The European Commission has approved an investment of €85 million from the Cohesion Fund in a project to construct a section of the D1 motorway between Fričovce and Svinia in Slovakia. The new section is a key part of the EU’s transport networks of strategic rail and road links (TEN-T) connecting Bratislava, Žilina and Košice. The Slovak population, as well as international transport companies will benefit from this improved accessibility, road capacity and safety.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said "This is a good example of our regional investments contributing to the completion of the internal market, and to the improved mobility of citizens, in safe and modern travel conditions. This improved access across Slovakia will benefit trans-regional and international transport and is therefore good for business and potential investors.”

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €52.2 million from the Structural Funds in a solid waste treatment project in Białystok in the Polish region Podlaskie. The existing landfill sites will be rehabilitated and a biodegradable waste composting plant modernised, thanks to this injection of funds. Along with the environmental benefits to local citizens, the project will also produce heat and electricity, generating an additional source of revenue for the region.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said “This project brings Poland into line with European standards in solid waste management - reducing landfill and improving management of waste flows. It will also greatly benefit Białystok residents, protecting the environment and their quality of life".

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of €134m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in road building projects in Peloponnese and Crete. In Peloponnese, €47m will go towards the new connection between the deviation of Patras and the PaThE motorway (linking the port city with Athens, Thessaloniki and Evzoni). Meanwhile €87m will be invested in the construction of a new 15 km section from Agia Varvara to Agioi Deka (Kastelli) on the island of Crete. 

The constructions are both priority projects - as identified by the Commission with the Greek authorities, and they will improve the regions’ connectivity, providing citizens with better and safer travel conditions.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said “These projects improve the regions’ competitiveness, making them more attractive to investors. As well as creating the right conditions for growth and job creation, they also improve safety and quality of life for citizens and are contribution to the completion of the entire Internal Market.”

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €32 million from the European Regional Development fund (ERDF) for the construction of a part of the Maarjamõisa Medical Campus of Tartu University Hospital in Tartu, Estonia.

The investment focusses on one building that will include the outpatient and day care department of the Hematology and Oncology Clinic, outpatient and day care department of the Internal Medicine Clinic, Eye Clinic surgery unit and outpatient reception, Laboratories, Department of Cardiac Surgery including its Intensive Care Unit, Endoscopy Centre as well as staff cloakrooms, Radiotherapy unit of the Radiotherapy Department, General Pharmacy of the hospital, pathology autopsies.

The project will improve the treatment conditions for around 500 000 people who will have better access to medical care. A higher concentration of medical expertise will significantly reduce the risk of complications, and increase the patients' safety and satisfaction. The cooperation between the disciplines of science and education will be more efficient and the project is expected to create 55 new jobs.

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €98 million in two major developments projects in Poland (€52 and €46 million from the Cohesion Fund) which will significantly improve regional and urban transport services in Mazovia province and Warsaw. The projects aim to modernise the public transport system in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way and will provide commuters with improved travel conditions in the region such as higher comfort and shorter journey times.

The project in Mazovia involves the purchase of 16 new trains (railway rolling stock) to serve F. Chopin International Airport and Modlin International Airport and to improve urban transit services in the E-65 corridor (forming part of the TEN-T) and the Warsaw agglomeration. The project is expected to attract 2.4 million additional passengers per year, gradually increasing the number of people using rail infrastructure.

The objective of the project in Warsaw is to modernise a part of Warsaw’s existing tram network between Wileńska station, the National Stadium and Washington roundabout over a section of approximately 3 km.  The project also involves the purchase of 30 low-floor trams. The line will have a significant impact on improving the operation of public transport within the city, as well as regional and suburban connections into Warsaw.

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La Commission Européenne a approuvé un investissement 80 millions d'euros du Fonds Européen de Développement Régional (FEDER) pour la première phase de construction de la "Nouvelle Route du Littoral" sur l'Ile de la Réunion.

Le projet consiste à réaliser une nouvelle route de 12,63 Km à deux fois deux voies sécurisées en remplacement de l’actuelle RN1 entre Saint-Denis et La Possession. 18 700 emplois devraient être crées lors de la réalisation de ce projet.

Le Commissaire européen en charge de la politique régionale Johannes Hahn commente cette décision: « Ce projet est un bon exemple qui montre que la politique régionale contribue non seulement au développement économique mais aussi à la mise en place de moyens de transport durables afin de respecter l’environnement à la Réunion. Sa réalisation améliorera la mobilité des habitants région et la connexion plus rapide entre les deux pôles économiques de l’île attirera les investisseurs et les entreprises. »

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The European Commission has approved an investment of € 96.7 million of regional funds for the 'AGUAS DO AVE' project in the Portuguese region Norte. This is a major water supply and wastewater treatment project to supply the Ave Valley with improved water quality.

The project involves the design and construction of 26 new wastewater treatment plants including collecting and pumping systems. Some 580,000 citizens in the Ave Valley will benefit from improved water quality due to a discharge of urban wastewater which meets EU environmental standards. Some 60 permanent jobs are expected to be created with the implementation of the project which covers 12 municipalities.

The project is part of a list of major priority projects that was established in 2007 and confirmed in 2012 in Portugal. The Commission is closely monitoring their implementation while helping the authorities to optimise the use of EU investment.

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The European Commission has approved a major broadband project for North West England. The investment of €18.85 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will ensure that businesses and premises in Cumbria have access to next generation broadband by 2015. A minimum of 90% of Cumbria broadband infrastructure will deliver speeds in excess of 30 megabits per second (mbps). 2,800 Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises will be connected to this superfast broadband network as a result of the project and a further 12,450 SMEs will have the possibility to access it.

Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn, who approved the project, stated: “Projects like this will have huge benefits for businesses and citizens. This initiative in particular will allow North West England to seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy. It is a perfect example of how Regional Policy can help Europe's recovery and directly contribute to meeting the goals of the EU’s growth agenda, ‘Europe 2020’. Providing fast and reliable access to the internet will play a vital role in helping regions in their economic development.”

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €166 million from the Cohesion Fund to upgrade a key railway line in Slovenia. The investment will improve the quality and competitiveness of cargo, increase the traffic speed and bring more travel security on the line. The line is part of the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network and is one of the priority TEN-T railway corridors between the European Union and other European countries.

The project involves the reconstruction, electrification and upgrading of a section of 160 km/h on the railway line between Pragersko and Hodoš, the modernisation of level crossings and the construction of subways on railway stations.

Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn, who approved the project, said “This is a good example of how our regional investments can help citizens travel more easily and more safely. The investment approved today will not only ensure traffic safety and modern travel services, but it will support Slovenia's shift to more sustainable forms of transport. This improvement will also increase the competitiveness of Slovenia by attracting more investors and businesses.”

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An investment of almost €120 million from EU regional funds was approved today to support the modernization of the railway in the Czech Republic. The project is one of the priority routes that make up the Trans-European Network. As such, once it is completed it will establish a direct connection between Prague and Germany. 

The main purpose of the project is to modernize the 21.66 km railway line between Zbiroh and Rokycany in the Eastern part of the Plzeň Region. This will bring the entire railway infrastructure on this stretch into line with EU and international standards. The work is the next step of the now completed improvements between Prague Cheb and the German border via Plzeň.

Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn who approved today's decision said “This is a good example of how EU regional funds are helping to support sustainable, clean transport in the Czech Republic and beyond.  Also, by helping to modernise the rail network, there will be clear benefits for passengers in terms of transport safety and reduced journey times. Czech citizens should find travelling to other member states easier and as one of the EU's priority transport links this investment will also contribute to the smooth operation of the Union’s internal market. That in turn makes the Czech Republic more attractive for investors and businesses”.

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La Commission Européenne a approuvé un investissement 2,5 millions d'euros du Fonds Européen de Développement Régional (FEDER) pour la troisième phase de construction du tramway de l’agglomération de Valenciennes dans la Région Nord-Pas de Calais.

Ce projet permettra de relier Valenciennes au Pays de Condé sur un tracé de 15,5 km, de réorganiser l’espace routier existant autour du tracé de la ligne de tramway et d’installer des stations de tramway. C’est une partie du projet global « Transvilles » qui consiste à mettre en place un réseau de transports dans l’agglomération de Valenciennes afin d’accroître la qualité et la quantité de l'offre de transports collectifs dans la région.

Le Commissaire européen en charge de la politique régionale Johannes Hahn commente cette décision: « Le tramway de Valenciennes est un bon exemple qui démontre que la politique régionale contribue à améliorer la qualité de vie des citoyens en augmentant l’offre de transports publics et l’accessibilité des communes qu’il dessert et en réduisant le trafic routier dans la région et les émissions de CO2. Ce projet aura aussi un impact positif sur les activités économiques et l’urbanisme des communes traversées.»

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The European Commission has approved an investment of EUR 64.3 million from the European Regional Development Fund for a railway project in Puglia. The project will reduce travel time for both freight and passengers. It will also significantly improve the reliability and safety of rail travel in this part of Southern Italy. The main effect of the project will be the doubling of the Bari – Taranto line, with 10.5 km of new double track line from Bari to Sant’Andrea Bitetto.

Beyond the improvements over the existing line, the Italian authorities have committed to upgrade the technical and operational standards of the line in accordance with EU legislation by installing the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) over the rail network in the Italian Convergence regions.

Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn who signed the approval for this major project said, “This railway development project is a concrete example of how Structural Funds are helping in a vital way the economy in Puglia to develop. Our policy, working hand in hand with the Italian authorities is playing a crucial role in connecting people and businesses. This in turn is boosting the region’s competitiveness. With the switch of many transport activities from road to rail, Italian citizens will also benefit from improvements to the environment while also helping to contribute to our wider climate goals under the Europe 2020 Agenda.

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of €22.2 million from the Cohesion Fund to the 'SIMARSUL' project in the region of Lisbon. This is a major wastewater treatment project to bring improved water quality in the Tagus Estuary. Its estimated that some 325,000 people living around the peninsula Setúbal of should benefit.

The project covers the municipalities of Barreiro, Moita and Seixal and involves the construction of sanitation infrastructure for wastewater collection and treatment. This will ensure that the discharge of urban wastewater meets the EU environmental standards. This project is part of a list of priority major projects that was established in 2007 and confirmed in 2012 in Portugal. The Commission is closely monitoring their implementation while helping the authorities to optimise the use of EU investment.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said "This project is a concrete example of how Structural Funds can both contribute to achieve environmental goals in compliance with the EU legislation and to develop the economy in the region. The quality of life of citizens is enhanced and economic activities that rely on clean water such as aquaculture and tourism can be developed in a more sustainable way."

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The European Commission has approved investments worth €831 million from Regional Funds for the modernization of three of Poland's major roads. The funding will support five separate projects on the S7, and S8 expressways and the A2 motorway. All of them are part of the Trans European Transport Network - and create a vital connection through Poland, the countries of Western Europe and those situated on the eastern side of the Polish border.

