Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks and repealing Decisions No 96/391/EC and No 1229/2003/EC [ SEC (2003) 1369 ]
Date: 2003-12-10
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: accession to the European Union, electrical energy, energy grid, energy policy, natural gas, third country, trans-European network

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 10.12.2003 
COM(2003) 742 final 

2003/0297 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks and  
repealing Decisions No 96/391/EC and No 1229/2003/EC 

(presented by the Commission) 

{SEC (2003) 1369 } 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
  
 
 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1. 

INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 

With  the  accession  of  ten  new  Member  States  it  is  necessary  to  adapt  the  trans-European 
network  (TEN)  guidelines  in  particular  addressing  the  position  of  Accession  countries  and 
allow  funding  for  projects  of  common  interest  to  the  enlarged  Union.  This  revision  of  the 
TEN guidelines includes the projects necessary to link the Accession countries to be a part of 
the internal market of electricity and gas. 

Many projects connecting the Community with Accession countries already qualify for trans-
European network funding. However, it is necessary, in the light of the speed with which the 
creation of a wider European electricity and gas market is being realised, to finalise the list of 
projects presently qualifying. 

In  addition  to  this  revision  made  to  include  the  projects  of  common  interest  for  Accession 
countries,  a  similar  approach  is  required  with  respect  to  neighbouring  countries.  The 
Commission  Communication  on  Energy  Policy  and  Neighbouring  EU  countries1  addresses 
this  need  and  proposes concrete  actions  and  projects  to  be  included  in  the  TEN  Guidelines. 
The progressive creation of a real European electricity and gas market, including potentially 
more than 35 countries with a population exceeding 600 million, should be a clear medium-
term  objective  of  the  European  Union.  This  market  should  be  established  on  the  basis  of 
common standards regarding market opening, environmental protection and safety. 

The Commission adopted in 2001 a Communication on European Energy Infrastructure2. In 
order  for  the  wider  European  electricity  and  gas  market  to  function  effectively  it  is  not 
sufficient  that  common  rules  and  standards  apply;  it  is  equally  necessary  that  adequate 
infrastructure exists linking the Member countries. In the 2001 Communication, a number of 
measures  were  put  forward,  including  a  10%  interconnection  target  for  electricity  and  the 
priority  for  trans-European  network  funding  to  certain  projects  identified  as  being  Priority 
Projects of European interest. 

This Communication was welcomed by the Barcelona Council, which in particular endorsed 
the  10  %  target.  The  Commission  also  proposed  an  increase  in  the  existing  10%  ceiling  on 
contribution to the development stage of a project to 20% for Priority projects. This remains 
under discussion at the Council. 

To permit such an enlarged European market to function effectively and to ensure the future 
supply  of  gas  to  the  EU,  construction  of  new  infrastructure  is  necessary.  It  requires  close 
collaboration  between  the  Community  and  supply  countries,  as  well  as  those  involved  as 
transit  regions.  The  commitment,  in  financial  and  political  terms  of  the  EU  to  new 
development, reinforcing and diversifying Community gas supplies is vital in this respect.Gas 
is transported to Europe often from a long distance. The gas pipelines will separate more and 
more to two different categories: supply pipelines to bring gas to EU and internal pipelines to 
transport  the  imported  gas  inside  the  EU.  Due  to  steeply  increasing  gas  demand  there  is  a 
constant  need  to  build  new  supply  pipelines.  There  has  been  little  co-ordination  and 
optimisation  of  the  use  of  these  internal  networks  until  these  days.  With  the  accession  and 

1 
2 

COM(2003)262, 13.5.2003 
COM(2001)775, 20.12.2001 

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with the full implementation of the internal gas market, the meshed gas networks inside EU 
can be used in a more flexible way. Investments in internal pipelines in the EU will, however, 
still remain necessary. 

 Control of the critical energy infrastructures is, in turn, highly dependent on the security and 
reliability of the monitoring and controlling ICT infrastructures. 

With  respect  to  priority  projects,  it  is  considered  appropriate  to  give  the  Commission  the 
possibility to designate a coordinator for a priority axis or a priority project and to attribute a 
Declaration  of  European  Interest  to  cross-border  priority  projects.  These  new  tools  are 
necessary  in  order  to  accelerate  the  preparation  of  projects  and  ease  their  way  through  the 
lengthy authorisation procedures. 

It is also considered appropriate to integrate in this decision Decision 96/391/EC on a more 
favourable context for the development of trans-European Energy networks, as both decisions 
are defining guidelines for the same networks.  

2. 

A. 

ACCESSION STATES / CANDIDATE COUNTRIES 

Central and Eastern Europe 

Electricity 

In  electricity  interconnections  the  EU  has  already  a  rather  long  history  in  connecting  to  the 
Central  Eastern  European  countries.  In  the  80s  connections  with  the  East-European  system 
was  made  through  back  to  back  converter  stations.  In  1995  the  synchronous  border  of  the 
UCTE3 system was moved to the eastern border of Poland and Slovakia, integrating also the 
Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia. 

The  electricity  market  in  the  Central  Eastern  European  countries  (Poland,  Czech  Republic, 
Slovakia,  Hungary  and  Slovenia)  is  in  rapid  development.  The  electricity  consumption  has 
decreased  after  the  changes  in  Eastern  Europe  in  the  90s  but  is  supposed  to  increase  in  the 
future.  Poland  and  Czech  Republic  have  already  for  some  time  exported  electricity  to 
Germany  and  to  Italy  (through  Slovenia)  after  the  synchronisation  of  the  UCTE  and 
CENTREL4 networks in 1995. The interconnectors towards Germany and Italy are currently 
saturated.  This  means  that  the  full  integration  of  Central  Eastern  European  countries  to  the 
internal market of electricity can only marginally increase the flows at these interconnectors 
without capacity increase. 

Increased  capacity  or  new  interconnectors  between  Germany  and  Poland/Czech  Republic 
influences also considerably the internal German network. Increased wind power capacity in 
the Northern Germany needs to be transmitted towards south partly using the same lines as 
the imports from Poland and Czech Republic.  

Austria has relatively weak transmission capacity due to alpine conditions and due to severe 
local  resistance  against  new  transmission  lines.  This  has  also  prevented  building  new 

3 
4 

UCTE = Union pour la Coordination du Transport de l’Electricité 
CENTREL = CENTREL = Regional group of Transmission System Operators covering Czech, Poland, 
Slovakia and Hungary. 

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interconnectors  to  neighbouring  countries.  As  a  consequence,  the  internal  network  would 
become overloaded. 

Gas 

The  major  supply  pipelines  from  Russia  to  Europe  are  routed  through  Accession  countries 
(especially  Poland,  Slovakia  and  Czech  Republic).  The  European  meshed  gas  network 
reaches these transit countries. When they become now fully part of the Internal Gas Market, 
the network can be operated more efficiently. The need for reinforcements in the meshed part 
of the network requires a careful analysis taking into account the new market situation. 

B. 

BALTIC STATES 

Electricity 

The Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) are electrically connected to Russia and there 
is no connection yet to any other present EU Member State or Accession country. The Baltic 
States  have  agreed  to  create  a  Common  Baltic  Electricity  Market  (CBEM).  Successful 
technical tests have been made to separate the electricity system from the Russian system and 
run  it  in  independent  operation.  This  is,  however,  not  currently  economically  feasible  as  it 
would require considerable amounts of control, reserve and back-up power which is currently 
provided by the Russian system. 

Any  future  decisions  on  the  possible  interconnection  of  the  EU  and  Russian  electricity 
systems should fully take account of the interests of the enlarged Union, in particular those of 
the  Baltic  States.  The  Baltic  States  are  preparing  for  integration  into  the  internal  electricity 
market.  Two  projects  are  the  most  advanced:  Estonia-Finland  undersea  cable  (Estlink)  and 
Lithuania-Poland  link  (under  the  conditions  highlighted  by  a  recent  feasibility  study  by 
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)). 

Gas 

Baltic  States  are  at  the  moment  supplied,  mainly  by  one  supplier,  Russia.  To  have  an 
alternative  supply  for  gas  in  the  Baltic  market,  a  pipeline  from  Denmark  through  Poland  to 
bring gas from the North Sea has been studied. 

Latvia has large gas storage resources, which could be exploited by all Baltic States having 
thus strategic importance for the gas supply in the whole area. Lithuania has planned to build 
gas storage capacity to secure national supply. Contracting capacity from the Latvian storage 
could be an alternative. 

Main  gas  pipelines  from  Russia  towards  Central  Europe  are  not  passing  through  the  Baltic 
States. New pipeline projects might influence the supply situation in the Baltic area. The so-
called North Transgas pipeline project from St Petersburg to Germany has possible branches 
to the Baltic States. This pipeline could provide a second source through reverse flow, when 
linked to gas resources in North-West Europe. A synergy between more gas transiting through 
the Baltic States and the upgrading of the Yamal pipeline could also be envisaged. 

C. 

ISLANDS: CYPRUS – MALTA 

The electricity networks of Cyprus and Malta are not connected to the continental systems. 

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Natural  gas  is  not  available  in  Cyprus  and  in  Malta.  However  there  are  plans  to  introduce 
natural gas in both Accession countries.  

For  Cyprus,  new  investment  in  Liquefied  Natural  Gas  (LNG)  receiving  terminal  or  a 
connection to the Arabian gas pipeline will be needed in order to supply gas on the island. 

For Malta, two projects have been considered so far: a dedicated gas pipeline from Sicily or a 
connection to the Libya – Italy gas pipeline. 

3. 

