PAN MEP questions Commission on Projects of Common Interest

Lisbon, 15 June 2020 – MEP Francisco Guerreiro (Greens/EFA) questioned the European Commission about the transitional provisions of the 5th list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI), specifically to ensure that it takes into account the general objective of the European Green Deal.

Prior to the vote on the 4th list of PCIs – which led to the validation of the list presented by the European Commission (EC) – Commissioner Kadri Simson and EC Vice President Frans Timmermans ensured that the projects on this list would have a thorough review in light of the European Green Deal.

However, 979.6 million euros are available to be allocated not only for electricity interconnections, but also for gas projects and CO2 pipelines. 

On the initiative of the MEP of the Greens/European Free Alliance, this question was sent today to the EC to understand the criteria for granting funding and whether these truly integrate the EC's climate objectives. 

See the question below:

In October 2019, Commission adopted the 4th list of projects of common interest (PCI). This year, Commission is revising the TEN E regulation so as to include binding criteria consistent with our climate objectives and the Green New Deal and to introduce a democratic governance structure for the planning and selection of projects. More than ever, in this recovery context, every single euro must serve our future: the post-2020 CEF-energy budget is cut to €5,180 million and we cannot risk wasting 1€ on fossil fuels 

1/ How do you intend to take into account in the TEN E revision and in the transitional provisions for the 5th PCI the fact general gas demand will decline according to Commissions own and other scenarios, notably revealing that the existing gas grid is sufficient even in case of security of supply issues such as disruptions (Artelys)? 

2/ Will you create a new TYNDP and long-term energy scenario, though a democratic and transparent process and consistent with our climate goals, aligning our energy infrastructures with the sufficiency principle in order to reduce our energy demand? 

3/ In the context of COVID-19, how will the Commission ensure that the 5th list will promote projects that fulfil sustainability criteria and can actively contribute to EU short-term recovery?

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