IP/06/1885
Commission to support 13 European road safety projects for € 8,1 million

Brussels, Belgium – In line with its strategy to halve the number of road fatalities by 2010, the European Commission has decided to support 13 European road safety projects with a total subsidy of € 8,1 million. This is the outcome of the Open Call for Subventions for Road Safety, launched on 21 June 2006.

Within the Road Safety Call 2006, 29 projects were submitted for funding, requesting a total subsidy of € 27 million. The 13 selected projects cover all themes described in the call. Five projects deal with training and education, four projects concern road safety campaigns and another four are related to control and enforcement. The 13 projects will benefit a total of 65 companies and associations from 19 Member States.

All projects funded must demonstrate strong European added value, have an innovative character and feature a multiplier effect. It is also important that they show a good cost-benefit ratio and provide for high visibility. Finally, the work and financing plan and a proper methodology are assessed.

The Commission is now entering into contract negotiations with the co-ordinators of the selected projects so as to start to implement them in early 2007. The maximum amount granted is up to 50% of eligible costs.

The 13 selected projects