On Friday 13 March, the European Commission launched a €980 million call for proposals to fund key European energy infrastructure projects with major cross-border benefits.
The funding comes from the European Union's programme to support trans-European infrastructure projects, better known as the ‘Connecting Europe Facility’ (CEF).
In its statement announcing the call for proposals, the Commission stressed that, when it assesses funding applications this year, it will be putting greater emphasis on the contribution of projects to climate neutrality objectives.
In order to be eligible for funding under the CEF, a trans-European energy infrastructure project must be included in the list of projects of common interest (PCIs), the fourth version of which was approved recently (see EUROPE 12424/6).
The fourth list of PCIs has, however, been the subject of much criticism from environmental NGOs, particularly because of the gas projects on the list (see EUROPE 12408/23), which has led to lively debate in the European Parliament.
On Thursday 13 February, the European Ombudsman also opened an inquiry into how the Commission ensures that the climate impact and sustainability of projects are assessed before they are included in the list of PCIs (see EUROPE 12426/14). The Commission's replies to the Ombudsman's questions are expected by 31 March at the latest. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)