SOUTH-EAST EUROPE 

The  following  projects  have  been  identified  in  the  Communication  on  Energy  Policy  and 
Neighbouring  EU  countries  as  being  the  most  important  that  should  attract  Community 
political and possibly financial support the coming years to meet the objectives of creation of 
a regional electricity market and ensuring security of supply for gas: 

Electricity projects to integrate the South-East Europe into the European internal market: 

•  Adriatic  line  through  Mostar  (Bosnia-Herzegovina)  substation  and  through 
Elbasan (Albania) 

•  second line through Ernestinovo (Croatia) substation  

Gas projects to improve the security of European gas supply: 

•  Turkey-Greece-Italy  gas  pipeline:  interconnection  via  South-East  Europe  in 
order to bring gas from the Caspian Sea and Iran to the markets of the enlarged 
EU  and  Balkan  countries.  In  addition  reverse  flow  from  Italy  to  Greece  allows 
supply of Maghreb gas to the Balkan countries. 

•  Turkey - Bulgaria - Romania - Hungary - Austria gas pipeline. 

4. 

MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES 

The  following  projects  have  been  identified  in  the  Communication  on  Energy  Policy  and 
Neighbouring  EU  countries  as  being  the  most  important  that  should  attract  Community 
political and possibly financial support the coming years to meet the objectives of creation of 
a regional electricity market and ensuring security of supply for gas: 

Electricity projects to integrate the Mediterranean countries into the European internal market: 

•  reinforcement of the capacity between Morocco and Spain ; 

•  interconnection between Greece and Turkey ; 

•  interconnection between Algeria and Spain ; 

•  interconnection between Italy and Tunisia ; 

•  interconnection between Italy and Libya 

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Gas projects to improve the security of European gas supply: 

•  Supply of Spain and France from Algeria (Medgaz-pipeline), 

•  Pipeline from Algeria through Sardinia and possibly through Corsica to supply 
gas to Italy and France,  

•  The  East  Mediterranean  Gas  Ring,    comprising  6  sections:  Egypt  –  Libya, 
Egypt – Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey  

•  LNG export terminal in Egypt to supply the enlarged EU 

5. 

RUSSIA 

The  following  projects  have  been  identified  in  the  Communication  on  Energy  Policy  and 
Neighbouring  EU  countries  as  being  the  most  important  that  should  attract  Community 
political and possibly financial support the coming years to meet the objectives of integration 
to the internal electricity market and ensuring security of supply for gas: 

Electricity  projects  to  integrate  Russia  and  other  CIS  countries  of  Europe  to  the  European 
internal market: 

•  In  the  interconnection  of  the  EU  and  the  Russian  electricity  systems  two 
options exist, non-synchronous connection and a synchronous connection. A non-
synchronous  connection,  which  permits  a  greater  level  of  control  over  flows, 
allows  a  stepwise  increase  of  capacity  without  major  changes  in  the  control 
systems of either of the networks. However, the interconnection equipment itself 
is  rather  expensive.  The  synchronous  connection  gives  rise  to  a  greater  level  of 
difficulty  in  terms  of  harmonisation  of  operational  and  safety  standards  than  the 
non-synchronous  one.  However, 
the  synchronous  connection  allows  a 
substantially  larger  interconnection  capacity  to  be  created.  A  clear  pre-condition 
to  full  interconnection  between  the  EU  electricity  networks  and  those  of  the 
neighbouring  countries  is  the  determination  that  this  would  be  subject  to  the 
respect  of  environmental  and  nuclear  safety  requirements  and  that  this  would  in 
no  way  compromise  the  safety  and  reliability  of  both  networks  and  electricity 
systems5.  In  2003,  a  Conference  of  the  Energy  Regulators  was  held  in  Moscow 
and  a  Working  Group  has  been  established  by  Eurelectric  and  the  Russian 
electricity operator to further study how the systems could be interconnected. 

Gas projects to improve the security of European gas supply: 

•  The  Northern  trans-European  gas  pipeline  project,  approximately  1,295 
kilometres long, which would transport Russian gas from the Russian coast north 
of St. Petersburg under the Baltic Sea to northern Germany and then onwards via 
the Netherlands to the United Kingdom. The ultimate gas source for this pipeline 
will be the new Stokman field, when developed. 

5 

A hybrid connection between the EU and Russian electricity systems might also be considered, starting 
with  a  limited  but  increasing  number  of  non  synchronous  connections  (back-to-back  AC/DC/AC 
converter  stations  and,  where  transportation  distances  become  longer,  DC-lines)  and  adding 
synchronous connections when the operational and safety considerations are met. 

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•  A second Yamal-Europe gas pipeline network through Belarus and Poland to 
run parallel to the first. 

6. 

UKRAINE AND BELARUS 

The Russian electricity system is synchronously connected to that of the other CIS countries. 
Thus, effective connection with Russia, and agreement on the trade, environmental and safety 
related issues mentioned above, would provide a sound basis for pursuing a similar approach 
with  other  CIS  countries,  and  notably  with  Ukraine  and  Belarus,  subject  to  the  respect  of 
environmental and nuclear safety requirements by these countries. 

Regarding  gas,  an  increase  of  the  overall  performance,  safety  and  security  of  the  Ukrainian 
gas transit network is an important task for Ukraine but also from the point of view of security 
of  supply  to  the  EU  and  should  become  eligible  under  the  trans-European  network 
mechanism. 

7. 

FINANCING 

The  construction  of  new  gas  pipelines  to  supply  the  Community’s  future  needs  will 
necessarily  originate  from,  or  will  transit,  areas  where  political  risk  insurance  is  a 
precondition for attracting finance. Such insurance can be expensive. The participation of the 
Community in such costs, for projects clearly in the EU’s interest, can be a real catalyst and 
incentive to the development of these networks. It is therefore appropriate to revise the TEN-
Energy guidelines to make eligible all related projects. For those projects, the participation in 
the costs of such insurance should be possible under the Community financial regulation for 
TEN  projects  (EC  No  2236/95)  which  should  be  exploited  to  its  maximum  possibilities  as 
appropriate.  

8. 

FURTHER PROMOTING THE PRIORITY PROJECTS 

With  respect  to  the  mechanisms  foreseen  by  the  TEN-Energy  Guidelines  for  boosting  the 
preparation and implementation of priority projects, two further steps are put forward, namely 
the possibility for the Commission:  

(i)  to attribute the highest level of priority through a Declaration of European Interest to 
cross-border  priority  projects  having  significant  impact  on  the  integration  of  the 
networks concerned;  

(ii) to appoint a coordinator for a given priority axis or for an individual priority project.  

These new steps are proposed in order to tackle difficulties related to differences in timing, 
priorities and methodologies for analysing cross-border projects.  

9. 

DECLARATION OF EUROPEAN INTEREST 

The  presently  observed  lack  of  progress  on  a  series  of  priority  projects  of  energy 
infrastructure is correlated to obstacles in the authorisation procedures relating to the routing 
and  the  environmental  consequences  of  the  projects.  Indeed,  rising  public  objections  to 
building  of  overhead  high  voltage  transmission  lines  and  substations  considerably  delay 

7 

 
 
  
 
construction of much needed transmission infrastructure in the electric sector. The observed 
time  span  for  the  permit  process  including  Environmental  Impact  Assessment  (EIA)  and 
appeals and for licensing varies between 5 to 10 years. This time span tends even to increase 
as a result of stronger public and political interest in projects.  

Specific  practices  in  authorisation  procedures  of  various  countries,  such  as  Environmental 
impact  studies,  Public  consultation  meetings,  Compensation  to  landowners,  Right  of  Way, 
Special  solutions  i.e.  compact  designs  etc.,  exhibit  considerable  differences  and  interrelated 
complexities.  The  actions  to  be  tackled,  their  status  and  progress  made  can  be  represented 
only in quite involved logistic-type flow charts of the permit procedure. 

In consequence, there is the need to streamline as appropriate the authorisation procedures for 
cross-border  priority  projects  of  high  European  interest,  when  several  Member  States  are 
involved. To help to solve this problem, a Declaration of European Interest is introduced in 
this Decision.  

Steps must be also taken to ensure that the Community puts into action the priorities which it 
chooses, through the use of its financial instruments. Naturally, therefore, the aid granted to 
the trans-European networks, notably from the Structural Funds and from the instruments for 
pre-accession, must give a priority to these projects, while complying with the specific rules 
and criteria for each of these instruments. The parallel proposal amending the TEN financial 
support  Regulation  No  2236/95  opens  up  the  possibility  for  the  priority  projects,  including 
their cross-border sections, of Community co-financing at a rate of up to 20% of the cost of 
projects. 

Finally, given the adverse impact which delays or abandonment of certain stretches can have 
on the profitability of the work undertaken in other Member States on the same axis and on 
the  financial  interests  of  the  Community,  a  mechanism  should  be  introduced  to  give  an 
incentive to keep to the timetables agreed. Therefore, this Decision introduces the possibility 
that  the  Commission  could  decide  to  withdraw  the  Declaration  as  a  project  of  European 
interest in the event of long delays and absence of perspectives for implementing the project, 
after hearing the views of the Member States concerned on the reasons for the delays. 

10. 

EUROPEAN CO-ORDINATOR FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS 

For some projects declared  to  be  of  European interest, or  groups of projects, located on  the 
priority  axis,  it  should  be  possible  to  improve  their  preparation  and  implementation  by 
creating a coordination team, in which the Community would take part, for the duration of the 
priority  projects  concerned.  Such  an  approach,  to  be  decided  on  a  case-by-case  basis,  will 
require the cooperation of the Member States concerned.  

Article 155 of the EC Treaty gives the Commission the role of taking any useful initiatives to 
promote  coordination  between  Member  States.  It  should  therefore  be  in  the  remit  of  the 
Commission to  designate a personality, in agreement with the Member States concerned, to 
be responsible for this coordination. 

