Almost 1 billion – to be precise, 998 million euros – across ten projects concerning energy infrastructures. On 1 October, the European Union reached an internal agreement to fund seven innovative projects, including one for the construction of a smart electricity grid and six for the transportation of carbon dioxide, as well as two more traditional ones for electricity transmission and one for gas transport.

Safer and smarter energy infrastructures

The European Union is thus aiming to create a smarter and safer energy infrastructure system. Some 84 per cent of the funds are earmarked for projects in the field of electricity and smart grids, or smart grid.

The largest share is destined for the second phase of the project for the synchronisation of the Baltic countries. With 720 million euros, Brussels wants to integrate the electricity markets of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland with those of central Europe. The roadmap, meaning the political timetable, had been signed in June 2019 by the then President and Vice-President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker and Maroš Šefčovič respectively, together with the then President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaitė, and the prime ministers of the countries concerned.

The synchronisation of the Baltic countries

The first phase of the project has already been funded by the European Union with 323 million euros, equal to 75 per cent of the total sum. The synchronisation of the Baltic states with the central European grid is one of the Union's most emblematic projects, so much so that the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, has described it as being "of strategic interest". The project, which is expected to be completed by 2025, concretely embodies the spirit of energy solidarity: "These investments will help support the EU's economic recovery (from Covid-19, ed.) and create jobs," Simson added.

Ursula von der Leyen ✓ @vonderleyen

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We’re taking a big step for connecting Europe to ensure our energy security & deliver on #EUGreenDeal. €720 mln in EU funds is invested in a project linking the Baltic energy grid with the rest of the EU. Because in the EU, no matter where you are, you're in the heart of Europe.

♥ 717💬 63 2 ott 2020 · Apri su X →

"It is a historic moment to put an end to the isolation of the Baltic energy market," stressed the President of the European executive, Ursula von der Leyen. "This project is useful for connecting Europe, for our energy security and for the European green deal."

This project is useful for connecting Europe, for our energy security and for the European green deal

Ursula von der Leyen

The Cef mechanism and the European green deal

These resources fall within the framework of the mechanism for connecting Europe, the Cef transport blending facility, an innovative approach aimed at attracting public and private investment to contribute to the sustainability and reduced energy consumption of transport. At its core are the implementation of the European rail traffic management system (Ertms) and the promotion of the use of alternative fuels.

Looking at the broader picture, it is worth recalling that the EU is pressing ahead with the European green deal, the action plan through which it aims to be the first continent to achieve zero climate impact by 2050. How will it do so? Through the efficient use of raw materials, the reduction of air pollution and the restoration of biodiversity. The timetable allows for no delays.