# Official Journal C 301E/2006

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 301E |
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| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 4912 December 2006 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 301E

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 4912 December 2006

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Council |
| 2006/C 301E/1 | Common Position (EC) No 27/2006 of 25 September 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 2013) | 1 |
| 2006/C 301E/2 | Common Position (EC) No 28/2006 of 23 October 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation | 51 |
| 2006/C 301E/3 | Common Position (EC) No 29/2006 of 14 November 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the submission of statistical data on landings of fishery products in Member States and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 (
  1
  ) | 85 |
| 2006/C 301E/4 | Common Position (EC) No 30/2006 of 14 November 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) | 94 |
| 2006/C 301E/5 | Common Position (EC) No 31/2006 of 14 November 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a programme of Community action in the field of consumer policy (2007-2013) (
  1
  ) | 103 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Council

2006/C 301E/1

Common Position (EC) No 27/2006 of 25 September 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 2013)

1

2006/C 301E/2

Common Position (EC) No 28/2006 of 23 October 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation

51

2006/C 301E/3

Common Position (EC) No 29/2006 of 14 November 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the submission of statistical data on landings of fishery products in Member States and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 (
  1
  )

1

85

2006/C 301E/4

Common Position (EC) No 30/2006 of 14 November 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)

94

2006/C 301E/5

Common Position (EC) No 31/2006 of 14 November 2006 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a programme of Community action in the field of consumer policy (2007-2013) (
  1
  )

1

103

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance

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EN

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I Information

Council

| 12.12.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 301/1 |
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12.12.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 301/1

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COMMON POSITION (EC) No 27/2006

adopted by the Council on 25 September 2006

with a view to the adoption of Decision No .../2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013)

(2006/C 301 E/01)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 166(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3),

Whereas:

| (1) | The Community has the objective, set out in the Treaty, of strengthening the scientific and technological bases of Community industry, thereby ensuring a high level of competitiveness at international level. To this end, the Community is to promote all the research activities deemed necessary, in particular by encouraging undertakings, including small and medium sized enterprises (‘SMEs’), research centres and universities in their research and technological development activities. In this context, priority should be given to those areas and projects where European funding and cooperation is of particular importance and provides added value. Through its support for research at the frontiers of knowledge, applied research and innovation, the Community seeks to promote synergies in European research and thus provide a more stable foundation for the European Research Area. This will make a positive contribution to the social, cultural and economic progress of all Member States. |
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(1)

The Community has the objective, set out in the Treaty, of strengthening the scientific and technological bases of Community industry, thereby ensuring a high level of competitiveness at international level. To this end, the Community is to promote all the research activities deemed necessary, in particular by encouraging undertakings, including small and medium sized enterprises (‘SMEs’), research centres and universities in their research and technological development activities. In this context, priority should be given to those areas and projects where European funding and cooperation is of particular importance and provides added value. Through its support for research at the frontiers of knowledge, applied research and innovation, the Community seeks to promote synergies in European research and thus provide a more stable foundation for the European Research Area. This will make a positive contribution to the social, cultural and economic progress of all Member States.

| (2) | The central role of research was recognised by the Lisbon European Council of 23-24 March 2000 which set the European Union a new strategic goal for the next decade: to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. The triangle of knowledge — education, research and innovation — is essential for achieving this goal, to which effect the Community aims to mobilise and strengthen the necessary research and innovation capacities. The Seventh Framework Programme is a central Community instrument in this respect, complementing the efforts of Member States and European industry. |
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(2)

The central role of research was recognised by the Lisbon European Council of 23-24 March 2000 which set the European Union a new strategic goal for the next decade: to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. The triangle of knowledge — education, research and innovation — is essential for achieving this goal, to which effect the Community aims to mobilise and strengthen the necessary research and innovation capacities. The Seventh Framework Programme is a central Community instrument in this respect, complementing the efforts of Member States and European industry.

