Trans-European networks: rules for granting financial aid

The Commission is seeking to modify the initial proposal relating to the granting of Community financial aid for the trans-European networks to take account of priority revisions to TEN-Energy. Original revisions to the financial perspective of the Regulation governing the trans-European network focused exclusively on the transport sector (please see text below). However, in December 2001, shortly after the publication of the initial proposal the Commission presented a Communication to the Council and European Parliament, accompanied by a proposal for the revision of the TEN-Energy guidelines. The proposed revision of the energy guidelines suggested making better use of the aid available under the Regulation accompanied by twelve priority projects deemed essential for the completion of the trans-European energy network. In particular, the Commission proposes: - to concentrate the financial resources on the priority projects identified and listed in Annex I to the revised guidelines for trans-European energy networks; - to increase from 10 to 20% the maximum rate of support for these 12 priority projects; - to focus the support on the project development phase from now on. The priority projects have been chosen on the basis that they are integral to the completion of the internal market as well as improving the security of supply. Further, whilst much of the initial financing went towards study projects, these studies have now neared conclusion so the second, more costly phase, of implementation is imminent. Hence the need to increase the financial perspective of TEN-Energy. By incorporating this proposal into the revision of Council Regulation 2236/95 the maximum increase in the rate of support for the energy projects identified will increase from 10 to 20%.