EN

Brussels, 24.5.2006

COM(2006) 245 final

2004/0154 (COD)

Amended proposal for a

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European transport and energy networks and amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95

Adaptation following the agreement of 17 May 2006

on the financial framework 2007-2013

(presented by the Commission in accordance with Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1. Context of the proposal |

110 | Grounds for and objectives of the proposalThe proposal revises the Commission's initial proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks (TENs) for transport and energy and amending Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 of the Council which has been submitted to the two institutions for co-decision (reference: 2004/0154 (COD)). The European Parliament held its first reading and adopted a legislative resolution on 26 October 2005. No further stage in the co-decision procedure has been concluded since. The proposal has a budgetary impact and is subject to the Community's financial framework for the period 2007-2013 on which an interinstitutional agreement was reached in April 2006. The budgetary resources set out in the Commission's initial proposal (backed by a thorough assessment of the needs) significantly exceed the amounts established in the financial framework 2007-2013 for TENs both in the fields of transport and energy. The revision of the initial "TENs Financial Regulation" proposal, therefore, results from the need to adapt the regulation to the budgetary resources confirmed in April 2006.The resources established in the financial framework represent only 40% of the amount initially proposed for the transport sector, and 45% of that proposed for the energy sector. This also makes it necessary to adapt the procedures for the granting of aid (in particular, the procedures for project selection and rates of support). In addition to this, comments made by the European Parliament in the first reading have been taken into account in the revised proposal. Finally, a number of drafting improvements have been introduced into the proposal. |

120 | General contextThe Treaty establishing the European Community stipulates that the Community may support projects of common interest identified in the respective trans-European network (Article 155). On this basis, Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 [amended by Regulations (EC) No 1655/1999 of 19 July 1999, (EC) No 788/2004 of 21 April 2004, (EC) No 807/2004 of 21 April 2004 and (EC) No 1159/2005 of 6 July 2005] has governed the granting of Community financial aid to TENs projects since 1995. In the transport sector (benefiting from the overwhelming part of the resources), by 2005 about €5.5 billion had been allocated to infrastructure projects and intelligent transport systems (such as Galileo) which, altogether, have contributed or, once operational, will contribute to making Europe's overall transport system more efficient, facilitating the functioning of the internal market and the free movement of citizens, ensuring mobility under sustainable conditions. Community aid under the TENs budget is granted to projects which are prepared, financed and implemented by the Member States' authorities, international organisations (such as the European Space Agency), and public or private entities/companies. Private companies implementing TEN projects operate, in a large number of cases, under the Member States' responsibility and/or with public national financing). In the energy sector in general, and in the transport sector in certain cases, TEN-funded projects are prepared, financed and implemented by private companies. Community funding may support the study phase (up to 50 % of the respective cost) in order to help overcome risks in early project phases, or it may contribute to financing project implementation. Increasing attention is given to forms and instruments of Community aid that stimulate the involvement of private financing. In spite of the low rate of Community funding compared to the cost of the projects concerned (the cost of fully completing the trans-European transport network has been estimated at some €600 billion, to be invested until 2020), contributions under the TENs' budget have been vital to the very existence of a number of projects (such as Galileo) and have been decisive in meeting completion targets, bringing together various investors or ensuring high technical standards for many others. Budget allocations - insufficient compared to the overall needs - have always been guided by the objective of ensuring the highest European added value for the network as a whole.Only the full provision of the budgetary resources set out in the initial proposal (€20.350 billion for the transport sector and €0.34 billion for the energy sector) would have enabled the Community to effectively stimulate the investments needed to achieve the completion target, especially of the transport TENs. The drastic reduction (to €8.013 billion for transport and to €0.155 billion for energy) reinforces Member States' responsibility for due investment efforts in order to nevertheless ensure full achievement of the completion targets set out in the respective network development "Guidelines" adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. At the same time, the reduction in resources intensifies the call upon private investors to take a more active part in TEN financing, in return for expected benefits from improved accessibility of economic areas and consumer centres, as well as of remote regions. In implementing the reduced budget, the Commission will apply the most appropriate evaluation methods, making sure limited Community funds generate the highest possible value for the Community's trans-European network. |

130 | Existing provisions in the area of the proposalCouncil Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 of 18 September 1995 laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks, as amended by Regulations (EC) No 1655/1999 of 19 July 1999, (EC) No 788/2004 of 21 April 2004, (EC) No 807/2004 of 21 April 2004 and (EC) No 1159/2005 of 6 July 2005.Essentially, the proposed Regulation ensures the continuation of Community funding of projects of common interest in the fields of trans-European networks for energy and transport during the period 2007-2013. The key principles of TEN funding, as currently governed by Regulation (EC) No 2236/95, will remain unchanged under the proposed Regulation. The changes introduced refer to three main areas: (1) establishment of budgetary resources, (2) revision of the funding procedures based on (a) the evolution of priorities for TEN development and funding in the course of the last decade, as well as of relevant technical standards (b) the availability of budgetary resources and (c) the commonly recognised need for reinforcing the leverage of TEN funding in mobilising public and private investment as well as (3) adaptation to the evolution of the legal/administrative framework, in particular in terms of the management of the Community budget. Although the budgetary resources available for the period 2007-2013 fall significantly below the estimated needs, compared to the previous period, they extend the possibilities for TEN funding considerably. In transport, the increase from €4.4 billion to €8.1 billion effectively represents a doubling of resources, given that the Galileo project (having consumed about 15 % of the available resources during the period 2000-2006) will in the future benefit from an independent budget line. To manage the increased resources for the transport TEN efficiently, the Commission plans the creation of an Executive Agency which was endorsed by the Regulatory Committee for Executive Agencies on 16 November 2005. |

140 | Consistency with the other policies and objectives of the UnionThe proposal is consistent with other policies and objectives of the Union, especially in the fields of: (1) the functioning of the internal market: facilitating the free movement of goods, services and workers by connecting national networks - i.e. filling in missing links at national borders and ensuring interoperability through elimination of technological barriers; ensuring, along major European routes, continuous compliance with capacity needs - through both the removal of physical bottlenecks and broad use of intelligent systems to optimise the use of infrastructure.(2) sustainable development: contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and emissions of toxic particulates through: promotion of the continuous development of major European routes (transport and energy priority projects) - for example - to fight congestion, encourage the concentration of international traffic flows, contribute to cleaner cities and thus enhance citizens' quality of life; establishment of connections between transport modes so as to encourage the development of co-modal transport solutions and contain emissions resulting from long-distance road transport. (3) Regional policy: to improve, by creating efficient infrastructure connections, accessibility - especially of regions that suffer from structural handicaps and/or are located in remote places in order to boost their economic integration. (3) Enlargement and neighbourhood policy: to extend energy and transport connections (especially for rail and waterborne transport) beyond the borders of the current EU in order to facilitate the development of Europe-wide corridors as basis for efficient services and smooth trade flows. In horizontal terms, the proposal contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the Lisbon agenda (in addition to the abovementioned objectives, for example, the promotion of innovative technologies for traffic management) and fully reflects the objectives of sound and efficient management of the Community budget. |

2. Consultation of interested parties and impact assessment |

| Consultation of interested parties |

219 | The proposal is directly related to the Community Guidelines for the development of TENs for transport and energy respectively. An impact assessment and a consultation of interested parties were undertaken in the transport sector in 2003 in connection with the revision of the "Guidelines" adopted in 2004 (Decision No 884/2004/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2004, amending Decision No 1692/96/CE on Community Guidelines for the development of a trans-European transport network). The results were published in document SEC(2003) 1060. In the energy sector, the results of an extended impact assessment were published in document SEC(2003) 1369. Both assessments have highlighted the need for the granting of due financial aid from the Community budget in order to stimulate national (public and private) investment and ensure timely completion of the respective networks. A separate consultation of interested parties and an impact assessment are therefore not necessary in the framework of the revised proposal for a TENs Financial Regulation. |

| Collection and use of expertise |

221 | Scientific areas/areas of expertise concernedThe need for investment in infrastructure, especially in the transport sector, has been assessed on a Europe-wide scale through several comprehensive studies, amongst them a study entitled "Scenarios, traffic forecasts and analysis of corridors of the trans-European network" which was carried out in 2004 on behalf of the European Commission. The findings of this study and of further analysis carried out by the Commission in close cooperation with the Member States made it possible to assess the needs for investment in the trans-European transport network until 2020 and in the 30 priority projects of this network, as set out in the Guidelines Decision (Decision No 884/2004/EC, amending Decision No 1692/1996/EC). This analysis has enabled the Commission at the same time to estimate the needs for resources from the Community budget under the transport TEN budget line, as set out in the initial proposal for the TENs Financial Regulation. |

222 | Methodology usedEstablished methodologies for traffic forecasting and enquiries to Member States via the respective TENs Committees |

223 | Main organisations/experts consultedConsulting firms specialized in the area and experts from the Member States' Governments |

2249 | Summary of advice received and usedThe existence of potentially serious risks with irreversible consequences has not been mentioned. |

225 | The due granting of Community support is vital to mobilise the investment needed to ensure timely completion of the trans-European networks concerned. |

226 | Means used to make the expert advice publicly availableExperts' conclusions have been incorporated into the reports published by the Commission, and been taken into account in the proposals for Community Guidelines and TENs Financial Regulation. |

230 | Impact assessmentGiven that the proposal is directly related to the Community Guidelines for the development of the trans-European networks in the fields of transport and energy, and that impact assessments have been undertaken in the framework of these Guidelines, no separate impact assessment has been necessary.On a general basis, it is reiterated that the granting of Community financial aid to projects of common interest makes it possible to complete the highest priorities for the trans-European networks in the fields of energy and transport faster and more efficiently than could be achieved without this aid. This entails the generation of significant benefits for the Community's transport and energy systems as a whole and, consequently, contributes to economic growth, the creation of employment (temporary employment during construction and permanent employment in the longer term), more welfare for citizens (for example through shorter travelling times) as well as gains for the environment (through the reduction of emissions). |