This  European  coordinator,  designated  for  a  project  or  group  of  projects,  would  encourage 
cooperation  with  users  and  operators,  promote  the  projects  amongst  private  investors  and 
financial institutions, including the Community, and ensure that the necessary monitoring is 
carried  out  in  order  to  keep  the  Community  informed  of  progress  so  that,  if  necessary, 

8 

 
 
  
 
measures can be taken to overcome any possible difficulties. The European coordinators will 
act in the name and on behalf of the Commission. 

The European coordinators will be designated by decisions adopted by the Commission, after 
consulting  the  Member  States  concerned.  These  individual  decisions  will  specify  how  the 
coordinator is to operate. These arrangements will be decided case by case and will therefore 
vary,  depending  on  the  circumstances.  Designation  of  a  coordinator  remains  only  one 
possibility and will be reserved only for certain projects or groups of projects, depending on 
the coordination problems encountered. 

11. 

SIMPLIFICATION OF LEGISLATION  

Since their adoption in 1996, the TEN-Energy Guidelines have been split into two decisions, 
one  taken  by  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament  (Decision  No  1254/96/EC  now 
replaced  by  Decision  No  1229/2003/EC)  and  an  other  by  the  Council  (Decision  no 
96/391/EC). The reasons for such splitting do not exist anymore, since all the field of TEN is 
now  governed  by  co-decision,  although  initially  only  the  identification  of  the  projects  of 
common interest needed to be co-decided.  

It is now appropriate to have only one decision on these guidelines, integrating in this single 
decision  Council  Decision  No  96/391/EC  of  28  March  1996  on  laying  down  a  series  of 
measures aimed at creating a more favourable context for the development of trans-European 
networks in the energy sector.  

12. 

OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 

The estimated amount of investment required in the period 2007-2013 for the construction of 
the priority projects for electricity and gas networks is around 28 billion (20 billion in the EU; 
8 billion in third countries). An additional amount will be required in order to complete the 
other projects of common interest. These amounts of investment will be mainly provided by 
the  energy  networks  operators  and  other  private  funds  supplemented,  where  appropriate,  by 
the European Community aid and loan mechanisms. 

According  to  a  initial  examination  of  the  priority  and  other  projects  of  common  interest 
included in this proposal, there will be socio-economic advantages in term of continuity and 
security  of  energy  supply,  lower  costs  (resulting  from  increased  competition),  regional 
development,  integration  of  the  Accession  countries  and  other  neighbouring  countries 
(cohesion for wider Europe), protection of the environment (resulting from increased use of 
natural  gas  as  a  primary  fuel).  In  consideration  of  the  long  life-time  of  energy  network 
investments (from 20 up to 40 years), these advantages will remain for many years bringing 
key benefits to the European economy and society. 

The Commission  published extensive information and data on the envisaged revision of the 
TEN-Energy Guidelines and invited interested parties to make their point of view known.  

In  addition  to  the  opinion  given  by  the  Infrastructure  Working  Group  of  the  Energy  and 
Transport Forum on 8 September 2003 (in favour of the integration of the Accession countries 
in the TEN-Energy guidelines), and to the request by CEFIC (the European Union Federation 
of Chemical Industries) to take account in the TEN policies of the need to establish pipeline 
networks for the transmission of Olefins (derived oil products), the Commission received 17 
contributions  from  Electricity  Transmission  System  Operators,  European  organisations  (of 

9 

 
 
  
 
electricity  transmission;  of  gas/oil  companies),  energy  companies,  regional  and  local 
authorities and environmental groups.  

To sum up, the contributions show significant support for the following: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Security of supply is seen as the most important issue. In consequence, projects 
contributing to this objective should be given the highest importance. 

Projects  declared  of  “common  European  interest”  should  also  receive  top 
priority  at  national  level.  Furthermore,  the  effective  realisation  of  these 
projects should be monitored and supported more strongly. 

There is a strong need to speed up the authorisation procedure for cross-border 
projects and to initiate a single authorisation procedure for TEN-E projects of 
European-wide interest. 

Stability  and  transparency  of  the  legal  framework  are  essential.  There  is  the 
need to provide the right regulatory environment, with uncontroversial criteria, 
thereby minimising the risks for the investor. 

However,  contributions  received  from  regional  and  local  authorities  and  environmental 
groups  strongly  contested  the  implementation  of  an  individual  electricity  interconnection 
priority  project  on  the  grounds  of  different  energy  priorities  at  regional  level  and  risks  for 
health and for economic and other activities in the area.  

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2003/0297 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks and  
repealing Decisions No 96/391/EC and No 1229/2003/EC 

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 proposal from the Commission1, 

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee2, 

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions3, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty4, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

Since the adoption of Decision No 1229/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of 
the  Council  of  26  June  2003  laying  down  a  series  of  guidelines  for  trans-European 
energy networks and repealing Decision No 1254/96/EC5, the need has arisen to fully 
integrate  the  acceding  countries  in  these  guidelines  and  to  further  adapt,  as 
appropriate, those guidelines to the new proximity policy of the European Union.  

The  priorities  for  trans-European  energy  networks  stem  from  the  creation  of  a  more 
open  and  competitive  internal  energy  market  as  a  result  of  the  implementation  of 
Directive 2003/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2003 
concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and repealing Directive 
96/32/EC6  and  of  Directive  2003/55/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council of 26 June 2003 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural 
gas and repealing Directive 98/30/EC7 . Those priorities follow the conclusions of the 
Stockholm  European  Council  of  March  2001  concerning  the  development  of  the 
infrastructures needed for the operation of the energy market. A special effort should 
be  undertaken  to  achieve  the  objective  of  making  greater  use  of  renewable  energy 
sources  as  a  contribution  to  further  a  sustainable  development  policy.  However,  this 

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3 
4 
5 
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7  

… 
OJ C , , p. . 
OJ C , , p. . 
OJ C , , p. . 
OJ L 176, 15.7.2003, p.11. 
OJ L 176, 15.7.2003, p.37 
OJ L 176, 15.7.2003, p.57 

11 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

should  be  achieved  without  creating  disproportionate  disturbances  to  the  normal 
market equilibrium. 

As a rule the construction and maintenance of energy infrastructure should be subject 
to market principles. This is also in line with the common rules for the completion of 
the internal market in energy and the common rules on competition law which aim at 
the  creation  of  a  more  open  and  competitive  internal  energy  market.  Community 
financial  aid  for  construction  and  maintenance  should  therefore  remain  highly 
exceptional. Those exceptions should be duly justified.  

Energy infrastructure should be constructed and maintained so as to enable the internal 
energy  market  to  operate  efficiently,  without  detracting  from  strategic  and,  where 
appropriate, universal service criteria. 

The  priorities  for  trans-European  energy  networks  also  stem  from  the  growing 
importance  of  the  trans-European  energy  networks  for  securing  and  diversifying  the 
Community’s  energy  supplies,  incorporating  the  energy  networks  of  the  acceding 
countries,  and  ensuring  the  coordinated  operation  of  the  energy  networks  in  the 
Community  and  in  neighbouring  countries.  Indeed  neighbouring  countries  to  the 
European Union play a vital role in the Union’s energy policy. They supply a major 
part  of  the  EU’s  requirements  of  natural  gas,  they  are  key  partners  for  the  transit  of 
primary energy to the EU and they will progressively become important players in the 
Community’s internal gas and electricity markets. 

Among  the  projects  relating  to  trans-European  energy  networks,  it  is  necessary  to 
highlight  the  priority  projects,  which  are  very  important  for  the  operation  of  the 
internal energy market or the  security of energy  supply. In addition a Declaration of 
European  Interest  needs  to  be  established  for  those  projects  receiving  the  highest 
priority, as well as enhanced coordination, where appropriate. 

The procedure for identifying projects of common interest relating to trans-European 
energy  networks  should  ensure  the  harmonious  application  of  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  trans-European  networks  8.  That  procedure 
should distinguish two levels: a first level establishing a restricted number of criteria 
for the identification, and a second level describing the projects in detail, referred to as 
specifications. 

Since the project specifications are liable to change, they are given indicatively. The 
Commission  should  therefore  be  empowered  to  update  them.  Since  the  project  may 
have  considerable  political  and  economic  implications,  it  is  important  to  find  the 
appropriate  balance  between  legislative  oversight  and  flexibility  in  determining 
projects that merit potential Community support. 

It  should  be  possible  for  some  priority  projects,  or  sections  of  priority  projects,  or 
groups  of  priority  projects  to  improve  their  preparation  and  implementation  by 
creating  a  coordination  team,  in  which  the  Community  would  take  part,  for  the 
duration  of  the  priority  projects  concerned.  The  Commission  should,  therefore,  be 

8  

OJ  L  228,  23.9.1995,  p.1,  Regulation  as  amended  by  Regulation  (EC)  No  1655/1999  (OJ  L  197, 
29.7.1999, p.1) 

12 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
empowered  to  designate  a  European  coordinator  for  such  project(s),  to  encourage 
cooperation  with  users  and  operators,  and  ensure  that  the  necessary  monitoring  is 
carried out in order to keep the Community informed of progress. 

(10)  A  more  favourable  context  for  the  development  of  trans-European  energy  networks 
should be created, mainly by providing stimulus for technical cooperation between the 
entities  responsible  for  networks,  by  facilitating  the  implementation  of  authorization 
procedures  applied  for  network  projects  in  the  Member  States  in  order  to  reduce 
delays  and  by  mobilizing  as  appropriate  the  Funds,  instruments  and  financial 
programmes of the Community available for network projects. 

