COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 29.05.1995 
COM(95)226 final 
94/0009(COD) 
94/0010(SYN) 
Amended proposal for a 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION (EC) 
laying down a series of guidelines on trans-European 
energy networks. 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION (EC) 
laying down a series of measures aimed at creating a more 
favourable context for the development of 
trans-European networks in the energy sector. 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 A(2) 
of the EC Treaty) 

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
Introduction 
1. In order to implement Title XII of the Treaty as regards the establishment of Trans-
European networks, the Commission on 19.1.1994 transmitted to the Council and the 
European Parliament (COM(93)685 final); containing: 
A Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision laying down a series 
of guidelines on trans-European networks, and 
A Proposal for a Council Decision laying down a series of measures aimed at 
creating a more favourable context for the development of trans-European networks 
in the energy sector. 
2. The European Parliament gave its opinion on both Proposals in the plenary session of 
17.5.95, where it adopted 16 amendments on the first of these Proposals(1) and 6 
amendments on the second(2) . 
Proposal on Community guidelines 
3. Of the 16 amendments made by the Parliament, the Commission accepts 5 entirely and 
7 partially. The Commission accepts amendments which do not alter the intent or 
structure of the original Proposal and which improve upon it. In some cases the 
Commission is able to accept the spirit of the amendment but feels it necessary to 
change the letter of its precise wording or its position in the text. 
The changes are summarised below, followed by a summary of those amendments which 
the Commission does not accept. 
4. EP amendment which the Commission accepts entirely or partially concern : 
New Recital I (EP Amendment N° 1) 
The new Recital emphasises that energy must be produced, distributed and used in a 
rational way, that should not impede the development of renewable energies in the 
regions; this is entirely in line with Commission thinking. 
Recital 5 fEP Amendment N° 3) 
Introduces need for a common energy strategy, with European Union objectives 
including the liberalization of the energy market; this is in line with current Commission 
thinking as reflected in the Green Paper on energy policy. 
(i) 
Recital 6 (EP Amendment N° 4) 
This recital emphasises the need for networks with third countries having signed the 
Treaty on the European Energy Charter to be developed in accordance with that Treaty. 
EP Amendment has been accepted with additional wording to take account of the fact 
that not all third countries in Central and Eastern Europe and in the Mediterranean basin 
have signed the Charter Treaty, a fact which should not be an obstacle to EU cooperation 
with them on network development. 
Recital 7 (EP Amendment N° 5) 
The new recital emphasises the need for gas and electricity interconnecting links to be 
as short as possible and optimally sited; this is in line with the objectives of the Proposal 
as well as with the criteria to be satisfied by a project of common interest (see Recital 
10 and Article 6). 
Recital 10 (EP Amendment N° 6) 
The Commission's original text is slightly modified to state specifically that, when 
considering projects of common interest, economic, social and technical factors shall be 
taken into account; this is entirely in keeping with the intention of the Proposal. 
Recital 11 (EP Amendment n° 12 (in part) and n° 13 
These EP Amendments would have introduced consultation of the European Parliament 
in implementation measures proposed to the Committee and specifically on the revision 
of the list of priority energy network projects. This is not necessary, since the 
consultation of Parliament is already covered by the modus vivendi agreement. The 
addition to Recital 11 recalls that fact. 
Article 3. first indent (EP Amendments N°s 7 and 9) 
The modification reflects the concern in EP Amendment 7 to encourage the rational 
production, distribution and utilisation of energy resources and the enhancement of 
renewable resources, and the concern in EP Amendment 9 for the reduction of energy 
costs to consumers and to the economy, without however making these concerns specific 
separate objectives of network development, but rather results of the effective operation 
of the internal market. 
Article 3. third indent (EP Amendment N° $) 
This modification, linked to Recital 6 above, emphasises the need for networks with third 
countries having signed the Treaty on the European Energy Charter to be developed in 
accordance with that Treaty. 
Same comment as for Recital 6 above. 
Article 6(4) (EP Amendment N° 10) 
This modification confirms the obligation of strict enforcement of Community law and 
international conventions on the environment when the Member States take measures to 
facilitate completion of projects of common interest and minimize delays. 
Article 6(5) (EP Amendment N° 11) 
The modification, linked with Recital 6 and Article 3, third indent above, emphasises the 
need for Commission initiatives regarding projects of common interest situated in third 
countries, to be in accordance with the Treaty on the European Energy Charter for the 
third countries having signed that Treaty. 
