Brussels, 25/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved the modified state aid measures in favour of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link project previously approved by the Commission in 1996 and 1999. The UK Government has notified to the Commission a number of changes with regard to the financial arrangements for the project that follow the decision of Railtrack UK Ltd not to purchase a section of Section 2 of CTRL infrastructure between Fawkham Junction and St. Pancras. Many aspects of risk will thus now rest with London Continental & Railways (LCR) instead of Railtrack UK Ltd. Financial arrangements have been amended as to facilitate fund raising on the commercial market and hence ensure that the private sector participation in the project will be maintained. The Commission concludes that the notified aid measures in favour of the owner/operator promote the execution of an important project of common European interest and is therefore compatible with EU competition rules. In addition, it has authorised the railway undertaking to provide services on the CTRL as it compensates for additional financial burdens (infrastructure charges), that other undertakings do not have to bear.