IP/09/512 Brussels, 31 March 2009TEN-T 2009 Calls for Proposals: Nearly €1 billion available in Trans-European Transport Network fundingThe European Commission launched today the 2009 TEN-T Calls for Proposals, making nearly €1 billion of financing available for European transport infrastructure projects. This year's Calls include a €500 million call in the framework of the Commission's European Economic Recovery Plan, aimed at giving an immediate boost to the European economy by accelerating investments in infrastructure. In addition, there will be funding opportunities under the TEN-T Annual Programme and Multi-Annual Programme, whose priorities in this Call include Motorways of the Sea, Intelligent Transport Systems for Road, and the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). The Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency (TEN-T EA), which manages the technical and financial implementation of the TEN-T programme, is responsible for the management of the calls for proposals and the evaluation of project proposals submitted on behalf of its "parent", DG Energy and Transport.Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, responsible for transport, noted "I am convinced that stimulating economic demand with an ambitious programme of European infrastructure is one of the most tangible and efficient responses that we can give to today's economic crisis. This programme is TEN-T, and its implementation will ensure job security for many Europeans in important sectors such as construction, which is - and always has been - a major employer and contributor to GDP. For this reason, the Commission, in the framework of the European Economic Recovery Plan, has decided to bring forward €500 million of funds as part of this year's TEN-T funding opportunities." This year's Calls for Proposals have been established under three separate work programmes: 1. €500 million of TEN-T funds have been brought forward under the European Economic Recovery Plan, as a response to the economic and financial crisis facing Europe. This ad hoc work programme, adopted this year, supports works which can start in 2009 or 2010 and be largely implemented over this two-year period. 2. The Multi-annual Work Programme aims to finance the highest priorities of the TEN-T network. This year's Call focuses on three fields:Motorways of the Sea (TEN-T Priority Project 21), providing viable alternatives for congested roads by shifting freight to sea routes: maximum €30 million European Rail Traffic Management Systems (ERTMS), harmonising European rail signalling systems: maximum €240 million Intelligent Transport Systems for Roads (ITS Roads), using the integration of information and communications technology to create more efficient and safer road transport: maximum €100 million3. The flexible Annual Work Programme (€140 million) complements the efforts developed under the Multi-annual Work Programme. It includes an amount of € 60 million for the Loan Guarantee Instrument, which represents the Commission's annual contribution. It will be made available to the European Investment Bank (EIB). Potential applicants are invited to submit proposals by 15 May 2009, which will be evaluated on their relevance to TEN-T priorities and policy objectives, their maturity, their impact - particularly on the environment and their quality in terms of completeness, clarity, soundness and coherence. The TEN-T EA is also planning to host an "Info Day" on 22 April 2009 in Brussels which will provide more information about the Calls and the evaluation process. For further information, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/tentea or contact TENT-AGENCY@ec.europa.eu