These are investments in a secure road infrastructure for Poland and its regions, providing comfort for long-distance road travel and reducing travel time for transit traffic. They also establish safer travel conditions for companies and their customers as well as tourists visiting the country. They are all financed by the Polish regional policy programme “Infrastructure and Environment”.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said “These projects play a crucial role in connecting people and businesses in the regions and across the EU. They are strategic investments that should boost the economy and competitiveness both for Poland and beyond. They should prove a draw for investors and Polish citizens will also benefit hugely from improved travel conditions. "

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of €149.4 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) out of a total investment of €187.3 million to develop 6,100 km broadband infrastructure in three regions of Eastern Poland Podlaskie, Podkarpackie and Warminsko-Mazurskie. Nearly half a million people will benefit from broadband access.

The projects involve the distribution of broadband infrastructure and the construction of a fibre-based regional backbones in order to provide open and non-discriminatory access to providers of internet services and help to eliminate the digital divide in less developed regions in Poland currently deprived of basic broadband services. The investments directly contribute to reaching the objectives of the ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’ in terms of basic broadband access and Next Generation Access (NGA) services and open door to the digital economy in these regions. 1668 jobs are expected to be created due to the implementation of the projects.

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of €42 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to modernize the waste management system of Iasi County, Romania in order to ensure that inhabitants all across the county have access to sustainable sanitation services and that the area complies with the environmental requirements of the European Union. An awareness campaign will also be launched in order to enhance the effectiveness of the investment.

The investment will improve the waste management system in Iasi through developing and extending waste transfer services, modernising waste collection equipment, extending landfilling capacity and closing non-compliant landfills.

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €54 million from the Cohesion Fund in a project to prevent floods in Romania and to develop systems to deal with the effects, including pollution. It will ensure an increase in the safety and effectiveness of existing water management infrastructures across the country, thereby enhancing the quality of life of Romanian citizens, particularly the 1.5 million inhabitants, living in the areas most exposed to flood risks.

The project involves the modernisation of equipment for preventing floods and associated risks, mitigating flooding effects, including pollution, to optimise the safety and effectiveness of existing infrastructures and capacity of the National Administration of Romanian Waters to respond adequately to floods. Improvements to flood and pollution monitoring and measuring equipment are also foreseen, including to gauging stations with the necessary hardware and software, and the creation of coordination and rapid response centres in case of flood disasters.

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of €26 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in a project to construct a new production plant, create Research and Development jobs and implement an innovative technology of production of a fundamentally improved product in the form of modern Oriented Strand Boards with improved surface. Kronospan is an international company producing wood-based finishing materials: today’s investment will see the building of a new innovative technology plant for ‘Oriented Strand Boards’, which will be of great importance for the construction industry. The project also builds a sustainable cooperation with local SMEs and the Institute of Wood Technology in Poznań to develop and improve the products offered by the company through joint Research and Development.

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of €71 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to expand Chania airport in Crete, giving a real boost to the island in terms of attracting tourists and business. The airport is also part of the ‘Trans-European Airport Network’, improving accessibility across the European continent, which is vital for growth.

The project envisages a four-storey terminal building, the construction of a six-storey control tower and a two-storey car park, as well as a new waste management facility. The expansion and modernisation project will help bring the airport into line with the standards of international organisations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (EATA). These are intended to improve levels of security and comfort for passengers.

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of €13 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in order to diversify production and strengthen research and development in the international company, Brembo in Upper Silesia, Poland. Brembo manufactures brake disks for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, ensuring higher safety levels for passengers.

The project creates a new research and development department and constructs a foundry for this innovative technological line of brake disk for the world class automotive industry. It also develops a sustainable cooperation with local small and medium enterprises, in particular through the ‘Silesian Automotive Cluster’.

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The European Commission has approved an investment of around € 93.7 million from the Cohesion Fund to upgrade the second biggest Greek airport, the Macedonia state airport in Thessaloniki.

The project involves the modernisation and expansion of a take-off and landing runway along with its parallel runway. It will be expanded by 1000 metres towards the sea and will reach a length of 3440 m.. After the project's completion, the airport will be able to accommodate most types of aircraft. Passenger and cargo traffic will therefore increase and transatlantic flights as well as long-haul flights can be carried out without stop-overs.

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The European Commission has approved today an investment of EUR 35.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for a port extension project in Augusta, Sicily. The objective of the project is to expand and adapt the existing port infrastructure for the traffic of large containers in order to increase maritime logistic transport in the region.

This project is inserted in an wide-ranging framework of infrastructure works for intermodal transports in eastern Sicily, whereas Catania and the port of Augusta are part of the EU transport network. The port of Augusta which will be expanded is situated about 30 km from Siracusa and about 50 km from Catania. Therefore, the expansion of the port is projected to produce beneficial effects to the overall economy of Eastern Sicily.

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The European Commission has approved an investment of more than €145 million from the Cohesion Fund for an environmental project along the  Black Sea Coast in South East Romania. The region attracts more than 8 million visitors a year and the rehabilitation of the coast should prove an added draw with benefits for business and local people alike.  

The project will focus on five of the areas most exposed to accelerated erosion along a 7.3 km stretch of the coast. Formally known as "Protection and Rehabilitation of the Southern Black Sea Coast in the Constanta Municipality Area and Eforie North Area", it principally consists of investing in coastal protection infrastructure.  The construction of new defences and replenishing the beach with sand will help to stop the erosion process.

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €100 million from the Cohesion Fund to implement the Digital Radio System (GSM-R) on Slovenia's rail network. This should improve the traffic flow and capacity of the network across the country.