Same comment as for Recital 6 and Article 3, third indent above. 
5. E.P. amendments which the Commission does not accept concern: 
EP. Amendment N° 2. 
A change to Recital 1 which would suggest that networks may (not do) contribute to 
Community objectives. This would be to question a principle which is clearly established 
by Art. 129-B of the Treaty on European Union. 
E.P. Amendment n° 12 (in part). 
Amendment which would have introduced an Advisory Committee (type I) to implement 
measures, instead of the management Committee (type II) proposed by the Commission, 
and foreseen explicitly a consultative role for EP. The reason for not accepting these 
changes is that they are not in line with the subsidiarity built into Art. 129 b,c,d of the 
Treaty, or with the Council Decision of 13 July 1987 on comitology. However, the 
modus vivendi agreement applies and already covers Parliament's request for information 
and consultation (see Recital 11). 
EP Amendment n° 14. 
Amendment to the Annex to add a new electricity project "dl4 : Baltic ring ...". This 
project includes several parts which are not yet well defined : the idea is interesting, and 
when the project has reached a later stage of preparedness it can be considered within 
the framework of the procedure for updating the list of projects of common interest, 
during which the EP will be consulted. 
E.P. Amendment n° 15. 
Amendment to the Annex to add the Italian peninsula to project e3 (gas pipeline to 
Corsica and Sardinia). This project has been postponed by the promoters and by Member 
States concerned. 
E.P. Amendment n° 16. 
Amendment to the Annex to add to project h3, for the connection of Norway, Denmark 
and Sweden by the SCANPIPE gas pipeline, a mention of Finland and the Baltic States. 
This project is not considered sufficiently advanced to warrant the modification. 
* 
Proposal on a more favourable context 
6. Of the 6 Amendments made by Parliament, the Commission accepts 4 and rejects 2, for 
the reasons set out below. 
The changes are summarized below, followed by a summary of those amendments which 
the Commission does not accept. 
7. The Amendments which the Commission accepts concern. 
Recital 2 (EP Amendment N° 1) 
Introduces need for a common energy strategy, with European Union objectives 
including the liberalization of the energy market; this is in line with current Commission 
thinking as reflected in the Green Paper on energy policy. 
Recital 3 (EP Amendment N° 2) 
Introduces notion that the development of energy networks will reduce energy supply 
costs and aid economic growth. This is entirely in line with the Proposal objective. 
Recital 5 (EP Amendment N° 3) 
Specifies that feasibility studies shall study economic, social and technical aspects of 
projects; this is entirely in line with the principles of the Proposal. 
Article 2(1) (EP Amendment N° 4) 
Adds that the Community "attaches the greatest importance to" and shall promote 
technical cooperation, etc; this is entirely acceptable. 
8. The Amendments which the Commission does not accept concern: 
E.P. Amendment n° 5. 
A proposal to give priority in the interventions of the Community funds, instruments and 
financial programmes to energy network projects which promote economic and social 
cohesion This would be to change the criteria already agreed for the existing Funds, 
instruments and financial programmes, and is not appropriate here. 
E.P. Amendment n° 6. 
Changes which would have introduced an Advisory Committee (type I) to implement 
measures, instead of the management Committee (type II) proposed by the Commission; 
and which would have introduced a consultative rôle for the European Parliament in 
implementing energy network measures. The reason for not accepting these changes is 
that they are not in line with the Council Decision of 13 July 1987 on comitology, and 
that the Plumb-Del ors commitment of 1988 concerning the informing of the European 
Parliament of implementation acts will apply. 
Annex: the two amended proposals 
Amended proposal, fora 94/0009 (C0D> 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION 
laying down a series of guidelines on trans-European energy networks. 
