The European energy policy sets the fundamental objectives of the European Union in terms of competitiveness, viability and security of supply.

In this context, projects of common interest are essential infrastructure projects which concern at least 2 EU Member States and which can contribute to:

• enhance market integration;
• increase competition;
• enhance security of supply;
• or reduce CO₂ emissions.

These projects mainly concern electricity or gas transport infrastructures and benefit from a number of advantages, such as:

• faster planification procedures and the granting of authorisations;
• lower administrative costs for promoters by means of faster and more efficient environmental assessment procedures.

The Facilitation unit for urban planning and environment (Cellule de facilitation Urbanisme et Environnement) of the Ministry of the Civil Service assists businesses in their administrative procedures to carry out such projects.

Who is concerned

Businesses participating in electricity or gas transport infrastructure projects in collaboration with other businesses established in one of more other EU Member States, may benefit from the help of the Facilitation unit for urban planning and environment with regard to the administrative procedures relating to their project.

How to proceed

Gas transport infrastructures

Gas transport infrastructure projects are subject to the following authorisations:

• an operating permit for classified establishments ('commodo/incommodo');
• an authorisation with regard to the protection of nature and natural resources;
• where applicable, a water permit;
• where applicable, a road permit for State roads or railroads.

Promoters must also prepare environmental impact assessments of the project concerned.

Moreover, projects must conform to the general development plan (PAG) and to the special development plans (PAP) in the communes concerned. If that is not the case, promoters must request the modification of the general development plan and/or submit a project for a special development plan to the commune concerned.

Electricity transport infrastructures

Electricity transport infrastructure projects are subject to the following authorisations:

• an operating permit for classified establishments ('commodo/incommodo');
• an authorisation with regard to the protection of nature and natural resources;
• where applicable, a water permit;
• where applicable, a road permit for State roads or railroads.

Promoters must also prepare environmental impact assessments of the project concerned.

Moreover, projects must conform to the general development plan (PAG) and to the special development plans (PAP) in the communes concerned. If that is not the case, promoters must request the modification of the general development plan and/or submit a project for a special development plan to the commune concerned.

Where applicable, promoters must also request an authorisation from the Minister in charge of Energy matters in order to:

• build a new power line through a private property (in absence of easement);
• extend the power line to an industrial site outside of the network;
• set up cross-border interconnections.

Assistance from the Facilitation unit for urban planning and environment

The Facilitation unit for urban planning and environment assists businesses throughout the administrative procedures required for the accomplishment of their trans-European infrastructure project.

Who to contact