Brussels, 03/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - Using the written procedure on Monday, the Council adopted its common position on the draft directive setting up the "Intelligent Energy for Europe" programme of funding for energy initiatives from 2003 to 2006 following the expiry of the current programme on 31 December 2002. The common position was adopted at the Energy Council on 25 November 2002 and foresees an overall budget of EUR 190 million (the European Commission had initially proposed EUR 215 million, but the European Parliament amended this proposal at its 18/21 November plenary calling for a EUR 40 million increase to EUR 255 million). The European Parliament will be asked to give its opinion of this new sum during its second reading under the codecision procedure.