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing 
the European Community, and in 
particular the first paragraph of Article 
129d thereof, Having regard to the Treaty establishing 
the European Community, and in 
particular the first paragraph of Article 
129d thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee (1), Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee(1) , 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions (2), Having regard to the opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions (2), 
Recital 1 
Whereas energy cannot be regarded 
as being merely another commodity 
and must, therefore, be produced, 
distributed and used as rationally as 
possible, in the interests of 
sustainable development without in 
any way hindering or holding back 
the capacity to enhance the use of 
renewable energy resources in the 
regions concerned; 
in 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
Whereas the establishment and 
development of trans-European 
networks contribute towards attaining 
major objectives of the Community such 
as completion of the internal market and 
the strengthening of economics and 
social cohesion; 
Whereas the establishment and 
development of trans-European energy 
networks throughout the territory of the 
Community also have the specific 
objectives of increasing the reliability 
and security of the Community's energy 
supplies and of allowing balanced 
operation of the internal energy market 
within the framework of a system which 
is moving towards open and competitive 
markets; Recital 2 
Whereas the establishment and 
development of trans-European 
networks contribute towards attaining 
major objectives of the Community such 
as completion of the internal market and 
the strengthening of economics and 
social cohesion; 
Recital 3 
Whereas the establishment and 
development of trans-European energy 
networks throughout the territory of the 
Community also have the specific 
objectives of increasing the reliability 
and security of the Community's energy 
supplies and of allowing balanced 
operation of the internal energy market 
within the framework of a system which 
is moving towards open and competitive 
markets; 
Whereas, in order to contribute towards 
attaining the said objectives, the 
development of interconnections and of 
electricity and natural gas transmission 
networks in the Community must be 
accelerated, particularly in the regions 
where improvements to the networks 
are necessary or in regions which are 
still isolated, and with non-Community 
countries in Europe and in the 
Mediterranean region; Recital 4 
Whereas, in order to contribute towards 
attaining the said objectives, the 
development of interconnections and of 
electricity and natural gas transmission 
networks in the Community must be 
accelerated, particularly in the regions 
where improvements to the networks 
are necessary or in regions which are 
still isolated, and with non-Community 
countries in Europe and in the 
Mediterranean region; 
Recital 5 
Whereas, in order to complete the 
single market in energy, measures 
must be incorporated in a common 
energy strategy which specifies not 
only the main criteria and objectives 
of the European Community in this 
field but also, and in particular, the 
conditions for liberalisation of the 
market in energy products; 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
Recital 6 
Whereas the interconnection of 
transmission networks for electricity 
and natural gas with third countries 
having signed the Treaty on the 
European Energy Charter must be 
carried out in accordance with that 
Treaty; 
Recital 7 
Whereas efforts must be made, in the 
planning, development and 
construction of the links currently 
missing from the trans-European 
networks for the transport of energy 
products, to ensure that these links 
are as short as possible and 
optimally sited, taking economic 
factors into account; 
Recital 8 
Whereas action by the Community to Whereas action by the Community to 
establish guidelines on trans-European establish guidelines on trans-European 
energy networks is necessary in energy networks is necessary in 
accordance with the principle of accordance with the principle of 
subsidiarity; subsidiarity; 
Whereas in order to develop these 
networks on a Community-wide scale, it 
is necessary to identify projects of 
common interest and to create a more 
favourable technical, administrative, 
legal and financial context for 
completion and operation of these 
networks; Recital 9 
Whereas in order to develop these 
networks on a Community-wide scale, it 
is necessary to identify projects of 
common interest and to create a more 
favourable technical, administrative, 
legal and financial context for 
completion and operation of these 
networks; 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
Whereas the projects of common 
interest meet the said objectives and 
priorities; whereas only those projects 
should be considered which display 
potential economic viability; whereas in 
this context, the concept of viability 
includes not only the financial 
profitability of the projects but also other 
considerations such as the reliability and 
security of energy supplies, the 
strengthening of economic and social 
cohesion and protection of the 
environment in the Community; Recital 10 
Whereas the projects of common 
interest shall meet the said objectives 
and priorities; whereas only those 
projects should be considered which 
display potential viability, taking into 
account economic, social and 
technical factors; whereas, in this 
context, the concept of viability includes 
not only the financial profitability of the 
projects but also other considerations 
such as the reliability and security of 
energy supplies, the strengthening of 
economic and social cohesion and 
protection of the environment in the 
Community; 
Whereas, for the implementation of this 
Decision, it is necessary to institute a 
Committee, Recital 11 
Whereas, for the implementation of this 
Decision, it is necessary to institute a 
Committee; whereas a modus vivendi 
concerning implementing measures 
for acts adopted according to the 
codecision procedure was agreed 
between the European Parliament, 
the Council and the Commission on 
20 December 1994; 
HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION : 
Article 1 
This Decision defines the nature and 
scope of the action by the Community 
on guidelines on trans-European energy 
networks. It establishes a series of 
guidelines covering the objectives, 
priorities and broad lines of action by 
the Community on the subject of 
trans-European energy networks; it 
identifies the projects of common 
interest on the trans-European 
electricity and natural gas networks. Article 1 
Unchanged. 
