It is expected that the financial assistance contributes to the further development and implementation of PCIs, helping to achieve the broader TEN-E energy policy objectives.

As indicated in section 4 of the Annex to the Multi-annual Work Programme, it is expected that the financial assistance contributes to the further development and implementation of PCIs in electricity, smart grids, gas and cross-border carbon dioxide networks helping to achieve the broader CEF energy policy objectives of:

• further integration of an efficient and competitive internal energy market,
• interoperability of networks across borders and sectors,
• facilitating decarbonisation of the economy, promoting energy efficiency and ensuring security of supply.

In accordance with recital 5 of the CEF Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 and in line with the Multi-annual Work Programme, this call for proposals aims at financing projects contributing to the goals and objectives of the European Green Deal, as well as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 climate and enegy targets and the EU's mid-term and long-term objectives in terms of decarbonisation.

Both topics under this call aim to enable PCIs to be implemented within the framework of the deployment of trans-European networks in the energy sector. In particular, the call shall contribute to supporting energy infrastructure PCIs that have significant socio-economic benefits and ensure greater solidarity among Member States, but which do not receive adequate financing from the market.

The European Green Deal has emphasized the key enabling role of energy infrastructure in the transition to a climate neutral economy. Projects supported by this call pursue the goals and objectives of the European Green Deal, as well as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 climate and energy targets and long-term decarbonisation objectives. Therefore, financial assistance provided under this call for proposals should maximise its added value towards decarbonisation of the energy sector.

The objective of studies and works is to support and contribute to the implementation of PCIs.

This topic refers to projects for studies contributing to the implementation of a PCI. Studies in the meaning of CEF-Energy include activities needed to prepare PCI implementation, such as preparatory, mapping, feasibility, evaluation, testing and validation studies, including in the form of software, and any other technical support measure, including prior action to define and develop a PCI and decide on its financing, such as reconnaissance of the sites concerned and preparation of the financial package.

Only projects contributing to PCIs as identified in the Commission Delegated Regulation 2022/564 shall be eligible for support through EU financial aid in the form of grants. Pursuant to Article 14(1) of the TEN-E Regulation, PCIs falling under the categories set out in Annex II.1, 2 and 4 of the TEN-E Regulation are eligible for EU financial assistance in the form of grants for studies. Please note that failure to comply with the eligibility criteria indicated above will lead to the rejection of the application.