(11)  The  identification  of  projects  of  common  interest,  their  specifications  and  priority 
projects  should  be  without  prejudice  to  the  results  of  the  environmental  impact 
assessment of the projects and of the plans or programmes. 

(12)  The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision 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 Commission9. 

(13)  The  Commission  should  draw  up  a  periodical  report  on  the  implementation  of  this 

Decision. 

(14)  Since this Decision covers the same subject matter and scope as the Council Decision 
96/391/EC  of  28  March  1996  laying  down  a  series  of  measures  aimed  at  creating  a 
more  favourable  context  for  the  development  of  trans-European  networks  in  the 
energy  sector  and  the  Decision  No  1229/2003/EC,  those  two  Decisions  should  be 
repealed, 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

Article 1 
Subject matter  

This Decision defines the nature and scope of Community action to establish guidelines for 
trans-European energy networks. It establishes a series of guidelines covering the objectives, 
priorities  and  broad  lines  of  action  by  the  Community  in  respect  of  trans-European  energy 
networks. These guidelines identify projects of common interest, including those which have 
priority, among trans-European electricity and gas networks. 

Article 2 
Scope 

This Decision shall apply: 

1) 

in electricity networks, to: 

(a) 

all high-voltage lines, excluding those of distribution networks, and to submarine 
links, provided that this infrastructure is used for inter-regional or international 
transmission/connection; 

9  

OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p.23 

13 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
(b) 

any equipment or installations essential for the system in question to operate 
properly, including protection, monitoring and control systems; 

2) 

in gas networks (transporting natural gas or olefin gases), to: 

(a) 

high-pressure gas pipelines, excluding those of distribution networks, making it 
possible to supply regions of the Community from internal or external sources; 
(b)  underground storage facilities connected to the above mentioned high-pressure 

(c) 

(d) 

gas pipelines; 
reception, storage and regaseification facilities for liquefied natural gas (LNG) 
and also LNG carriers according to the capacities to be supplied; 
any equipment or installations essential for the system in question to operate 
properly, including protection, monitoring and control systems. 

Article 3 
Objectives 

The Community shall promote the interconnection, interoperability and development of trans-
European  energy  networks  and  access  to  such  networks  in  accordance  with  current 
Community law, with the aim of: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

encouraging  effective  operation  of  the  internal  market  in  general  and  of  the  internal 
energy market in particular, while encouraging the rational and proportional production, 
transportation, distribution and utilisation of energy resources and the development and 
connection  of  renewable  energy  resources,  so  as  to  reduce  the  cost  of  energy  to  the 
consumer and contribute to the diversification of energy sources; 

facilitating the development and reducing the isolation of the less-favoured  and island 
regions of the Community, thereby helping to strengthen economic and social cohesion; 

reinforcing the security of energy supplies, in particular by strengthening relations with 
third countries in the energy sector in the interest of all parties concerned, in particular 
in the framework of the Energy Charter Treaty and cooperation agreements concluded 
by the Community. 

contributing  to  sustainable  development  and  improving  the  protection  of  the 
environment,  in  particular  by  reducing  the  environmental  risks  associated  to  the 
transportation and transmission of energy.  

Article 4 
Priorities for action 

The  priorities  for  action  by  the  Community  on  trans-European  energy  networks  shall  be 
compatible with sustainable development and shall be as follows: 

1) 

for both electricity and gas networks: 

(a) 

adapting  and  developing  the  energy  networks  in  support  of  the  operation  of  the 
internal  energy  market  and,  in  particular,  solving  the  problems  of  bottlenecks  in 
particular transfrontier ones, congestion and missing links, and taking account of 
the  needs  arising  from  the  functioning  of  the  internal  market  for  electricity  and 
natural gas and the enlargement of the European Union; 

14 

 
 
  
 
(b) 

establishing  energy  networks  in  island,  isolated,  peripheral  and  ultraperipheral 
regions  while  promoting  the  diversification  of  energy  sources  and  the  use  of 
renewable energy sources, together with the connection of those networks, where 
necessary; 

2) 

for electricity networks: 

(a) 

(b) 

adapting  and  developing  networks  to  facilitate  the  integration/connection  of 
renewable energy production; 

ensuring interoperability of electricity networks within the Community with those 
in the acceding countries and other countries in Europe and the Mediterranean and 
Black Sea basins; 

3) 

for gas networks: 

(a)  development of natural gas networks in order to meet the Community's natural gas 

consumption needs and to control its natural gas supply systems; 

(b) 

ensuring  interoperability  of  natural  gas  networks  within  the  Community  with 
those  in  other  countries  in  Europe,  in  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  Black  Sea  and 
Caspian  Sea  basins,  as  well  as  in  the  Middle  East  and  the  Gulf  regions,  and 
diversification of natural gas sources and supply routes. 

(c)  development and integration of olefin gases networks in order to meet the olefin 

gases consumption needs of the industries in the Community. 

Article 5 
Lines of action 

The broad lines of action by the Community on trans-European energy networks shall be: 

(a) 
(b) 

the identification of projects of common interest, including those which have priority; 
the creation of a more favourable context for development of these networks. 

Article 6 
Criteria for projects of common interest 

The  generic  criteria  to  be  applied  when  a  decision  is  taken  on  identification, 
1. 
modifications, specifications or applications for updating projects of common interest are the 
following: 

(a) 

the projects fall within the scope of Article 2; 

(b) 

the  projects  correspond  to  the  objectives  and  priorities  for  action  set  out  in  Articles 3 
and 4 respectively; 

(c) 

the projects display potential economic viability. 

The  evaluation  of  the  economic  viability  shall  be  based  upon  a  cost-benefit  analysis  which 
shall take account of all costs and benefits, including those in the medium and/or long term, in 
connection with environmental aspects, security of supply and the contribution to economic 

15 

 
 
  
 
and  social  cohesion.  Projects  of  common  interest  which  relate  to  the  territory  of  a  Member 
State shall require the approval of the Member State concerned. 

2.  Additional criteria for identifying projects of common interest are set out in Annex II. 

Any changes to the additional criteria for identifying projects of common interest set out in 
Annex II shall be decided upon in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of 
the Treaty. 

Only those projects listed in Annex III shall be eligible for Community financial aid 
3. 
provided under Regulation (EC) No 2236/95. Those projects shall fulfil the criteria laid down 
in paragraph 1 and set out in Annex II. 

4. 
The  indicative  project  specifications,  comprising  the  detailed  description  of  the 
projects and, where appropriate, their geographical description, are set out in Annex III. These 
specifications shall be updated in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 14 (2). 
Updates  are  of  a  technical  nature  and  must  be  limited  to  technical  changes  of  project,  or  to 
modification of a part of the specified routing, or to limited adaptation of the location of the 
project. 

Member States shall take any measures they consider necessary to facilitate and speed 
5. 
up  the  completion  of  projects  of  common  interest  and  to  minimise  delays  while  complying 
with  Community  law  and  international  conventions  on  the  environment.  In  particular,  the 
necessary authorisation procedures shall be completed rapidly. 

6. 
Where  parts  of  projects  of  common  interest  are  situated  within  the  territory  of  third 
countries, the Commission may, after consulting the Member States concerned,  put forward 
proposals,  where  appropriate  within  the  framework  of  the  management  of  the  agreements 
between the Community and those third countries and in accordance with the Energy Charter 
Treaty in respect of third countries which are parties to that Treaty, for the projects also to be 
recognised as of reciprocal interest by the third countries concerned, in order to facilitate their 
implementation. 

Article 7 
Priority projects 

The projects of common interest set out in Annex I shall have priority for the grant of 

1. 
Community financial aid provided under Regulation (EC) No 2236/95.  

Modifications to Annex I shall be decided upon in accordance with the procedure laid down 
in Article 251 of the Treaty. 

2. 
The  Member  States  concerned  and  the  Commission  shall  endeavour,  each  within  its 
own  sphere  of  competence,  to  further  the  carrying  out  of  the  priority  projects  especially 
cross-border projects. 

Priority  projects  shall  be  compatible  with  sustainable  development  and  meet  the 

3. 
following criteria: 

(a) 

They  shall  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  competitive  operation  of  the  internal 
market, and/or 

16 

 
 
  
 
(b) 

they shall strengthen security of supply in the Community. 

Article 8 
Projects of European Interest  

1. 
A selection of projects on the priority axes referred to in Article 7 which are of cross-
border  nature  or  which  have  significant  impact  on  cross-border  transmission  capacity  are 
declared to be of European Interest. Those projects are set out in Annex IV. 

2. 
When submitting projects under the Cohesion Fund, in accordance with Article 10 of 
Council Regulation (EC) No 1164/9410, the Member States shall give appropriate priority to 
the projects declared to be of European interest. 

3. 
When  submitting  projects  under  the  budget  for  the  trans-European  networks,  in 
accordance  with  Article  10  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  2236/9511,  the  Member  States 
shall give appropriate priority to the projects declared to be of European interest. 

4. 
When  submitting  projects  under  the  Structural  Funds,  in  accordance  with  Council 
Regulation  (EC)  No  1260/199912,  the  Member  States  shall  give  appropriate  priority  to  the 
projects declared to be of European interest. 

5. 
The  Commission  shall  ensure  that  the  countries  qualifying  for  the  instrument  for 
structural policies for pre-accession shall give appropriate priority, when submitting projects 
under Articles 2 and 7 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1267/199913, to the projects declared to 
be of European interest. 

If  there  is  a  significant  current  or  prospective  delay  in  starting  work  on  one  of  the 
6. 
projects  declared  to  be  of  European  interest,  the  Commission  shall  ask  the  Member  States 
concerned to give the reasons for the delay within three months. 

