BRUSSELS, March 4 - The European Commission granted on Thursday 2.3 billion euros (about 3.15 billion U.S dollars) to 43 energy projects to ensure energy supply in Europe and create more jobs.
As the second batch of a 4-billion-euro economic recovery plan, the Commission will grant the money to 12 electricity interconnection projects and and 31 gas pipeline projects over the next 18 months.
The projects chosen on Thursday will help deliver major investment projects which were at risk of important delay because of the economic crisis, according to the Commission.
The projects will serve the need of better interconnecting all member states of the European Union (EU) and reduce the isolation of remoter parts, such as the three Baltic States, Ireland and Malta, the Commission said.
"Never before has the Commission agreed such an important amount for energy projects," declared Gunther Oettinger, European Commissioner responsible for Energy.
President of the European Commmission Jose Barroso said: " Investing in key infrastructure will not only give a push to the economy and employment, but it will also help ensuring that citizens homes will have heating and electricity, even in the event of supply disruptions."
In March 2009, the EU set aside 3.98 billion euros to assist European economic recovery. The first batch of money was earmarked to support carbon capture and offshore wind projects.
As the second batch of a 4-billion-euro economic recovery plan, the Commission will grant the money to 12 electricity interconnection projects and and 31 gas pipeline projects over the next 18 months.
The projects chosen on Thursday will help deliver major investment projects which were at risk of important delay because of the economic crisis, according to the Commission.
The projects will serve the need of better interconnecting all member states of the European Union (EU) and reduce the isolation of remoter parts, such as the three Baltic States, Ireland and Malta, the Commission said.
"Never before has the Commission agreed such an important amount for energy projects," declared Gunther Oettinger, European Commissioner responsible for Energy.
President of the European Commmission Jose Barroso said: " Investing in key infrastructure will not only give a push to the economy and employment, but it will also help ensuring that citizens homes will have heating and electricity, even in the event of supply disruptions."
In March 2009, the EU set aside 3.98 billion euros to assist European economic recovery. The first batch of money was earmarked to support carbon capture and offshore wind projects.
