### 3. the decision-making body of each group shall adopt a regional list of proposed projects of common interest drawn up in accordance with the process set out in section 2 of annex iii , the contribution of each project to implementing the energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas and their fulfilment of the criteria set out in article 4. ### 3. the decision-making body of each group , after prior consultation of the energy infrastructure committee , shall adopt for each energy infrastructure category as set out in annex ii a regional list of proposed projects of common interest drawn up in accordance with the process set out in section 2 of annex iii , the contribution of each project to implementing the energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas and their fulfilment of the criteria set out in article 4.


### 3. the decision-making body of each group shall adopt a regional list of proposed projects of common interest drawn up in accordance with the process set out in section 2 of annex iii , the contribution of each project to implementing the energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas and their fulfilment of the criteria set out in article 4. ### 3. the decision-making body of each group shall adopt a regional list of proposed projects of common interest presented in categories in accordance with annex ii and drawn up in accordance with the process set out in section 2 of annex iii , the contribution of each project to implementing the energy infrastructure priority corridors and areas and their fulfilment of the criteria set out in article 4.


### each individual proposal for a project of common interest shall require the approval of the states , to whose territory the project relates; where a state does not to give its approval , it shall present its substantiated reasons for doing so to the group concerned; ### each individual proposal for a project of common interest shall provide the eligibility of the project in light of sustainability criteria and the principle of energy efficiency first and shall require the approval of the states , to whose territory the project relates; where a state does not to give its approval , it shall present its substantiated reasons for doing so to the group concerned;


### each individual proposal for a project of common interest shall require the approval of the states , to whose territory the project relates; where a state does not to give its approval , it shall present its substantiated reasons for doing so to the group concerned; ### each individual proposal for a project of common interest shall prove compliance by the project with sustainability criteria laid out in article 4 and annex iv of this regulation and the application of the principle of ‘energy efficiency first’;


### avoid carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining security of energy supply; ### deleted


### for hydrogen projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (3) of annex ii the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability , including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions , by enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen and supporting variable renewable power generation by offering flexibility and/or storage solutions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### for hydrogen projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (3) of annex ii the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by bringing hydrogen , produced in hydrolysis facilities with a direct - physical or virtual (via e.g. a power purchase agreement) - connection to power plants using additional renewable energy sources , to consumption centres where carbon intensive energy is replaced , and supporting variable renewable power generation by offering flexibility and/or storage solutions and supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as well as the criteria set out in annex iv. all projects shall allow for effective competition in the hydrogen market , including by allowing access to multiple supply sources and network users on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to the following specific criteria:


### market integration , including by connecting existing or emerging hydrogen networks of member states , or otherwise contributing to the emergence of an union-wide network for the transport and storage of hydrogen , and ensuring interoperability of connected systems; ### market integration , including by connecting existing or emerging hydrogen networks of member states , or otherwise contributing to the emergence of an union-wide network for the transport and storage of hydrogen or for powering fuel-cell vehicles , such as railroad engines or water vessels and ensuring interoperability of connected systems;


### sustainability , including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the deployment of renewable hydrogen. ### sustainability , by producing hydrogen from power generation facilities using additional renewable energy sources to which the electrolyser has a direct - physical or virtual - connection , to replace carbon intensive energy thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions , as well as the criteria set out in annex iv;


### (iii) facilitating smart energy sector integration through linking different energy carriers and sectors. ### (iii) enabling flexibility services such as demand response and storage by facilitating smart energy sector integration through the creation of links to other energy carriers and sectors.


### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases , such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### delete (whole sub-paragraph)


### complementarity with regard to other proposed projects; ### the influence of other proposed projects , which could be complementary to , competing with , or potentially competing with , the project under assessment;


### 3. without prejudice to obligations resulting from union law , where such status exists in national law , projects of common interest shall be granted the status of the highest national significance possible and be appropriately treated in the permit granting processes — and if national law so provides , in spatial planning — including those relating to environmental assessments , in the manner such treatment is provided for in national law applicable to the corresponding type of energy infrastructure. ### 3. without prejudice to obligations resulting from union law , where such status exists in national law , projects of common interest shall be granted the status of the highest national significance possible and be appropriately treated in the permit granting processes — and if national law so provides , in spatial planning — including those relating to environmental assessments , in the manner such treatment is provided for in national law applicable to the corresponding type of energy infrastructure and without prejudice of the strict application of the procedures and provisions foreseen in the union environmental legislation.


### prior to submitting their respective methodologies , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entity of distribution system operators in the union (‘eu dso entity’) , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and , where it is deemed appropriate the national regulatory authorities and other national authorities. ### prior to submitting their respective methodologies , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entity of distribution system operators in the union (‘eu dso entity’) , all relevant hydrogen , e-mobility , demand response and civil society stakeholders and , where it is deemed appropriate the national regulatory authorities and other national authorities.


### prior to submitting their respective methodologies , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entity of distribution system operators in the union (‘eu dso entity’) , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and , where it is deemed appropriate the national regulatory authorities and other national authorities. ### prior to submitting their respective methodologies , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving the energy infrastructure committees of the groups and at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entity of distribution system operators in the union (‘eu dso entity’) , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and , where it is deemed appropriate the national regulatory authorities and other national authorities.


### 2. within three months of the receipt of the methodologies together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall provide an opinion to the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , the member states , and the commission and publish it on the agency’s website. ### 2. within three months of the receipt of the methodologies together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall provide a binding opinion to the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , the member states , and the commission and publish it on the agency’s website.


### 10. every three years , the agency shall establish and make publicly available a set of indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs for comparable projects of the infrastructure categories included in points (1) and (3) of annex ii. those reference values may be used by the entso for electricity and the entso for gas for the cost-benefit analyses carried out for subsequent union-wide ten-year network development plans. the first of such indicators shall be published by [1 november 2022]. ### 10. every three years , the agency shall establish and make publicly available a set of indicators and corresponding reference values based on greenhouse gas mitigation potential for the comparison of unit investment costs for comparable projects of the infrastructure categories and possible alternatives , such as flexibility measures or sector coupling projects , included in points (1) and (3) of annex ii. those reference values may be used by the entso for electricity and the entso for gas for the cost-benefit analyses carried out for subsequent union-wide ten-year network development plans. the first of such indicators shall be published by [1 november 2022].


### 10. every three years , the agency shall establish and make publicly available a set of indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs for comparable projects of the infrastructure categories included in points (1) and (3) of annex ii. those reference values may be used by the entso for electricity and the entso for gas for the cost-benefit analyses carried out for subsequent union-wide ten-year network development plans. the first of such indicators shall be published by [1 november 2022]. ### 10. every two years , the agency shall establish and make publicly available a set of indicators and corresponding reference values for the comparison of unit investment costs for comparable projects , based on greenhouse gas mitigation potential of the infrastructure categories included in annex ii and for demand-side management and flexibility measures as well as energy system integration projects. those reference values may be used by the eic for the cost-benefit analyses carried out for subsequent union-wide ten-year network development plans. the first of such indicators shall be published by [1 november 2022].


### 11. by [31 december 2023] , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall jointly submit to the commission and the agency a consistent and interlinked energy market and network model including electricity , gas and hydrogen transmission infrastructure as well as storage , lng and electrolysers , covering the energy infrastructure priority corridors and the areas drawn up in line with the principles laid down in annex v. ### 11. by [31 december 2023] , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall jointly submit to the commission and the agency a consistent and interlinked energy market and network model including electricity , gas and hydrogen transmission infrastructure as well as storage and electrolysers , covering the energy infrastructure priority corridors and the areas drawn up in line with the principles laid down in annex v.


### 1. by [31 july 2022] , the agency , after having conducted an extensive consultation process involving the commission and at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , union dso entity , and relevant hydrogen sector stakeholders , shall publish the framework guidelines for the joint scenarios to be developed by entso for electricity and entso for gas. those guidelines shall be regularly updated as found necessary. ### 1. by [31 july 2022] , the agency , after having conducted an extensive consultation process involving the commission and at least the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the entso for electricity , the entso for gas , union dso entity , and relevant hydrogen , e-mobility , demand response and civil society stakeholders , shall publish the framework guidelines for the integrated scenarios to be developed by entso for electricity and entso for gas. those guidelines shall be regularly updated as found necessary.