| (3) | In line with the Lisbon strategy, the Barcelona European Council of 15-16 March 2002 agreed that overall spending on research and development (‘RTD’) and innovation in the Union should be increased with the aim of approaching 3 % of GDP by 2010, two-thirds of which should come from the private sector. |
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(3)

In line with the Lisbon strategy, the Barcelona European Council of 15-16 March 2002 agreed that overall spending on research and development (‘RTD’) and innovation in the Union should be increased with the aim of approaching 3 % of GDP by 2010, two-thirds of which should come from the private sector.

| (4) | The overriding aim of the Seventh Framework Programme is to contribute to the Union becoming the world's leading research area. This requires the Framework Programme to be strongly focused on promoting and investing in world-class state-of-the-art research, based primarily upon the principle of excellence in research. |
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(4)

The overriding aim of the Seventh Framework Programme is to contribute to the Union becoming the world's leading research area. This requires the Framework Programme to be strongly focused on promoting and investing in world-class state-of-the-art research, based primarily upon the principle of excellence in research.

| (5) | The European Parliament has repeatedly stressed the importance of research, technological development and the increased role of knowledge for economic growth and social and environmental well-being, in particular in its resolution of 10 March 2005 on science and technology — Guidelines for future European Union policy to support research (4). |
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(5)

The European Parliament has repeatedly stressed the importance of research, technological development and the increased role of knowledge for economic growth and social and environmental well-being, in particular in its resolution of 10 March 2005 on science and technology — Guidelines for future European Union policy to support research (4).

| (6) | Taking into account the research needs of all Community policies and building upon widespread support from European industry, the scientific community, universities, and other interested circles, the Community should establish the scientific and technological objectives to be achieved under its Seventh Framework Programme in the period from 2007 to 2013. |
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(6)

Taking into account the research needs of all Community policies and building upon widespread support from European industry, the scientific community, universities, and other interested circles, the Community should establish the scientific and technological objectives to be achieved under its Seventh Framework Programme in the period from 2007 to 2013.

| (7) | European Technology Platforms (ETPs) and the envisaged Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) are particularly relevant for industrial research. ETPs help the stakeholders establish long-term strategic research agendas and can further evolve to represent an important mechanism for fostering European competitiveness. |
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(7)

European Technology Platforms (ETPs) and the envisaged Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) are particularly relevant for industrial research. ETPs help the stakeholders establish long-term strategic research agendas and can further evolve to represent an important mechanism for fostering European competitiveness.

| (8) | The objectives of the Seventh Framework Programme should be chosen with a view to building upon the achievements of the Sixth Framework Programme towards the creation of the European Research Area and carry them further towards the development of a knowledge-based economy and society in Europe which will meet the goals of the Lisbon strategy in Community policies. Among the objectives of the Seventh Framework Programme the following are particularly important:






  — | trans-national cooperation at every scale across the EU should be supported, |
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(8)

The objectives of the Seventh Framework Programme should be chosen with a view to building upon the achievements of the Sixth Framework Programme towards the creation of the European Research Area and carry them further towards the development of a knowledge-based economy and society in Europe which will meet the goals of the Lisbon strategy in Community policies. Among the objectives of the Seventh Framework Programme the following are particularly important:

—

trans-national cooperation at every scale across the EU should be supported,

| — | the dynamism, creativity and excellence of European research at the frontier of knowledge should be enhanced, recognising the responsibility and independence of scientists in the definition of broad lines of research in this area. With this in mind, investigator-driven basic research based on excellence should play an essential role within the seventh Framework Programme, |
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—

the dynamism, creativity and excellence of European research at the frontier of knowledge should be enhanced, recognising the responsibility and independence of scientists in the definition of broad lines of research in this area. With this in mind, investigator-driven basic research based on excellence should play an essential role within the seventh Framework Programme,

| — | human potential in research and technology in Europe should be strengthened, both quantitatively and qualitatively; better education and research training, easier access to research opportunities as well as the recognition of the ‘profession’ of researcher are principal tools for achieving this goal, not least through a significant increase in the presence of women in research, encouraging researchers' mobility and career development. The general principles reflected in the European Charter for Researchers and in the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers could help to establish a genuine European labour market for researchers, while respecting their voluntary nature. In addition, the excellence of European research institutions and universities should be developed and enhanced. |
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—

