Nieuwe projecten infrastructuur prioriteit Cypriotisch voorzitterschap (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Cypriotisch voorzitterschap Europese Unie 2e helft 2012 i, gepubliceerd op dinsdag 2 oktober 2012.

The potential benefits of the promotion of new infrastructure projects in transport, energy and digital networks and the possible advantageous implications on the EU i’s labour market, competitiveness and economy were highlighted today during a conference organised in Brussels by the European Commission. The Cyprus Presidency, through Cyprus’ Communications and Works Minister, Mr. Efthemios Flourentzou, stressed that the advancement of negotiations for the relevant instrument, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), constituted a clear priority.

The conference, which brought together representatives of EU institutions and Member States, as well as business leaders, was geared at providing a platform for an exchange of views on the CEF and its future.

“A modern and developed infrastructure in transport, telecommunications and energy is vital for the development of the EU economy and its competitiveness,” said Mr. Flourentzou, who was speaking on behalf of the President of Cyprus, Mr. Demetris Christofias.

The CEF is a new instrument proposed by the European Commission under the EU's new Multiannual Financial Framework for the seven year period between 2014 and 2020. CEF is set to put forward infrastructure projects on transport, energy and digital networks that are necessary for the implementation of Europe 2020 strategy.

Participants highlighted that CEF will help create jobs, boost Europe’s competitiveness and fill the missing links in the EU's Single Market.

“The Cyprus Presidency is determined to achieve progress for the negotiations of the ‘Connecting Europe Facility’,” stressed the Communications and Works Minister, while underlining the imperative need for cooperation between the European Commission, the Member States and the European Parliament.

The event was opened by the European Commission’s President, Mr. José Manuel Barroso i, the Chairman of Ericsson and Chairman of the European Round Table, Mr. Leif Johansson and Mr. Flourentzou.