FIRST minister Carwyn Jones will urge the European Commission to back the planned South Wales Metro project at a meeting in Brussels today.

The Welsh Government has already committed £369 million to the project, which will see a network of trains, trams and buses running from Monmouthshire, through Newport and Cardiff and beyond, over the next four years.

But, with the overall costs estimated at £734 million, Mr Jones is calling for the European Commission to hand over £100 million towards the project.

Before June’s referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union Mr Jones claimed a Leave victory would mean the project would have to be scrapped entirely.

But he has since backtracked on this, saying it could still go ahead if European cash can be secured, and is meeting the commission today to make the case for funding to be given to Wales.

“The EU referendum result has undoubtedly raised concerns about the delivery of our major capital programmes which currently receive funding from Europe,” he said.

“I am in Brussels to personally seek assurance from the European Commission that we can rely on their continued support for the Metro project in the months and years ahead.

“It is vital we keep up the momentum so we can secure approval before the UK leaves the EU.”

Describing the metro as “far more than just a transport scheme”, the pro-Europe first minister said it would serve as “a catalyst for transforming the economic and social prospects of our country”.

“This ambitious development links people and jobs across south Wales, with faster journey times and more frequent services,” he added.

“A huge amount of hard work has already taken place to make this a reality.

“Today is an opportunity to showcase our vision to the Commission and secure their ongoing support.”

The Welsh Government is planning submitting a formal application to the European Commission by mid 2017, with construction of the Metro expected to begin in 2019.