8 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
Article 2 
This decision applies to : 
- in electricity networks: 
. all lines of 220 kV or more and 
submarine links, provided this 
infrastructure is used for 
interregional or international 
transmission; 
. the systems for operating the 
abovementioned facilities, i.e. the 
protection, monitoring and control 
systems, as well as any equipment 
or installations indispensable for the 
system in question to operate 
properly. 
- in natural gas networks: 
. high-pressure gas pipelines making 
it possible to supply regions of the 
Community from internal or external 
sources; 
. underground storage facilities 
connected to the abovementioned 
high-pressure gas pipelines; 
. the reception, storage and 
regasification facilities for liquefied 
natural gas (LNG); 
. the systems for operating the 
abovementioned facilities, i.e. the 
protection, monitoring and control 
systems, as well as any equipment 
or installations indispensable for the 
system in question to operate 
properly. Article 2 
Unchanged. 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
Article 3 
The Community shall promote . the 
interconnection, interoperability and 
development of trans-European energy 
networks and access to such networks 
with the objective of: 
- allowing effective operation of the 
internal market in general and of the 
internal energy market in particular; 
facilitating the development and 
reducing the isolation of the less 
favoured regions of the Community, 
thereby contributing to strengthening 
economic and social cohesion; 
strengthening the security of the 
Community's energy supplies, 
including closer relations with 
non-Community countries in the 
energy field. Article 3 
The Community shall promote the 
interconnection, interoperability and 
development of trans-European energy 
networks and access to such networks 
with the objective of : 
- allowing effective operation of the 
internal market in general and of the 
internal energy market in particular, 
while encouraging both the 
rational production, distribution 
and utilization of energy resources 
and the enhancement of renewable 
resources, with a view to reducing 
the cost of energy to consumers 
and rendering the European 
economy more competitive; 
- facilitating the development and 
reducing the isolation of the less 
favoured regions of the Community, 
thereby contributing to strengthening 
economic and social cohesion; 
- strengthening the security of the 
Community's energy supplies, 
including closer relations with non-
Community countries in the energy 
field, while adhering to the Treaty 
on the European Energy Charter 
for the third countries having 
signed that Treaty. 
10 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
Article 4 
The priorities for the action by the 
Community on trans-European energy 
networks shall be as follows: 
1. for electricity networks: 
. the connection of isolated electricity 
networks; 
.the development of 
interconnections between 
Member States and of internal 
connections insofar as necessary in 
order to harness these 
interconnections; 
.the development of 
interconnections with 
non-Community countries in 
Europe and the Mediterranean 
region which contribute to 
improving the reliability and security 
of the Community's electricity 
supply networks or to adding to 
electricity supplies to the 
Community. 
2. for natural gas networks : 
. the introduction of natural gas to 
new regions; 
. the connection of isolated natural 
gas networks, including the 
improvements needed to the 
existing networks for this purpose 
and the connection of the separate 
natural gas networks; 
. increasing the transmission (gas 
delivery pipeline), reception (LNG) 
and storage capacities needed to 
satisfy the demand and 
diversification of supply sources 
and routes for natural gas. Article 4 
Unchanged. 
11 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
Article 5 
The broad lines of action by the 
Community on trans-European energy 
networks shall be: 
- the identification of projects of 
common interest; 
- the creation of a more favourable 
technical, administrative, legal and 
financial context for development of 
the networks. Article 5 
Unchanged. 
Article 6 
1. Any energy network project which 
satisfies all the following criteria may 
be of common interest: 
- it falls within the scope of Article 
2; 
- it corresponds to the objectives 
and priorities set out in Articles 3 
and 4 respectively; 
- it responds to a need and displays 
potential economic viability to be 
confirmed. 
2. The projects of common interest are 
those listed in the Annex. 
3. Any application by a Member State 
or the Commission for amending the 
list of projects of common interest 
set out in the Annex shall be 
decided in accordance with the 
procedure specified in Article 7. The 
criteria set out in paragraph 1 
above shall apply in deciding the 
application. A project may not be 
included in the list unless each 
Member State to whose territory the 
project relates has approved its 
inclusion. Article 6 
1. Any energy network project which 
satisfies all the following criteria may 
be of common interest: 
- it falls within the scope of Article 2; 
- it corresponds to the objectives 
and priorities set out in Articles 3 
and 4 respectively; 
- it responds to a need and displays 
potential economic viability to be 
confirmed. 