The project involves the construction and installation of a GSM-R digital radio communication system on the entire public railway network. It will bring the radio communication systems into a single system and should reduce disruptions and train delays.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said “This is a very positive step towards the modernisation of the Slovenian rail network. The improvements to the communication system should increase  safety, and reduce  journey times as well as delays. This is an  investment that should l improve the quality of life for many Slovene citizens as well as contributing  to the smooth operation of the Union’s internal market and making  Slovenia more attractive for investors”.

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The European Commission has approved an investment of € 34 million from the Cohesion Fund for the upgrading of two Danube bridges railway bridges, Borcea and Cernavoda in order to complete the rehabilitation of the railway line Bucharest-Constanta in the Romanian South development region.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said: "This investment is an example of how EU regional funds can work for citizens, while also helping regions become better places to do business. Safe and secure transport infrastructure is fundamental, not only for the smooth operation of the Union’s internal market, but also for the economic and social wellbeing of the people living in our regions. I welcome any initiative of the Romanian authorities to assure the security of the investments already made on the network with EU funds – indeed that is what we expect. I am sure they will proceed the same way with the rehabilitation of the new Danube bridges.”

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €30 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to establish what should become Europe’s leading research and commercialisation centre for graphene in Manchester.    

The project will allow the building of the National Graphene Institute as a national and European research hub to develop cutting edge work into graphene. Graphene is the world’s thinnest, strongest and most conductive material. It offers huge potential for researchers and industry alike in fields from computing to smart phones.

The institute will work with other research centres and companies in applied research which helps take graphene from the laboratory to the market place, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness in the growing global market for graphene applications.

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La Commission Européenne a approuvé un investissement de plus de 70 millions d'euros du Fonds Européen de Développement Régional (FEDER) pour l'irrigation du littoral Ouest de l'Ile de la Réunion.

Cette décision s'applique à la troisième et dernière phase de mise en œuvre du projet de développement économique le plus important de la région initié en 1983 de transférer l'eau de l'est du littoral vers l'ouest du littoral de la Réunion afin de favoriser une utilisation rationnelle et équilibrée des différentes ressources en eau de surface et souterraines. Au total, une surface de 7500 ha sera irriguée afin de développer le secteur agricole dans l'ouest de l'Ile et de subvenir aux besoins en eau potable des habitants de 5 villes de la région. Le projet recouvre aussi un aspect environnemental puisqu’il permet de participer à la recharge de la nappe de la rivière des Galets.

Le Commissaire européen en charge de la politique régionale Johannes Hahn commente cette décision: « Ceci représente la dernière étape d'un projet très important pour la Réunion. Il est important pour –créer des emplois, pour améliorer la qualité de vie des habitants et surtout pour l'activité agricole. Grâce au rechargement de la rivière des Galets, c'est aussi projet qui contribue à la protection de l'environnement si précieux de cette région. »

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €100 million from the European Regional Development fund (ERDF) to ensure that all businesses and residential premises in West Wales and the Valleys have access to next generation broadband by 2015. The project directly contributes to reaching the objectives of the ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’ in terms of basic broadband access and Next Generation Access and opens a door to the digital economy in this region.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said “Projects like this will have huge benefits for businesses and citizens. This initiative in particular will allow Wales to seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy. This is a perfect example of how Regional Policy can help Europe's recovery and directly contribute to meeting the goals of the EU’s growth agenda, ‘Europe 2020’. Providing fast and reliable access to the internet will play a vital role in helping regions in their economic development.”

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La Commission Européenne a approuvé un investissement de plus de 28 millions d'euros du Fonds Européen de Développement Régional (FEDER) pour la construction du nouveau bâtiment de l’Institut de recherche Jean Lamour à Nancy en France et l’installation de laboratoires de recherche.

Le Commissaire européen en charge de la politique régionale Johannes Hahn commente cette décision: «Investir dans ce type de projet correspond aux priorités actuelle et future de la politique régionale. Nous voulons soutenir l'excellence dans la recherche et aider à traduire des idées brillantes en perspectives économiques pour la région. Ce projet permet non seulement de créer de nouveaux emplois en Lorraine, mais renforcera à la fois la dimension internationale de la région et son attractivité pour de futurs investissements.»

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €78.7 million from the Cohesion Fund to a solid waste treatment plant in the region Kujawsko-Pomorskie that will directly benefit some 700,000 residents of the Bydgoszcz-Torun metropolitan area, where the facility will be based, and bring the area’s management of such facilities into line with EU legislative standards.  

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said “This is EU Regional Policy in action: working to the benefit of the quality of life of citizens. Sustainable and efficient environmental management systems are in the interest of all residents of Poland, and of the EU as a whole.”

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of € 39.8 million from the European Regional Development fund (ERDF) for a project repairing sections of the Tripoli – Kalamata national road, particularly from Paradeisia – Tsakona.

The project involved the reconstruction of a 10.2 km part (Paradeisia-Tsakona) of the Korinthos – Tripoli – Kalamata motorway. This section was constructed between 1991 and 2000 under the authority of the Region of Peloponnesus, but has been unusable since 2003 due to an extensive landslide in the area. The reconstruction project aims to boost accessibility to Peloponnesian rural areas, reducing travel time and improving safety.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said “This reconstruction was essential and I am pleased to see the investment get the green light. The reconstructed section will serve to further improve accessibility in the Peloponnese region, directly benefiting all motorway users there and building on the success of our previous project, the Korinthos-Tripoli-Kalamata concession.”

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The European Commission has approved investment in one major development from the Cohesion Fund (CF) in Myślenice in the Polish region Małopolskie which will largely improve the waste treatment and water management systems in the city and its neighbouring area.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said, “This environmental project is a concrete example of how Structural Funds improve the everyday lives of citizens. It will contribute to the establishment of a modern,environmental-friendly and cost efficient waste management systems in Myślenice. This will further increase the attractiveness of this city and improve the quality of life of their inhabitants.”

