Trans-European energy networks: guidelines

The European Parliament adopted a second reading report by Anne LAPERROUZE (ALDE, FR) amending the Council's common position on the directive on Trans European Energy Networks. The amendments are acceptable to the Council. The compromise includes two important elements of the original Commission proposal supported by the EP but previously opposed by the Council: the declaration of projects of European interest and the European coordinator.

On the issue of projects of European interest, the report states that for most projects declared to be of European interest, a significant current or prospective delay could be a delay expected to last between one and two years.  If there is such a delay, the Commission may ask the Member States concerned to ensure that reasons for the delay are provided within three months.

Five years after the completion of a project declared to be of European interest or of one of the sections thereof, the Commission shall carry out an assessment of that project which includes its socio-economic impact, impact on the environment, impact on trade between Member States and impact on territorial cohesion and sustainable development.

The European Coordinator shall promote the European dimension of the project and the cross-border dialogue between the project promoters and the people concerned; contribute to the coordination of the national procedures for consulting the people concerned, and submit a report to the Commission every year on the progress of the project(s) for which he has been designated European co-ordinator and on any difficulties and obstacles which are likely to result in a significant delay. The Commission will transmit this report to the Member States concerned.