EUROPE: The European Commission announced the first projects which are to receive a total of €500m of infrastructure grants under the Trans-European Transport Network programme on October 21. The TEN-T programme aims to build missing transport links in Europe and remove bottlenecks.

The funding was originally to be spread over several years, but has been brought forward in response to the economic crisis. A second group of projects will be announced later this year.

'I am pleased to be signing these funding decisions today', said Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President in charge of transport. 'It is my conviction that the EU's capacity to grow depends on the quality of its transport infrastructure and the TEN-T programme plays an essential role in ensuring its progress. Unlocking this funding shows the Commission is serious about tackling the economic crisis as it is targeted to encourage further economic growth. This funding released under the TEN-T programme plays a crucial role in keeping Europe moving forward