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The European Commission has approved an investment of €107 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to a railway reconstruction project between the cities of Stelle and Lüneburg in Germany to improve the traffic flow, capacity and safety of the railway line in Lower Saxony and connections to Hamburg, a major transport hub in Northern Germany.

The project involves the reconstruction of a section of a high-speed distance track for passenger and goods traffic on the railway section between the cities of Stelle and Lüneburg. This 25 kilometre-long section is part of the Hannover-Hamburg railway line –one of the EU’s strategic infrastructure paths - the Trans-European Networks (TEN-T), and thus plays a key role in ensuring smooth traffic flow across the EU’s internal market.

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The European Commission has approved a contribution of EUR 274 million from the EU Cohesion Fund to the Struma Motorway, a major infrastructure project in the Yugozapaden region of South West Bulgaria. Besides providing a faster and safer trans-European connection for EU motorists and carriers, over 600 000 local residents are expected to benefit from shorter travel times, better environmental conditions and connectivity, increasing the attractiveness of their region to business and investment.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn said “This project improves the region’s competitiveness and attractiveness to investors. As well as creating the right conditions for growth and job creation, it also means safer and more sustainable infrastructure for the citizens of Bulgaria and the entire Internal Market.”

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The European Commission has approved investments in 3 major projects in Katowice, Lublin and Pomorskie, totaling €241 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund, which will greatly improve transport and environment systems across the country.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said “I am happy to give the green light to these projects which will bring tangible benefits to the everyday lives of millions of citizens. This is EU Regional Policy – the main investment arm of the Union budget, in action - boosting the competitiveness of our regions and improving the quality of life of EU citizens.”

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of €91 million from the Cohesion Fund for a flood control development project that will make life safer for the residents of Hungary’s Danube Valley. The "Danube flood defence" project involves the construction of new defences against flooding as well as modernising existing structures.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said: "This is a good example of our regional investments contributing to a better quality of life for our citizens. This increased security will also bring clear economic benefits as business and potential investors will know they are  better protected against flood damage. It is also fully in line with the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, thereby extending benefits to the Macro-Region as a whole."

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The European Commission has approved an investment of EUR 66.5 million from the European Regional Development fund (ERDF) to the construction of 2,908 km broadband infrastructure in Lubelskie. This project directly contributes to reaching the objectives of the ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’ in terms of basic broadband access and Next Generation Access and opens a door to the digital economy in this region. As a result of the project, 316,000 more people will be covered by broadband access in one of Poland’s less developed regions and 92.7% of the population is expected to be within the reach of basic broadband infrastructure, which is an increase by approximately 15%.

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The European Commission has approved an investment of EUR 66.5 million from the European Regional Development fund (ERDF) to the construction of 2,908 km broadband infrastructure in Lubelskie. This project directly contributes to reaching the objectives of the ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’ in terms of basic broadband access and Next Generation Access and opens a door to the digital economy in this region.

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The European Commission has approved an investment of € 330 million from the Cohesion Fund in a project to extend the main metro line in the Czech Republic’s capital city. The project "Extension of Metro Line “A”– Section V.A Dejvická-Motol" will see 6km of new line, including 4 extra stations being built. More than 127 000 citizens from North West Prague will be served by the extended route and will benefit from improved accessibility to the Czech Republic’s main hospital.

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The European Commission has today approved an investment of €21 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in a railway construction project in the German Länder of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg. This project will boost the capacity, traffic speed and security of the railway line at regional as well as cross-regional level. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of €26 million from the Cohesion Fund to reconstruct two wastewater treatment plants in the Danube area of the Bratislava region that will directly benefit over 600 000 residents and bring the city’s management of such facilities into line with EU legislative standards. The project modernises the existing treatment process of the Vrakuňa and Petržalka plants and will reduce groundwater pollution, improving the quality of life of all those connected to the sewage facilities. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of € 751 million from the Cohesion Fund for the Sighisoara – Coslariu section of the Brasov – Simeria railway line, vastly improving passenger and freight transport in West and Central Romania. The counties of Mures, Sibiu and Alba will benefit from better accessibility, making the region more competitive and attractive to investors. The project is also part of a wider trans European transport priority axis, to improve travel connections across Europe. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of €69 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for a major motorway construction project that will bring improved security, accessibility and economic development to the regions involved. The project in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany involves the construction of the 3rd section of the highway A14. This will provide a vital connection between the cities Magdeburg, Schwerin and Wismar. The first two parts of the construction were approved in 2010 and 2011. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of €15 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for a new airport terminal building at Ljubljana’s Jože Pučnik Airport that will improve transport connections across the region and make it much easier to handle more air passengers through Slovenia’s capital and the surrounding area. The existing terminal building will also be renovated to ensure the comfortable flow of travelers in modern surroundings. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of €20.6 million from the Cohesion Fund to a major water management project in Riga. The project is the fourth phase of a long-term investment programme from 1995 to 2025 for improving the Latvian capital’s drinking water and waste water management system. In the currently defined territory of agglomeration the project is the third phase to be co-financed by EU funds. It foresees the construction of a new drinking water treatment plant in Baltezers and the extension of the water supply and sewerage networks in Marupe, Katlakalns and Bolderaja. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of €83.7 million from the European Regional Development Fund for the flagship environment project in the Bulgarian capital city Sofia. The project aims at the establishment of a modern, compliant and integrated municipal waste management system for the city and shall supplement the measures already implemented by the municipality in this respect. It will contribute to reaching the national targets established to cover the requirements of the EU waste legislation. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of €51 million from the Structural Funds for a major Trans-European Road Network project: “Road E85: Vilnius City Southern Bypass”. The project, which is expected to benefit citizens across the Baltic states and further afield, upgrades and widens a street of 7.67 km length to become a roadway of standard urban highway in order to ensure a higher capacity of traffic and safer driving conditions. It will also significantly ease the transport of goods and services across this part of Europe. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of €24.5 million from the Structural Funds to a major industrial investment in a production plant for so called thin film technology photovoltaic cells and modules in Catania, Sicily. The project will produce 240 MegaWatt/year of photovoltaic cells and modules with multi-junction thin-film technology at an industrial site in Catania, which will in turn it is hoped will be used for the production of solar energy for domestic and industrial use. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of €16 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for a major bridge project in Central Macedonia. The project is among a list of 181 co-funded priority projects of high investment value which was identified by the Commission together with the Greek authorities in November 2011. When the bridge is built, it will complete the 7.7 km road between Patrida and Naoussa. This will connect the cities Veroia – Naoussa - Skydra and Edessa. More information

