European Union leaders have endorsed a multi-billion euro plan to encourage public and private investment into transport and research projects in a bid to revitalise the bloc's economy.
EU leaders gave their blessing to a €62 billion "quick start" list of priority projects to be begun over the next three years and funded through a combination of EU and national funds, European Investment Bank loans and private money.
The priority projects include rail tunnels through the Alps, high-speed railways, cross-border gas and electricity links, and innovative research projects for hydrogen power and laser technologies.