The European Parliament voted, on 6 May 2009, to formally endorse the EU Economic Recovery Plan, aimed to combat the economic downturn by injecting €5bn into the European economy. As part of this, €3.98bn is to be invested over two years into energy projects, spread between CCS, gas and electricity interconnection and offshore wind energy projects. Over €1bn of this has been ear-marked for CCS projects. In addition to the funding for energy projects, the Recovery Plan provides for the investment of €1.02bn into broadband internet connections and rural development across Europe.