3. Legal elements of the proposal |

305 | Summary of the proposed actionThe proposal, revising the Commission's initial proposal of July 2004, lays down the general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks for transport and energy during the period 2007-2013. Based on the financial framework for this period agreed upon in April 2006, it establishes the budgetary resources for the granting of aid to projects of common interest in these two sectors of infrastructure. It sets out the procedures for the granting of Community financial aid, taking account of the available budgetary resources, the policy priorities for TEN development and its financing, as well as of the legal/administrative framework for the management of the Community budget. In this respect, the proposal establishes in particular: the procedures for the selection of projects, the forms of Community aid (including two new forms - participation in a guarantee instrument and contribution to the activities of joint undertakings, based on Article 171 of the Treaty establishing the European Community), the maximum rates of Community aid (increased rates for specific categories of projects with a high priority, in order to increase the leverage in mobilising investment from various public and private sources). It enhances the clarity of the provisions for the granting of aid and for the implementation of corresponding Commission decisions (including the measures to be taken in case of irregularities) as well as the role of the Member States concerned. It better defines the types of potential beneficiaries of Community aid in the field of TENs, as well as other key terms subject to the proposed regulation. Overall, the proposed procedures and provisions support the objective of strengthening the concentration of Community aid on the highest priorities for network development. |

310 | Legal basisTreaty establishing the European Community, Article 155 |

320 | Subsidiarity principleThe subsidiarity principle applies insofar as the proposal does not fall within the exclusive competence of the Community. |

| The objectives of the proposal cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States for the following reason(s). |

321 | The granting of Community financial aid under the TENs budget addresses the highest priorities of these networks as a whole, i.e. priorities which have been identified from a Community-wide perspective and are laid down in the Community Guidelines for the development of these networks. These priorities (such as the completion of/the removal of bottlenecks along/priority projects, the realisation of project sections across national borders, projects contributing to the optimisation of infrastructure use - in particular through the development and implementation of innovative management technologies for the various transport modes, the promotion of a re-balancing of transport modes in favour of the most environmentally friendly modes, and projects contributing to increased safety, service quality and interoperability on the TENs) go beyond the priorities established from a national point of view. Their implementation leads to a European added value which exceeds the benefits drawn from "national priorities". To implement these priorities for the trans-European networks as quickly and as efficiently as possible, it is vital for the Community to stimulate national investment efforts appropriately through the granting of aid. |

323 | Member States alone, in spite of coordinated efforts, would be unable to achieve the full benefit which can be drawn from action at Community level. |

| Community action will better achieve the objectives of the proposal for the following reason(s). |

324 | The need for Community action to stimulate the financing of projects of common interest in the area of TENs results directly from the Community's responsibilities for developing these networks which, by their nature, are of Community-wide scope. |

325 | Community support for TENs projects is expected to contribute to the generation of positive effects regarding economic growth (facilitation of the functioning of the internal market, contribution to the creation of temporary and permanent employment), welfare and the environment. |

327 | Member States remain responsible for the preparation, financing and implementation of projects located on their respective territories, in full compliance with their national legislation. The Union stimulates Member States' infrastructure investment in order to make sure that European priorities are given due priority at national level. |

| The proposal therefore complies with the subsidiarity principle. |

| Proportionality principleThe proposal complies with the proportionality principle for the following reason(s). |

331 | The proposed measures are intended to stimulate and direct national infrastructure investment towards the achievement of high benefits for the Community as a whole, while the decision-making process for planning, financing and implementation of infrastructure projects of common interest remains subject to the respective national laws and procedures. |

332 | The Commission and the national Governments share responsibility for the management of the aid allocated to TEN projects. |

| Choice of instruments |

341 | Proposed instrument: Regulation. |

342 | Other means would not be adequate for the following reason.The proposal concerns the revision of an existing Regulation. |

4. Budgetary implication |

401 | The proposal is subject to the Community's financial framework for the period 2007-2013. |

5. Additional information |

510 | Simplification |

511 | The proposal provides for simplification of administrative procedures for public authorities (EU or national) and for private parties. |

513 | The proposal contributes to clarifying and simplifying procedures for the granting of aid, and to alleviating administrative burdens. |

514 | |

E-15040 | |

2004/0154 (COD)

Amended proposal for a

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European transport and energy networks and amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 156 thereof,

Having regard to the Commission proposal [1],

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee [2],

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions [3],

Acting in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 251 of the Treaty [4],

Whereas:

(1) The Barcelona Council of 15 and 16 March 2002 underlined in its conclusions that strong and integrated energy and transport networks are the cornerstone of the European internal market and that better use of the existing networks and the filling in of missing links will make it possible to increase effectiveness and competitiveness and to guarantee an appropriate level of quality and the reduction of saturation points and, therefore, better long-term viability. These needs come within the framework of the strategy adopted by the Heads of State and Government at the Lisbon Summit which has been regularly referred to since then.

(2) The European Council of 12 and 13 December 2003 approved European action for growth, calling on the Commission to redirect expenditure, if necessary, towards investments in physical capital, in particular investments in the infrastructure of the trans-European networks, the priority projects of which represent essential elements to strengthen the cohesion of the internal market.

(3) The delays in the completion of effective trans-European connections, in particular the cross-border sections the cross-border sections, are likely to handicap seriously the competitiveness of the Union, the Member States and peripheral regions which will not, or will no longer, be able to profit fully from the beneficial effects of the single market.

(4) In Decision No 1692/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network [5], the cost between now and 2020, to supplement the trans-European transport network was estimated at €600 billion. The investments necessary for the priority projects within the meaning of Annex III to that decision alone account for almost €140 160 billion for the period 2007-2013.

(4a) In accordance with the NAIADES Communication [6] and having regard to the sustainable nature of inland waterways, priority inland waterway projects should, like cross-border sections, qualify for an incentive rate of financing.

(4b) In its resolution of 8 June 2005 on policy challenges and budgetary means of the enlarged Union 2007-2013, the European Parliament underlined the strategic importance of transport networks for the completion of the single market and for closer relations with candidate, pre-candidate and “ring of friends” countries. Moreover, it also expressed its willingness to examine innovative financing instruments such as loan guarantees, European concessions, European loans and an interest relief fund.

(5) To achieve these goals, both the Council and Parliament put forward the need to strengthen and adapt the financial instruments through an increase in the level of Community co-financing by providing for the possibility of applying a higher Community co-financing rate, in particular for projects characterised by their cross-border nature, their transit function, or by the crossing of natural barriers.

(6) Taking into account the amounts allocated to the trans-European networks in the transport and energy sectors (hereinafter TEN-T and TEN-E) in accordance with the multiannual financial framework 2007-2013, it is impossible to meet all the needs arising in connection with the implementation of the priorities set out in Decision No 1692/1996/EC (TEN-T) and Decision No …./…./EC (TEN-E). It is therefore appropriate, in order to complement national sources of financing, whether public or private, to focus these resources on certain categories of projects which will provide the greatest added value for the network as a whole – in particular the cross-border sections and the projects aimed at removing bottlenecks, so as to guarantee the continuity of TEN-T or TEN-E infrastructure.

(7) [Decision .../.../EC] of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks and repealing Decisions 96/391/EC and No 1229/2003/EC of … [7] [8]] identifies the objectives, the priorities for action and projects of common interest to supplement and develop these networks, including the priority projects, and assigns appropriate priority to projects declared to be of European interest. The investments necessary to make it possible for all the Member States to take part fully in the internal market and to supplement the interconnections with the neighbouring countries are about €28 billion between now and 2013 for the priority projects alone. The latter amount includes approximately €8 billion of investments to be made in third countries.

Decision 1229/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council at its meeting on 26 June 2003 establishing a number of guidelines concerning the trans-European network in the energy sector and repealing 1254/93/EC, identifies the objectives, the priorities for action and projects of common interest to supplement and develop this network, including the priority projects. Necessary investments, to make it possible for all the Member States to take part fully in the internal market and to supplement the interconnections with the neighbouring countries, are about €28 billion between now and 2013, for individual priority projects. The latter amount includes approximately €8 billion of investments to be made in third countries.

(8) The European Council 12 and 13 December 2003 also called on the Commission to continue studying the need to create a specific Community guarantee instrument intended to cover certain post-construction risks in the framework of TEN transport projects. With regard to energy, the Council called on the Commission, to redirect expenditure, if necessary, towards investments in physical capital in order to stimulate growth.

Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 of 18 September 1995 laying down the rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of the trans-European networks [9], as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1655/99 and Regulation (EC) No 807/2004, already represents real progress, since it permits a higher financing rate, raised to 20%, for projects declared as having priority [10]. It nevertheless remains conditional on implementation rules which require simplification and an overall budget with limited resources. It appears therefore necessary, to complement public national and private financing, to increase the Community aid in terms of both its amount and the rates of assistance with a view to strengthening the leverage effect of the Community funds, thus making it possible to carry out the priority projects selected.

In the light of developments in each component of the trans-European networks (transport and energy and telecommunications) and of their intrinsic characteristics, and with a view to more effective management, it is advisable to provide for several separate Regulations for the fields covered until now by Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95.

By this Regulation, it is appropriate to establish a programme determining the general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of the trans-European transport and energy networks. This programme, which must respect the 'acquis communautaire', in particular as regards the environment, has to contribute to the reinforcement of the internal market and have a stimulating effect on the competitiveness and growth of the Community.