human potential in research and technology in Europe should be strengthened, both quantitatively and qualitatively; better education and research training, easier access to research opportunities as well as the recognition of the ‘profession’ of researcher are principal tools for achieving this goal, not least through a significant increase in the presence of women in research, encouraging researchers' mobility and career development. The general principles reflected in the European Charter for Researchers and in the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers could help to establish a genuine European labour market for researchers, while respecting their voluntary nature. In addition, the excellence of European research institutions and universities should be developed and enhanced.

| (9) | In addition, the dialogue between science and society in Europe should be intensified in order to develop a science and research agenda that meets citizens' concerns, including by fostering critical reflection, and aimed at reinforcing public confidence in science. |
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(9)

In addition, the dialogue between science and society in Europe should be intensified in order to develop a science and research agenda that meets citizens' concerns, including by fostering critical reflection, and aimed at reinforcing public confidence in science.

| (10) | Special attention should be paid to facilitating the scientific career of researchers in the most productive period of life. Early-stage researchers can be a driving force of science in Europe. |
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(10)

Special attention should be paid to facilitating the scientific career of researchers in the most productive period of life. Early-stage researchers can be a driving force of science in Europe.

| (11) | The research and innovation capacities throughout Europe should be strengthened, both quantitatively and qualitatively. |
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(11)

The research and innovation capacities throughout Europe should be strengthened, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

| (12) | A wide use and dissemination of the knowledge generated by publicly funded research activity should be supported. |
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(12)

A wide use and dissemination of the knowledge generated by publicly funded research activity should be supported.

| (13) | In order to realise these objectives it is necessary to promote four types of activities: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (the ‘Cooperation’ programme), investigator-driven research based on the initiative of the research community (the ‘Ideas’ programme), support of individual researchers (the ‘People’ programme), and support of research capacities (the ‘Capacities’ programme). |
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(13)

In order to realise these objectives it is necessary to promote four types of activities: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (the ‘Cooperation’ programme), investigator-driven research based on the initiative of the research community (the ‘Ideas’ programme), support of individual researchers (the ‘People’ programme), and support of research capacities (the ‘Capacities’ programme).

| (14) | Under the ‘Cooperation’ programme, support should be provided to trans-national cooperation at appropriate scale across the Union and beyond, in a number of thematic areas corresponding to major fields of the progress of knowledge and technology, where research should be supported and strengthened to address European social, economic, environmental, public health and industrial challenges, serve the public good and support developing countries. Where possible, this programme will allow flexibility for mission-orientated schemes which cut across the thematic priorities. |
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(14)

Under the ‘Cooperation’ programme, support should be provided to trans-national cooperation at appropriate scale across the Union and beyond, in a number of thematic areas corresponding to major fields of the progress of knowledge and technology, where research should be supported and strengthened to address European social, economic, environmental, public health and industrial challenges, serve the public good and support developing countries. Where possible, this programme will allow flexibility for mission-orientated schemes which cut across the thematic priorities.

| (15) | Under the ‘Ideas’ programme, activities should be implemented by a European Research Council (‘ERC’), which should enjoy a high degree of autonomy to develop very high-level frontier research at European level, building on excellence in Europe and raising its profile at international level. The ERC should maintain regular contact with the scientific community and European Institutions. |
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(15)

Under the ‘Ideas’ programme, activities should be implemented by a European Research Council (‘ERC’), which should enjoy a high degree of autonomy to develop very high-level frontier research at European level, building on excellence in Europe and raising its profile at international level. The ERC should maintain regular contact with the scientific community and European Institutions.

