Mr. Günther Oettinger:

It is mine or it is the Chairman's. On the proposal to connect Europe's facilities, the cost will be €9 billion over seven years to co-finance projects of common European interest to more than one member state. We will develop a list of priorities for the European Parliament which will go back to member states as well for a decision on which priorities should be realised in the next five to 15 years and co-financed by the European Union.

My last point relates to investments, infrastructure and the framework Beyond 2020. The 2020 targets are binding ones but the story will come to an end at the end of 2020. My main question to member states currently is whether we need a new common approach - a new generation of ambitious but pragmatic targets. It would not be smart to begin to focus on 2030 in 2020. It is important to examine whether our main goal should be CO2 emissions reduction, renewables or both. We must examine whether we should focus on efficiency or devise a scheme that is a market-based instrument to achieve pragmatic CO2 prices. We must speak about 2030 in order to ensure long-term clarity for investors for the next decade. It is important to do so now. I wish to come to conclusions and binding decisions before the end of our mandate and before the next elections to the European Parliament in June 2014.

There are many other points but that is enough for the moment. It is up to members to say what they expect in terms of concrete positions.

Ireland's Presidency in the first semester of 2013 is an obligation but it is a major opportunity also. If it wishes it should continue this contact next month because to involve the national parliaments in the best manner in all these points is relevant. I may have a legal position but without Ireland's acceptance there is not a chance. With its acceptance in a European team involving member states and the European Commission we will have the authority to convince our citizens and develop all these plans in the next five to 15 years.