Private investment sought for Trans-European Network
With the EU contribution towards the cross-border Trans-European Networks (TENs) programme estimated to be just 5 billion euro for the 2000-2006 period, European MEP Alessandro Danesin has won the European Parliament's approval for his resolution supporting the involvement of the private sector in the TENs programmes with high priority given to environmental protection. Reporting for the Transport Committee, he backed the Commission's moves to involve the private sector as a means of getting projects off the ground. Experience so far has been far from satisfactory and the Commission has reported that major schemes, especially those involving railways, were behind schedule and it is expressing doubts that the necessary 40-45bn euro could be found by 1999 for the 14 priority projects. The Commission has however, identified six projects, including the Brenner and Semmering tunnels, Berlin airport and the Piraeus-Athens rail link as suitable for private involvement. Mr Danesin sees the TENs as a key way of promoting competitiveness, stimulating the economy and creating jobs.