Committee of the Regions opinion on financing trans-European networks
The Committee of the Regions has published its opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down general rules for the granting of Community aid in the field of trans-European transport, telecommunications and energy networks (OJ No C 89 of 26.3.1994). The Committee believes that regional and local authorities should be closely associated with any decision to be made by the Commission under the Regulation. This applies to the establishment of priorities, project approval, evaluation and follow-up, and participation in the follow-up committees. The Committee also feels that in approving projects to be financed under the Regulation, the Commission should take account of their compatibility with regional planning objectives and measures planned under the Community Support Framework for each region. This would ensure maximum synergy between development instruments and Community aid. Finally, the Committee feels that the projects to be subsidized under the Regulation should take account of assessments by local and regional authorities regarding environmental protection.