Given that the objectives of implementing the trans-European transport and energy networks cannot be achieved adequately by the Member States, taking into account, in particular, the need for coordination of national measures, and consequently can be achieved more effectively at the Community level, the Community can take measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity enshrined in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality set out in that Article, this Regulation does not exceed what is necessary to achieve those objectives

(9) The Community financial aid under the budget for the trans-European networks must be focused on the projects or parts of projects presenting the greatest European value added and be such as to encourage the players to accelerate the implementation of the priority projects under Decision No 1692/96/EC and Decision No [.../.../EC]. It must also make it possible to finance the other European infrastructure projects of common interest defined in those decisions.

(10) The Community financial aid is granted with the aim of developing investment projects in the trans-European transport and energy networks, to provide firm financial commitments, to mobilise the institutional investors and to prompt the formation of financing partnerships between the public and private sectors. In the energy sector, the financial assistance is mainly intended to help to surmount the financial obstacles which can arise at the time of project preparation and pre-construction development, and should be concentrated on cross-border sections of priority projects and on interconnections with neighbouring countries.

(10a) In its Communication to the European Parliament and the Council of 4 July 2005 on the deployment of the European rail signalling system ERTMS/ETCS, [11] the Commission emphasised the importance of rapid and coordinated migration to that system in order to ensure the interoperability of the trans-European network. To this end, targeted and temporary Community support is needed, both for the track-side equipment and for the on-board equipment.

(11) For certain projects, the Member State(s) concerned may be represented by international organisations. For certain projects, the Commission entrusts implementation to Joint Undertakings within the meaning of Article 171 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. These special situations necessitate extending the concept of beneficiary of the Community financial contribution for the purposes of this Regulation.

(12) It should be possible for the Community financial aid to take several forms, namely direct subsidies (studies and works), interest rebates, loan guarantee instruments or participation in venture capital funds, and to cover specific post-construction risks. Regardless of its form, the Community financial aid must be granted in accordance with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the General Budget of the European Communities [12] and its implementing rules except where the present Regulation explicitly departs from those rules.

The Community financial aid should be able to take several forms, namely direct subsidy, interest rebate, loan guarantee instruments, participation in the funds of venture capital and should also be able to cover specific risks following the construction phase.

(13) For the implementation of Community financial support for large-scale projects phased over several years, it is advisable to allow a commitment from the Community on a multiannual basis, differentiating by project financed, by multiannual programme authorisation and by commitment appropriations authorised annually. Only firm, attractive financial commitments binding on the Community over the long term, will make it possible to reduce the uncertainties connected with the completion of these projects and to mobilise both public and private investors.

For the implementation of Community financial support for large-scale projects spreading across several years, it is advisable to allow an agreement from the Community on a multi-annual basis. Indeed, only definite, attractive financial agreements, binding the Community in the long term, will allow the reduction of uncertainties connected with the carrying out of these projects and to mobilise the both public and private investors.

(13a) It is appropriate to encourage public-private forms of financing, whether institutional or contractual, which have proved to be effective, by means of legal guarantees which are compatible with competition law and the internal market, and to spread good practice among the Member States.

(14) Close attention should be paid to effective coordination of all Community measures with an impact on trans-European networks, in particular financing from the Structural Funds and from the Cohesion Fund and the operations of the European Investment Bank.

(15) This Regulation should establish, for the entire duration of its implementation, a financial framework which for the budgetary authority constitutes the prime reference within the meaning of point 33 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, on budgetary discipline and the improvement of the procedure. [13]

(16) Given that the objectives of implementing the trans-European transport and energy networks cannot be achieved adequately by the Member States, taking into account, in particular, the need for coordination of national measures, and consequently can be achieved more effectively at the Community level, the Community can take measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity enshrined in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality set out in that Article, this Regulation does not exceed what is necessary to achieve those objectives.

(17) Given the experience gained in applying Regulation No 2236/95 and the nature of the competences given to the Commission by this Regulation The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission [14].

(18) In the light of developments in each component of the trans-European networks (transport and energy and telecommunications) and of their intrinsic characteristics, and with a view to more effective management, it is advisable to provide for several separate Regulations for the fields covered until now by Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95.

(19) With this Regulation, general rules should be laid down the for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of the trans-European transport and energy networks in accordance with Community law and policies concerning, in particular, competition, environmental protection, health, sustainable development, public procurement and the effective implementation of the Community policies on interoperability.

By this Regulation, it is appropriate to establish a programme determining the general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of the trans-European transport and energy networks. This programme – in the respect of the 'acquis communautaire', in particular as regards environment - has to contribute to the reinforcement of the internal market and have a stimulating effect on the competitiveness and growth of the Community.

Given the experience gained in applying Regulation no 2236/95 and the nature of the competences given to the Commission it is appropriate to adopt the measures necessary for the implementation of this regulation in accordance with Decision nº1999/468/EC of the Council at its meeting on 28 June 1999 laying down the methods of the exercise of the executive powers conferred on the Commission [15].

(20) In the light of the above considerations, and in view of the adoption, by means of this Regulation, of specific provisions in the field of transport and energy, and the adoption, by means of Council Regulation (EC) No… of the European Parliament and the Council of …, of measures concerning satellite positioning and navigation systems [16], it is appropriate to amend Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 in order to limit its scope to the field of telecommunications alone.

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Chapter 1

General provisions

Article 1

Objective

This Regulation defines the conditions, methods and procedures for granting Community aid to projects of common interest in the field of trans-European transport and energy networks under Article 155(1) of the Treaty.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation:

(1) “project of common interest” means a project or part of a project identified as being of common interest for the Community in the field of transport in the framework of Decision No 1692/96/EC, and in the field of energy in the framework of [Decision No .../..../EC];

(2) “priority project” means a project of common interest located on a route or a project considered to be a priority for the Community in the field of transport in the framework of Annex III to Decision No 1692/96/EC and in the field of energy in the framework of [Decision No .../..../EC];

(3) “part of a project” means any activity that is independent financially, technically or over time and which contributes to the completion of the project;

(3)a “cross-border section” means cross-border sections referred to in Article 19b of Decision No 1692/96/EC, also comprising cross-border sections ensuring, via a third State, the continuity of a priority project between two Member States;

(4) “bottleneck” means obstacles, in terms of speed and/or capacity, which make it impossible to guarantee the continuity of transport flows, in particular in the framework of priority projects.

(5) “beneficiary” means one or more Member States, international organisations, joint undertakings within the meaning of Article 171 of the Treaty, and public or private undertakings or bodies having complete responsibility for a project and proposing to invest their own resources or funds provided by third parties with a view to carrying out the project.

a public or private body having the overall responsibility for the project and proposing to invest its own resources or other funds in its construction;

(6) “studies” means studies needed for project definition , including preparatory, feasibility, evaluation and validation studies, and any other technical support measure, including prior action to define the project fully and decide on its financing, such as reconnaissance of the sites concerned and preparation of the financial package;

(7) works” means the purchase and supply of components, systems and services, and the carrying out of construction and installation works relating to the project, including the acceptance of installations and the launching of the project;

(8) “post-construction-phase risks” means risks occurring in the first years following the end of construction due to specific factors and involving a reduction in operating revenue in relation to forecasts;

(9) “project cost” means the total cost of studies and or works directly related to and necessary for carrying out the project and actually borne by the beneficiary;

(10) “eligible cost” means” the part of the project’s costs taken into consideration by the Commission for the calculation of Community financial aid.

Chapter II

Eligible projects, types and methods of financial aid, combination of financing

Article 3

Eligibility of projects and applications for Community financial aid

1. Only projects of common interest identified in the framework of Decision No 1692/96/EC and [Decision No .../..../EC] may receive Community financial aid under this Regulation.

The eligibility of applications for Community financial aid for such projects is conditional on compliance with Community law and Community policies.

Eligibility is subject to respect for Community policies and laws, notably in relation to competition, environmental protection, public procurement and to the effective implementation of Community provisions of interoperability of networks, in particular rail.

3.2 In the field of transport only, eligibility is also subject to a commitment, by the applicant for Community financial aid and, where appropriate, the Member State(s) concerned, to make a financial contribution to the project submitted, mobilising private funds if necessary.

In the field of transport only, eligibility is also subject to a commitment, by each Member State concerned, to make a financial contribution to the projects submitted for Community financial aid while mobilising, if necessary, private funds

Transport-related projects involving cross-border sections or a part of such sections may receive Community financial aid if there is a bilateral agreement between the Member States concerned relating to the completion of the cross-border project on their respective national territory.

Article 4

Submission of applications for financial aid

Applications for Community financial aid shall be submitted to the Commission by one or more Member States, international organisations, Joint Undertakings or, with the agreement of the Member State(s) concerned, by public or private undertakings or bodies.

Requests for Community financial aid are presented to the Commission by the Member State or States concerned or, in the case of energy, with the agreement of the latter, also by the public bodies or enterprises directly concerned.

Article 5

Selection of projects

1. Projects of common interest shall be awarded Community financial aid in relation to their contribution to the objectives and the priorities defined in the framework of Decision No 1692/96/EC and [Decision No .../..../EC].

2. In the field of transport, special attention will be paid to the following projects and programmes:

(a) projects submitted jointly by at least two Member States, notably in the case of cross-frontier sectionscases;

(b) projects to eliminate bottlenecks affecting priority projects;

(c) projects contributing to the continuity of the network and the optimisation of its capacity;

(d) priority projects which contribute to the integration of the single market in an enlarged Community and to the re-balancing of transport modes in favour of the most environmentally friendly ones, notably for long-distance freight transport; to this end, any applications for financing for high-speed rail lines must be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the capacity released for freight traffic on the conventional network as a result of the transfer of traffic to high-speed passenger lines;

(e) projects contributing to the improvement of the quality of service offered on the trans-European network and which promote, inter alia through action relating to infrastructure, the safety and security of users and ensure interoperability between national networks;

(f) projects relating to the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), and air, maritime, inland waterway and coastal traffic management systems which guarantee interoperability between national networks.

programmes for the deployment of traffic management systems for rail and its components as well as traffic management systems in the domain of air and maritime that provide for interoperability

3. In the field of energy, particular attention will be paid to projects that contribute to:

(a) the continuity of the network and the optimisation of its capacity,

(b) the integration of the internal energy market, and in particular cross-border sections,

(c) the security of energy supply, and in particular interconnections with third countries,

(d) the connection of renewable energy resources and/or

(e) the safety, reliability and interoperability of interconnected networks.

