Trans-European networks: rules for granting financial aid

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Francesco TURCHI (UEN, Italy) making some amendments to the amended proposal. (Please refer to the document dated 22/05/02.) Parliament expressed its concern that the accumulated backlog for the trans-European transport network amounts to 60% of overall project support. Major problems remain to be solved in the 14 priority projects approved at the Essen European Council, whereby an increase in the level of Community co-financing is considered necessary. The Commission should prepare an evaluation of Member States' responsibilities in the implementation of the projects. Based on this assessment, the Commission should present a proposal to improve cross-border co-operation between Member States. On the priority projects on the energy networks, Parliament stated that the development stage should able to qualify for higher financial aid without this leading to any increase in the funds set aside for energy networks in the 2003-2006 financial perspectives. This aid is in respect of priority projects on the energy networks that are carried out in individual undertakings, which are necessary in the interests of the European economy but unprofitable in business terms and which do to distort competition between undertakings. Finally, an amendment was made to the effect that the financial framework would be subject to a mid-term review based on the implementation of the regulation. The allocation of funds will be linked to the qualitative and quantitative level of implementation, including contribution to the reduction of traffic growth and air pollution. Commitment appropriations will be cancelled after n+2 years if funds are not utilised.