| (16) | Under the ‘People’ programme, individuals should be stimulated to enter into the profession of researcher, European researchers should be encouraged to stay in Europe, researchers from the entire world should be attracted to Europe and Europe should be made more attractive to the best researchers. Building on the positive experiences with the ‘Marie Curie Actions’ under previous Framework Programmes, the ‘People’ programme should encourage individuals to enter the profession of researcher; structure the research training offer and options; encourage European researchers to stay in, or return to, Europe; encourage intersectoral mobility, and attract researchers from all over the world to Europe. The mobility of researchers is key not only to the career development of researchers but also to the sharing and transfer of knowledge between countries and sectors and to ensuring that innovative frontier research in various disciplines benefits from dedicated and competent researchers, as well as increased financial resources. |
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(16)

Under the ‘People’ programme, individuals should be stimulated to enter into the profession of researcher, European researchers should be encouraged to stay in Europe, researchers from the entire world should be attracted to Europe and Europe should be made more attractive to the best researchers. Building on the positive experiences with the ‘Marie Curie Actions’ under previous Framework Programmes, the ‘People’ programme should encourage individuals to enter the profession of researcher; structure the research training offer and options; encourage European researchers to stay in, or return to, Europe; encourage intersectoral mobility, and attract researchers from all over the world to Europe. The mobility of researchers is key not only to the career development of researchers but also to the sharing and transfer of knowledge between countries and sectors and to ensuring that innovative frontier research in various disciplines benefits from dedicated and competent researchers, as well as increased financial resources.

| (17) | Under the ‘Capacities’ programme, the use and development of research infrastructures should be optimised; innovative capacities of SMEs and their ability to benefit from research should be strengthened; the development of regional research-driven clusters should be supported; the research potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions should be unlocked; science and society should be brought closer together in European society; support should be given to the coherent development of research policies at national and Community level and horizontal actions and measures in support of international cooperation should be undertaken. |
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(17)

Under the ‘Capacities’ programme, the use and development of research infrastructures should be optimised; innovative capacities of SMEs and their ability to benefit from research should be strengthened; the development of regional research-driven clusters should be supported; the research potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions should be unlocked; science and society should be brought closer together in European society; support should be given to the coherent development of research policies at national and Community level and horizontal actions and measures in support of international cooperation should be undertaken.

| (18) | The Joint Research Centre (JRC) should contribute to providing customer-driven scientific and technological support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies. In this regard, it is useful that the JRC continues to function as an independent reference centre for science and technology in the EU in the areas of its specific competence. |
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(18)

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) should contribute to providing customer-driven scientific and technological support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies. In this regard, it is useful that the JRC continues to function as an independent reference centre for science and technology in the EU in the areas of its specific competence.

| (19) | The regions have an important part to play in implementing the European Research Area. Unlocking the development potential of regions and wide dissemination of the results of research and technological development help to bridge the technological divide and contribute to European competitiveness. |
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(19)

The regions have an important part to play in implementing the European Research Area. Unlocking the development potential of regions and wide dissemination of the results of research and technological development help to bridge the technological divide and contribute to European competitiveness.

| (20) | The Seventh Framework Programme complements the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort to achieve the Lisbon goals, alongside in particular those under the structural funds and those relating to agriculture, education, training, competitiveness and innovation, industry, employment and environment. |
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(20)

The Seventh Framework Programme complements the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort to achieve the Lisbon goals, alongside in particular those under the structural funds and those relating to agriculture, education, training, competitiveness and innovation, industry, employment and environment.

| (21) | Mutual synergies and complementarity should be assured with Community policies and programmes, while also addressing the need for a strengthened and simplified approach to research funding, which is particularly important for SMEs. |
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(21)

Mutual synergies and complementarity should be assured with Community policies and programmes, while also addressing the need for a strengthened and simplified approach to research funding, which is particularly important for SMEs.

| (22) | The Seventh Framework Programme should aim, in particular, to secure the appropriate involvement of SMEs. Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should be complementary to those undertaken under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme. |
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(22)

The Seventh Framework Programme should aim, in particular, to secure the appropriate involvement of SMEs. Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should be complementary to those undertaken under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme.