2. The projects of common interest are 
those listed in the Annex . 
3. Any application by a Member State 
or the Commission for amending the 
list of projects of common interest 
set out in the Annex shall be 
decided in accordance with the 
procedure specified in Article 7. The 
criteria set out in paragraph 1 
above shall apply in deciding the 
application. A project may not be 
included in the list unless each 
Member State to whose territory the 
project relates has approved its 
inclusion. 
12 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
4. The Member States shall take all 
relevant measures at national, 
regional and local level to facilitate 
completion of projects of common 
interest. In particular the national 
authorisation procedures shall be 
completed as rapidly as possible. 
5. Where parts of projects of common 
interest are situated on the territory 
of third countries, the Commission is 
to put forward adequate proposals, 
where appropriate, within the 
framework of the management of 
the agreements between the 
Community and those third 
countries, for the projects also to be 
recognised as of common interest 
reciprocally by the third countries 
concerned. Member States shall take all relevant 
measures at national, regional and 
local level to facilitate completion of 
projects of common interest and 
minimize delays in the strict 
enforcement of Community law 
and international conventions on 
the environment. In particular the 
national authorisation procedures 
shall be completed as rapidly as 
possible. 
Where parts of projects Of common 
interest are situated on the territory 
of third countries, the Commission is 
to put forward adequate proposals, 
where appropriate, within the 
framework of the management of the 
agreements between the Community 
and those third countries, and in 
accordance with the Treaty on 
the European Energy Charter for 
the third countries having signed 
that Treaty for the project also to 
be recognised as of common interest 
reciprocally by the third countries 
concerned. 
The evaluation of economic viability 
referred to in the third indent of 
paragraph 1 shall be based upon an 
overall cost-benefit analysis, which 
shall take account of all benefits 
such as environmental aspects, 
security of supply and the 
contribution to economic and social 
cohesion. The evaluation of economic viability 
referred to in the thrid indent of 
paragraph 1 shall be based upon an 
overall cost-benefit analysis, which 
shall take account of all benefits 
such as environmental aspects, 
security of supply and the 
contribution to economic and social 
cohesion. 
13 
Original Proposal 
Article 7 
1. A Committee composed of the 
representatives of the 
Member States and chaired by the 
representative of the Commission is 
hereby instituted. 
Any application for amendement of 
the list of projects of common 
interest made by the Commission or 
a Member State shall be submitted 
by the Commission to this 
Committee in accordance with the 
procedure laid down in paragraph 2. 
2. The representative of the 
Commission shall submit to the 
Committee a draft of the measures 
to be taken. The Committee shall 
deliver its opinion on the draft within 
a time limit which the Chairman may 
lay down according to the urgency of 
the matter. The opinion shall be 
delivered by the majority laid down in 
Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the 
case of decisions which the Council 
is required to adopt on a proposal 
from the Commission. The votes of 
the representatives of the 
Member States within the Committee 
shall be weighted in the manner set 
out in that Article. The Chairman 
shall not vote. Amended Proposal 
Article 7 
Unchanged. 
The Commission shall adopt 
measures which shall apply 
immediately. However, if these 
measures are not in accordance with 
the opinion of the Committee, they 
shall be communicated by the 
Commission to the Council forthwith. 
In that event, the Commission may 
defer application of the measures 
which it has decided for a period of 
not more than one month from the 
date of such communication. 
14 
Original Proposal 
The Council, acting by a qualified 
majority, may take a different Decision 
within the time limit referred to in the 
previous paragraph. Amended Proposal 
Article 8 
Every two years the Commission shall 
submit a report on implementation of 
this Decision to the European 
Parliament, the Council, the Economic 
and Social Committee and the 
Committee of the Regions. Article 8 
Unchanged. 
Article 9 
This Decision shall enter into force on 
the third day following its publication in 
the Official Journal of the European 
Communities. Article 9 
Unchanged. 
Article 10 
This Decision is 
Member States. Article 10 
Unchanged. 
addressed to the 
Done at Brussels, 
For the European Parliament 
The President 
For the Council 
The President 
15 
Original Proposal Amended Proposal 
ANNEX 
TRANS-EUROPEANS ENERGY 
NETWORKS 
List of projects of common interest. ANNEX 
Unchanged. 
