Reckless attempt from populist Greens to jeopardise key energy infrastructure projects voted down

Statement by Krišjānis Kariņš MEP, EPP Group Spokesman in the European Parliament’s Industry Committee, after the vote in Plenary on the objection to the Union list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI).

“I’m glad that as many as 173 important Energy Union projects can now go forward as the European Parliament rejected the attempt led by the populist Greens and their followers to block the projects with an objection. These projects are crucial for the creation of a well-functioning internal market in the EU and they support the ambition of a stable, secure and affordable supply of energy. In addition, the investments will of course create jobs and growth in the regions concerned. It would have been pure madness to block these projects.”

Background:

The PCI list includes 173 energy projects in total.

Opposition to the delegated act means major delays in building an internal energy market and wasting the Commission's proposal to invest €873 million in key European energy infrastructure projects.

One project for instance - Biscay Gulf - establishes a sea connection for renewable energy between Spain and France. Another - Kriegers Flak - will enable wind-generated energy to be transported between Denmark and Germany.

MEPs cannot cherry-pick which projects they want to oppose; all 173 would have been endangered.

Previously, the objection was voted in the Industry Committee and was rejected with 14 in favour, 45 against and 2 abstentions.