Brussels, 24/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - Preparation by member states of regional lists preceding the Commission's autumn presentation of an initial list of projects of common interest has been overshadowed by a dispute between Italy and Slovenia over an Italian project for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.
In line with the new regulatory framework on energy infrastructure adopted last March (see EUROPE 10812), EU member states are due to submit their regional lists by 31 July for infrastructure projects of common interest, ahead of the Commission's presentation on 2 October, of the first list of 130 projects of common interest for the whole of the EU.
Preparation of regional lists has triggered a dispute between Slovenia and Italy over a project to build a liquefied natural gas terminal on the Italian Adriatic, close to the Slovenian border. An environmental impact study is still awaited on this project and Slovenia is opposing it.
Questioned by EUROPE on Wednesday 24 July, Commissioner Günther Oettinger's services attempted to calm things down by pointing out that all the projects included on the list must respect the Community acquis, particularly with regard to environmental requirements. (EH/transl.fl)