* * * 
16 
Amended Proposal for a 94/0010 (SYN) 
COUNCIL DECISION 
laying down a series of actions aimed at creating a more favourable context 
for the development of trans-European networks in the energy sector 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Original proposal 
Having regard to the Treaty 
establishing the European Community 
and in particular the third paragraph 
Article 129 d thereof, Amended proposal 
Unchanged. 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, 
In cooperation with the European 
Parliament/^ 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee/2* 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions,(3) 
tu 
(2) 
17 
Original proposal Amended proposal 
Whereas the creation of a more 
favourable context at the technical, 
administrative, legal and financial 
levels for the development of trans-
European energy networks is part of 
the lines of action within the meaning 
of Article 129c (1) of the Treaty and 
provided for in European Parliament 
and Council Decision ... of.... laying 
down a series of guidelines on trans-
European energy networks; Recital 1 
Whereas the creation of a more 
favourable context at the technical, 
administrative, legal and financial 
levels for the development of trans-
European energy networks is part of 
the lines of action within the meaning 
of Article 129c (1) of the Treaty and 
provided for in European Parliament 
and Council Decision .... laying down 
a series of guidelines on trans-
European energy networks; 
Recital 2 
Whereas, in order to complete the 
single market in energy, measures 
must be incorporated in a common 
energy strategy which specifies not 
only the main criteria and objectives 
of the European Community in this 
field but also, and in particular, the 
conditions for liberalisation of the 
market in energy products. 
18 
Original proposal Amended proposal 
Recital 3 
Whereas the construction and 
development of trans-European 
networks in the energy sector will 
help to reduce energy supply costs 
and thus contribute to a higher rate 
of economic growth and more 
employment and enhance the 
competitiveness of the European 
economy; 
19 
Original proposal Amended proposal 
Whereas the creation of a more 
favourable context at the technical, 
administrative and legal levels must be 
aimed mainly at providing a stimulus 
for technical cooperation between the 
operators of the networks, at 
simplifying and speeding up the 
existing authorization procedures for 
projects on the networks in the 
Member States in order to reduce 
delays and at seeking a common 
approach for technical aspects 
applicable to these projects; Recital 4 
Whereas the creation of a more 
favourable context at the technical, 
administrative and legal levels must be 
aimed mainly at providing a stimulus 
for technical cooperation between the 
operators of the networks, at 
simplifying and speeding up the 
existing authorization procedures for 
projects on the networks in the 
Member States in order to reduce 
delays and at seeking a common 
approach for technical aspects 
applicable to these projects; 
Whereas, in order to speed up 
completion of projects of common 
interest identified by Decision ... 
[guidelines on trans-European energy 
networks], it is necessary to provide 
the Community with the possibility to 
support, from the financial resources 
allocated specifically to 
trans-European networks, the financial 
efforts made by the Member States in 
favour of such projects, particularly in 
the form of aid for feasibility studies 
and, where appropriate, loan 
guarantees or interest-rate subsidies; Recital 5 
Whereas, in order to speed up 
completion of projects of common 
interest identified by Decision ... 
[guidelines on trans-European energy 
networks], it is necessary to provide 
the Community with the possibility of 
supporting, from the financial 
resources allocated specifically to 
trans-European networks, the financial 
efforts made by the Member States in 
favour of such projects, particularly in 
the form of aid for economic, social 
and technical feasibility studies, and 
where appropriate, loan guarantees or 
interest-rate subsidies; 
20 
Original proposal Amended proposal 
Whereas the other financial 
instruments at the disposal of the 
Community, such as the structural 
Funds, the European Investment Fund 
and the support from the European 
Investment Bank and programmes in 
favour of third countries could make a 
contribution, in some cases decisive, 
to the realization of projects of 
common interest identified by Decision 
... [guidelines on trans-European 
energy networks], Recital 6 
Whereas the other financial 
instruments at the disposal of the 
Community, such as the structural 
Funds, the European Investment Fund 
and the support from the European 
Investment Bank and programmes in 
favour of third countries could make a 
contribution, in some cases decisive, 
to the realization of projects of 
common interest identified by Decision 
... [guidelines on trans-European 
energy networks], 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION 
Article 1 
This Decision lays down the action to 
be taken with a view to creating a 
more favourable technical, 
administrative, legal and financial 
context for completion of the projects 
of common interest in connection with 
trans-European energy networks and 
for operation of these networks on a 
Community-wide scale. Article 1 
Unchanged 
21 
Original proposal Amended proposal 
Article 2 
1. In order to contribute to creating a 
more favourable technical, adminis­
trative and legal context for the 
development of trans-European 
networks, the Community shall 
promote : 
- technical co-operation projects 
between the operators 
responsible for management, 
monitoring and control of the 
trans-European networks; 
- co-operation between Member 
States with a view to simplifying 
and speeding up authorization 
procedures for projects on 
trans-European energy 
networks in order to reduce 
delays; 
- the definition of a common 
approach for technical aspects 
applicable to trans-European 
energy networks. 