Article 6

Types of aid

Community financial aid covers the studies, works and risks which occur after the construction phase.

Article 6

Types and methods of Community financial aid support

1. Community financial aid to studies, development actions works related to for projects referred to in Article 3(1) can take one or more of the following forms:

(a) grants for studies or works;

(b) interest rate rebates on loans given by the European Investment Bank (EIB) or other public or private financial institutions;

(c) loan guarantees to cover post-construction-phase risks;

(d) participation in risk capital funds;

(e) where appropriate, a combination of the Community aid referred to in points (a) to (d) with a view to achieving the maximum stimulus effect from the budgetary resources mobilised;

(f) contribution to the activities of joint undertakings.

2. Community financial aid shall not exceed the following rates:

(a) for studies, 50% of the eligible cost of studies, irrespective of the project of common interest concerned;

(b) for works:

(i) for priority projects in the field of transport:

– a maximum of 20% of the eligible costs of the works;

– a maximum of 30% for cross-border sections of such projects and priority inland waterway projects, provided that their implementation phase begins before 2010 and provided that the Member States concerned have given the Commission all necessary guarantees regarding the financial viability of the project and the timetable for carrying it out;

(ii) for priority projects in the field of energy, a maximum of 20% of the eligible costs of the works;

(iii) for projects other than priority projects, in the field of transport and energy, a maximum of 10% of the eligible cost;

(c) for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS):

(i) for track-side equipment, a maximum of 50% of the eligible cost of studies and works ;

(ii) for on-board equipment:

– a maximum of 50% maximum of the cost of developing and making prototypes for the installation of ERTMS on existing rolling stock, provided that the prototype is certified in at least two Member States;

– a maximum of 50% of the cost of series equipment for the installation of ERTMS on new and existing rolling stock; however, the Commission may set a maximum amount of aid per traction unit;

d) for the implementation of the single European sky, and in particular the SESAR (Single European Sky Air traffic management Research) project, the rate may not exceed 50 % of the eligible cost of the project.

2. Community financial aid does not exceed the following rates:

a) For Studies: 50% of the total eligible cost of studies whatever the project of common interest concerned.

b) For Works

i) For Priority projects in the transport domain, a maximum of 30% of the total eligible costs of the works; exceptionally, trans-frontier sections of projects included in the TEN-T programme can benefit from a maximum grant rate of 50% of total eligible costs, provided that they are started before 2010 and that the Member States concerned have presented a plan to the Commission giving all the guarantees necessary regarding the financial support from the Member State and the timetable for the implementation of the project. This rate shall be adapted in relation to the benefits received by the other Member States;

ii) For Priority projects in the energy domain, a maximum of 20% of the total eligible costs of the works;

iii) For other projects in the domain of transport: a maximum of 15% of the total eligible costs of the works; exceptionally, for projects linked to the deployment of interoperable systems, of safety and security, the rate may reach a maximum of 50%, adjusted to relation to the benefits to other Member States, of the total eligible costs of the works.

iv) For other projects in the energy domain, a maximum of 10% of the total eligible costs.

3. The Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 17(2) shall adopt the methods, timetable and amounts for the payments for the instruments referred to in paragraph 1(b), (c) and (d) of this Article.

Article 7

Combination of Community financial aid

1. The financial aid related to studies and to infrastructure works is cumulative.

2. EIB operations are compatible with the granting of aid under the present Regulation.

1. No Community financial aid shall be awarded under this Regulation for parts of projects receiving funds from other sources of Community financing charged to the Community budget.

2. EIB operations are compatible with the granting of financial aid under this Regulation.

Article 8

Compatibility and Coordination with Community policies

1. The projects of common interest financed under this Regulation must be in conformity with the provisions of the Treaty, to legal acts adopted on the basis of the Treaty and to Community policies, including those concerning the protection of the environment, interoperability, competition and public procurement.

2. The Commission shall ensure the coordination and the coherence of projects undertaken co-financed in the framework of this Regulation with actions undertaken thanks to contributions from the Community budget, EIB operations and other Community financial instruments.

Chapter III

Programming, implementation, control

Article 9

Implementation

The Commission is responsible for the implementation of this Regulation. It shall establish the means and the conditions to undertake projects of common interest in the decisions regarding the granting of aid which will be notified to the Member States concerned.

Article 9

Multiannual programming and annual programme

1. The Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 15(2), shall establish multiannual programming and an annual programme.

2. The multiannual programming shall apply to priority projects and the ERTMS and SESAR projects and shall establish the criteria for the granting of Community financial aid and the financial framework for the whole of the period 2007-2013. The amount of the financial framework must lie within a range of 65% to 85% of the budgetary resources referred to in Article 18.

3. The annual programme shall define the criteria for the granting of financial aid to projects of common interest not included in the multiannual programming. Each year, the resources not used in the TEN-T multi-annual programme shall be allocated to the financing of other projects of common interest which form part of the annual programme.

Article 10

Granting of Community financial aid

1. Following an assessment of the criteria for granting aid, the Commission shall decide on the amount of financial aid to be granted to the projects or parts of projects selected and shall specify their implementation conditions and methods.

2. The beneficiaries and the Member States concerned shall be informed by the Commission of any financial aid granted.

Each project of common interest selected under the multi-annual programme, will be the subject of single Commission grant decision within the meaning of Article 17 paragraph 2. The budgetary commitment for each annual allocation is made by the Commission through a grant decision based on the evaluation of the state of progress of the projects of the estimated needs and of the available budget.

2. Projects of common interest other than those covered under point 1 above shall be the subject of an annual Commission financial decision to grant support .

3. The Commission shall notify the decision as well as the conditions attached to the grant to the beneficiary Member States and shall inform the beneficiaries.

Article 11

Financial provisions

1. For priority projects, the budgetary commitments may be divided into annual instalments. The Commission shall commit the annual instalments taking into account the state of progress of the projects or project phases receiving financial aid, the estimated needs and the budget available.

The indicative timetable for the commitment of the individual annual instalments shall be communicated to the beneficiary.

2. The Community aid may cover only the eligible costs related to the project and borne by the beneficiaries or by third parties to whom they have entrusted the implementation of the project.

In particular, costs incurred before the date on which the application for aid is lodged are not eligible. VAT is not an eligible cost.

3. Payments shall be made in the form of an advance pre-financing, where appropriate divided into several intermediate payment instalments, and payment of the balance.

However, the payment methods shall be defined in such a way as to take into account in particular the multiannual implementation of infrastructure projects.

The pre-financing, or where appropriate the first instalment thereof, shall be paid when the financial aid is granted.

The intermediate payments shall be made on the basis of the payment applications, subject to compliance with Article 13 of this Regulation.

The final payment shall be made after acceptance of the final report concerning the project or study submitted by the beneficiary and certified by the Member State concerned. The final report shall detail in particular all the expenditure actually incurred.

1. The Community aid can cover only the expenditure related to the project and borne by the recipients or by third parties of the implementation of it.

2. Expenditure incurred before the date on which the request for aid is received by the Commission is not eligible.

3. The decisions taken by the Commission to grant financial assistance under the terms of Article 12 signify engagement of the expenditure authorised by the budget.

4. As a general rule, payments are carried out in the form of an advance, intermediate and a final payment. The advance, which does not normally exceed 50% of the first annual block, is paid when the request for aid has been approved. The intermediate payments are carried out on the basis of the payment requests and in consideration of the state of progress of the project or of the study and, if necessary, taking account, in a rigorous and transparent way, of the revised financial scheme.

5. The payment methods have to take account of the fact that the implementation of the infrastructure projects spread out over several years and that it is important consequently to envisage similar distribution of financing..

6. The Commission shall carry out the final payment after acceptance of the final report concerning a project or study, submitted by the recipient and certified by the Member State, detailing all expenditure actually incurred.

Article 12

Member States’ responsibilities

1. The Member States shall make every effort to implement, in the sphere of their responsibility, the projects of common interest which receive Community aid granted under this Regulation.

2. The Member States shall undertake the technical monitoring and financial control of projects in close cooperation with the Commission and shall certify the reality and the conformity of the expenditure incurred in respect of the project or the part of the project. The beneficiaries may request the participation of the Commission during on-the-spot checks.

3. The Member States shall inform the Commission of the measures taken under paragraph 2 and supply, in particular, a description of the control, management and monitoring systems set up to ensure that the projects are successfully completed.

Article 12a

Compatibility with Community law and Community policies

The projects financed under this Regulation shall be carried out in conformity with Community law and Community policies, in particular those concerning competition, the protection of the environment, health, sustainable development, public procurement and interoperability.

Article 13

Cancellation, reduction, suspension and discontinuance of aid

1. The Commission, after appropriate examination and after having informed the beneficiary and, if necessary, the Member State(s) concerned in order that they may present their observations in a given time:

(a) shall cancel, except in duly justified cases, the financial aid granted for the projects or parts of projects relating to projects of common interest which have not been started in the two years following the date of commencement shown in the conditions governing the granting of aid;

(b) may suspend, reduce or discontinue the financial support in the following cases:

(i) if part or all of the financial aid no longer appears to be justified;

(ii) in the event of an irregularity committed in the implementation of the project or part of a project with regard to the provisions of Community law and Community policies;

(iii) in the event of failure to comply with the conditions governing the financial aid, in particular if a major change affecting the nature of or procedures for implementation has been made without the approval of the Commission:

(c) may, taking account of all relevant factors, request the reimbursement of the financial aid if, ten years after the granting of the aid, the implementation of the part of the project receiving the financial aid has not been completed.