The European Commission has approved an investment of €71.4 million from the Cohesion Fund for a major flood protection project in the Greek region of Western Attica. The bed of the Eshatia River from Iliou Square to the junction with the Efpiridon pipeline will be adapted in order to ensure anti-flood protection for the communities of Ilion, Agioi Anargyroi, Kamatero and Fyli. More information

On 22 October, The European Commission approved a major energy infrastructure project "Strachocina Underground Gas Storage Facility" in the Polish region Podkarpackie. With total estimated costs € 46 m and an EU contribution of € 26 m, this investment aims to increase the active capacity of underground gas storage facilities in the region and therefore in whole Poland in a context of growing demand for natural gas and to raise the level of energy security, guaranteeing an uninterrupted supply irrespective of technical, climatic or political events. The implementation of the project will benefit to all final gas consumers, i.e. the power and heat generation sector, industry, services and households.

On 18 October, The European Commission approved a major electricity infrastructure project "Construction of the Ołtarzew 400/220/110 kV substation – part of the Poland-Lithuania electricity interconnection" in the Polish region Mazowieckie. With total estimated costs € 52 m and an EU contribution of € 29 m, this investment will enable the connections of electricity substations in the Warsaw region with the Bełchatów, Kozienice and Pątnów power stations. The project is part of the Poland-Lithuania power link project in the framework of trans-European energy networks as well as part of the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan which is designed to fully integrate the electrical energy markets of the three Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with the other electrical energy markets in Europe.

On 8 October, The European Commission approved a major road project "Vertical Axis of Egnatia Odos, Siatista - Krystallopigi, Section: Koromilia-Krystallopigi" in the Greek region Ditiki Makedonia. With total estimated costs € 150 m and an EU contribution of € 99 m, this investment contributes to the construction of the 20,3 km long new part Koromilia - Krystallopigi of the Siatista - Krystallopigi vertical axis. With this part, the vertical axis of a length of 72 km, of which 51 km are already open and operational turns into a fully closed motorway. This project is part of the Transeuropean Network (TEN-T) and Paneuropean Axis "Greece – Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Serbia – Croatia – Slovenia – Austria" and will contribute to commercial, industrial and touristic growth in the region since the Koromilia – Krystallopigi trajectory to be travelled in 12 minutes instead of 29.

On 8 October, The European Commission approved a major road project "Vertical Axis 50 of Egnatia Odos, Kozani – Florina – Niki, Section: Florina - Niki" in the Greek region Ditiki Makedonia. With total estimated costs € 74 m and an EU contribution of € 50 m, this investment contributes to the transformation of one part of the Kozani-Florina-Niki road to a closed motorway. This project is part of the Transeuropean Network (TEN-T) and Paneuropean Axis "Greece – Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Serbia – Croatia – Slovenia – Austria" and will contribute to commercial, industrial and touristic growth in the region.

On 8 October, The European Commission approved a major railway project "Reconstruction of Budapest–Esztergom railway line Phase I" in Budapest. With total estimated costs € 184 m and an EU contribution of € 156 m, this project is the first phase of an overall project concerning the rehabilitation and capacity enlargement of the Budapest–Esztergom railway line. It consists in the complete reconstruction of a 22 km long line section, the rehabilitation of a 21 km long line section, the second track construction on a 14,7 km long line section, the construction of four new stops, the reconstruction of 14 stations, the construction of separated level road-rail crossings between Budapest and Esztergom and the construction of Park&Ride and Bike&Ride facilities. Around 130 000 citizens will take advantage from the improved transport service.

On 3 October, The European Commission approved a major public transport project "Completamento della Linea 6 della metropolitana di Napoli Mostra-Municipio, lotto San Pasquale (stazione esclusa) - Municipio (stazione inclusa)", in Naples, Campania. With total estimated costs € 173 m and an EU contribution of € 86 m, this project is dedicated to the construction of parts a new metro line 6 which will complete the works for the Regional Metro System. The entire population of the metropolitan area of Naples, which are around 2.6 million inhabitants, will benefit from this investment.

On 28 September, The European Commission approved a major public transport project "Sistema di collegamento metropolitano tra Cosenza Rende e Università della Calabria", in the Italian region of Calabria. With total estimated costs € 160 m and an EU contribution of € 108 m, this project is dedicated to the construction of a new tramway line between Cosenza and Rende-University Campus Arcavacata. It is expected that many of the 105,000 inhabitants concerned will shift from private to public means of transport in the urban area between the two cities Rende and Cosenza.