### the guidelines shall include the energy efficiency first principle and ensure that the underlying entso for electricity and entso for gas scenarios are fully in line with the latest medium and long-term european union decarbonisation targets and the latest available commission scenarios. ### the guidelines shall include the energy efficiency first and do-no-harm principles , prioritise renewables-based direct electrification and ensure that the underlying entso for electricity and entso for gas scenarios are fully in line with the latest medium and long-term european union decarbonisation targets and the latest available commission scenarios.


### 2. the entso for electricity and entso for gas shall follow the agency’s framework guidelines when developing the joint scenarios to be used for the union-wide ten-year network development plans. ### 2. the entso for electricity and entso for gas shall follow the agency’s framework guidelines when developing the integrated scenarios to be used for the union-wide ten-year network development plans.


### 4. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish and submit the draft joint scenarios report to the agency and the commission for their opinion. ### 4. the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall publish and submit the draft integrated scenarios report to the agency and the commission for their opinion.


### 5. within three months from the receipt of the draft joint scenarios report together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall submit its opinion to the entso for electricity , entso for gas and the commission. ### 5. within three months from the receipt of the draft joint scenarios report together with the input received in the consultation process and a report on how it was taken into account , the agency shall submit its binding opinion to the entso for electricity , entso for gas and the commission.


### when assessing the infrastructure gaps the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall implement the energy efficiency first principle and consider with priority all relevant non-infrastructure related solutions to address the identified gaps. ### when assessing the infrastructure gaps the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall implement the energy efficiency first principle and consider with priority all relevant non-infrastructure related solutions including sector coupling projects to address the identified gaps.


### prior to submitting their respective reports , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and all the member states representatives part of the priority corridors defined in annex i. ### prior to submitting their respective reports , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity , all relevant hydrogen , e-mobility , demand response and civil society stakeholders and all the member states representatives part of the priority corridors defined in annex i.


### prior to submitting their respective reports , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and all the member states representatives part of the priority corridors defined in annex i. ### prior to submitting their respective reports , the entso for electricity and the entso for gas shall conduct an extensive consultation process involving the energy infrastructure committees of the groups and all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity , all relevant hydrogen stakeholders and all the member states representatives part of the priority corridors defined in annex i.


### 2. by [31 july 2023] the entso for electricity , with the involvement of the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities and of the commission and in line with the agreement referred to in paragraph 1 , shall develop and publish integrated offshore network development plans starting from the 2050 objectives , with intermediate steps for 2030 and 2040 , for each sea-basin , in line with the priority offshore grid corridors referred to in annex i , taking into account environmental protection and other uses of the sea. those integrated offshore network development plans shall thereafter be updated every three years. ### 2. by [31 july 2023] the eic , with the involvement of the entso for electricity , the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities , other relevant stakeholders and of the commission and in line with the agreement referred to in paragraph 1 , shall develop and publish integrated offshore network development plans including interconnectors and hybrid projects as referred to in annex ii , and where applicable , offshore infrastructure for other renewable energy carriers , such as hydrogen , starting from the 2050 objectives , with intermediate steps for 2030 and 2040 , for each sea-basin , in line with the priority offshore grid corridors referred to in annex i , taking into account environmental protection and other uses of the sea. those integrated offshore network development plans shall thereafter be updated every two years , consider additional national projects and be aligned with the union-wide tyndp procedure as per article 12.


### 6. for the purpose of ensuring the timely development of the offshore grids for renewable energy , should the entso for electricity not develop , in time , the integrated offshore network development plans , referred to in paragraph 2 , the commission shall , on the basis of expert advice , draw-up an integrated offshore network development plan per sea-basin for each priority offshore grid corridor set out in annex i. ### 6. for the purpose of ensuring the timely development of the offshore grids for renewable energy , should the eic not develop , in time , the integrated offshore network development plans , referred to in paragraph 2 , the commission shall , on the basis of expert advice , draw-up an integrated offshore network development plan per sea-basin for each priority offshore grid corridor set out in annex i.


### 1. where a project promoter incurs higher risks for the development , construction , operation or maintenance of a project of common interest falling under the competency of national regulatory authorities , when compared to the risks normally incurred by a comparable infrastructure project , member states and national regulatory authorities shall ensure that appropriate incentives are granted to that project in accordance with article 58(f) of directive (eu) 2019/944 , article 41(8) of directive 2009/73/ec , article 18(1) and (3) to (6) of regulation (eu) 2019/943 , and article 13 of regulation (ec) no 715/2009. ### deleted


### the project specific cost-benefit analysis pursuant to article 16(3)(a) provides evidence concerning the existence of significant positive externalities , such as security of supply , system flexibility , solidarity or innovation; ### the project specific cost-benefit analysis pursuant to article 16(3)(a) provides evidence concerning the existence of significant positive externalities , such as tangible greenhouse gas emissions reduction , security of supply , system flexibility , solidarity or innovation;


### the project is not commercially viable according to the business plan and other assessments carried out , in particular by potential investors or creditors or the national regulatory authority. the decision on incentives and its justification referred to in article 17(2) shall be taken into account when assessing the project’s commercial viability. ### deleted


### for the electricity and hydrogen sectors , the evolution of the interconnection level between member states , the corresponding evolution of energy prices , as well as the number of network system failure events , their causes and related economic cost; ### for the electricity and hydrogen sectors , the evolution of the interconnection level between member states , the corresponding evolution of energy prices , as well as the number of network system failure events , their causes and related economic cost and the contribution to flexibility , energy system integration and sector coupling;


### for the electricity and hydrogen sectors , the evolution of the interconnection level between member states , the corresponding evolution of energy prices , as well as the number of network system failure events , their causes and related economic cost; ### for the electricity sector , the evolution of the interconnection level between member states or the level of flexibility achieved , the corresponding evolution of energy prices , as well as the number of network system failure events , their causes and related economic cost; and the contribution energy system integration;


### the effectiveness of this regulation in contributing to the climate and energy targets for 2030 , and , in the longer term , to the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050. ### the effectiveness of this regulation in contributing to the climate and energy targets for 2030 , and , specifically alignment to the achievement of climate neutrality as soon as possible and by 2050 at the latest.


### the main expected benefits and the costs of the projects except for any commercially sensitive information; ### the main expected benefits , in particular regarding greenhouse gas emission reductions and the costs of the projects except for any commercially sensitive information;


### the main expected benefits and the costs of the projects except for any commercially sensitive information; ### the main expected benefits , in particular regarding full lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reductions and the costs of the projects except for any commercially sensitive information;


### (8) hydrogen interconnections in western europe (‘hi west’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (8) hydrogen interconnections in western europe (‘hi west’): hydrogen infrastructure in the countries of the region which addresses their specific infrastructure needs by connecting renewable energy production areas to electrolysers and , subsequently , to synthetic fuel production centres , as well as supporting the emergence of a network for hydrogen transport.


### (9) hydrogen interconnections in central eastern and south eastern europe (‘hi east’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (9) hydrogen interconnections in central eastern and south eastern europe (‘hi east’): hydrogen infrastructure in the countries of the region which addresses their specific infrastructure needs by connecting renewable energy production areas to electrolysers and , subsequently , to synthetic fuel production centers or transport hubs , as well as supporting the emergence of a network for hydrogen transport.