2. The Commission may recover all or part of the sums already paid:

(a) where this is necessary, notably following cancellation, discontinuation or reduction of financial support or a request for reimbursement of financial support;

(b) in the event of a combination of Community support.

1 Except for those cases where a full justification is made to the Commission, Community finance aid granted to projects of common interest which have not commenced in the two years following the date set down in the grant decision shall be cancelled by the Commission.

2 If a part or all the aid provided to undertake a project .is deemed not to be justifiable the Commission shall undertake an appropriate examination of the case and, in particular, request the Member State or beneficiary, to present their observations within a specified time.

3 Following the examination provided for by paragraph 2, the Commission can reduce, suspend or cancel the aid for the project in question if any irregularities have been revealed or any of the conditions attached to the grant of aid have not been respected, notably when any important modifications have been introduced concerning the nature, or the means of undertaking the project.

4. Any unauthorised accumulation shall lead to the recovery of the amounts paid without due entitlement.

5. If, ten years after the award of Community financial aid to a project, it has not been completed, the Commission can, in accordance with the principle of proportionality, request reimbursement of the aid paid, taking account all relevant facts.

6. All aid paid without due entitlement shall be returned to the Commission.

Article 14

Protection of the Community’s financial interests

1. The Commission’s Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may undertake on-the-spot site controls and checks in accordance with Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 [17].

2. For Community actions financed under this Regulation, the term “irregularity” referred to in Article 1(2) of Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2988/95 [18] shall mean all breaches of the provisions of Community law or any failure to meet a contractual obligation the conditions governing the granting of Community financial aid due to any act or omission by a legal body which has or would have a negative impact on the general budget of the Communities or budgets administered by the latter, as a result of undue expenditure.

3. The conditions governing the granting of Community financial aid Decisions taken pursuant to this Regulation may, in particular, provide for monitoring and financial controls to be undertaken by the Commission - or any representative authorised by it - and for audits to be undertaken by the Court of Auditors, where appropriate on the spot.

4. The Member State concerned and the Commission shall immediately exchange all relevant information concerning the results of the controls undertaken.

Chapter IV

Final provisions

Article 15

Committee

1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, in conformity with the provisions of Article thereof.

3. The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

4. The EIB shall designate a representative to the committee who shall not take part in the voting.

Article 16

Evaluation

1. The Commission and the Member States, assisted by the beneficiaries, may undertake an evaluation of the methods of carrying out projects of common interest and programmes as well as the impact of their implementation, in order to assess whether the objectives, including those concerning environmental protection, have been attained.

2. The Commission may request the beneficiary Member State to provide a specific evaluation of projects of common interest financed under this Regulation or, where appropriate, to supply it with the information and assistance required to undertake an evaluation of the projects.

Article 17

Information and publicity

1. The Commission shall submit a report every three years to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the activities undertaken under this Regulation. The report shall contain an evaluation of the results achieved with Community aid in the various different fields of application, having regard to the original objectives, as well as a chapter on the substance and the implementation of the current multiannual programming. The report shall also contain information on the sources of funding for each project.

2. The Member States concerned and, where appropriate, beneficiaries shall ensure that suitable publicity is given to aid granted under this Regulation in order to inform the public of the role of the Community in the implementation of the projects of common interest.

Article 18

Budgetary resources

1 The financial reference amount at current prices for the implementation of this Regulation for the period 2007-2013 is €20.690 8 168 million of which €20.350 8 013 million for transport and €340 155 million for energy.

2 The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the multiannual financial framework.

Article 19

Technical and administrative assistance

Community financial aid to the projects referred to in Article 3 may also cover expenditure relating to preparation, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities directly necessary for the management of the TENs and the attainment of their objectives, in particular studies, meetings, information and publication activities, expenditure relating to computer networks for the exchange of information, as well as any other expenditure on administrative or technical assistance on which the Commission may call for the management of the TENs. It may also cover technical and administrative assistance expenses necessary to ensure the transition between the implementation of the TENs under the present Regulation and the measures adopted under Regulation (EC) No 2236/95. If necessary, appropriations may be added to the budget beyond 2013 in order to cover such expenditure so as to ensure the management of activities not completed by 31 December 2013.

Article 20

Revision clause

Before the end of 2010, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a general report on the experience gained with the mechanisms provided for by this Regulation for the granting of Community financial aid.

The European Parliament and the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure provided for in the first subparagraph of Article 156 of the Treaty, shall decide if, and under which conditions, the actions provided for by this Regulation will be maintained or amended beyond the period referred to in Article 18.

Article 21

Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 2236/95

Regulation (EC) No 2236/95, is amended as follows:

(1) The title is replaced by the following title:

“Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 of 18 September 1995 laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of the trans-European telecommunications networks”.

(2) Article 1 is replaced by the following text:

“Article 1

Definition and scope

This Regulation defines the conditions, methods and procedures for granting Community financial aid in the field of the trans-European telecommunications networks under Article 155(1) of the Treaty.”.

(3) Article 4(3) is deleted;

(4) Article 5(3), is replaced by the following text:

“3. The rate of Community financial aid is set out in Article 6(2) of Regulation (EC) No … *

* OJ L…, …, p…”.

(5) Article 5a is deleted;

(6) In Article 9(1)(a), the fourth indent is deleted;

(7) Article 10 is replaced by the following text:

“Article 10

Granting of financial support

In compliance with Article 274 of the Treaty, the Commission shall decide on the granting of financial aid under this Regulation on the basis of an assessment of the applications in the light of the selection criteria.”.

(8) Article 11(7) is replaced by the following text:

“7. The Commission shall adopt, in accordance with the procedures referred to in Article 17(3), a framework for the procedures, the timetable and the amounts of payments of interest-rate subsidies, grants for guarantee premiums and aid in the form of risk capital participation, for investment funds or comparable financial institutions, with a priority focus on providing risk capital for trans-European network projects.”.

(9) Article 14 is deleted;

(10) In Article 15(3), first sentence, the reference to Articles 5 and 6 is replaced by a reference to Article 5(1) and (2) and to Article 6;

(11) Article 16(1) is replaced by the following text:

“1. Each year the Commission shall present to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions a report on the activities carried out in the framework of this Regulation. This report will include an evaluation of the results achieved with Community support in the various fields of application, having regard to the initial objectives.”

(12) The Annex is deleted.

Article 22

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply as from 1 January 2007.

The actions under way in the field of transport and energy on the date of application of this Regulation shall continue to be subject to Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 in the version in force on 31 December 2006.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The President

FICHE FINANCIÈRE LÉGISLATIVE

Domaine(s) politique(s): Promotion de la compétitivité, de la sécurité et de la soutenabilité en matière environnementale des réseaux transeuropéens.Activité(s): Réseau Transeuropéen de Transport et d’Energie |

|

Dénomination de l’action: Soutien financier pour des projets d’interet commun dans le reseau transeuropeen de transport et d’energie |

1. LIGNE(S) BUDGÉTAIRE(S) + INTITULÉ(S)

06.0301 : Soutien financier aux projets d’intérêt commun du réseau transeuropéen de transport

060303 : Soutien financier aux projets d’intérêt commun du réseau transeuropéen de transport

06.01.04.04 : Soutien financier aux projets d'intérêt commun du réseau transeuropéen de transport — Dépenses pour la gestion administrative

06.03.02 : Soutien financier aux projets d’intérêt commun du réseaux transeuropéen de l’énergie

060304 : Soutien financier aux projets d’intérêt commun du réseaux transeuropéen de l’énergie

06.01.04.05 : Soutien financier aux projets d'intérêt commun du réseau transeuropéen de l'énergie — Dépenses pour la gestion administrative

06010431 : Agence exécutive RTE

2. DONNÉES CHIFFRÉES GLOBALES

2.1 Enveloppe totale de l’action (partie B): millions d'euros en CE

29.690 8.074,8 millions d’€ en crédits d’engagement.

La décision de l’autorité législative est prise sans préjudice des décisions budgétaires prises dans le cadre de la procédure annuelle.

2.2 Période d’application:

2007-2013

2.3 Estimation globale pluriannuelle des dépenses:

a) Échéancier crédits d'engagement/crédits de paiement (intervention financière) (cf. point 6.1.1)

Millions d'euros (à la 3e décimale)

| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

Crédits d'engagement | 908,8838,6 | 1781,2958,7 | 23441.037,8 | 2874,51.070,9 | 3544,51.250,9 | 4240,51.365,9 | 4931,51.551,9 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 206258.074,8 |

Crédits de paiement | 359 ,910,0(*) | 982,3882,6 | 1741,2940,2 | 2385,61.017,1 | 2982,51.137,0 | 3621,21.221,7 | 4304,81.397,7 | 2764773,1 | 1483,6695,3 | 206258.074,8 |

(*) A mobiliser par transfert de la ligne '06.0301 : Soutien financier aux projets d’intérêt commun du réseau transeuropéen de transport', au cas où des paiements s'avèrent déjà nécessaires en 2007

b) Assistance technique et administrative (ATA) et dépenses d’appui (DDA) (cf. point 6.1.2)

| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

CE | 6,214,4 | 6,813,3 | 813,2 | 10,513,1 | 10,513,1 | 11,513,1 | 11,513,1 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 6593,2 |

CP | 6,214,4 | 6,813,3 | 813,2 | 10,513,1 | 10,513,1 | 11,513,1 | 11,513,1 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 6593,2 |

Sous-total a+b | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

CE | 915853,0 | 1788972,0 | 23521.051,0 | 28851.084,0 | 35551.264,0 | 42521.379,0 | 49431.565,0 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 206908.168,0 |

CP | 366,124,4 | 989,1895,9 | 1749,2953,4 | 2396,11.030,2 | 29931.150,1 | 3632,71.234,8 | 4316,31.410,8 | 2764773,1 | 1483,6695,3 | 206908.168,0 |

c) Incidence financière globale des ressources humaines et autres dépenses de fonctionnement

(cf. points 7.2 et 7.3)

| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

CE/CP | 10,9738,4 | 10,9733,4 | 10,9733,4 | 10,9733,4 | 10,9733,4 | 10,9733,4 | 10,9733,4 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 76,81128,6 |

TOTAL a+b+c | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

CE | 926,0861,4 | 1799,0975,4 | 2363,01.054,4 | 2896,01.087,4 | 3566,01.276,4 | 4263,01.382,4 | 4954,01.568,4 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 20766,88196,6 |

CP | 377,132,9 | 1000,1899,3 | 1760,2956,8 | 2407,11.033,6 | 3004,01.153,5 | 3643,71.238,1 | 4327,31.414,2 | 2764,6773,1 | 1483,6695,3 | 20766,88196,6 |

2.4 Compatibilité avec la programmation financière et le cadre financière

[X] Proposition compatible avec l’accord interinstitutionnel sur le cadre financier la Communication de la Commission concernant 2007-2013 du 10 février 2004 (COM (2004) 101).