On 24 September, The European Commission approved a major cultural and tourist project "Wine cultural and tourist centre", in the French region of Aquitaine. With total estimated costs € 57 m and an EU contribution of € 15 m, this invesment is an innovative equipment dedicated to the theme of wine and vine and will contribute to the support of the wine sector. The centre will be open to all kind of publics and should become an international reference discovery place for the wine civilisations. This project of 10 000 m2 will contain a permanent visit path, an oenotouristic platform, a space for temporary fairs, an auditorium, commercial areas, offices and technical rooms. 450 000 visitors are expected every year and 750 permanent jobs will be created among which 250 for the management of the Centre.

On 21 September, The European Commission approved a major bridge and road project "Construction of the Northern Bridge Link from the Pułkowa St. intersection to the Modlińska St. intersection and from the Pułkowa St. intersection to the Młociny intersection", in the Polish region Masovia. With total estimated costs € 263 m and an EU contribution of € 223 m, this investment will particularly benefit to the residents of the Bielany and Białołęka districts and more generally to the people living in the Mazovian region, entrepreneurs and service providers from the outskirts of Warsaw and users of the transregional and national transit route.

On 21 September, The European Commission approved a major road project "Expressway R48 Rychaltice – Frýdek-Místek" in the Czech region Moravia-Silesia. With total estimated costs € 161 m and an EU contribution of € 114 m, this investment will enable a faster connection to Poland and the Slovak Republic while ensuring users' safety and a better traffic fluency.

On 18 September, The European Commission approved a major EU scientific research hub "Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics" (ELI-NP) in Romania. With total estimated costs € 180 m and an EU contribution of € 150 m, this major Research & Development infrastructure will serve as a pan European laboratory that that will involve 40 research and academic institutions from 13 Member States. Czech Republic and Hungary will also host ELI-NP infrastructure.

On 12 September, The European Commission approved a major cultural project, "Louvre-Lens" in the French region Nord Pas de Calais. With total estimated costs € 73 m and an EU contribution of € 35 m, the Louvre Lens Grand Project aims at creating a museum in the centre of the Lens city. It is an extension of the Louvre Museum of Paris in the context of decentralisation of the policy of the French Culture Ministry.  The invesment is about the construction of the building, the different investments for the exhibition of the collections and the creation of the park around the museum. The project implemention will have a positive impact on the territorial development through the revitalisation of the urban area.

On 12 September, The European Commission approved a major electricity transmission project, "Construction of the Ostrołęka–Narew line and modernisation of the stations at Ostrołęka and Narew – as part of the Poland Lithuania power link project" in the Polish regions Podlaskie and Mazowieckie. With total estimated costs € 121 m and an EU contribution of € 63 m, its implementation will lead to the upgrading of the national grid in North East Poland and a high-performance grid infrastructure for electricity transmission between Poland and Lithuania will be created. The investment will thereby help remove barriers to the functioning of the European energy market and the European transmission system.

On 10 August, The European Commission approved a major motorway project, "Construction of Timisoara - Lugoj motorway and Timisoara by-pass at the motorway level" in the West region of Romania. With total estimated costs € 248 m and an EU contribution of € 211 m, the purpose of the investment is the design, supervision and construction of the motorway between Timisoara and Lugoj and of a by-pass for the city of Timisoara, part of the northern branch of TEN-T Priority Axis no. 7, which crosses Romania from Nădlac to Constanţa. The total length of the motorway together with the by-pass is 35,125 km.

On 6 August, The European Commission approved a major waste water treatment project, "Modernization of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Caras Severin County" in the West region of Romania. With total estimated costs € 133 m and an EU contribution of € 89 m, the project consists in extending and rehabilitating the water and wastewater infrastructure in the municipality of Caras Severin. The investments will benefit a target population of around 138 000 inhabitants, with a final aim of 100% connections to both water and wastewater infrastructures.

On 6 August, The European Commission approved a major waste water treatment project,"Waste Water Treatment Plant North" in the Slovak regions of Topoľčany, Partizánske, Bánovce nad Bebravou. With total estimated costs € 102 m and an EU contribution of € 55 m, the objective of this project is to provide adequate wastewater collection and treatment for seven agglomerations: Topoľčany, Bošany, Solčany, Kovarce, Partizánske, Veľké Uherce and Bánovce nad Bebravou and to reduce the pollution of the surface and ground water and therefore improve the quality of life in the area.

On 2 August, The European Commission approved a major energy infrastructure project, "Szczecin-Lwówek gas pipeline" in the Polish regions of Wielkopolskie, Zachodniopomorskie and Lubuskie. With total estimated costs € 144.54 m and an EU contribution of € 52,12 m, this major project will improve the functionality and technical parameters of the transmission system in North-Western Poland and will contribute to increase security of supply and diversify sources of gas in this area.

On 2 August, The European Commission approved a major road project,"SS. 96 “Barese” – Tronco: Gravina – Bari: Completamento dell’itinerario con adeguamento della sezione stradale" in the region id Puglia, Italy. With total estimated costs € 236.75 m and an EU contribution of € 118.38 m, this project consits in upgrading the whole road S.S. 96 “Barese” to a dual carriage way highway with two lanes per direction. Several bypasses will be also constructed in proximity of the most relevant urban agglomerations. With this project, the connection between the Metropolitan area of Bari and the two cities of Potenza and Matera will be improved.

On 2 August, The European Commission approved a major sewerage treatment project,"Sewerage System of Kokkinochoria Complex" in Achna, in the south-eastern part of Cyprus. With total estimated costs € 76 m and an EU contribution of € 65 m, this project will enable the collection, conveyance and centralised treatment of the urban sewage effluents for 10 agglomerations in the Kokkinochoria area where at present there are no sewerage networks at all.