### (10) baltic energy market interconnection plan in hydrogen (‘bemip hydrogen’): hydrogen infrastructure enabling the emergence of an integrated hydrogen backbone connecting the countries of the region and addressing their specific infrastructure needs for hydrogen supporting the emergence of an eu-wide network for hydrogen transport. ### (10) baltic energy market interconnection plan in hydrogen (‘bemip hydrogen’): hydrogen infrastructure in the countries of the region which addresses their specific infrastructure needs by connecting renewable energy production areas to electrolysers and , subsequently , to synthetic fuel production centres , as well as supporting the emergence of a network for hydrogen transport


### (11) smart electricity grids deployment: adoption of smart grid technologies across the union to efficiently integrate the behaviour and actions of all users connected to the electricity network , in particular the generation of large amounts of electricity from renewable or distributed energy sources and demand response by consumers. ### (11) smart electricity grids deployment: adoption of smart grid technologies across the union to efficiently integrate the behaviour and actions of all users connected to the electricity network , in particular the generation of large amounts of electricity from renewable or distributed energy sources , energy storage and transformation facilities and demand response by consumers.


### (13) smart gas grids: adoption of smart gas grid technologies across the union to efficiently integrate a plurality of renewable and low-carbon gas sources into the gas network , support the uptake of innovative solutions for network management and facilitating smart energy sector integration and demand response. ### deleted


### electricity storage facilities used for storing electricity on a permanent or temporary basis in above-ground or underground infrastructure or geological sites , provided they are directly connected to high-voltage transmission lines designed for a voltage of 110 kv or more; ### electricity storage facilities used for storing electricity on a permanent or temporary basis in above-ground or underground infrastructure or geological sites , provided they have capacity of at least 50 mw and are connected to transport hubs or other relevant energy system infrastructure;


### any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases (including biomethane or hydrogen) into the network: digital systems and components integrating ict , control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent monitoring , metering , quality control and management of gas production , transmission , distribution and consumption within a gas network. furthermore , such projects may also include equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network. ### any of the following equipment or installation aiming at enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable gases (such as biomethane or hydrogen) into the network: digital systems and components integrating ict , control systems and sensor technologies to enable the interactive and intelligent monitoring , metering , quality control and management of gas production , transmission , distribution and consumption within a gas network. furthermore , such projects may also include equipment to enable reverse flows from the distribution to the transmission level and related necessary upgrades to the existing network.


### electrolysers that: (i) have at least 100 mw capacity , (ii) the production complies with the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings requirement of 70 % relative to a fossil fuel comparator of 94g co2e/mj as set out in article 25(2) and annex v of directive (eu) 2018/2001 of the european parliament and of the council.60 life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings are calculated using the methodology referred to in article 28(5) of directive (eu) 2018/2001 or , alternatively , using iso 14067 or iso 14064-1. quantified life-cycle ghg emission savings are verified in line with article 30 of directive (eu) 2018/2001 where applicable , or by an independent third party , and (iii) have also a network-related function; ### electrolysers that: (i) have at least 20 mw capacity , (ii) the production complies with the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings requirement of 70 % relative to a fossil fuel comparator of 94g co2e/mj as set out in article 25(2) and annex v of directive (eu) 2018/2001 of the european parliament and of the council.60 life cycle greenhouse gas emissions savings are calculated using the methodology referred to in article 28(5) of directive (eu) 2018/2001 or , alternatively , using iso 14067 or iso 14064-1. quantified life-cycle ghg emission savings are verified in line with article 30 of directive (eu) 2018/2001 where applicable , or by an independent third party , (iii) have also a network-related function , and (iv) are fed with electricity from dedicated (additional) renewable energy sources or are operated in times of renewable electricity surplus in the grid;


### dedicated pipelines , other than upstream pipeline network , used to transport carbon dioxide from more than one source , i.e. industrial installations (including power plants) that produce carbon dioxide gas from combustion or other chemical reactions involving fossil or non-fossil carbon-containing compounds , for the purpose of permanent geological storage of carbon dioxide pursuant to directive 2009/31/ec of the european parliament and of the council61 ; ### delete


### (1) with regard to energy infrastructure falling under the competency of national regulatory authorities , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , national regulatory authorities , tsos , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity or the entso for gas , as relevant. ### (1) with regard to energy infrastructure falling under the competency of national regulatory authorities , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , national regulatory authorities , representatives of civil society , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity or the entso for gas , as relevant.


### (1) with regard to energy infrastructure falling under the competency of national regulatory authorities , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , national regulatory authorities , tsos , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity or the entso for gas , as relevant. ### (1) with regard to energy infrastructure falling under the competency of national regulatory authorities , each group shall be composed of representatives of the member states , including from regional and local level , national regulatory authorities , tsos , as well as the commission , the agency and the entso for electricity or the entso for gas , as relevant.


### (6) proposed carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the category set out in point (5) of annex ii shall be presented as part of a plan , developed by at least two member states , for the development of cross-border carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure , to be presented by the member states concerned or entities designated by those member states to the commission. ### deleted


### for electricity transmission , the project increases the grid transfer capacity , or the capacity available for commercial flows , at the border of that member state with one or several other member states , having the effect of increasing the cross-border grid transfer capacity at the border of that member state with one or several other member states , by at least 500 megawatt compared to the situation without commissioning of the project; ### for electricity transmission , the project increases the grid transfer capacity , the capacity available for commercial flows , or increases grid stability , at the border of that member state with one or several other member states , having the effect of increasing the cross-border grid transfer capacity at the border of that member state with one or several other member states , by at least 500 megawatt compared to the situation without commissioning of the project;


### for electricity storage , the project provides at least 225 mw installed capacity and has a storage capacity that allows a net annual electricity generation of 250 gigawatt-hours/year; ### for electricity storage , the project provides at least 225 mw installed capacity and has a storage capacity and loading velocity that allows a net annual electricity generation of 250 gigawatt-hours/year;


### for hydrogen transmission , the project enables the transmission of hydrogen across the borders of the member states concerned , or increases existing cross-border hydrogen transport capacity at a border between two member states by at least 10 % compared to the situation prior to the commissioning of the project , and the project sufficiently demonstrates that it is an essential part of a planned cross-border hydrogen network and provides sufficient proof of existing plans and cooperation with neighbouring countries and network operators; ### for hydrogen transmission , the project enables the transmission of hydrogen across the borders of the member states concerned , or increases existing cross-border hydrogen transport capacity at a border between two member states by at least 10 % compared to the situation prior to the commissioning of the project , and the project sufficiently demonstrates that it is an essential part of a planned cross-border hydrogen network serving industrial clusters , multimodal transport hubs or storage facilities and provides sufficient proof of existing plans and cooperation with neighbouring countries and network operators;


### for electrolysers , the project provides at least 100 mw installed capacity and the brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least two member states; ### for electrolysers , the project provides at least 20 mw installed capacity and the brings benefits directly or indirectly to at least two member states or projects mentioned in subparagraph (e);


### for smart gas grids , a project involves transmission system operators , transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators from at least two member states. distribution system operators can be involved only with the support of the transmission system operators , of at least two member states , that are closely associated to the project and ensure interoperability. ### deleted


### for smart gas grids , a project involves transmission system operators , transmission and distribution system operators or distribution system operators from at least two member states. distribution system operators can be involved only with the support of the transmission system operators , of at least two member states , that are closely associated to the project and ensure interoperability. ### for heating and cooling networks , the project results in avoided cross border infrastructure investments in the concerned member state , in reduced fuel imports to the union , and delivers significant heating or cooling capacity.


### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (1)(a) and (e) of annex ii , the project increases the grid transfer capacity , or the capacity available for commercial flows , at the border of that member state with one or more third countries and brings significant benefits , under the specific criteria listed in in article 4(3) , to at least two member states. the calculation of the benefits for the member states shall be performed and published by the entso for electricity in the frame of union-wide ten-year network development plan; ### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (1)(a) and (e) of annex ii , the project increases the grid transfer capacity , the capacity available for commercial flows or increases grid stability , at the border of that member state with one or more third countries and brings significant benefits , under the specific criteria listed in in article 4(3) , to at least two member states. the calculation of the benefits for the member states shall be performed and published by the entso for electricity in the frame of union-wide ten-year network development plan;


### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (3) of annex ii , the hydrogen project enables the transmission of hydrogen across at the border of a member state with one or more third countries and proves bringing significant benefits , under the specific criteria listed in in article 4(3) , to at least two member states. the calculation of the benefits for the member states shall be performed and published by the entso for gas in the frame of union-wide ten-year network development plan; ### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (3) of annex ii , the hydrogen project enables the transmission of hydrogen across at the border of a member state with one or more third countries and proves bringing significant benefits , under the specific criteria listed in in article 4(3) , to at least two member states or projects listed in article (1) subparagraph (e). the calculation of the benefits for the member states shall be performed and published by the entso for gas in the frame of union-wide ten-year network development plan;


### for projects of mutual interest in the category set out in point (5) of annex ii , the project can be used to transport anthropogenic carbon dioxide by at least two member states and a third country. ### deleted


### sustainability measured as the contribution of a project to: greenhouse gas emission reductions in different end-use applications , such as industry or transport; flexibility and seasonal storage options for renewable electricity generation; or the integration of renewable hydrogen. ### sustainability measured as the contribution of a project to: life cycle greenhouse gas emission reductions in different end-use applications , such as industry or transport; flexibility and seasonal storage options for renewable electricity generation; or the integration of renewable hydrogen.


### sustainability measured as the contribution of a project to: greenhouse gas emission reductions in different end-use applications , such as industry or transport; flexibility and seasonal storage options for renewable electricity generation; or the integration of renewable hydrogen. ### sustainability measured as the contribution of a project to :


### security of supply and flexibility measured by calculating the additional value of the project to the resilience , diversity and flexibility of hydrogen supply. ### security of supply and flexibility measured by calculating the additional value of the project to the resilience , diversity and flexibility of renewable hydrogen supply.


### security of supply and flexibility measured by calculating the additional value of the project to the resilience , diversity and flexibility of hydrogen supply. ### security of supply and flexibility measured by calculating the additional value of the project to the resilience and flexibility of renewable energy based hydrogen supply.


### level of sustainability measured by assessing the share of renewable and low-carbon gases integrated into the gas network , the related greenhouse gas emission savings towards total system decarbonisation and the adequate detection of leakage. ### deleted


### level of sustainability measured by assessing the share of renewable and low-carbon gases integrated into the gas network , the related greenhouse gas emission savings towards total system decarbonisation and the adequate detection of leakage. ### level of sustainability:


### quality and security of supply measured by assessing the ratio of reliably available gas supply and peak demand , the share of imports replaced by local renewable and low-carbon gases , the stability of system operation , the duration and frequency of interruptions per customer. ### deleted


### (4) it shall give guidance for the development and use of network and market modelling necessary for the cost-benefit analysis. the modelling shall allow for a full assessment of economic , including market integration , security of supply and competition , social and environmental and climate impacts , including the cross-sectorial impacts. the methodology shall include details on why , what and how each of the benefits and costs are calculated. ### (4) it shall give guidance for the development and use of network , market and wider socio-economics modelling necessary for the cost-benefit analysis. the modelling shall allow for a full assessment of economic , including market integration , security of supply and competition , social and environmental and climate impacts , including full life-cycle and system-wide emissions and air quality impacts , including the cross-sectorial impacts. the methodology shall include details on why , what and how each of the benefits and costs are calculated.


### (8) it shall ensure that the climate adaptation measures taken for each project are assessed and reflect the cost of greenhouse gas emissions in a consistent manner with other union policies. ### (8) it shall ensure that the climate adaptation measures taken for each project are assessed and reflect the cost of greenhouse gas emissions in a consistent manner with other union policies by using a shadow carbon price of 195 €/t , which is updated regularly according to the latest available science and applied to all greenhouse gas emissions based on their potential compared to co2 on a 20-year timeframe.


### (20) the union-wide ten-year network development plan process as basis for the identification of projects of common interest in the categories of electricity and gas has proven to be effective. however , while the european network of transmission system operators for electricity and for gas (entsos) and transmission system operators have an important role to play in the process , more scrutiny is required , in particular as regards defining the scenarios for the future , identifying long-term infrastructure gaps and bottlenecks and assessing individual projects , to enhance trust in the process. therefore , due to the need for independent validation , the agency for the cooperation of energy regulators (‘the agency’) and the commission should have an increased role in the process , including in the process for drawing up the union-wide ten-year network development plan pursuant to regulation (eu) 2019/943 of the european parliament and of the council31 and regulation (ec) no 715/2009 of the european parliament and of the council32 . ### (20) the union-wide ten-year network development plan process as basis for the identification of projects of common interest in the categories of electricity and gas has proven to be effective. however , while the european network of transmission system operators for electricity and for gas (entsos) and transmission system operators have an important role to play in the process , more transparency and scrutiny is required , in particular as regards defining the scenarios for the future , identifying long-term infrastructure gaps and bottlenecks and assessing individual projects , to enhance trust in the process. therefore , due to the need for independent validation and expertise , the agency for the cooperation of energy regulators (‘the agency’) and the commission should have an increased role in the process , including in the process for drawing up the union-wide ten-year network development plan pursuant to regulation (eu) 2019/943 of the european parliament and of the council31 and regulation (ec) no 715/2009 of the european parliament and of the council32 .


### (25) regional groups should be established for the purpose of proposing and reviewing projects of common interest , leading to the establishment of regional lists of projects of common interest. in order to ensure broad consensus , those regional groups should ensure close cooperation between member states , national regulatory authorities , project promoters and relevant stakeholders. in the context of that cooperation , national regulatory authorities should , where necessary , advise the regional groups , inter alia on the feasibility of the regulatory aspects of proposed projects and on the feasibility of the proposed timetable for regulatory approval. ### (25) regional groups should be established for the purpose of proposing and reviewing projects of common interest , leading to the establishment of regional lists of projects of common interest for each energy infrastructure category. in order to ensure broad consensus , those regional groups should ensure close cooperation between member states , national regulatory authorities , project promoters and relevant stakeholders , and each regional group should therefore set up a committee to monitor the work conducted by the regional group. this committee should be involved at all stages of implementation of this regulation. in the context of that cooperation , national regulatory authorities should , where necessary , advise the regional groups , inter alia on the feasibility of the regulatory aspects of proposed projects and on the feasibility of the proposed timetable for regulatory approval. the regional groups should strive for utmost transparency and accountability.


### (26) a new union list of project of common interest (‘union list’) should be established every two years. projects of common interest that are completed or that no longer fulfil the relevant criteria and requirements as set out in this regulation should not appear on the next union list. for that reason , existing projects of common interest that are to be included in the next union list should be subject to the same selection process for the establishment of regional lists and for the establishment of the union list applied to proposed projects. however the resulting administrative burden should be reduced as much as possible , for example by using to the extent possible information submitted previously , and by taking account of the annual reports of the project promoters. to that end , existing projects of common interest that have made significant progress should benefit from a streamlined inclusion process in the union-wide ten-year network development plan. ### (26) for each energy infrastructure category , a new union list of project of common interest (‘union list’) should be established every two years. projects of common interest that are completed or that no longer fulfil the relevant criteria and requirements as set out in this regulation should not appear on the next union list. for that reason , existing projects of common interest that are to be included in the next union list should be subject to the same selection process for the establishment of regional lists and for the establishment of the union list applied to proposed projects. however the resulting administrative burden should be reduced as much as possible , for example by using to the extent possible information submitted previously , and by taking account of the annual reports of the project promoters. to that end , existing projects of common interest that have made significant progress should benefit from a streamlined inclusion process in the union-wide ten-year network development plan.