2.5 Incidence financière sur les recettes

[X] Aucune implication financière (concerne des aspects techniques relatifs à la mise en œuvre d'une mesure).

3. CARACTÉRISTIQUES BUDGÉTAIRES

Nature de la dépense | Nouvelle | Participation AELE | Participation pays candidats | Rubrique PF |

DNO | CD | NON | NON | NON | N° 1A |

4. BASE JURIDIQUE

L’article 156 du traité.

Le règlement (CE) n° 2236/95 du Conseil du 18 septembre 1995 déterminant les règles générales pour l'octroi d'un concours financier communautaire dans le domaine des réseaux transeuropéens, modifié par le règlement (CE) nº 1655/1999 du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 19 juillet 1999 modifié par le règlement (CE) n° 788/2004 du 21 avril 2004, le règlement n° (CE) n° 807/2004 du 21 avril 2004, et le règlement (CE) n° 1159/2005 du 6 juillet 2005.

La décision n° 1692/96/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 23 juillet 1996 sur les orientations pour le développement du réseau transeuropéen de transport, telle qu’elle a été modifiée par la décision n° 884/2004/CE, et son rectificatif (JO L 201 du 7.6.2004.

(La décision n° 1346/2001/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 22 mai 2001 modifiant la décision n° 1692/96/CE en ce qui concerne les ports maritimes, les ports de navigation intérieure et les terminaux intermodaux ainsi que le projet n° 8 de l’annexe III et amendée par la décision n° 884/2004/CE du 29 avril 2004).

La décision n° 1229/2003/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 26 juin 2003 établissant un ensemble d'orientations relatif aux réseaux transeuropéens dans le secteur de l'énergie, et abrogeant la décision no 1254/96/CE

La décision 96/391/CE du Conseil du 28 mars 1996 déterminant un ensemble d’actions en vue d’établir un contexte plus favorable au développement des réseaux transeuropéens dans le secteur de l’énergie.

La [décision .../.../CE] du Parlement européen et du Conseil établissant des orientations relatives aux réseaux transeuropéens d'énergie et abrogeant la décision 96/391/CE et la décision n° 1229/2003/CE

L'enveloppe financière du programme peut également couvrir les dépenses afférentes aux actions de préparation, de suivi, de contrôle, d'audit et d'évaluation, directement nécessaires à la gestion du programme et à la réalisation de ses objectifs, notamment, des études, des réunions, des actions d'information et de publication, (des dépenses liées aux réseaux informatiques visant l'échange d'informations), ainsi que toute autre dépense d'assistance administrative et technique à laquelle peut recourir la Commission pour la gestion du programme.

FICHE FINANCIÈRE LÉGISLATIVE : POINTS SPÉCIFIQUES POUR LE RÉSEAU TRANSEUROPÉENS DE TRANSPORT

Dénomination de l’action: Soutien financier pour des projets d’interet commun dans le reseau transeuropeen de transport |

1. LIGNE(S) BUDGÉTAIRE(S) + INTITULÉ(S)

voir ci-dessus

2. DONNÉES CHIFFRÉES GLOBALES

2.1. Enveloppe totale de l’action (partie B): millions d'euros en CE

20,350 7.925,4 millions d’€ en crédits d’engagement.

2.2. Période d’application:

2007-2013

2.3. Estimation globale pluriannuelle des dépenses:

a) Échéancier crédits d'engagement/crédits de paiement (intervention financière) (cf. point 6.1.1)

Millions d'euros (à la 3e décimale)

| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

Crédits d'engagement | 817,4 889,0 | 937,5 1761,5 | 1016,62294,5. | 1.049,72825,0 | 1.229,73485,0. | 1.344,74182,0. | 1.529,74853,0. | 0,0 | 0,0 | 7.925,4 20290,0 |

Crédits de paiement | 10,0(*)354,0 | 861,4 968,5 | 919,0 1712,5 | 995,92345,0 | 1.115,82930,0. | 1.200,53565,0. | 1.376,24240,0. | 758,1 2715,0 | 688,4 1460,0 | 7.925,4 20290,0. |

(*) A mobiliser par transfert de la ligne '06.0301 : Soutien financier aux projets d’intérêt commun du réseau transeuropéen de transport', au cas où des paiements s'avèrent déjà nécessaires en 2007

b) Assistance technique et administrative (ATA) et dépenses d’appui (DDA) (cf. point 6.1.2)

| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

CE | 13,6176,0 | 12,4696,5 | 12,3977,5 | 12,28910,0 | 12,28910,0 | 12,28910,0 | 12,28910,0 | | | 87,660,0 |

CP | 13,6176,0 | 12,4696,5 | 12,3977,5 | 12,28910,0 | 12,28910,0 | 12,28910,0 | 12,28910,0 | | | 87,660,0 |

Sous-total a+b | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

CE | 831,0 895 | 950,0 1768 | 1.029,0.2302 | 1.062,02835 | 1.242,03495 | 1.357,04192 | 1.542,04863 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 8.013,0 20350 |

CP | 23,6360 | 873,9 975 | 931,4 1720 | 1.008,22355 | 1.128,12940 | 1.212,83575 | 1.388,54250 | 758,1 2715 | 688,4 1460 | 8.013,0 20350 |

c) Incidence financière globale des ressources humaines et autres dépenses de fonctionnement

(cf. points 7.2 et 7.3)

| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

CE/CP | 7,922 10,4 | 2,838 10,4 | 2,838 10,4 | 2,838 10,4 | 2,838 10,4 | 2,838 10,4 | 2,838 10,4 | | | 24,95 72,8 |

TOTAL a+b+c | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

CE | 838,9 905,4 | 952,8 1778,4 | 1.031,82312,4. | 1.064,82845,4. | 1.244,83505,4. | 1.359,84202,4. | 1.544,84873,4. | 0,0 | 0,0 | 8.038,0 20422,8 |

CP3 | 31,5 370,4 | 876,8 985,4 | 934,3 1730,4 | 1.011,02365,4. | 1.130,92950,4. | 1.215,63585,4 | 1.391,34260,4. | 758,1 2715,0 | 688,4 1460,0 | 8.038,0 20422,8. |

3. CARACTÉRISTIQUES BUDGÉTAIRES

voir ci-dessus

4. BASE JURIDIQUE

voir ci-dessus

5. DESCRIPTION ET JUSTIFICATION

5.1. Nécessité d'une intervention communautaire [19]

La nécessité de l'intervention communautaire se justifie par l'obligation de contribuer à l'établissement et au développement du réseau transeuropéen de transport, considéré comme une politique essentielle pour le bon fonctionnement du marché intérieur et pour la cohésion économique et sociale (articles 154 à 156). Cette contribution prend la forme du cofinancement des projets d'intérêt commun identifiés dans les orientations communautaires pour le développement du réseau transeuropéen de transport (décision n° 1692/96/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 23 juillet 1996, telle qu’elle a été modifiée par la décision n° 884/2004/CE du 29 avril 2004 et son rectificatif (JO L 201 du 7.6.2004)

5.1.1. Objectifs poursuivis

La Commission dans son Livre blanc sur la politique commune des transports [20] avait cependant tiré la sonnette d’alarme sur les retards dans la réalisation de ce réseau. Notamment, malgré les engagements pris par les États au Conseil européen d’Essen en décembre 1994 de réaliser d’ici 2010 quatorze grands projets d’infrastructure, à la fin 2003, seulement trois de ces projets avaient été terminés : en particulier, moins du quart des investissements nécessaires pour les liaisons transnationales de ces projets ont été trouvés. Si cette situation ne devait pas évoluer, pour achever l’ensemble du réseau transeuropéen de transport tel que révisé en 2004, il faudrait encore plus de 20 ans, compte tenu du fait que les ressources publiques, des États, de la Communauté ou des régions, allouées à ces projets restent très en deça des besoins.

Avec l’arrivée des dix nouveaux États membres au sein de l’Union, le trafic entre États membres va quasiment doubler d’ici 2020 [21]sur des infrastructures parfois obsolètes ou dont la capacité est déjà aujourd’hui très en deçà des besoins. Le manque de connexions transeuropéennes performantes pour faire face à cette demande risque ainsi d’handicaper sérieusement la compétitivité de l’Union et des États et les régions périphériques qui ne pourront pas – ou ne pourront plus - profiter pleinement des effets bénéfiques du grand marché unique. Pour faire face à ces défis, la Commission a présenté – en octobre 2003 – une proposition de révision des orientations relatives au réseau transeuropéen de transport, et en particulier une mise à jour de la liste des projets prioritaires – désormais au nombre de 30 - couvrant l’Union élargie. Celle-ci a été adoptée par le Parlement et le Conseil le 21 avril 2004. dernier.