On 2 August, The European Commission approved a major railway project, "Modernisation of railway line E 65/C-E 65 on the section Warsaw-Gdynia, area LCS Gdańsk, LCS Gdynia" in Poland. With total estimated costs € 195 m and an EU contribution of € 130 m, this project will reduce travel time between Warsaw and Gdańsk and contribute to the completion of the Trans-European Transport Network Railway axis Gdańsk–Warszawa–Brno/Bratislava-Wien.

On 2 August, The European Commission approved a major road project, "Expressway R35 Hradec Králové (Sedlice) - Opatovice" in the North East of Czech Republic. With total estimated costs € 80.93 m and an EU contribution of € 30 m, this project will improve the road connection between Prague and Northern Moravia considerably, with further connection to Poland and Slovakia. It will also enable a reduction of travel times and a better traffic fluency, traffic safety and will have a positive impact on the environment.

On 26 July, The European Commission approved a major energy infrastructure project, "Gustorzyn-Odolanów gas pipeline" in the Polish regions of Wielkopolskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie. With total estimated costs € 142.53 m and an EU contribution of € 67,92 m, this major project aims at injecting gas from new supply directions into the network during gas consumption as well as ensuring greater safety of operation between the underground gas storage facilities in the region in the light of the planned capacity expansion at both storage facilities.

On 25 July, The European Commission approved a major project project "Construction of the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice", in the Silesia region, Poland. With total estimated costs € 65.84 m and an EU contribution of € 56 m, this major project which consists in the contruction of a venue for the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, a state cultural institution, will also be a space for science, education, the arts and leisure. This investment will have a positive impact on the region's image as regards cultural activities and will enhance the appeal of the country as a whole.

On 24 July, The European Commission approved a major project project " Electrification of the railway line from Reichenbach to the border of Saxony/Bavaria, Module 2 - construction phase 3- ", in the Land of Saxony, Germany. With total estimated costs € 56.31 m and an EU contribution of € 22 m, this major project aims at bringing higher capacity, higher traffic speed, and better security as a high-speed distance track for passenger and goods traffic on the railway line from Nurnberg to the German-Czech border via Reichenbach in Saxony.

On 16 July, The European Commission approved a major project "Artlant PTA, SA" in the region of Alentejo, Portugal. With total estimated costs € 355.36 m and an EU contribution of € 38.82 m, this major project is a productive investment which consists in the construction and management of a production plant in the industrial area of Sines by Artlant. The plant will produce PTA ("Pure Terephtalthic Acid") , which is a chemical commodity used for the production of PET ("Polyethylene terephthalate"), which is used for food-packaging, and for the production of artificial fibres used in the textile industry. With the implementation of this project, at least 300 jobs are expected to be created.

On 16 July, The European Commission approved a major project "Drinking water supply, sewerage and waste water treatment in Ilava District" in Slovakia.With total estimated costs € 66 m and an EU contribution of € 37 m, this major project aims at providing adequate wastewater collection and treatment for four agglomerations: Dubnica nad Váhom, Ladce, Košeca and Ilava, reducing the pollution of the surface and groundwater and improving the quality of life in the area. The project will also provide drinking water to more than 6000 residents who are currently not served.

On 12 July, The European Commission approved a major energy infrastructure project "Kosakowo Underground Cavern Gas Storage Facility" in the Pomorskie province, Poland. With total estimated costs € 64.1 m and an EU contribution of € 36.53 m, this major project consists in the construction of four caverns at the Kosakowo site with a total active capacity of around 100 million m3 of gas. This project aims at increasing the active capacity of underground gas storage facilities in Poland in the context of the growing demand for natural gas and at raising the level of energy security and ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to consumers.

On 11 July, The European Commission approved a major railway project "Velocizzazione mediante rettifiche di tracciato e conseguenti modifiche alla linea di alimentazione elettrica della linea di collegamento tra i nodi urbani di Palermo e Agrigento" in Sicily, Italy. With total estimated costs € 102.26 m and an EU contribution of € 71.6 m, this major project aims at reducing travel time and improving safety standard of the Palermo-Agrigento railway.

On 11 July, The European Commission approved a major energy infrastructure project, the "Szczecin-Gdańsk gas pipeline" in the Polish provinces West Pomerania and Pomorskie. With total estimated costs € 204.92 m and an EU contribution of € 66.62 m, this major project aims at injecting gas from new supply directions into the network as well as at increasing transmission safety and ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to consumers.

On 9 July, The European Commission approved a major project "A Cable Car for London" in the United Kingdom. With total estimated costs € 65.56 m and an EU contribution of € 9.7 m, this major project consists in developing a cable car link between North Greenwich and the Royal Victoria Docks in East London. This will provide a new link between employment sites in two 'Opportunity Areas' in East London on either side of the Thames: the North Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks.

On Wednesday, 4 July, The European Commission approved a major project "Upgrade of wastewater treatment plant, sewerage system and drinking water supply in Trenčín region" in Slovakia. With total estimated costs € 83.72 m and an EU contribution of € 48.34 m, this major project consists in providing adequate wastewater collection and treatment for 6 agglomerations: Trenčín, Nové Mesto, Trenčianska Teplá, Trenčianske Teplice, Trenčianske Stankovce and Chocholná Velčice.

On Wednesday, 4 July, The European Commission approved a major project "Development of Margit Bridge and connecting transport system in Budapest". With € 109.55 m total estimated costs and an EU contribution of € 22.34 m this major project consists in the rehabilitation and improvement of the Margit bridge in Budapest.