Trans-European energy networks: guidelines

OBJECTIVE: to define the nature and scope of Community action in laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks. COMMUNITY MEASURE: European Parliament and Council Decision 1254/96 laying down a series of guidelines on trans-European energy networks. SUBSTANCE: the decision lays down the Community objectives, priorities from now to the year 2000 and the main lines of action with a view to stimulating the development of the trans-European energy networks. * Community action promotes the development, interconnection and interoperability of the trans-European energy networks, and access to these networks with a view to: - reinforcing the security of the Community's energy supply; - enabling the single market actually to be implemented; - facilitating improved access for less-favoured, peripheral and island regions. * In order to achieve these objectives, the priorities are as follows: - Electricity networks: linking isolated networks to the interconnected European networks; interconnections between Member States; interconnection with European third countries and the Mediterranean countries; - Natural gas networks: introduction of natural gas in new regions; linking isolated networks to trans-European networks; increasing transport, reception and storage capacities and diversifying sources and transport routes for natural gas. * The main lines of action are: - identification of projects of common interest; - establishing a more favourable context for carrying out trans-European energy network projects through technical, administrative, legal and financial measures. * Any common-interest project must have the potential for economic viability. Assessment of economic viability must take account of all the costs and benefits linked to environmental aspects, security of supply and the contribution that can be made to economic and social cohesion. When projects are considered, effects on competition and prospects of private or business funding must be borne in mind. * An indicative list of common-interest projects in the area of trans-European networks is annexed to the decision. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 02/07/1996. �