### (46) projects of common interest should be eligible to receive union financial assistance for studies and , under certain conditions , for works pursuant to regulation (eu)… [on a connecting europe facility as proposed by com(2018)438] in the form of grants or in the form of innovative financial instruments to ensure that tailor-made support can be provided to those projects of common interest which are not viable under the existing regulatory framework and market conditions. it is important to avoid any distortion of competition , in particular between projects contributing to the achievement of the same union priority corridor. such financial assistance should ensure the necessary synergies with the structural funds , in order to finance smart energy distribution networks and with the union renewable energy financing mechanism pursuant to commission implementing regulation (eu) 2020/129441 . a three-step logic should apply to investments in projects of common interest. first , the market should have the priority to invest. second , if investments are not made by the market , regulatory solutions should be explored , if necessary the relevant regulatory framework should be adjusted , and the correct application of the relevant regulatory framework should be ensured. third , where the first two steps are not sufficient to deliver the necessary investments in projects of common interest , it should be possible to grant union financial assistance where the project of common interest fulfils the applicable eligibility criteria. projects of common interest may also be eligible under the investeu programme , which is complementary to grant financing. ### (46) projects of common interest should be eligible to receive union financial assistance for studies and , under certain conditions , for works pursuant to regulation (eu)… [on a connecting europe facility as proposed by com(2018)438] in the form of grants or in the form of innovative financial instruments to ensure that tailor-made support can be provided to those projects of common interest which are not viable under the existing regulatory framework and market conditions. it is important to avoid any distortion of competition , in particular between projects contributing to the achievement of the same union priority corridor. such financial assistance should ensure the necessary synergies with the structural funds , in order to finance smart energy distribution networks and with the union renewable energy financing mechanism pursuant to commission implementing regulation (eu) 2020/129441 . a three-step logic should apply to investments in projects of common interest. first , the market should have the priority to invest. second , if investments are not made by the market , regulatory solutions should be explored , if necessary the relevant regulatory framework should be adjusted , and the correct application of the relevant regulatory framework should be ensured. third , where the first two steps are not sufficient to deliver the necessary investments in projects of common interest , it should be possible to grant union financial assistance where the project of common interest fulfils the applicable eligibility criteria. union financial assistance should be made available to stakeholders for their empowerment in the form of grants for capacity building , skilling and training. projects of common interest may also be eligible under the investeu programme , which is complementary to grant financing.


### — to amend annexes to this regulation so as to adopt and review the union list of projects of common interest , while respecting the right of the member states and third countries to approve projects of common interest or projects of mutual interest related to their territory. ### — to amend annexes to this regulation so as to adopt and review for each energy infrastructure category the union list of projects of common interest , while respecting the right of the member states and third countries to approve projects of common interest or projects of mutual interest related to their territory.


### taking into account the need to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this regulation , in view of the number of project on union lists so far , the total number of projects of common interest should remain manageable , and therefore should not significantly exceed 220. the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure the simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council. where they consider this necessary , the european parliament and the council may each send experts to meetings of the commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts to which member states' experts are invited. the discussions in the regional groups are instrumental for the commission to adopt the delegated acts establishing the lists of projects of common interest. therefore , it is appropriate , to the extent possible and compatible with the framework of this regulation , that the european parliament and council are informed about and may send experts to the meetings of regional groups in line with the 2016 interinstitutional agreement on better law making44 . ### taking into account the need to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this regulation , in view of the number of project on union lists so far , the total number of projects of common interest should remain manageable , and therefore should not significantly exceed 220. the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure the simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council. where they consider this necessary , the european parliament and the council may each send experts to meetings of the commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts to which member states' experts are invited. the discussions in the regional groups are instrumental for the commission to adopt the delegated acts establishing the lists of projects of common interest. therefore , it is appropriate that the european parliament and council are informed about and may send experts to the meetings of regional groups in line with the 2016 interinstitutional agreement on better law making44 .


### (16) ‘climate adaptation’ is a process that ensures that the resilience to the potential adverse impacts of climate change of energy infrastructure is ensured through a climate vulnerability and risk assessment , including through relevant adaptation measures. ### (16) 'climate proofing’ is a process to prevent infrastructure from being vulnerable to potential long-term climate impacts whilst ensuring that the ‘energy efficiency first’ principle is respected and that the level of greenhouse gas emissions arising from the project is consistent with the climate neutrality objective in 2050.


### 4. the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 20 of this regulation amending annexes to this regulation in order to establish the union list of projects of common interest (‘union list’) , subject to the second paragraph of article 172 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. ### 4. the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 20 of this regulation amending annexes to this regulation in order to establish for each energy infrastructure category as set out in annex ii the union list of projects of common interest (‘union list’) , subject to the second paragraph of article 172 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union.


### ensure cross-regional consistency , taking into account the opinion of the agency for the cooperation of energy regulator (‘the agency’) as referred to in point (12) of section 2 of annex iii; ### ensure cross-regional coordination and consistency , taking into account the opinion of the agency for the cooperation of energy regulator (‘the agency’) as referred to in point (12) of section 2 of annex iii;


### for carbon dioxide transport projects falling under the energy infrastructure categories set out in point (5) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to all of the following specific criteria: ### deleted


### for smart gas grid projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the project is to contribute significantly to sustainability by enabling and facilitating the integration of renewable and low-carbon gases , such as biomethane , or renewable hydrogen , into the gas distribution and transmission networks in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. furthermore , the project is to contribute significantly to at least one of the following specific criteria: ### deleted


### network security and quality of supply by improving the efficiency and interoperability of gas transmission and distribution in day-to-day network operation by , among others , addressing challenges resulting from the injection of gases of different qualities through the deployment of innovative technologies and cybersecurity; ### network security and quality of supply by increasing the use of locally sourced renewable energy and unavoidable excess heat and cold , improving the efficiency and interoperability of distribution in day-to-day network operation by , among others , addressing challenges resulting from the injection of heat and cold of different temperatures through the deployment of innovative technologies;


### the urgency of each proposed project in order to meet the union energy policy targets of decarbonisation , market integration , competition , sustainability and security of supply; ### the urgency of each proposed project in order to meet the union energy policy targets of decarbonisation , market integration , competition , sustainability and security of supply , and the principle of energy efficiency first;


### as regards smart electricity grids and smart gas grids projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in points (1)(d) and point (2) of annex ii , ranking shall be carried out for those projects that affect the same two member states , and due consideration shall also be given to the number of users affected by the project , the annual energy consumption and the share of generation from non-dispatchable resources in the area covered by those users. ### as regards smart electricity grids projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in point (1)(d) ranking shall be carried out for those projects that affect the same two member states , and due consideration shall also be given to the number of users affected by the project , the annual energy consumption and the share of generation from non-dispatchable resources in the area covered by those users.


### as regards smart electricity grids and smart gas grids projects falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in points (1)(d) and point (2) of annex ii , ranking shall be carried out for those projects that affect the same two member states , and due consideration shall also be given to the number of users affected by the project , the annual energy consumption and the share of generation from non-dispatchable resources in the area covered by those users. ### as regards smart electricity grids falling under the energy infrastructure category set out in points (1)(d) of annex ii , ranking shall be carried out for those projects that affect the same two member states , and due consideration shall also be given to the number of users affected by the project , the annual energy consumption and the share of generation from non-dispatchable resources in the area covered by those users.


### feasibility and design studies including , as regards , climate adaptation and compliance with environmental legislation and with the principle of “do no significant harm”; ### feasibility and design studies including , as regards , climate proofing and compliance with environmental legislation and with the principle of energy efficiency first and of “do no significant harm”;


### the progress achieved in the development , construction and commissioning of the project , in particular with regard to permit granting and consultation procedures as well as compliance with environmental legislation , with the principle that the project “does not do significant harm” to the environment , and climate adaptation measures taken; ### the progress achieved in the development , construction and commissioning of the project , in particular with regard to permit granting and consultation procedures as well as compliance with environmental legislation , with the principle that the project “does not do significant harm” to the environment , and climate adaptation measures taken as identified in the climate proofing process;


### the pre-application procedure shall include the preparation of any environmental reports by the project promoters , as necessary , including the climate adaptation documentation. ### the pre-application procedure shall include the preparation of any environmental reports by the project promoters , as necessary , including the climate proofing documentation.


