Brussels, 16/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - During his speech at the European Transport Forum in Brussels on Tuesday 16 October, European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas again spoke out in favour of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), saying: “While we hope for an agreement soon (Ed.: on the budget of the Union), the discussions will not be easy - they never are, when it comes to money. This is where we need the support of your governments to make this innovative financing tool work and become a reality”. If the budget foreseen for transport in the CEF (€21.7 billion + €10 billion from the Cohesion Fund) is reduced, this will be due to smaller rates of co-financing of transport infrastructure projects, or a more limited list of projects, European officials from DG MOVE explained to EUROPE. Amounts reviewed could be presented by the Cypriot Presidency on 31 October, they said. Nonetheless, they are optimistic about keeping the mechanism, while first reactions from member states had been negative. They insinuate that the situation has changed with regard to member states, in particular among net contributors who would prefer to see the €10 million wind up in the pocket of the CEF rather than remain in the Cohesion Fund.
Project bonds. Still on the subject of infrastructure funding, the officials shed some light on projects that could be financed in the pilot phase of project bonds. The European Investment Bank (EIB), which is managing the test, is expected to sign a number of contracts by the end of the year. Priority is given to income-generating projects. In transport, road projects in France, Germany, Italy and Belgium are said to be attracting attention as well as others in ports, airports and locks. Energy projects could also be selected but officials warn that the €200 million will soon be exhausted. (MD/transl.jl)