| (23) | Participation in the activities of this Framework Programme should be facilitated through the publication of all relevant information, to be made available in a timely and user-friendly manner to all potential participants. |
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(23)

Participation in the activities of this Framework Programme should be facilitated through the publication of all relevant information, to be made available in a timely and user-friendly manner to all potential participants.

| (24) | Taking into account the mid-term review of the use of new instruments under the Sixth Framework Programme and the Five Year Assessment of the Framework Programme, a new approach has been defined which should allow the political objectives of Community research policy to be reached more easily, more efficiently and in a more flexible way. To this end, a smaller set of simpler ‘funding schemes’ should be used, alone or in combination, with more flexibility and freedom, to support the different actions, and stronger management autonomy should be granted to participants. |
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(24)

Taking into account the mid-term review of the use of new instruments under the Sixth Framework Programme and the Five Year Assessment of the Framework Programme, a new approach has been defined which should allow the political objectives of Community research policy to be reached more easily, more efficiently and in a more flexible way. To this end, a smaller set of simpler ‘funding schemes’ should be used, alone or in combination, with more flexibility and freedom, to support the different actions, and stronger management autonomy should be granted to participants.

| (25) | Given the broad interest in the Framework Programme actions, the leverage effect of funding in national and private investments, the need to enable the Community to meet new scientific and technological challenges and to make full use of its researchers' potential without discrimination, the vital role the Community intervention plays in making the European research system more efficient and effective, as well as the possible contribution of the Framework Programme to the efforts of, inter alia, finding solutions to climate change and sustainability, the health of Europe's population and the reinvigoration of the Lisbon strategy, there is a need for Community research activities. |
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(25)

Given the broad interest in the Framework Programme actions, the leverage effect of funding in national and private investments, the need to enable the Community to meet new scientific and technological challenges and to make full use of its researchers' potential without discrimination, the vital role the Community intervention plays in making the European research system more efficient and effective, as well as the possible contribution of the Framework Programme to the efforts of, inter alia, finding solutions to climate change and sustainability, the health of Europe's population and the reinvigoration of the Lisbon strategy, there is a need for Community research activities.

| (26) | Implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty. |
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(26)

Implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty.

| (27) | The Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to reaping the full benefits of internationalisation of RTD, to contributing to the production of global public goods and to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. |
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(27)

The Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to reaping the full benefits of internationalisation of RTD, to contributing to the production of global public goods and to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community.

| (28) | There is already a significant body of scientific knowledge capable of drastically improving the lives of those who live in developing countries; where possible, the Framework Programme will — in the framework of the activities described above — contribute to meeting the Millennium Development Goals by 2010. |
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(28)

There is already a significant body of scientific knowledge capable of drastically improving the lives of those who live in developing countries; where possible, the Framework Programme will — in the framework of the activities described above — contribute to meeting the Millennium Development Goals by 2010.

| (29) | The Seventh Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting growth, sustainable development and environmental protection, including addressing the problem of climate change. |
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(29)

The Seventh Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting growth, sustainable development and environmental protection, including addressing the problem of climate change.

| (30) | Research activities supported by the seventh Framework Programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies are and will be taken into account. Research activities should also take into account the Protocol on the Protection and Welfare of Animals and reduce the use of animals in research and testing, with a view ultimately to replacing animal use. |
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(30)

Research activities supported by the seventh Framework Programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies are and will be taken into account. Research activities should also take into account the Protocol on the Protection and Welfare of Animals and reduce the use of animals in research and testing, with a view ultimately to replacing animal use.

| (31) | Under the Seventh Framework Programme the role of women in science and research will be actively promoted by appropriate measures with a view to encouraging greater numbers to become involved in this domain and further enhancing their active role in research. |
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(31)

Under the Seventh Framework Programme the role of women in science and research will be actively promoted by appropriate measures with a view to encouraging greater numbers to become involved in this domain and further enhancing their active role in research.