### 12. the consistent and interlinked model referred to in paragraph 11 shall cover at least the respective sectors’ interlinkages at all stages of infrastructure planning , specifically scenarios , infrastructure gaps identification in particular with respect to cross-border capacities , and projects assessment. ### 12. the consistent and interlinked modelling referred to in paragraph 1 shall consist in:


### 3. the entso for electricity and entso for gas shall invite the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity and all relevant hydrogen stakeholders , to participate in the scenarios development process. ### 3. the entso for electricity and entso for gas shall invite the energy infrastructure committees of the groups and the organisations representing all relevant stakeholders , including the union dso entity and all relevant hydrogen stakeholders , to participate in the scenarios development process.


### 2. the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 3 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of seven years from [1 january 2022]. the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the seven-year period. the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. ### 2. the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 3 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of seven years from [1 january 2022]. the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the seven-year period.


### not later than 31 december 2027 , the commission shall publish a report on the implementation of projects of common interest and submit it to the european parliament and the council. that report shall provide an evaluation of: ### not later than 31 december 2026 , the commission shall publish a report on the implementation of projects of common interest and submit it to the european parliament and the council. that report shall provide an evaluation of:


### (12) cross-border carbon dioxide network: development of carbon dioxide transport infrastructure between member states and with neighbouring third countries in view of the deployment of carbon dioxide capture and storage. ### deleted


### (2) concerning smart gas grids: ### deleted


### (5) concerning carbon dioxide: ### deleted


### for the other energy infrastructure categories , each group shall be composed of the representatives of the member states , project promoters concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex i and the commission. ### for the other energy infrastructure categories , each group shall be composed of the representatives of the member states , including from regional and local level , project promoters concerned by each of the relevant priorities designated in annex i and the commission.


### (2) depending on the number of candidate projects for the union list , regional infrastructure gaps and market developments , the groups and the decision-making bodies of the groups may split , merge or meet in different configurations , as necessary , to discuss matters common to all groups or pertaining solely to particular regions. such matters may include issues relevant to cross-regional consistency or the number of proposed projects included on the draft regional lists at risk of becoming unmanageable. ### (2) depending on the number of candidate projects for the union list , regional infrastructure gaps and market developments , the groups and the decision-making bodies of the groups may split , merge or meet in different configurations , as necessary , to discuss matters common to all groups or pertaining solely to particular regions. such matters may include issues relevant to cross-regional coordination and consistency or the number of proposed projects included on the draft regional lists at risk of becoming unmanageable.


### (5) each group shall invite , as appropriate , the organisations representing relevant stakeholders — and , where deemed appropriate , directly the stakeholders— including producers , distribution system operators , suppliers , consumers and organisations for environmental protection. the group may organise hearings or consultations , where relevant for the accomplishments of its tasks. ### (5) each group shall set up a committee for monitoring of the work conducted by the group (‘energy infrastructure committee’). the energy infrastructure committee shall be invited to meetings of the group regularly and at least once per year. meeting documents shall be made available to the energy infrastructure committee at least 10 working days prior to the meeting. members of the energy infrastructure committee may take the floor during the meeting.


### (5) each group shall invite , as appropriate , the organisations representing relevant stakeholders — and , where deemed appropriate , directly the stakeholders— including producers , distribution system operators , suppliers , consumers and organisations for environmental protection. the group may organise hearings or consultations , where relevant for the accomplishments of its tasks. ### (5) each group shall invite , as appropriate , the organisations representing relevant stakeholders — and , where deemed appropriate , directly the stakeholders— including producers , distribution system operators , suppliers , consumers and organisations for environmental protection. each group shall , before the preparation of the draft regional list and when all the options are still open , organise a public consultation on the regional list. the opinions expressed in the consultation shall be taken into account in the preparation of the list. the groups shall publish a report summarising the opinions expressed , how they were taken into account and justifying why any of the opinions were not taken into account. the group may organise also other hearings or consultations , where relevant for the accomplishments of its tasks and to ensure effective public participation of local actors.


### (11) the group shall meet to examine and rank the proposed projects taking into account the assessment of the regulators , or the assessment of the commission for projects not falling within the competency of national regulatory authorities. ### (11) the group shall meet to examine and rank the proposed projects based on a transparent assessment of the projects , using the criteria set out in article 4 and taking into account the assessment of the regulators , the input from the energy infrastructure committee or the assessment of the commission for projects not falling within the competency of national regulatory authorities.


### (6) concerning smart gas grid projects falling under the category set out in point (2) of annex ii , the criteria listed in article 4 shall be evaluated as follows: ### deleted


### (9) the union’s energy infrastructure should be upgraded in order to prevent technical failure and to increase its resilience against such failure , natural or man-made disasters , adverse effects of climate change and threats to its security , in particular as regards european critical infrastructures pursuant to council directive 2008/114/ec26 . ### deleted


### (12) ‘studies’ means activities needed to prepare project implementation , such as preparatory , feasibility , evaluation , testing and validation studies , including software , and any other technical support measure including prior action to define and develop a project and decide on its financing , such as reconnaissance of the sites concerned and preparation of the financial package; ### (12) ‘studies’ means activities needed to prepare project implementation , such as preparatory , feasibility , evaluation , seismic modelling of heat reservoirs , testing and validation studies , including software , and any other technical support measure including prior action to define and develop a project and decide on its financing , such as reconnaissance of the sites concerned and preparation of the financial package;


### 1. regional groups shall be established (‘groups’) as set out in section 1 of annex iii. the membership of each group shall be based on each priority corridor and area and their respective geographical coverage as set out in annex i. decision-making powers in the groups shall be restricted to member states and the commission , who shall , for those purposes , be referred to as the decision-making body of the groups. ### 1. regional groups shall be established (‘groups’) as set out in section 1 of annex iii. the membership of each group shall be based on each priority corridor and area and their respective geographical coverage as set out in annex i. decision-making powers in the groups shall be restricted to representatives of the eic , member states and the commission , who shall , for those purposes , be referred to as the decision-making body of the groups.


### 5. in order to facilitate the assessment of all projects that could be eligible as projects of common interest and that could be included in a regional list , each group shall assess each project’s contribution to the implementation of the same priority corridor or area in a transparent and objective manner. each group shall determine its assessment method on the basis of the aggregated contribution to the criteria referred to in paragraph 3. that assessment shall lead to a ranking of projects for internal use of the group. neither the regional list nor the union list shall contain any ranking , nor shall the ranking be used for any subsequent purpose except as described in point (14) of section 2 of annex iii. ### 5. in order to facilitate the assessment of all projects that could be eligible as projects of common interest and that could be included in a regional list , each group shall assess each project’s contribution to the implementation of the same priority corridor or area in a transparent and objective manner. each group shall determine its assessment method on the basis of the aggregated contribution to the criteria referred to in paragraph 3. that assessment shall lead to a ranking of projects that shall be published.


### 4. the entso for electricity shall submit the draft integrated network development offshore plans to the commission for its opinion. ### 4. the eic shall submit the draft integrated network development offshore plans to the agency for its opinion.


### 5. the entso for electricity shall adapt the integrated offshore network development plans taking due account of the commission opinion before the publication of the final reports and submit them to the relevant priority offshore grid corridors , set out in annex i. ### 5. the eic shall adapt the integrated offshore network development plans taking due account of the agency and commission opinions and integrate them into the latest union wide tyndp before the publication of the final reports and submit them to the relevant priority offshore grid corridors , set out in annex i.


### 1. the commission shall develop , by means of implementing acts , principles for a specific cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology for the deployment of the integrated offshore network development plan referred to in article 14(2) in accordance with the agreement referred to in article 14(1) as part of the guidelines referred to in article 16(10). those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 21(2). ### 1. the commission , taking due account of the opinion of the agency , shall develop , by means of implementing acts , principles for a specific cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology for the deployment of the integrated offshore network development plan referred to in article 14(2) in accordance with the agreement referred to in article 14(1) as part of the guidelines referred to in article 16(10). those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in article 21(2).