Si la Communauté est dotée des compétences en matière de planification des réseaux transeuropéens, celles-ci ne sont cependant pas accompagnées du volet financier adéquat pour soutenir la réalisation ces réseaux. Les financements communautaires présentent pourtant des avantages significatifs par rapport aux financements nationaux. Ils offriront une stabilité dans le financement que beaucoup des budgets nationaux, soumis aux aléas de la conjoncture et des changements d’arbitrages, n’offrent pas; ils jouent un effet de levier incitant les États membres à investir dans des projets à forte valeur ajoutée européenne mais également pour les inciter à se coordonner entre eux. Ils contribuent à la mise en œuvre de la politique des transports, notamment en stimulant la combinaison optimale de l’investissement dans des infrastructures nouvelles ou aménagées avec l’utilisation efficace de l’infrastructure existante et en donnant une attention spécifique aux modes « soutenables » , ce qui devrait permettre, en particulier en privilégiant les modes plus « soutenables », notamment les connexions ferroviaires transfrontalières [22] en particulier, d’éliminer des goulets d’étranglement, d’encourager des solutions de transport multi-modal et de mieux relier les régions périphériques aux régions centrales de l’Union. et ils Les financements communautaires pourraient également servir de catalyseur pour le montage de partenariats public-privé.

Malgré tous ces avantages, les ressources allouées aux réseaux transeuropéens sur la période 2000-2006, soit 4 425 4.170 M€ destinés au transport (y compris 255 M€ pour des projets dans les nouveaux États membres) - ont été largement insuffisantes par rapport aux coûts de réalisation du réseau. Ceci représente une moyenne d’environs à peine 600 M€ par an sur la période, ce qui reste très insuffisant par rapport aux besoins financiers identifiés pour le réseau transeuropéen de transport et par rapport aux demandes de soutien formulées par les Etats membres qui représentent plusieurs fois cette enveloppe estimées conjointement par les États membres et la Commission

Les besoins financiers des 30 projets prioritaires, approuvés par le Parlement européen et le Conseil dans le cadre au sens de l’annexe III de la décision sur les orientations communautaires relatives aux réseaux transeuropéens de transport, identifiés par le Conseil et le Parlement représentent à eux seuls 225 milliards d’€ dont la plus grande partie des coûts sera supportée entre 2007 et 2013, ce qui représente environ 140 milliards d’€.

D’une façon générale, les objectifs poursuivis sontont pour but :

- d’améliorer l’écoulement du trafic au bénéfice des usagers et des entreprises ;

- d'accélérer la réalisation par les États membres des projets d’intérêt commun du réseau transeuropéen de transport, et en particulier des sections projets transfrontalièreers des projets prioritaires du réseau transeuropéen de transport, afin qu’au moins 75% des projets prioritaires aient été complétés en 2013, y compris pour ce qui est des sections internationales ;

- de surmonter les obstacles financiers pouvant se poser dans la phase de mise en œuvre de ces projets et d'assurer de meilleurs montages financiers des projets, en minimisant le recours aux fonds publics, grâce à la souplesse des modalités d'intervention ;

- de stimuler la participation de capitaux privés au financement des projets ainsi que le partenariat entre secteurs public et privé;

- de contribuer, grâce à Pour l’Union dans son ensemble l’achèvement de ces projets, à une réduction significative permettra de réduire des émissions de CO2. Selon une étude réalisée à la demande de la Commission en 2003 et 2004 [23], l’achèvement de ces projets devrait permettre de réduire les émissions de CO2 de 4% ; , ainsi que la pollution atmosphérique, en particulier dans les zones sensibles de montagne, devrait également être diminuée de façon significative. La congestion routière devrait être réduite, quant à elle, de 14%; et ils feront gagner des les gains de temps en résultant pour dans les transports entre régions ont été estimées dans cette même étude à l’équivalent de valant 8 milliards € par an. Ils contribueront à stabiliser la répartition modale et pourront même l’inverser en faveur des modes de transports les plus respectueux de l’environnement sur certains axes internationaux. Des études plus récentes confirment, malgré certaines évolutions relatives aux hypothèses sur lesquelles se basent les estimations (concernant les taux de croissance économique et de trafic en particulier) des réductions significatives des émissions et de la pollution atmosphérique causées par le transport – notamment grâce à une nouvelle impulsion qui sera donnée à la mise en œuvre de technologies innovantes (y compris les systèmes de transport intelligents dans le domaine du RTE-T). Par ailleurs, en contribuant à développer les échanges entre Etats membres, et en améliorant l’accessibilité, ces projets devraient accroître le potentiel de croissance de 0,2 à 0,3% du PIB, ce qui correspondrait à la création ou au maintien d’un million d’emplois permanents.

5.1.2. Dispositions prises relevant de l’évaluation ex ante

Voir les conclusions de l'évaluation des incidences élargie : SEC(2003) 1369

Cette évaluation arrive à la conclusion que la nécessité d'une action conjointement avec le support pour les procédures d'autorisation et l’accélération des investissements demandent une coordination accrue du côté de la Commission, ainsi que de l'action du côté de la demande.

La création d'un contexte plus favorable pour l'investissement dans les réseaux d'énergie est une pierre angulaire essentielle puisque la construction de nouveaux projets de lignes de transmission exige l'attention non seulement de tous les participants de marchés de l'énergie mais également des autorités gouvernementales et locales. Dans ce contexte, la Commission européenne promouvra la coopération entre les États membres en vue d'améliorer des procédures d'autorisation pour les projets sur les réseaux transeuropéens d'énergie et va soutenir des projets techniques de coopération entre les opérateurs responsables de la gestion, contrôle des réseaux transeuropéens d'énergie. Comme première priorité la sélection des projets vraiment importants à partir d'une grande liste de projets éligibles doit être adressée. Ces projets doivent répondre aux deux critères suivants : ils sont des interconnexions transfrontalières ou ils ont un impact significatif sur la capacité de transmission transfrontalière. Pour cet objectif il est nécessaire d'établir un instrument approprié, par exemple un forum, pour la décision d'attribuer aux différents projets prioritaires le niveau le plus élevé de la priorité, par une déclaration d'intérêt européen. Il est souligné que cette déclaration est la conséquence de définir des axes prioritaires au niveau le plus élevé (annexe 1 de la décision) dans les orientations récemment adoptées et la liste étendue de projets à un niveau inférieur (annexe 3 de la décision).

Pour établir un contexte plus favorable il est également essentiel d'assurer que le règlement se développera d'une manière harmonisée et cohérente de sorte qu'il n'introduira pas des distorsions du marché au niveau national. Ces risques peuvent être évités si le dialogue et la coopération de haut niveau entre les régulateurs sont établis. La coordination entre les régulateurs et TSOs est cruciale d'améliorer la cohérence du marché. La coordination appropriée employée par la nécessité de la Commission pour être dynamique et le problème orienté et non statique et formel. La compétence de tous les secteurs impliqués doit devenir entendue et les experts correspondants invité. La participation à la fois des États membres concernés et de la Commission, chacune dans sa propre série de compétence, est indispensable pour réaliser les projets transfrontaliers de projets prioritaires particulièrement. En particulier, la Commission peut désigner un coordinateur pour un axe prioritaire donné ou pour un projet prioritaire individuel.

La troisième composante dans l'effort pour progresser dans la réalisation de l'infrastructure exigée est donnée par à l'échelle européenne la planification coordonnée qui établira les outils pour développer des études et des simulations couvrant le réseau européen entier. L'action a deux phases, consultations et exécutions. L'échange des résultats et de la compétence au cours de la consultation avec les États membres, y compris les parties concernées clés, constitue un aspect important dans la première phase. L'objectif est de se mettre d'accord sur un plan détaillé pour la construction de réseau ainsi que l'investissement correspondant. La deuxième, c'est-à-dire phase d'exécution peut être décrite par un système de predictor-corrector, où le rapport du TSOs annuellement sur leur stratégie d'investissement et les autorités de régulation donnent le feedback concernant la production existante et prévue, la transmission et la répartition. Ce feedback peut incorporer des mesures visant à corriger la ligne de conduite quand les obstacles ou les retards se produisent.

De cette façon les caractéristiques positives se fondant sur la viabilité économique du secteur de l'énergie et la force des marchés libéralisés sont intégrées. L'option de coordination minimale n'a pas été trouvée appropriée pour maîtriser les défis.

À plusieurs occasions les insuffisances possibles de poursuivre simplement la politique actuelle TEN-E, c'est-à-dire l'option de coordination équilibrée, ont été élucidées. L'on a pourrait faire valoir que l'option proposée de la coordination accrue est fondamentalement l'adaptation appropriée de la politique actuelle TEN-E. Nous pouvons approuver cette vue comme évolution peut-être naturelle.

Pour ce qui concerne l'option d'approche réglementaire européenne, on peut résumer les arguments en disant que le moment n'est pas encore venu pour les mesures réglementaires vraiment radicales. Il y a beaucoup d'inquiétudes exprimées en ce qui concerne les conséquences pour l'industrie, l'emploi et la société en général. Encore il est fait valoir que certaines mesures appropriées sont incorporées dans TEN-E les actions politiques futures.

En bref, l'option appelée la 'coordination accrue' vise à incorporer les éléments forts à la fois de la force du marché et de la surveillance réglementaire dans la politique future TEN-E. Cela 'a augmenté la coordination et implique deux nouveaux instruments, à savoir la déclaration de l'intérêt européen pour la sélection des projets importants et le coordinateur désigné de commission pour un axe donné ou du projet pour finaliser la nouvelle infrastructure. Cette nouvelle politique devrait être mise en application en développant des actions dynamiques conjointement avec les dispositions variables à titre indicatif et la coordination, adaptées aux défis et aux besoins spécifiques et très différents.

