The EERP, which is worth a total €3.98bn, is aimed at a range of beneficiaries including carbon capture and storage projects, wind farms and electricity interconnectors. A leftover amount of €115m must be spent on green projects before the end of the year. The full parliament will vote on the issue in October.

Meanwhile, presenting his report on the future of industrial policy to MEPs in the ITRE committee on Friday, German MEP Bernd Lange called for greater emphasis on green issues.

The EU should pave the way for industry to get involved in large-scale recycling schemes, projects that meet strict climate requirements and renewable energy investments, he said.

A clearly defined sectoral approach to policy including specific targets and expectations should be taken, Mr Lange argued. Wind energy, in particular, should have “systematic, binding goals placed upon it”.

Follow-up: European Parliament press release

See also: European Energy Recovery Programme