### 2. within 12 months from the publication of the principles referred to in paragraph 1 , the entso for electricity , with the involvement of the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities and of the commission , shall present the results of the application of the cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology to the priority offshore grid corridors. ### 2. within 12 months from the publication of the principles referred to in paragraph 1 , the entso for electricity and other relevant stakeholders , with the involvement of the relevant tsos , the national regulatory authorities and of the commission , shall present the results of the application of the cost-benefit and cost-sharing methodology to the priority offshore grid corridors.


### the progress achieved in the planning , development , construction and commissioning of projects of common interest selected pursuant to article 3 , and , where relevant , delays in implementation and other difficulties encountered; ### the progress achieved in the planning , development , creation and commissioning of projects of common interest selected pursuant to article 3 , and , where relevant , delays in implementation and other difficulties encountered;


### the progress achieved in terms of integration of renewable energy sources and reduced greenhouse gas emissions through the planning , development , construction and commissioning of projects of common interest selected pursuant to article 3; ### the progress achieved in terms of integration of renewable energy sources and reduced greenhouse gas emissions , as well as sustainability in accordance with annex iv , through the planning , development , creation and commissioning of projects of common interest selected pursuant to article 3;


### the entso for gas shall adopt and publish a union-wide network development plan referred to in point (b) of paragraph 3 every two years. the union-wide network development plan shall include the modelling of the integrated network , including hydrogen networks , scenario development , a european supply adequacy outlook and an assessment of the resilience of the system. ### ‘the entso for gas shall make available all relevant data to the eic and for the integrated union-wide network development plan referred to in point (b) of paragraph 3 every two years. the integrated union-wide network development plan as developed by the eic shall include the modelling of the integrated network , scenario development , a european supply adequacy outlook and an assessment of the resilience of the system. it shall also be aligned to the long-term scenarios towards climate neutrality.


### (6) as regards the meetings of the groups , the commission shall publish , on a platform accessible to stakeholders , the internal rules , an updated list of member organisations , regularly updated information on the progress of work , meeting agendas , as well as meeting minutes , where available. the deliberations of the decision-making bodies of the groups and the project ranking in accordance with article 4(5) are confidential. ### (6) as regards the meetings of the groups , the commission shall publish , on a platform accessible to stakeholders , the internal rules , an updated list of member organisations , participant lists , regularly updated information on the progress of work , meeting agendas , as well as meeting minutes and recordings. the deliberations of the decision-making bodies of the groups and the project ranking in accordance with article 4(5) shall be recorded in meeting minutes and published on a platform accessible to all stakeholders.


### (2) all recipients shall preserve the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information. ### (2) the information included in the application for a project of common interest shall be published in the dedicated project website referred to in article 9(7) , taking into account the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information.


### (3) it shall define the analysis to be carried out , based on the relevant multi-sectorial input data set by determining the impacts with and without each project. ### (3) it shall define the analysis to be carried out , based on the relevant multi-sectorial input data set by determining the impacts with and without each project through dynamic assessments according to a common methodological approach , including on impacts on investments , to compare situations in which there are competing projects with benefits outweighing the costs.


### (6) the project website referred to in article 9(7) shall at least publish the following information: ### (6) the project website referred to in article 9(7) shall be updated regularly and at least publish the following information:


### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 172 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 172 , articles 191 , 192(1) , 194(1) and 194(2) thereof ,


### the specific criteria set out in article 4(3) and the parameters set out in article 4(5) shall apply for the purpose of establishing award criteria for union financial assistance in in regulation (eu)… [on a connecting europe facility as proposed by com(2018)438]. ### the specific criteria set out in article 4(3) and the parameters set out in article 4(5) shall be taken into account for the purpose of establishing award criteria for union financial assistance in in regulation (eu)… [on a connecting europe facility as proposed by com(2018)438].


### (iii) an overview of best and innovative practices with regard to stakeholder involvement and mitigation of environmental impact during permit granting processes and project implementation , including climate adaptation; ### (iii) an overview of best and innovative practices with regard to stakeholder involvement and mitigation of environmental impact during permit granting processes and project implementation , including alternative routing and climate adaptation;


### 3. welcomes the fact that the undertaking attained a rate of implementation of 97.4 % for the commitment appropriations and 88.1 % for the payment appropriations; ### 3. welcomes the fact that the undertaking attained a rate of implementation of 97.4 % for the commitment appropriations and 88.1 % for the payment appropriations; regrets the decreases in the implementation rate of the operational payment budget and the payment budget of the infrastructure and communication expenditure compared to the previous year with implementation rates of 82.6 % (compared to 97.2% in 2019) and 42.7 % (compared to 98.7 % in 2019) respectively at the end of 2020;


### 6. welcomes the fact that , despite the covid-crisis , more than 80 % of clean sky’s key demonstrators will achieve their objectives by the end of the programme as planned; notes however that delays of between 4 and 6 months are expected for one third of the demonstrators; ### 6. welcomes the fact that , despite the covid-crisis , more than 80 % of clean sky’s key demonstrators will achieve their objectives by the end of the programme as planned; regrets however that delays of between 4 and 6 months are expected for one third of the demonstrators;


### 16. notes from the court’s report that although the joint undertaking’s statutory staff remained static at 42 from 2017 to 2020 , during the same period , the joint undertaking significantly increased its use of interim staff from three to ten full-time equivalents , that is , from 8 % to 24 % of the joint undertaking’s statutory staff , that the tasks performed by the interim staff are however , not of a one-off or temporary nature , arising from an exceptional increase in workload or the performance of a one-off activity , but rather are permanent in nature (e.g. legal service assistant , secretarial support , communication assistant , and project officer assistant) , and the joint undertaking’s practice creates de-facto permanent posts , in excess of those; notes the joint undertaking’s reply that it has been obliged to constantly enlarge the use of interim staff during the past years due to the limitations of the rigid staff establishment plan under the condition of increasing tasks and workload , and that this trend is expected to continue with the two programmes – the clean sky 2 and the new clean aviation programme running in parallel , and , moreover , that the joint undertaking has put in place mitigation measures (such as appropriate supervision mechanisms , limiting tasks for interims to non-core tasks and ensuring appropriate training and mentoring support) , and that however , this situation is not optimal on a medium and long-term perspective and that the joint undertaking considers that the solution would be to provide more flexibility with regard to number of contract agents posts in the staff establishment plan; ### 16. notes from the court’s report that although the joint undertaking’s statutory staff remained static at 42 from 2017 to 2020 , during the same period , the joint undertaking significantly increased its use of interim staff from three to ten full-time equivalents , that is , from 8 % to 24 % of the joint undertaking’s statutory staff , that the tasks performed by the interim staff are however , not of a one-off or temporary nature , arising from an exceptional increase in workload or the performance of a one-off activity , but rather are permanent in nature (e.g. legal service assistant , secretarial support , communication assistant , and project officer assistant) , and the joint undertaking’s practice creates de-facto permanent posts , in excess of those; notes the joint undertaking’s reply that it has been obliged to constantly enlarge the use of interim staff during the past years due to the limitations of the rigid staff establishment plan under the condition of increasing tasks and workload , and that this trend is expected to continue with the two programmes – the clean sky 2 and the new clean aviation programme running in parallel , and , moreover , that the joint undertaking has put in place mitigation measures (such as appropriate supervision mechanisms , limiting tasks for interims to non-core tasks and ensuring appropriate training and mentoring support) , and that however , this situation is not optimal on a medium and long-term perspective and that the joint undertaking considers that the solution would be to provide more flexibility with regard to number of contract agents posts in the staff establishment plan; urges the joint undertaking to review its organisational structure and employment strategy and to identify key areas of operations where the human resources should be concentrated , in order to optimise their contribution to the workflow; calls on the joint undertaking to remedy the shortcomings identified concerning the engagement of interim staff in increasing numbers to perform what are , in fact , permanent duties , especially in the context of the joint undertaking’s transformation into clean aviation joint undertaking;


