they could also receive co-funding of 20%. �