Brussels, 11/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - As we indicated earlier, the Commission presented, on Tuesday, a new multiannaul programme of actions in the field of energy, "Intelligent Energy for Europe" (2003-2006), which will follow up the current energy framework programme due to end on 31 December 2002. With a budget of EUR 215 million, Intelligent Energy for Europe implements the strategy outlined in the Green Paper on security of energy supply and focuses on the promotion of renewable energies and energy saving in the prospect of better control of the EU's energy dependency and the respect of its international commitments for fighting against climate change.
With this new action programme, the Commission adopted a more integrated approach than before. It proposes to considerably strengthen European support for the promotion of renewable energies (Altener) and energy saving (Save), while redirecting international action towards two priorities (Coopener). It also proposes introducing a new section on the energy aspects of transport (Steer), in line with the new guidelines of the common transport policy. A budget of EUR 215 million is proposed for the period 2003-2006. It takes into account the Union's political guidelines, mainly the Community sustainable development strategy adopted by the European Council in Gothenburg in June 2001. The budgetary breakdown envisaged is as follows: EUR 75 million for Save, EUR 86 million for Altener, EUR 35 million for Steer and EUR 19 million for Coopener. A budget of a further EUR 50 million could be envisaged in the context of enlargement. Cofinancing will in principle be limited to 50% of the total cost of the projects. However, for some studies and for measures undertaken on the Commission's initiative alone, financing of up to 100% is envisaged. Actions that may benefit from Community support should contribute to mastering the Union's energy dependency and fighting against climate change.