After receiving and examining the reply from the Member States concerned, the Commission 
may, with due regard to the principle of proportionality, decide to withdraw the declaration as 
a project of European interest. 

Five years after the completion of a project declared to be of European interest or of 
7. 
one of the sections thereof, the Member States concerned shall carry out an assessment of its 
socio-economic  impact  and  its  impact  on  the  environment,  including  its  impact  on  trade 
between Member States, on territorial cohesion and on sustainable development.  

Member States shall inform the Commission of the results of this assessment. 

If a project is declared to be of European interest the Member States concerned shall 
8. 
carry  out,  for  each  section  of  the  project  in  question  as  appropriate,  coordinated  evaluation 
and public consultation procedures prior to authorisation of the project. 

If  a  project  which  is  declared  to  be  of  European  interest  includes  a  cross-border 
9. 
section  which  is  technically  and  financially  indivisible,  the  two  Member  States  concerned 

10  
11  
12  
13  

OJ L 130, 25.5.1994, p.1 
OJ L 228, 23.9.1995, p.1 
OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p.1 
OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p.73 

17 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
shall conduct a transnational enquiry with a view to evaluating the cross-border section and 
consulting the public prior to authorisation of the project. 

10. 
The coordinated or transnational enquiry procedures referred to in paragraphs 8 and 9 
shall  apply  without  prejudice  to  the  obligations  imposed  by  the  Community  legislation  on 
environmental protection, particularly on environmental impact assessment.  

The  Member  States  concerned  shall  inform  the  Commission  when  such  coordinated  or 
transnational enquiry procedures are launched and of the results 

Article 9 
Implementation of Projects of European Interest 

1. 

The projects of European Interest shall be rapidly implemented. 

No later than 6 months after the entry into force of this Decision, Member States shall submit 
to the Commission a timetable for the completion of those projects including details of:  

(a) 

the envisaged passage of the project through the planning approval process,  

(b) 

the timetable for the feasibility and design phase, 

(c) 

the construction of the project 

(d) 

the entry into service of the project. 

Member States shall provide annual reports to the Commission  on  the  progress  with 

2. 
projects referred to in paragraph 1. 

Where progress is slower than in the timetable submitted to the Commission, Member States 
must submit a revised plan to the Commission.  

3. 
Member  States  shall  take  appropriate  measures  to  ensure  that  the  authorisation 
procedure for projects of European Interest is efficient and does not include any unnecessary 
delays. 

Article 10 
European Coordinator 

The Commission may designate, after consultation of the Member States concerned, a 

1. 
European Coordinator.  

The Coordinator shall act in the name and on behalf of the Commission. The mission of the 
Coordinator shall cover a single priority project or a section of a priority project. If necessary, 
the mission of the European Coordinator may be extended to other related priority projects. 

2. 
The European Coordinator shall be chosen on the basis of experience of the European 
institutions and knowledge of issues relating to the technical, financial, socio-economic and 
environmental evaluation of major projects. 

The Decision designating the European Coordinator shall specify how the coordinator 

3. 
is to perform his tasks.  

18 

 
 
  
 
4. 

The European Coordinator shall: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

promote joint methods for the evaluation of projects; advise project promoters 
on the financial package for the projects; and give, if appropriate, an opinion 
on issues relating to the operation of networks; 

submit every year a report to the Commission regarding progress achieved in 
the  implementation  of  the  project(s)  for  which  he  has  been  designated,  new 
regulatory or other developments which could affect the characteristics of the 
project(s)  and  any  difficulties  and  obstacles  which  are  likely  to  result  in  a 
significant delay; 

contribute to the dialogue with operators, users, regional and local authorities 
and representatives of civil society with a view to gaining fuller knowledge of 
demand  for  transmission  services,  of  the  constraints  and  of  the  service 
parameters required to optimise the use of the infrastructure concerned.  

5. 
The  Member  States  concerned  shall  cooperate  with  the  European  Coordinator  and 
give the Coordinator the information required to carry out the tasks referred to in paragraph 4.  

6. 
The  Commission  may  request  the  opinion  of  the  European  Coordinator  when 
examining applications for Community funding for projects or groups of projects for which 
he has been designated. 

Article 11 
More favourable context 

1. 
In  order  to  contribute  to  creating  a  more  favourable  context  for  the  development  of 
trans-European  energy  networks  and  their  interoperability,  the  Community  attaches  the 
greatest importance to the following measures and shall promote them as necessary: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

Technical cooperation between the entities responsible for the trans-European 
energy  networks,  in  particular  for  the  proper  functioning  of  the  connections 
mentioned in Annex II, points 1, 2 and 7; 

facilitating  implementation  of  the  authorization  procedures  for  projects  on 
trans-European energy networks in order to reduce delays; 

assistance  to  the  projects  of  common  interest  provided  from  its  Funds, 
instruments and financial programmes applicable to those networks. 

The Commission shall, in close collaboration with the Member States concerned, take 

2. 
all initiatives for promoting the coordination of the activities referred to in paragraph 1. 

3. 
The measures needed for the implementation of the activities referred to in points (a) 
and  (b)  of  paragraph  1  are  decided  by  the  Commission  in  accordance  with  the  procedure 
referred to in Article 14(2). 

19 

 
 
  
 
Article 12 
Effects on competition 

When projects are considered, their effects on competition shall be taken into account. Private 
financing  or  financing  by  the  economic  operators  shall  be  encouraged  while  respecting 
competition and other EU rules. Any competitive distortion between market operators shall be 
avoided, in accordance with the provisions of the EC Treaty. 

Article 13 
Restrictions 

This  Decision  shall  not  prejudice  financial  commitments  entered  into  by  a  Member 

1. 
State or by the Community. 

2. 
This  Decision  shall  be  without  prejudice  to  the  results  of  the  environmental  impact 
assessment of projects and of the plans or programmes which define the future authorisation 
framework  for  such  projects.  The  results  of  the  environmental  impact  assessments,  where 
such an assessment is requested in accordance with relevant Community legislation, shall be 
taken into consideration before a decision on the carrying out of the projects is actually taken 
in accordance with the relevant Community legislation. 

Article 14 
Committee 

1. 

The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee. 

Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC 

2. 
shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. 

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months. 

3. 

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure. 

Article 15 
Report 

Every  two  years  the  Commission  shall  draw  up  a  report  on  the  implementation  of  this 
Decision,  which  it  shall  submit  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European 
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.  

In  this  report,  attention  shall  be  given  to  the  implementation  and  progress  made  in  the 
carrying  out  of  priority  projects,  as  well  as  the  modalities  of  their  financing,  especially  as 
regards  the  contribution  of  Community  funding,  which  concern  cross-border  connections  as 
mentioned in Annex II, points 1, 2 and 7.  

Decisions No 96/391/EC and No 1229/2003/EC are repealed. 

Article 16 
Repeal 

20 

 
 
  
 
Article 17 
Entry into force 

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

Article 18 
Addressees 

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the European Parliament 
The President 

For the Council 
The President 

21 

 
 
  
 
ANNEX I 

TRANS-EUROPEAN ENERGY NETWORKS 
 Priority projects as defined in Article 7 

ELECTRICITY NETWORKS 

EL.1. 

EL.2. 

EL.3. 

EL.4. 

EL.5. 

EL.6. 

EL.7. 

EL.8. 

EL.9. 

France – Belgium – Netherlands – Germany:  
electricity  network  reinforcements  in  order  to  resolve  congestion  in  electricity 
flow through the Benelux. 

Borders of Italy with France, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland:  
increasing electricity interconnection capacities. 

France – Spain – Portugal:  
increasing  electricity  interconnection  capacities  between  these  countries  and  for 
the Iberian peninsula and grid development in island regions. 

Greece – Balkan countries – UCTE System:  
development of electricity infrastructure to connect Greece to the UCTE System 
and to enable the South-Eastern Europe electricity market. 

United Kingdom – Continental Europe and Northern Europe:  
establishing/increasing  electricity 
integration of offshore wind energy. 

interconnection  capacities  and  possible 

Ireland – United Kingdom:  
increasing  electricity  interconnection  capacities  and  possible  integration  of 
offshore wind energy. 

Denmark  –  Germany  –  Baltic  Ring  (including  Norway  –  Sweden  –  Finland  – 
Denmark – Germany – Poland – Baltic States – Russia):  
increasing  electricity  interconnection  capacities  and  possible  integration  of 
offshore wind energy. 

Germany – Poland – Czech Republic – Slovakia – Austria – Hungary – Slovenia: 
increasing electricity interconnection capacities. 

Mediterranean Member States – Mediterranean Electricity Ring:  
increasing  electricity  interconnection  capacities  between  Mediterranean  Member 
States  and  Morocco  –  Algeria  –  Tunisia  –  Libya  –  Egypt  –  Near-East  Countries  – 
Turkey. 

GAS NETWORKS 

NG.1. 

United Kingdom – Northern Continental Europe, including Netherlands, Denmark 
and Germany – Poland – Lithuania – Latvia – Estonia – Finland – Russia: 
North  Transgas  natural  gas  pipeline  and  Yamal  –  Europe  natural  gas  pipeline, 
connecting  some  of  the  main  sources  of  gas  in  Europe,  improving  the 
interoperability of the networks, and increasing the security of supply. 

NG.2. 

Algeria – Spain – Italy – France – Northern Continental Europe:  
construction of new natural gas pipelines from Algeria to Spain, France and Italy, 
and increasing network capacities in and between Spain, France and Italy. 

NG.3. 

Caspian Sea countries – Middle East – European Union:  

22 

 
 
  
 
new  natural  gas  pipeline  networks  to  the  European  Union  from  new  sources, 
including  the Turkey – Greece,  Greece  – Italy and Turkey – Austria natural gas 
pipelines. 