### (3) the commission’s evaluation of the 7th eap24 concluded that its 2050 vision and priority objectives are still valid; that it has helped to provide more predictable , faster and better-coordinated action in environment policy; and that its structure and enabling framework have helped create synergies , thus making environment policy more effective and efficient. moreover , the evaluation concluded that the 7th eap anticipated the united nation’s 2030 agenda by insisting that economic growth and social wellbeing depend on a healthy natural resource base , and facilitated delivering on the sustainable development goals. it also enabled the union to speak with one voice on the global stage on climate and environmental matters. in its evaluation of the 7th eap , the commission also concluded that progress related to nature protection , health and policy integration was not sufficient. ### (3) the commission’s evaluation of the 7th eap24 concluded that its 2050 vision and priority objectives are still valid; that it has helped to provide more predictable , faster and better-coordinated action in environment policy; and that its structure and enabling framework have helped create synergies , thus making environment policy more effective and efficient. moreover , the evaluation concluded that the 7th eap anticipated the united nation’s 2030 agenda by insisting that economic development and social wellbeing depend on a healthy natural environment , and facilitated delivering on the sustainable development goals. it also enabled the union to speak with one voice on the global stage on climate and environmental matters. in its evaluation of the 7th eap , the commission also concluded that progress related to nature protection , health and policy integration was not sufficient. shortcomings can be attributed to the absence of meaningful indicators and monitoring schemes , deficient resources for the enforcement of environmental law , missing prioritisation and a lack of integration of environmental concerns into other policy areas. moreover , the commission noted in its evaluation24a that , despite increasingly ambitious environmental targets , spending on environmental protection has remained low in europe over many years and the failure to implement environmental legislation costs the eu economy around eur 55 billion each year in health costs and direct costs to the environment.


### (4) according to the eea report ‘the european environment – state and outlook 2020 , knowledge for transition to a sustainable europe’ (‘soer 2020’) , 2020 represents a unique window of opportunity for the union to show leadership on sustainability and to face the urgent sustainability challenges requiring systemic solutions. as stated in soer 2020 , the changes in the global climate and ecosystems observed since the 1950s are unprecedented over decades to millennia. the global population has tripled since 1950 , while the population living in cities has quadrupled. with the current growth model , environmental pressures are expected to increase further , causing direct and indirect harmful effects on human health and well-being. this is especially true for the sectors with the highest environmental impact – food , mobility , energy as well as infrastructure and buildings. ### (4) according to the eea report ‘the european environment – state and outlook 2020 , knowledge for transition to a sustainable europe’ (‘soer 2020’) , there is a unique but narrow window of opportunity for the union in the next decade to show leadership on sustainability by tackling the urgent sustainability challenges that can be only met by ensuring rapid and far reaching systemic change. as stated in soer 2020 , the changes in the global climate and ecosystems observed since the 1950s are unprecedented over decades to millennia. the global population has tripled since 1950 , while the population living in cities has quadrupled. with the current growth model , environmental pressures are expected to increase further , causing direct and indirect harmful effects on human health and well-being and ultimately destroying our means of livelihood.. this is especially true for the sectors with the highest environmental impact – food , mobility , energy as well as infrastructure and buildings. in that regard , it is important to ensure that the union and its member states promote healthy lifestyles , including active mobility through walking and cycling , thereby enabling a green regeneration of the public space in urban areas and enable investments in developing appropriate infrastructure for environmentally sustainable zero-emission mobility , including intermodal platforms to promote modal shift and reinforcing the role of the connecting europe facility (cef) in supporting the transition towards smart , sustainable and safe mobility in the union.


### (4) according to the eea report ‘the european environment – state and outlook 2020 , knowledge for transition to a sustainable europe’ (‘soer 2020’) , 2020 represents a unique window of opportunity for the union to show leadership on sustainability and to face the urgent sustainability challenges requiring systemic solutions. as stated in soer 2020 , the changes in the global climate and ecosystems observed since the 1950s are unprecedented over decades to millennia. the global population has tripled since 1950 , while the population living in cities has quadrupled. with the current growth model , environmental pressures are expected to increase further , causing direct and indirect harmful effects on human health and well-being. this is especially true for the sectors with the highest environmental impact – food , mobility , energy as well as infrastructure and buildings. ### (4) according to the eea report ‘the european environment – state and outlook 2020 , knowledge for transition to a sustainable europe’ (‘soer 2020’) , 2020 represents a unique window of opportunity for the union to show leadership on sustainability and to face the urgent sustainability challenges requiring systemic solutions. as stated in soer 2020 , the changes in the global climate and ecosystems observed since the 1950s are unprecedented over decades to millennia. the global population has tripled since 1950 , while the population living in cities has quadrupled. with the current growth model , environmental pressures are expected to increase further , causing direct and indirect harmful effects on human health and well-being. this is especially true for the sectors with the highest environmental impact – food , mobility , energy as well as infrastructure and buildings. according to the eea assessment , policy responses have been insufficient to halt biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystem services and while environmental objectives are evenly spread across different themes , there are considerably more binding targets for climate change , air pollution , waste and chemicals than for biodiversity , freshwater and the marine environment and none for land and soil.


### (4) according to the eea report ‘the european environment – state and outlook 2020 , knowledge for transition to a sustainable europe’ (‘soer 2020’) , 2020 represents a unique window of opportunity for the union to show leadership on sustainability and to face the urgent sustainability challenges requiring systemic solutions. as stated in soer 2020 , the changes in the global climate and ecosystems observed since the 1950s are unprecedented over decades to millennia. the global population has tripled since 1950 , while the population living in cities has quadrupled. with the current growth model , environmental pressures are expected to increase further , causing direct and indirect harmful effects on human health and well-being. this is especially true for the sectors with the highest environmental impact – food , mobility , energy as well as infrastructure and buildings. ### (4) according to the eea report ‘the european environment – state and outlook 2020 , knowledge for transition to a sustainable europe’ (‘soer 2020’) , 2020 represents a unique window of opportunity for the union to show leadership on sustainability by tackling the urgent sustainability challenges that can only be met by ensuring rapid and far-reaching systemic change. as stated in soer 2020 , the changes in the global climate and ecosystems observed since the 1950s are unprecedented over decades to millennia. the global population has tripled since 1950 , while the population living in cities has quadrupled. with the current growth model , environmental pressures are expected to increase further , causing direct and indirect harmful effects on human health and well-being. this is especially true for the sectors with the highest environmental impact – food , mobility , energy as well as infrastructure and buildings. soer 2020 concludes that the 8th eap vision of 'living well within the limits of our planet' cannot be achieved by continuing to promote economic growth whilst seeking to manage harmful side effects with environmental and social policy tools.


### (5) the european commission responded to the challenges identified in the soer 2020 by adopting the european green deal25 : a new growth strategy for the twin green and digital transition that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a competitive , climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy. regulation (eu) of the european parliament and of the council26 enshrines into law the union target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. ### (5) the european commission responded to the challenges identified in the soer 2020 by adopting the european green deal25 : a new development strategy for the twin green and digital transition that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a competitive , climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy and healthy , resilient ecosystems. the european green deal calls as well on accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility since transport accounts for a quarter of the eu’s greenhouse gas emissions , and is still growing. to achieve climate neutrality , a 100% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. in that regard , the commission has adopted the sustainable and smart mobility strategy25a that addresses this challenge and tackles all emission sources. regulation (eu) of the european parliament and of the council26 enshrines into law the union target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest .


### (5) the european commission responded to the challenges identified in the soer 2020 by adopting the european green deal25 : a new growth strategy for the twin green and digital transition that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a competitive , climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy. regulation (eu) of the european parliament and of the council26 enshrines into law the union target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. ### (5) the european commission responded to the challenges identified in the soer 2020 by adopting the european green deal (egd)25 which it referred to as a new growth strategy for the twin green and digital transition that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a competitive , climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy. however , this framing as a 'growth strategy' risks undermining the primary aim of the european green deal , which must be to ensure shared prosperity within planetary boundaries as set down in the 2050 vision of the 8th eap. when choosing between different policy options under the egd , swiftly achieving climate and other environmental targets must be the priority. regulation (eu) of the european parliament and of the council26 enshrines into law the union target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.