Cohesion Policy: call for greater flexibility in spending on energy projects.

For the first time the European Commission has set aside considerable resources for energy under the European Regional Development Fund. Up to 50% of the funds will be used to invest in 'low-carbon' projects. The European Parliament approved today the report by Lena Kolarska-Bobińska MEP on financing the energy sector from the Cohesion Policy funds. The main emphasis in the report is that the funded projects should primarily support the objectives of cohesion policy - building regional development and minimising the differences between regions.

"The key issue is to address the needs of individual regions. Some of them will want to invest in the renovation of buildings; other put more emphasis on energy efficiency. Regions must be able to choose the best project for them. The idea is not to punish those regions that already met certain goal earlier and are now not eligible for support. Let the regions decide on the goals", said Lena Kolarska-Bobińska.

"However, cohesion policy programmes should not be seen as additional funding for energy policy. Cohesion policy is not a 'piggy bank', which can be broken down is search for money for other programmes", added the rapporteur.