LNG terminals in Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Poland:  
diversifying  sources  of  supply  and  entry  points,  including  the  LNG  terminals 
connections with the transmission grid. 

Underground natural gas storage in Spain, Portugal, Italy,  Greece and the Baltic 
Sea Region:  
increasing capacity in Spain, Italy and the Baltic Sea Region and construction of 
the first facilities in Portugal and Greece. 

Mediterranean Member States – East Mediterranean Gas Ring:  
Establishing  and 
increasing  natural  gas  pipeline  capacities  between 
Mediterranean Member States and Libya – Egypt – Jordan – Syria – Turkey. 

the 

NG.4. 

NG.5. 

NG.6. 

23 

 
 
  
 
ANNEX II 

TRANS-EUROPEAN ENERGY NETWORKS 

Additional criteria for Projects of common interest referred to in Article 6(2) 

ELECTRICITY NETWORKS 

1. 
Developing  electricity  networks  in  island,  isolated,  peripheral  and  ultraperipheral 
regions  while  promoting  the  diversification  of  energy  sources  and  enhancing  the  use  of 
renewable energies, and connection of the electricity networks of those regions, if appropriate. 

• 

Ireland – United Kingdom (Wales) 

•  Greece (Islands) 

• 

Italy (Sardinia) – France (Corsica) – Italy (mainland) 

•  Connections in island regions, including connections to the mainland 

•  Connections in ultraperipheral regions in France, Spain, Portugal  

2. 
Developing  electricity  connections  between  the  Member  States  needed  for  the 
functioning of the internal market and in order to ensure the reliability and dependability of 
the operation of electricity networks. 

•  France – Belgium – Netherlands – Germany 

•  France – Germany 

•  France – Italy 

•  France – Spain 

•  Portugal – Spain 

•  Finland – Sweden 

•  Finland – Estonia – Latvia – Lithuania 

•  Austria – Italy 

• 

Italy – Slovenia 

•  Austria – Italy – Slovenia – Hungary 

•  Germany – Poland 

•  Germany – Poland – Czech Republic – Slovakia – Hungary 

•  Poland – Lithuania 

24 

 
 
  
 
 
• 

Ireland – United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) 

•  Austria – Germany  

•  Netherlands – United Kingdom 

•  Germany – Denmark – Sweden 

•  Greece – Italy 

3. 
Developing  electrical  connections  within  the  Member  States  where  this  is  needed  in 
order to take advantage of the connections between the Member States, the functioning of the 
internal market or the connection of renewable energy sources 

•  All Member States 

Developing electricity connections with the non-Member States, and more particularly 
4. 
with  the  candidate  countries  for  accession,  thus  contributing  towards  interoperability,  the 
operational  reliability  and  dependability  of  the  electricity  grids  or  the  supply  of  electricity 
within the European Community. 

•  Germany – Norway 

•  The Netherlands – Norway 

•  Sweden – Norway 

•  United Kingdom – Norway 

•  Baltic  Electricity  Ring:  Germany  –  Poland  –  Belarus  –  Russia  –  Lithuania  –  Latvia  – 

Estonia – Finland – Sweden – Norway – Denmark 

•  Norway – Sweden – Finland – Russia 

•  Mediterranean Electricity Ring: France – Spain – Morocco – Algeria – Tunisia – Libya – 

Egypt – Near-Eastern Countries – Turkey – Greece – Italy 

•  Greece – Turkey 

• 

Italy – Switzerland 

•  Greece – Balkan Countries 

•  Spain – Morocco 

•  EU – Balkan Countries – Belarus – Russia – Ukraine 

•  Black Sea Electricity Ring: Russia – Ukraine – Romania – Bulgaria – Turkey – Georgia 

Actions  improving  the  functioning  of  the  interconnected  electricity  networks  within 
5. 
the  internal  market  and,  in  particular,  identifying  the  bottlenecks  and  missing  links, 
developing solutions in order to deal with congestion and adapting the methods of forecasting 
and of operating electricity networks. 

25 

 
 
  
 
• 

Identifying  the  bottlenecks  and  missing  links,  especially  cross-border,  within  electricity 
networks 

•  Developing solutions for electricity flow management in order to deal with the problems 

of congestion within electricity networks 

•  Adapting the methods of forecasting and of operating electricity networks required by the 
functioning of the internal market and the use of a high percentage of renewable energy 
sources 

GAS NETWORKS 

Introducing  natural  gas  into  new  regions,  mainly  island,  isolated,  peripheral  and 

6. 
ultraperipheral regions and developing natural gas networks in these regions. 

•  United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) 

• 

Ireland 

•  Spain 

•  Portugal  

•  Greece 

•  Sweden 

•  Denmark 

• 

Italy (Sardinia) 

•  France (Corsica) 

•  Cyprus 

•  Malta 

•  Ultraperipheral Regions in France, Spain, Portugal  

7. 
Developing natural gas connections in order to meet the needs of the internal market 
or  strengthening  of  the  security  of  supply,  including  connection  of  separate  natural  gas 
networks  

• 

Ireland – United Kingdom 

•  France – Spain 

•  France – Switzerland 

•  Portugal – Spain 

•  Austria – Germany 

26 

 
 
  
 
•  Austria – Hungary 

•  Austria – Hungary – Slovakia – Poland 

•  Austria – Italy 

•  Greece – Other Balkan Countries 

•  Austria – Hungary – Romania – Bulgaria – Greece – Turkey 

•  France – Italy 

•  Greece – Italy  

•  Austria – Czech Republic 

•  Germany – Czech Republic – Austria – Italy 

•  Austria – Slovenia – Croatia  

•  United Kingdom – The Netherlands – Germany 

•  Germany – Poland 

•  Denmark – United Kingdom 

•  Denmark – Germany – Sweden 

8. 
Developing  capacities  for  receiving  liquefied  natural  gas  (LNG)  and  for  storage  of 
natural  gas,  needed  in  order  to  meet  demand  and  control  gas  supply  systems,  and  diversify 
sources and supply routes. 

•  All Member States 

Developing  natural  gas  transport  capacity  (gas  supply  pipelines)  needed  in  order  to 
9. 
meet  demand  and  diversify  supplies  from  internal  and  external  sources,  as  well  as  supply 
routes. 

•  Nordic  Gas  Grid:  Norway  –  Denmark  –  Germany  –  Sweden  –  Finland  –  Russia  – 

Baltic States – Poland 

•  Algeria – Spain – France 

•  Russia – Ukraine – EU 

•  Russia – Belarus – Ukraine – EU 

•  Russia – Belarus – EU 

•  Russia – Baltic Sea – Germany 

•  Libya – Italy 

27 

 
 
  
 
•  Tunisia – Libya – Italy 

•  Caspian Sea Countries – EU 

•  Russia – Ukraine – Moldavia – Romania – Bulgaria – Greece – Other Balkan Countries  

•  Russia – Ukraine – Slovakia – Hungary – Slovenia – Italy 

•  The Netherlands – Germany – Switzerland – Italy 

•  Belgium – France – Switzerland – Italy 

•  Denmark – (Sweden) – Poland 

•  Norway – Russia – EU 

• 

Ireland 

•  Algeria – Italy – France 

•  Middle East – East Mediterranean Gas Ring – EU 

10. 
Actions improving the functioning of the interconnected natural gas networks within 
the internal market and transit countries, in particular, identifying the bottlenecks and missing 
links,  developing  solutions  in  order  to  deal  with  congestion  and  adapting  methods  of 
forecasting and of operating natural gas networks efficiently and safely. 

• 

Identifying  the  bottlenecks  and  missing  links,  especially  cross-border,  within  the  natural 
gas networks. 

•  Developing solutions for natural gas flow management in order to deal with the problems 

of congestion within the gas networks. 

•  Adapting the methods of forecasting and operating natural gas networks required by the 

functioning of the internal market. 

• 

Increase the overall performance, safety and security of the natural gas networks in transit 
countries. 

Developing  and  integrating  olefin  gases  transport  capacity  needed  in  order  to  meet 

11. 
demand within the internal market. 

•  All Member States 

28 

 
 
  
 
ANNEX III 

TRANS–EUROPEAN ENERGY NETWORKS 

Projects of common interest and their specifications, currently identified according to the 
criteria set out in Annex II 

ELECTRICITY NETWORKS 

1 

Developing electricity networks in isolated regions 

1.1  Submarine cable Ireland — Wales (UK) 

1.2  Reinforcement of the Ipiros (GR) — Puglia (IT) link 

1.3  Connection of the Southern Cyclades (GR) 

1.4  30 kV underwater cable link between the  islands  of  Faial, Pico and S. Jorge (Azores, 

PT) 

1.5  Connection and reinforcement of the grid in Terceira, Faial and S Miguel (Azores, PT) 

1.6  Connection and reinforcement of the grid in Madeira (PT) 

1.7  Submarine cable Sardinia (IT) — Italy mainland 

1.8  Submarine cable Corsica (FR) — Italy 

1.9  Connection Italy mainland — Sicily (IT) 

1.10  Doubling of the connection Sorgente (IT) — Rizziconi (IT) 

1.11  New connections in the Balearic and Canary Islands (ES) 

2 

Developing electricity connections between the Member States 

2.1  Moulaine (FR) — Aubange (BE) line 

2.2  Avelin (F) — Avelgem (BE) line 

2.3  Vigy (FR) — Marlenheim (FR) line 

2.4  Vigy (FR) — Uchtelfangen (DE) line 

2.5  La Praz (FR) phase transformer 

2.6  Further increase of capacity through existing interconnection between France and Italy 

2.7  New interconnection between France and Italy 

2.8  New interconnection through the Pyrenees between France and Spain 

2.9  Eastern Pyrenees connection between France and Spain 

2.10  Connections between northern Portugal and north-western Spain 

2.11  Sines (PT) — Alqueva (PT) — Balboa (ES) line 

2.12  Valdigem  (PT)  —  Douro  Internacional  (PT)  —  Aldeadávila  (ES)  line  and  Douro 

Internacional facilities 

2.13  New connections north of the Gulf of Bothnia between Finland and Sweden 

2.14  Lienz (AT) — Cordignano (IT) line 

29 

 
 
  
 
 
2.15  New connection between Italy and Austria at the Brenner Pass 

2.16  Connection between Ireland and Northern Ireland 

2.17  St Peter (AT) — Isar (DE) line 

2.18  Submarine cable between South-eastern England and central Netherlands 

2.19  Reinforcement  of  connections  between  Denmark  and  Germany,  e.g.  the  Kasso  — 

Hamburg line 

2.20  Reinforcement of the connections between Denmark and Sweden 

3 

Developing electrical connections within the Member States 

3.1  Connections on the Danish East–West axis:  

connection between Denmark's western (UCTE) and eastern (NORDEL) networks. 

