Press Release: Intelligent Energy for Europe: European Commission proposes a new energy action programme

The European Commission is proposing a new multiannual programme for actions in the field of energy, 'Intelligent Energy for Europe' (2003-2006), to follow on from the current energy framework programme, due to end on 31 December 2002. With a budget of €215 million, 'Intelligent Energy for Europe' proposes a much higher level of European support for promoting renewable energies (ALTENER) and energy saving (SAVE), and at the same time bringing international action into line with these two priorities (COOPENER). Finally, it proposes to introduce a new raft of measures on the energy aspects of transport (STEER) in line with the new guidelines of the common transport policy.