Trans-European Networks (TENs) - 1997 Annual Report
The European Commission has published the 1997 annual report on the trans-European networks (TENs). It outlines the main developments in the networks during 1997 and problems identified during the year, and examines future challenges. Of the 14 priority transport projects identified in 1994 at the European Council in Essen, construction has begun on 11 of them. Part or all of four of these are close to completion. At least four of the 14 projects still face continuing problems, both financing and technical/authorization difficulties. Of the priority energy projects, most of the gas projects have been completed, and the electricity projects are progressing well. In the telecoms field, the 28 Euro-ISDN projects are showing encouraging results, with ten of them completed by the end of 1997. During 1997, progress was made on legal aspects, which will make construction of major TENs projects easier. In particular, the role of public-private partnerships has been made more explicit. During the year, the guidelines for the trans-European telecommunications networks were finally adopted in June, the last of the major Decisions on the TENs to be adopted. The report gives details of the financing made available for TENs projects from different EU sources. These include the TENs budget line, which totals ECU 2,345 million for the period 1995-1999, of which ECU 1,388 million has been committed so far. Funding has also come from the Cohesion Fund and the Structural Funds, while the European Investment Bank (EIB) made loans amounting to ECU 4,344 million for TENs projects during 1997. The Commission also stepped up preparations for enlargement during 1997, with several initiatives designed to improve transport and energy links between the EU and the Central and Eastern European applicant countries. The Commission believes that the TENs have a vital role to play in ensuring the success of enlargement.