WRITTEN QUESTION P-1288/96 by Luigi Caligaris (UPE) to the Commission (15 May 1996)

Subject: Financing of ports under the trans-European network budget

The budget heading for trans-European networks created by Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 ((OJ L 228, 23.9.1995, p. 1. )) provides for the cofinancing of port projects, including expenditure on feasibility studies and the construction work. So far, all applications for financial aid for port infrastructures have been submitted by the Member States to the Commission which will have to assess them and select those it deems to be 'of common interest'.

Since the greater part of this budget will be allocated to financing the 14 priority projects, can the Commission give an indication of the importance it attaches to developing ports as part of the trans-European networks?

Secondly, what are the Commission's criteria for selecting projects deemed to be 'of common interest'?

Finally, which geographical areas does the Commission consider to be of strategic importance for the development of shipping links?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (20 June 1996)

The Commission is currently examing the port and port related projects, for which Member States requested financial assistance from the trans-European transport network budget line for the year 1996, to see that they meet the conditions and criteria set out in Council Regulation No 2236/95 ((Council Regulation No 2236/95 laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aassistance in the field of trans-European networks (OJ L 228, 23.9.1995). )). It will include selected projects in the draft measures to be submitted to the committee of Member States representatives, which was created in accordance with the above Regulation. The Commission gives particular attention to the co-financing of studies as this form of assistance is expected to have a relatively high impact on the advancement of projects. However, the number of port and port related projects or studies which can be considered, and the amount allocated, are very limited. The fourteen transport projects defined as priorities at the Essen Council will represent 75% of the appropriations available under the 'networks' budget (noted by the Cannes European Council in the light of Commission estimates). The Parliament, in its comments on the 1996 budget, has also requested this concentration of the allocations on priority projects. In proposing the distribution of the remaining part of the 1996 budget, the Commission will pay due attention to all elements of the trans-European transport network (i.e. all modes of transport including traffic management). This will contribute to an efficient integrated transport system which causes minimum negative environmental impact and in which all elements, including ports, develop their comparative advantages.

The Commission decisions on budget allocations for 1996 have not yet been taken. They can only be taken after the adoption of the Parliament and Council Decision on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network which is currently subject to discussion by the conciliation committee ((Common position No 22/95 adopted by the Council on 28.9.1995 with a view to adopting a Decision of the Parliament and of the Council on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network - OJ C 331, 8.12.1995. )).

The selection of port and port related projects of common interest will be based on the criteria laid down in the guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network.

The Commission´s approach is based on the need to promote the shift, where appropriate, of goods transport from road to sea in the more congested areas of the Community as well as to and from peripheral regions. However, it should be borne in mind that the launching and development of shipping links remains a commercial decision for operators.

The international character of maritime transport calls for the development of shipping links with regions adjoining the Community. The most important neighbouring regions in terms of shipping are the Baltic, the Mediterranean and Black Sea, so the Commission has initiated official contacts with administrations and industries from these areas. Working groups on waterborne transport have been created for each of the three regions to identify areas for further cooperation and to address matters of common interest in shipping and ports. The work of the groups aims essentially to adopt and monitor multi-annual work programmes which provide the context for Community support to maritime transport projects under the Phare, Tacis and Meda programmes.