La troisième composante dans la stratégie visant la réalisation de l'infrastructure exigée est donnée par la planification consolidée européenne avec les phases de consultation et d'exécution respectivement.

5.2. Actions envisagées et modalités de l'intervention budgétaire

Population visée

Administrations nationales et régionales de transport, sociétés et consortia réalisateurs des projets, instituts et fondations techniques, groupes économiques d’intérêt européen, usagers des infrastructures de transport. Selon le nouveau Règlement, les demandes de concours sont présentées à la Commission par le ou les Etats membres directement concernés.

Choix des modalités d’intervention

Comme déjà indiqué, laLa Commission considère que le soutien maximal aux projets du réseau transeuropéen appartenant à la catégorie des projets ferroviaires transfrontaliers, notamment ceux situés sur les projets prioritaires, devant franchir des barrières naturelles ou bien les projets visant à l’élimination de goulets d’étranglement devrait être augmenté dans une fourchette allant jusqu’à 3050 % du coût total afin de déclencher un effet multiplicateur et notamment d’attirer des investisseurs privés.

La modalité d’intervention pour les projets spécifiques dépend en premier lieu de la situation et du degré de maturité de chaque projet.

Les études de faisabilité sont appropriées pour garantir que les projets sont bien définis depuis leur conception jusqu’à leur lancement.

Les autres types d’intervention, c’est-à-dire des bonifications d’intérêt, contributions aux primes de garantie d’emprunt et au capital à risque, sont retenus de façon à s’assurer que le type de financement retenu est le plus approprié pour le développement du projet considéré. Ceci est valable également pour les subventions dans les cas où elles permettent par le biais de l’additionnalité, l’accélération des projets, rendue impossible jusqu’alors par manque de fonds et par l’insuffisance de rentabilité financière pour des projets économiquement viables. Dans le but d’élargir le choix des instruments d’intervention, lLa mise en œuvre d’un instrument de garantie fonds de garantie permettra également de couvrir des risques postérieurs à la construction dans le cas de montages de type partenariat public-privéPPP. Cet instrument sera conçu en coopération avec la BEI et devra être approvisionné par le budget RTE et la BEI à parts égales jusqu’à un maximum de 500 millions € chacun.

Des informations précises sont fournies par le demandeur de l’aide (et bénéficiaire éventuel, à savoir uns ou des États membres, des organisations internationales, des entreprises communes au sens de l’articles 171 du traité CE, des organismes publics, privés ou publics/privés ou promoteurs selon les indications citées à travers dans les formulaires de demande de soutien financier pour des études et pour des travaux projets éligibles, c'est-à-dire les coûts éligibles estimés. Dans ce cadre, chaque demandeur doit Le plan de financement est aussi élaborer é un plan de financement, par les Etats Membres ou promoteurs en utilisant le tableau "Ventilation des coûts et plan de financement". qui se trouve dans le formulaire de demande de soutien financier. Ils doivent aussi déclarer avoir vérifié la possibilité d'utilisation d'autres sources de financement, notamment privées.

Seuls des projets identifies comme projet d’intérêt commun dans Lles orientations communautaires pour le développement du RTE-T (décision n° 1692/96/CE, modifiée par la décision n° 884/2004) sont éligibles. De plus, selon ces orientations, une priorité appropriée doit être donnée aux 30 projets prioritaires établis dans l’annexe III de ces dernières. comprennent une série de projets d’intérêt commun et parmi ces projets on dénombre 30 projets prioritaires qui bénéficieront en priorité du financement à travers le budget RTE-T (entre 65 et 85% du total).

La sélection des projets bénéficiant d’un cofinancement RTE-T se fera sur la base des informations envoyées par les Etats membres, une première appréciation de ces informations permet d’estimer qu’un certain nombre de ces projets répondent aux objectifs liés aux réseaux transeuropéens Transport.La sélection des projets qui pourront bénéficier d’un concours financier communautaire se fait sur base de leur degré de contribution aux objectifs et priorités établis dans les orientations communautaires pour le développement du RTE-T ainsi que dans le Livre blanc « La politique européenne des transports à l’horizon 2010 : l’heure des choix ».

Dans ce contexte, une attention particulière est portée à : des projets prioritaires ainsi qu’aux tronçons transfrontaliers de ces projets, des projets contribuant à la continuité du réseau et l’optimisation de sa capacité, des projets contribuant à l’amélioration de la qualité de service offerte sur le réseau, favorisant la sécurité et la sûreté des usagers et assurant l’interopérabilité ainsi qu’aux projets liés au déploiement du système européen de gestion du trafic ferroviaire (ERTMS) et des systèmes de gestion de trafic aérien, fluvial et côtier qui garantissent l’interopérabilité.

Selon le règlement RTE actuel, les demandes de concours financier sont présentées à la Commission par les Etats membres ou les promoteurs. Celles-ci font alors l’objet d’un examen approfondi afin de vérifier la conformité de la dotation de chaque projet, y compris les projets transfrontaliers. A cet égard, il est tenu compte, en accord avec le règlement, des points suivants :

a) Degré de contribution du projet spécifique aux objectifs énoncés dans le traité, ainsi qu’aux objectifs et priorités couvertes par les orientations communautaires pour le développement du RTE ;

b) Viabilité économique/financière potentielle ;

c) Maturité du projet (y compris exécution budgétaire antérieure) ;

d) Effet de stimulation de l’intervention communautaire sur les financements “publics/privés”;

e) Effets socio-économiques directs et indirects, notamment sur l’emploi ;

f) Impact sur l’environnement ;

g) garantie du respect du droit communautaire ;

h) calendrier d’exécution et information sur l’enveloppe financière et la participation prévue d’entités publiques ou autres ;

i) bénéfices retirés par les autres Etats membres.

5.3. Modalités de mise en œuvre

Gestion directe par la Commission uniquement avec du personnel statutaire ou externe – la possibilté d’avoir recours à une agence exécutive est cependant prise en compte dans la proposition de Règlement.

6. INCIDENCE FINANCIÈRE

6.1. Incidence financière totale sur la partie B (pour toute la période de programmation)

6.1.1. Intervention financière

Crédits d'engagement en millions d'euros (à la 3e décimale)

Ventilation | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total |

Programme RTE pluriannuel | 760,75694,8 | 1502,8796,9 | 1956,7864,1 | 2409,75892,3 | 2970,751.045,3 | 3563,21.143,0 | 4133,551.300,3 | 0 | 0 | 17297,56.736,6 |

Autres projets d’intérêt commun | 134,25122,6 | 265,2140,6 | 345,3152,5 | 425,25157,5 | 524,25184,5 | 628,8201,7 | 729,45229,5 | 0 | 0 | 3052,51.188,8 |

Total | 895817,4 | 1768937,5 | 23021.016,6 | 28351.049,7 | 34951.229,7 | 41921.344,7 | 48631.529,7 | 0 | 0 | 203507.925,4 |

6.1.2. Assistance technique et administrative (ATA), dépenses d'appui (DDA) et dépenses TI (crédits d’engagement)en M€

| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012-2013 | Total |

1) Assistance technique et administrative (ATA): | | | | | | | |

a) Bureaux d’assistance technique (BAT) | | | | | | | |

b) Autre assistance technique et administrative:- intra-muros:- extra-muros:dont pour la construction et la maintenance de systèmes de gestion informatisés: | 1,0 | 1,0 | 1,0 | 1,0 | 1,0 | 2,0 | |

Sous-total 1 | 1,0 | 1,0 | 1,0 | 1,0 | 1,0 | 2,0 | |

2) Dépenses d’appui (DDA): | | | | | | | |

a) Études | 3,54,5 | 2,35,0 | 2,36,0 | 2,38,5 | 2,38,5 | 4,617 | |

b) Réunion d’experts | | | | | | | |

c) Information et publications | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 1 | |

d) Agence RTE-T | 8,617 | 8,669 | 8,597 | 8,489 | 8,489 | 16,978 | |

Sous-total 2 | 12,6175,0 | 11,4695,5 | 11,3976,5 | 11,2899,0 | 11,2899,0 | 22,57818,0 | |

| | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | |

TOTAL | 13,6176,0 | 12,4696,5 | 12,3977,5 | 12,28910,0 | 12,28910,0 | 24,57820,0 | |

6.2. Calcul des coûts par mesure envisagée en partie B (pour toute la période de programmation) [24]

Crédits d'engagement en millions d'euros (à la 3e décimale)

Ventilation | Type de réalisations /outputs (projets, dossiers …) | Nombre de réalisations/ outputs(total pour années 1…n) | Coût unitaire moyen | Coût total(total pour années 1…n) |

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4=(2X3) |

Etudes et travaux pour la réalisation des projets RTE-T | Etudes techniques, environnementales, économiques, financières Travaux | 40160 | 5,5748,14 | 2237702,4 |

COÛT TOTAL | | 200 | | 7.925,4 |

(Si nécessaire, expliquer le mode de calcul.)

7. INCIDENCE SUR LES EFFECTIFS ET LES DÉPENSES ADMINISTRATIVES

7.1. Incidence sur les ressources humaines

Les besoins en ressources humaines et administratives seront couverts à l’intérieure de la dotation allouée à la DG gestionnaire dans le cadre de la procédure d’allocation annuelle.

L'allocation de postes dépendra d'une part de l'organisation interne de la prochaine Commission et d'autre part d'une éventuelle réallocation de postes entre services suite aux nouvelles perspectives financières.

Situation actuelle (jusqu'à fin 2007) Types d’emplois | Effectifs à a