| (32) | This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial envelope constituting the prime reference, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (5), for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure. |
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(32)

This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial envelope constituting the prime reference, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (5), for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure.

| (33) | Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should also be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud, and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8). |
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(33)

Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should also be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud, and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8).

| (34) | It is important to ensure sound financial management of the Seventh Framework Programme and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while also ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme to all participants. It is necessary to ensure compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (9), and with the requirements of simplification and better regulation. |
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(34)

It is important to ensure sound financial management of the Seventh Framework Programme and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while also ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme to all participants. It is necessary to ensure compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (9), and with the requirements of simplification and better regulation.

| (35) | Since the objective of the actions to be taken in accordance with Article 163 of the Treaty, namely contributing towards the creation of a knowledge-based society and economy in Europe, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, the Seventh Framework Programme does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective, |
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(35)

Since the objective of the actions to be taken in accordance with Article 163 of the Treaty, namely contributing towards the creation of a knowledge-based society and economy in Europe, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, the Seventh Framework Programme does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective,

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Adoption of the Seventh Framework Programme

The Framework Programme for Community activities in the area of research and technological development (‘RTD’), including demonstration activities (‘the Seventh Framework Programme’) is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.

Article 2

Objectives and activities

1.   The Seventh Framework Programme shall support the activities set out in points (i) to (iv). The objectives and the broad lines of those activities are set out in Annex I.

| (i) | Cooperation: supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas:






  (a) | Health; |
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(i)

Cooperation: supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas:

(a)

Health;

| (b) | Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology; |
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(b)

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology;

| (c) | Information and Communication Technologies; |
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(c)

Information and Communication Technologies;

| (d) | Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; |
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(d)

Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies;

| (e) | Energy; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Energy;

| (f) | Environment (including Climate Change); |
| --- | --- |

(f)

Environment (including Climate Change);

| (g) | Transport (including Aeronautics); |
| --- | --- |

(g)

Transport (including Aeronautics);

| (h) | Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities;

| (i) | Space; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Space;

| (j) | Security. |
| --- | --- |

(j)

Security.

| (ii) | Ideas: supporting ‘investigator-driven’ research carried out across all fields by individual national or transnational teams in competition at the European level. |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Ideas: supporting ‘investigator-driven’ research carried out across all fields by individual national or transnational teams in competition at the European level.

| (iii) | People: strengthening, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human potential in research and technological development in Europe, as well as encouraging mobility. |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

People: strengthening, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human potential in research and technological development in Europe, as well as encouraging mobility.

| (iv) | Capacities: supporting key aspects of European research and innovation capacities such as research infrastructures; regional research driven clusters; the development of a full research potential in the Community's convergence and outermost regions; research for the benefit of small and medium sized enterprises (‘SMEs’) (10); ‘Science in Society’ issues; support to coherent development of policies; horizontal activities of international cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

Capacities: supporting key aspects of European research and innovation capacities such as research infrastructures; regional research driven clusters; the development of a full research potential in the Community's convergence and outermost regions; research for the benefit of small and medium sized enterprises (‘SMEs’) (10); ‘Science in Society’ issues; support to coherent development of policies; horizontal activities of international cooperation.

2.   The Seventh Framework Programme shall also support the non-nuclear direct scientific and technical actions carried out by the Joint Research Centre (‘JRC’) as defined in Annex I.

Article 3

Specific programmes

The Seventh Framework Programme shall be implemented through specific programmes. These programmes shall specify precise objectives and the detailed rules for implementation.

Article 4

Maximum overall amount and shares assigned to each programme

1.   The maximum overall amount for Community financial participation in this Seventh Framework Programme shall be EUR 50 521 million (11). That amount shall be distributed among the activities and actions referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 2 as follows (in EUR million):

| Cooperation | 32 365 |
| --- | --- |
| Ideas | 7 460 |
| People | 4 728 |
| Capacities | 4 217 |
| Non-nuclear actions of the Joint Research Centre | 1 751 |

Cooperation

32 365

Ideas

7 460

People

4 728

Capacities

4 217

Non-nuclear actions of the Joint Research Centre

1 751

2.   The indicative breakdown among the thematic areas of each activity referred to in paragraph 1 is set out in Annex II.

