17107/12 FL/ne 1 DG E 2 A COU CIL OF THE EUROPEA U ... - Europa

Whereas:
[
(1) The creation of the Connecting Europe Facility should maximise the potential for growth
through the realisation of synergies between transport, energy and telecommunications
policies and their implementation, thus enhancing the efficiency of the Union's intervention.
(2) A fully functioning single market depends on modern, highly performing infrastructure
connecting Europe particularly in the areas of transport, energy and telecommunications.
These growth enhancing connections would provide better access to the internal market and
consequently contribute to a more competitive market economy in line with Europe 2020
Strategy's objectives and targets 3 .
(3) The creation of a Connecting Europe Facility aims at accelerating the investments in the field
of trans-European networks and leverage funding from both the public and private sectors.
(4) The creation of efficient transport and energy infrastructure networks is one of the 12 key
actions identified by the Commission in its Communication on a Single Market Act 4 .
(5) The Commission has committed to mainstream climate change into Union spending
programmes and to direct at least 20% of the Union budget to climate-related objectives. It is
important to ensure that climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as risk prevention
and management are promoted in the preparation, design and implementation of projects of
common interest. Infrastructure investments covered by this Regulation should contribute to
promoting the transition to a low-carbon and climate- and disaster-resilient economy and
society.
3 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “A Digital Agenda for
Europe”, 26.8.2010, COM(2010) 245 final/2.
4 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic
and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “Single Market Act Twelve levers
to boost growth and strengthen confidence "Working together to create new growth"”,
13.4.2011, COM(2011) 206 final.
17107/12 FL/ne 5
ANNEX DG E 2 A E