3.2  Connection on the Danish North–South axis 

3.3  New connections in Northern France 

3.4  New connections in South Western France 

3.5  Trino Vercellese (IT) — Lacchiarelle (IT) line 

3.6  Turbigo (IT) — Rho —Bovisio (IT)line 

3.7  Voghera (IT) — La Casella (IT) line 

3.8  S. Fiorano (IT) — Nave (IT) line 

3.9  Venezia Nord (IT) — Cordignano (IT) line 

3.10  Redipuglia (IT) — Udine Ovest (IT) line 

3.11  New connections on the East–West axis of Italy 

3.12  Tavarnuzze IT) — Casellina (IT) line 

3.13  Tavarnuzze IT) — S.Barbara (IT) line 

3.14  Rizziconi IT) — Feroleto (IT) — Laino (IT) line 

3.15  New connections on the North–South axis Italy 

3.16  Network modifications for facilitating renewables connections in Italy 

3.17  New wind energy connections in Italy 

3.18  New connections in the North axis of Spain 

3.19  New connections in the Mediterranean axis of Spain 

3.20  New connections in the Galicia (ES) — Centro (ES) axis 

3.21  New connections in the Centro (ES) — Aragón (ES) axis 

3.22  New connections in the Aragón (ES) — Levante (ES) axis 

3.23  New connections in Andalucía (ES) 

3.24  Pedralva (PT) — Riba d'Ave (PT) line and Pedralva facilities 

3.25  Recarei (PT) — Valdigem (PT) line 

3.26  Picote (PT) — Pocinho (PT) line (upgrading) 

30 

 
 
  
 
3.27  Modification of the current Pego (PT) — Cedillo (ES)/Falagueira (PT) line and 

Falagueira facilities 

3.28  Pego (PT) — Batalha (PT) line and Batalha facilities 

3.29  Sines (PT) — Ferreira do Alentejo (PT) I line (upgrading) 

3.30  New wind energy connections in Portugal 

3.31  Pereiros (PT) — Zêzere (PT) — Santarém (PT) lines and Zêzere facilities 

3.32  Batalha (PT) — Rio Maior (PT) I and II lines (upgradings) 

3.33  Carrapatelo (PT) — Mourisca (PT) line (upgrading) 

3.34  Valdigem (PT) — Viseu (PT) — Anadia (PT) line 

3.35  Deviation of the current Rio Maior (PT) — Palmela (PT) line to Ribatejo (PT) and 

Ribatejo facilities 

3.36  Thessaloniki (GR), Lamia (GR) and Patras (GR) substations and connecting lines 

3.37  Connections of the regions of Evia (GR), Lakonia (GR) and Thrace (GR) 

3.38  Strengthening of existing connections of peripheral regions in the mainland in Greece 

3.39  Tynagh (IE) — Cashla (IE) line 

3.40  Flagford (IE) — East Sligo (IE) line 

3.41  Connections in the North–East and West of Spain, in particular to connect to the 

network wind-power generation capacities 

3.42  Connections in the Basque country (ES), Aragón (ES) and Navarra (ES) 

3.43  Connections in Galicia (ES) 

3.44  Connections in Central Sweden 

3.45  Connections in Southern Sweden 

3.46  Lübeck/Siems (DE) — Görries (DE) line 

3.47  Lübeck/Siems (DE) — Krümmel (DE) line 

3.48  Connections in Northern Ireland, in relation to the interconnections with Ireland 

3.49  Connections in the North West of United Kingdom 

3.50  Connections in Scotland and England, with a view to the greater use of renewable 

sources in electricity generation 

3.51  New offshore wind energy connections in Belgium 

3.52  Borssele substation (NL) 

3.53  Implementation of reactive power compensation equipment (NL) 

3.54  St. Peter (AT) — Tauern (AT) line 

3.55  Südburgenland (AT) — Kainachtal (AT) line 

4 

Developing electricity connections with the non-member States 

4.1  Neuenhagen (DE) — Vierraden (DE) — Krajnik (PL) line 

4.2  Brunsbüttel (DE) — Southern Norway link 

4.3  S. Fiorano (IT) — Robbia (CH) line 

31 

 
 
  
 
4.4  New interconnection Italy — Switzerland 

4.5  Philippi (GR) — Maritsa 3 (Bulgaria) line 

4.6  Amintaio (GR) — Bitola (FYROM) line 

4.7  Kardia (GR) — Elbasan (Albania) line 

4.8  Elbasan (Albania) — Podgorica (Serbia and Montenegro) line 

4.9  Mostar (Bosnia–Herzegovina) substation and connecting lines 

4.10  Ernestinovo (Croatia) substation and connecting lines 

4.11  New connections between Greece and Albania, Bulgaria and FYROM 

4.12  Philippi (GR) — Hamidabad (TR) line 

4.13  Submarine cable between the north–east/east England and southern Norway 

4.14  Eemshaven (NL) — Feda (NO) link 

4.15  Submarine  cable  between  South  Spain  and  Morocco  (strengthening  of  existing 

connection) 

4.16  Connections for the Baltic Electricity Ring: Germany — Poland — Russia — Estonia 

— Latvia — Lithuania — Sweden — Finland — Denmark — Belarus 

4.17  Southern Finland — Russia links 

4.18  Germany  —  Poland  —  Lithuania  —  Belarus  —  Russia  link  (East–West  High  Power 

Link) 

4.19  Poland — Lithuania link 

4.20  Submarine cable between Finland and Estonia 

4.21  New connections between North Sweden and North Norway 

4.22  New connections between Mid Sweden and Mid Norway 

4.23  Borgvik (S) — Hoesle (NO) — Oslo region (NO) line 

4.24  New connections between the UCTE and CENTREL systems 

4.25  New connections between the UCTE/CENTREL system and the Balkan countries 

4.26  Connections and interface between the extended UCTE system and Belarus, Russia and 
Ukraine,  including  relocation  of  HVDC  conversion  stations  operating  previously 
between Austria and Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic, and Germany and the 
Czech Republic 

4.27  Connections  in  the  Black  Sea  Electricity  Ring:  Russia  —  Ukraine  —  Romania  — 

Bulgaria — Turkey — Georgia 

4.28  New connections in the Black Sea area with a view to interoperability of the extended 

UCTE system with the networks in the countries concerned 

4.29  New connections in the Mediterranean Electricity Ring: France — Spain — Morocco 
—  Algeria  —  Tunisia  —  Libya  —  Egypt  —  Near–Eastern  Countries  —  Turkey  — 
Greece — Italy 

4.30  Submarine cable between South Spain and North–West Algeria 

4.31  Submarine cable between Italy and Algeria 

4.32  New connections in the Barents Region/Area 

32 

 
 
  
 
4.33  Installation  of  flexible  alternative  current  transmission  systems  between  Italy  and 

Slovenia 

4.34  New interconnection Italia — Slovenia 

4.35  Submarine cable Italy and Croatia 

4.36  Reinforcement of connections between Denmark and Norway 

5 

Actions improving the functioning of the interconnected electricity networks within the 
internal market 

(No specifications defined yet) 

GAS NETWORKS 

6 

Introducing natural gas into new regions 

6.1  Developing  gas  network  from  Belfast  towards  the  North–West  region  of  Northern 

Ireland (UK) and, if appropriate, to the western coast of Ireland 

6.2  LNG in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands (ES) 

6.3  LNG in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ES) 

6.4  LNG in Madeira (PT) 

6.5  Development of gas network in Sweden 

6.6  Connection between the Balearic Islands (ES) and the mainland Spain 

6.7  High pressure branch to Thrace (GR) 

6.8  High pressure branch to Corinth (GR) 

6.9  High pressure branch to North–West Greece (GR) 

6.10  Connection of Lolland (DK) and Falster (DK) islands 

7 

Developing  gas  connections  in  order  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  internal  market  or 
strengthening  of  the  security  of  supply,  including  connection  of  separate  natural  gas 
networks 

7.1  Additional gas interconnection pipeline between Ireland and Scotland 

7.2  North–South interconnection, including Dublin — Belfast pipeline 

7.3  Compression station on the Lacq (FR) — Calahorra (ES) pipeline 

7.4  Lussagnet (FR) — Bilbao (ES) pipeline 

7.5  Perpignan FR) — Barcelona (ES) pipeline 

7.6 

Increasing transport capacity of gas pipelines supplying Portugal through South Spain 
and Galicia and Asturias through Portugal 

