European Commission Grants EUR620 Million to Major Transport Infrastructure ProjectsThe European Commission has just granted EUR620 million for the assessment and construction of trans-European transport network projects. More than 65% has been allocated to rail projects and 20% to innovative and intelligent transport systems (ITS), such as those concerning interoperability in the railway or aviation sectors. Among the projects and studies receiving significant support are the new Perpignan-Figueras rail link or the future Lyons-Turin and Brenner transalpine rail crossings.EUR515 million has been granted to projects which had already been identified in the 2001-2006 Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP), which mainly covers the 30 priority projects approved by the European Parliament and the Council in April 2004. More than half of the funds are to support works (at a maximum rate of 10%). The remainder has been allocated to technical, economic, financial and environmental studies and to the other formalities required for obtaining planning permission (up to a maximum of 50%).EUR105 million has been allocated to projects selected following a call for proposals open to all project promoters, whether public or private entities. This aid is for projects other than those financed by the MIP and which are smaller in scale. For the first time, the call for proposals for the co-funding of projects was open to the new member states.The 30 priority projects of the trans-European network alone represent investments of EUR225 billion up to 2020. Given their importance in improving the competitiveness and cohesion of the EU, the Commission, under the 2007-2013 financial perspectives, has proposed a significant increase in the budget for trans-European networks. The Commission is proposing a total budget of EUR20.35 billion over the period 2007-2013. In order to compensate for the shortage of national funding identified on transnational routes, the Commission proposal favours an increase in aid rates (up to 30% and in exceptional cases up to 50% of the total project cost) and the targeting of funding on cross-border projects. More information on the projects at http://europa.eu.int/comm/ten/transport/actions/index_en.htm 06/05.