24. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 326/t (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 3359/90 of 20 November 1990 for an action programme in the field of transport infrastructure with a view to the completion of an integrated transport market in 1992 THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 75 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parli- ament (%), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), Whereas the completion of an integrated transport market calls for a Community action programme aimed at the harmonious development of transport infrastructure in the Community ; Whereas the setting up of rapid and efficient links between all regions of the Community is an essential condition for reinforcing its economic and social cohe- sion ; Whereas it is necessary to take account of both the inte- rests of users and the demands of environmental protec- tion, safety and the rational use of energy; Whereas Community action through the structural Funds, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the other finan- cial instruments can contribute to the building of trans- port infrastructure works of Community interest; Whereas specific financial support for transport infras- tructure projects can provide an essential stimulus to the promotion and launching of projects of Community inte- rest; Whereas the intervention of private-sector capital can contribute to the implementation of transport infrastruc- () OJ No C 270, 19. 10. 1988, p. 6 and O] No C 170, 5. 7. 1989, p. 10. () OJ No C 326, 19. 12. 1988, p. 57 and 0] No C 175, 16. 7. 1990, p. 217. () OJ No C 23, 30. 1. 1989, p. 8. ture projects and whereas the ‘Declaration of European interest’ procedure, would help to channel private-sector capital towards major projects of European interest; Whereas it is necessary to ensure that the various projects are properly coordinated and their financing efficiently programmed ; whereas it is therefore appropriate for financial support to be granted in the framework of a multi-annual action programme ; ‘ Whereas it is important to define the scope of such a programme, in particular by its direct objectives and the projects to be carried out; Whereas the value to the Community of the projects to be assisted ought to be established on the basis of objec- tive criteria ; ' Whereas Community assistance is necessary to carry out the projects and especially in their launch phase, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION : Article 1 The Community shall identify transport infrastructure projects of Community interest within the framework of the action programme defined below and aimed at meeting one of the following objectives : — the elimination of bottlenecks, — the integration of areas which, geographically, are either landlocked or situated on the periphery of the Community, — the reduction of costs associated with transit traffic in cooperation with any third countries concerned, — the improvement of links on land/sea routes, — the provision of high-quality links between the major urban centres, including high-speed rail links.