7.7  Puchkirchen (AT) — Burghausen (DE) pipeline 

7.8  Andorf (AT) — Simbach (DE) pipeline 

7.9  Wiener Neustadt (AT) — Sopron (HU) pipeline 

7.10  Bad Leonfelden (DE) — Linz (AT) pipeline 

7.11  North–West Greece — Elbasan (AL) pipeline 

33 

 
 
  
 
7.12  Greece — Italy interconnection pipeline 

7.13  Compression station on the main pipeline in Greece 

7.14  Connection between the networks of Austria and Czech Republic 

7.15  Gas  transport  corridor  in  South–East  Europe  across  Greece,  FYROM,  Serbia  and 

Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria 

7.16  Gas  transport  corridor  between  Austria  and  Turkey  through  Hungary,  Romania  and 

Bulgaria 

7.17  Interconnecting  pipelines  between  United  Kingdom,  the  Netherlands  and  Germany, 

linking the main sources and markets of North–West Europe 

7.18  Connection  between  North-East  Germany  (Berlin  area)  and  North-West  Poland 

(Szczecin area) with a branch from Schmölln to Lubmin (DE, Greifswald area) 

7.19  Connection  between  offshore  facilities  in  the  North  Sea,  or  from  Danish  offshore  to 

United Kingdom onshore facilities 

7.20  Reinforcement of the capacity of transport between France and Italy 

7.21  The Baltic gas interconnector between Denmark — Germany — Sweden 

8 

Developing  capacities  for  receiving  liquefied  natural  gas  (LNG)  and  for  storage  of 
natural gas 

8.1  LNG at Le Verdon-sur-mer (FR, new terminal) and pipeline to Lussagnet (FR) storage 

8.2  LNG at Fos-sur-mer (FR) 

8.3  LNG at Huelva (ES), extending existing terminal 

8.4  LNG at Cartagena (ES), extending existing terminal 

8.5  LNG at Galicia (ES), new terminal 

8.6  LNG at Bilbao (ES), new terminal 

8.7  LNG in the Valencia Region (ES), new terminal 

8.8  LNG in Barcelona (ES), extending existing terminal 

8.9  LNG in Sines (PT), new terminal 

8.10  LNG at Revithoussa (GR), extending existing terminal 

8.11  LNG on the North Adriatic Coast (IT) 

8.12  LNG offshore in the North Adriatic Sea (IT) 

8.13  LNG on the South Adriatic Coast (IT) 

8.14  LNG on the Ionian Coast (IT) 

8.15  LNG on the Tyrrenian Coast (IT) 

8.16  LNG on the Ligurian Coast (IT) 

8.17  LNG at Zeebrugge/Dudzele (BE, extending existing terminal) 

8.18  LNG at Isle of Grain, Kent (UK) 

8.19  Construction of a second LNG terminal in Greece 

8.20  Developing underground gas storage facilities in Ireland 

34 

 
 
  
 
8.21  Storage at South Kavala (GR), conversion of an offshore depleted gas field 

8.22  Storage at Lussagnet (FR, extending existing site) 

8.23  Storage at Pecorade (FR, conversion of a depleted oil field) 

8.24  Storage in Alsace region (FR, developing of saline cavities) 

8.25  Storage in Centre region (FR, developing water table). 

8.26  Storage on the North–South axis of Spain (new sites) in Cantabria, Aragon, Castilla y 

León, Castilla — La Mancha and Andalucia 

8.27  Storage  on  the  Mediterranean  axis  of  Spain  (new  sites)  in  Catalonia,  Valencia  and 

Murcia 

8.28  Storage in Carriço (PT, new site) 

8.29  Storage at Loenhout (BE, extending existing site) 

8.30  Storage at Stenlille (DK) and Lille Torup (DK, extending existing site) 

8.31  Storage at Tønder (DK, new site) 

8.32  Storage  at  Puchkirchen  (AT,  extending  existing  site),  including  pipeline  to  the  Penta 

West system near Andorf (AT) 

8.33  Storage at Baumgarten (AT, new site) 

8.34  Storage at Haidach (AT, new site), including pipeline to the European gas grid 

8.35  Developing underground gas storage facilities in Italy 

9 

Developing gas transport capacity (gas supply pipelines) 

9.1  Creation  and  development  of  connections  Nordic  Gas  Grid:  Norway  —  Denmark  — 

Germany — Sweden — Finland — Russia — Baltic States — Poland 

9.2  The Mid–Nordic gas pipeline: Norway, Sweden, Finland 

9.3  The North European gas pipeline: Russia, Baltic Sea, Germany 

9.4  Gas  pipeline  from  Russia  to  Germany,  via  Latvia,  Lithuania  and  Poland,  including 

developing underground gas storage facilities in Latvia 

9.5  Gas pipeline Finland–Estonia 

9.6  New gas pipelines from Algeria to Spain and France and related capacity increase of the 

internal networks in these countries 

9.7 

Increasing  transport  capacity  of  the  Algeria  —  Morocco  —  Spain  (up  to  Córdoba) 
pipeline 

9.8  Córdoba (ES) — Ciudad Real (ES) pipeline 

9.9  Ciudad Real (ES) — Madrid (ES) pipeline 

9.10  Ciudad Real (ES) — Mediterranean coast (ES) pipeline 

9.11  Branches in Castilla (ES) — La Mancha (ES) 

9.12  Extension towards North–West Spain 

9.13  Algeria — Spain submarine pipeline and pipelines for the connection to France 

9.14  Increasing  transport  capacity  from  Russian  resources  to  the  European  Union,  via 

Ukraine, Slovakia and the Czech Republic 

35 

 
 
  
 
9.15  Increasing  transport  capacity  from  Russian  resources  to  the  European  Union,  via 

Belarus and Poland 

9.16  Yagal  Sud  gas  pipeline  (between  the  STEGAL  pipeline  leading  to  the  DE,  FR,  CH 

triangle) 

9.17  SUDAL East gas pipeline (between MIDAL pipeline near Heppenheim to Burghausen 

connection with the PENTA pipeline in Austria) 

9.18  Gas pipeline from Libyan resources to Italy 

9.19  Gas pipeline from resources in the Caspian Sea Countries to the European Union 

9.20  Greece — Turkey gas pipeline 

9.21  Increasing  transport  capacity  from  Russian  resources  to  Greece  and  other  Balkan 

countries, via Ukraine, Moldavia, Romania and Bulgaria 

9.22  St. Zagora (BG) — Ihtiman (BG) gas pipeline 

9.23  Connecting pipelines between the German, Czech, Austrian and Italian gas networks 

9.24  Gas  pipeline  from  Russian  resources  to  Italy,  via  Ukraine,  Slovakia,  Hungary  and 

Slovenia 

9.25  Increasing  transport  capacity  of  the  TENP  gas  pipeline  running  from  the  Netherlands 

through Germany to Italy 

9.26  Taisnieres (FR) — Oltingue (CH) gas pipeline 

9.27  Gas pipeline from Denmark to Poland, possibly via Sweden 

9.28  Nybro (DK) — Dragør (DK) gas pipeline, including connecting pipeline to the storage 

at Stenlille (DK) 

9.29  Gas  network  from  the  Barents  Sea  resources  to  the  European  Union,  via  Sweden  and 

Finland 

9.30  Gas pipeline from the Corrib field (IE, offshore) 

9.31  Gas pipeline from Algerian resources to Italy, via Sardinia with a branch to Corsica 

9.32  Gas network from resources in the Middle East to the European Union 

9.33  Gas pipeline from Norway to the United Kingdom 

10  Actions  improving  the  functioning  of  the  interconnected  gas  networks  within  the 

internal market 

(No specifications defined yet) 

36 

 
 
  
 
ANNEX IV 

TRANS–EUROPEAN ENERGY NETWORKS 
Projects of European Interest as defined in Article 8 

ELECTRICITY NETWORKS 

•  Moulaine (FR) – Aubange (BE) line 
•  Avelin (FR) – Avelgem (BE) line 
•  Lienz (AT) – Cordignano (IT) line 
• 

Installation of flexible alternative current transmission systems between Italy 
and Slovenia 

•  Udine Ovest (IT) – Okroglo line (SI) 
•  S. Fiorano (IT) – Nave (IT) – Gorlago (IT) line 
•  Venezia Nord (IT) – Cordignano (IT) line 
•  St. Peter (AT) – Tauern (AT) line 
•  Südburgenland (AT) – Kainachtal (AT) line 
•  S. Fiorano (IT) – Robbia (CH) line 
•  Sentmenat (ES) – Bescanό (ES) – Baixas (FR) line 
•  Valdigem (PT) – Douro Internacional (PT) – Aldeadávila (ES) line 
•  Philippi (GR) – Hamidabad (TR) line  
•  Submarine cable England (UK) and Netherlands 
•  Submarine cable Ireland – Wales (UK) 
•  Kasso (DK) – Hamburg (DE) line 
•  Poland – Lithuania link 
•  Submarine cable Finland – Estonia (Estlink) 
•  Kasso (DK) – Revsing (DK) – Tjele (DK) line 
•  V.Hassing (DK) – Trige (DK) line 
•  Submarine cable Skagerak 4 (DK) – (NO) 
•  Neuenhagen (DE) – Vierraden (DE) – Krajnik (PL) line 
•  New interconnection Germany – Poland 
•  Dürnrohr (AT) – Slavetice (CZ) line 

GAS NETWORKS 

•  North Transgas pipeline 
•  Yamal – Europe pipeline 
•  Medgas pipeline Algeria-Spain-France-Continental Europe 
•  Algeria – Tunisia – Italy pipeline 
•  Libya – Italy pipeline 
•  Turkey – Greece – Italy pipeline 
•  Turkey – Austria pipeline 

37