The Commission shall, in close 
collaboration with the Member 
States, take all useful initiatives for 
promoting the coordination of the 
activities referred to in paragraph 1. Article 2 
1. In order to contribute to creating a 
more favourabletechnical, admi­
nistrative and legal context for the 
development of trans-European 
networks, the Community 
attaches the greatest 
importance to and shall 
promote : 
- technical co-operation projects 
between the operators 
responsible for management, 
monitoring and control of the 
trans-European networks; 
- co-operation between Member 
States with a view to simplifying 
and speeding up authorization 
procedures for projects on 
trans-European energy 
networks in order to reduce 
delays; 
- the definition of a common 
approach for technical aspects 
applicable to trans-European 
energy networks. 
2. The Commission shall, in close 
collaboration with the Member 
States, take all useful initiatives for 
promoting the coordination of the 
activities referred to in 
paragraph 1. 
22 
Original proposal 
Article 3 
In order to contribute to creating a 
more favourable financial context for 
trans-European energy networks, the 
Community: 
1. May, within the framework of its 
specific action on trans-European 
energy networks, provide financial 
support for projects of common 
interest financed by Member 
States: 
- for feasibility studies on projects 
of common interest identified by 
Decision ... [guidelines on trans-
European network] and for the 
implementation stage of these 
projects, in the form of interest-
rate subsidies or loan 
guarantees; 
- for studies and projects aimed at 
improving technical cooperation 
on the operation of trans-
European networks referred to in 
the first indent of point 1 of 
Article 2. 
The financial support measures 
taken as part of the specific action 
on trans-European energy networks 
shall be adopted by the Commission 
in accordance with the procedure 
provided for by Article 4(2) and in 
accordance with the provisions of 
Council Regulation [defining general 
rules for the financing of trans-
European networks](4) Amended proposal 
Article 3 
Unchanged. 
(4) OJ N.L 
23 
Original proposal Amended proposal 
2. Shall take account of the projects of 
common interest identified in 
Decision [guidelines on trans-
European energy networks] in 
interventions by its Funds, 
instruments and financial 
programmes applicable to these 
networks, within the terms of their 
own rules and finalities. 
24 
Original proposal Amended proposal 
Article 4 
1. In the implementation of the actions 
referred to in Article 2 above, the 
Commission shall be assisted by 
the Committee established by 
Article 7(1) of Decision 
/.../[guidelines on trans-European 
energy networks]. 
The representative of the 
Commission shall submit to the 
Committee a draft of the measures 
to be taken. The Committee shall 
deliver its opinion on the draft, 
within a time limit which the 
Chairman may lay down according 
to the urgency of the matter, if 
necessary by taking a vote. 
The opinion shall be recorded in the 
minutes; in addition, each 
Member State shall have the right 
to ask to have its position recorded 
in the minutes. 
The Commission shall take the 
utmost account of the opinion 
delivered by the Committee. It 
shall inform the Committee of the 
manner in which its opinion has 
been taken into account. 
2. In the implementation of the actions 
referred to in Article 3(1) above, the 
Commission shall be assisted by 
the Committee established by 
Article 7 (1) of Decision I...IE 
[guidelines on trans-European 
energy networks], in accordance 
with the procedure laid down in 
Article 7 (2) of that Decision. Article 4 
Unchanged. 
25 
Original proposal Amended proposal 
Article 5 Article 5 
The amounts to be granted pursuant to Unchanged, 
this Decision shall be entered annually 
in the general budget of the European 
Communities. They shall cover the 
financial support referred to in point 1 
of Article 3. 
Article 6 Article 6 
Every two years the Commission shall Unchanged. 
submit a report on implementation of 
this Decision to the European 
Parliament, the Council and the 
Economic and Social Committee and 
the Committee of the Regions. 
Article 7 Article 7 
This Decision is addressed to the Unchanged. 
Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President 
26 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(95) 226 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 12 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-95-251-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-89385-0 
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