Rural development: support by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

The Council examined proposals aimed at providing additional support to energy projects and other infrastructure investments under the European economic recovery plan.

As part of the plan's implementation, the Commission has presented proposals for the provision by the EU of an additional EUR 5 billion investment in infrastructure projects, in particular in the fields of energy, broadband internet and rural development. The presidency's compromise proposal also suggests the means by which the projects would be financed.

At its meeting on 23 February, the Council acknowledged the need to reach agreement as soon as possible and before the parliamentary recess in the run-up to the European elections in June 2009.