3.   The detailed rules for Community financial participation in this Framework Programme are set out in Annex III.

Article 5

Protection of the Communities' financial interests

For the Community actions financed under this Decision, Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 and Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 shall apply to any infringement of a provision of Community law, including infringements of a contractual obligation stipulated on the basis of the programme, resulting from an act or omission by an economic operator, which has, or would have, the effect of prejudicing the general budget of the European Union or budgets managed by it, by an unjustified item of expenditure.

Article 6

Ethical principles

1.   All the research activities carried out under the Seventh Framework Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

2.   The following fields of research shall not be financed under this Framework Programme:

| — | research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes, |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes,

| — | research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (12),

| — | research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer. |
| --- | --- |

—

research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer.

3.   Research on human stem cells, both adult and embryonic, may be financed, depending both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

Any application for financing for research on human embryonic stem cells shall include, as appropriate, details of licensing and control measures that will be taken by the competent authorities of the Member States as well as details of the ethical approval(s) that will be provided.

As regards the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, institutions, organisations and researchers shall be subject to strict licensing and control in accordance with the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

4.   The fields of research set out in paragraph 2 shall be reviewed for the second phase of this programme (2010-2013) in the light of scientific advances.

Article 7

Monitoring, evaluation and review

1.   The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme and its specific programmes and regularly report and disseminate the results of this monitoring.

2.   No later than 2010, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of external experts, an evidence-based interim evaluation of this Framework Programme and its specific programmes building upon the ex-post evaluation of the Sixth Framework Programme. This evaluation shall cover the quality of the research activities under way, as well as the quality of implementation and management, and progress towards the objectives set.

The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its observations and, where appropriate, proposals for the adaptation of this Framework Programme, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

The interim evaluation shall be preceded by a progress report as soon as enough data becomes available, giving initial findings on the effectiveness of the new actions initiated under the Seventh Framework Programme and of the efforts made with regard to simplification.

3.   Two years following the completion of this Framework Programme, the Commission shall carry out an external evaluation by independent experts of its rationale, implementation and achievements.

The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

Done at Brussels, ...

For the European Parliament

The President

...

For the Council

The President

...

---

(1)  OJ C 65, 17.3.2006, p. 9.

1

(2)  OJ C 115, 16.5.2006, p. 20.

2

(3)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 15 June 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal), Council Common Position of 25 September 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Position of the European Parliament of ... (not yet published in the Official Journal).

3

(4)  OJ C 320 E, 15.12.2005, p. 259.

4

(5)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

5

(6)  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

6

(7)  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

7

(8)  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

8

(9)  OL L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

9

(10)  Throughout the Seventh Framework Programme, ‘SMEs’ are understood to include microenterprises.

10

(11)  Note: all figures are in current prices reflecting the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) on the Financial Framework (2007-2013). Accordingly, IIA figure for FP7 for 2007-2013 of EUR 48 081 million in 2004 prices corresponds to EUR 54 582 million for 2007-2013 in current prices, of which EUR 50 521 million for FP7 (EC) for 2007-2013, EUR 2 751 million for FP7 (Euratom) for 2007-2011 and indicatively EUR 1 310 million for Euratom programme for 2012-2013.

11

(12)  Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads can be financed.

12

---

ANNEX I

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, BROAD LINES OF THE THEMES AND ACTIVITIES

The Seventh Framework Programme will be carried out to pursue the general objectives described in Article 163 of the Treaty, to strengthen industrial competitiveness and to meet the research needs of other Community policies, thereby contributing to the creation of a knowledge-based society, building on a European Research Area and complementing activities at a national and regional level. It will promote excellence in scientific and technological research, development and demonstration through the following four programmes: cooperation, ideas, people and capacities.

I.   Cooperation

In this part of the Seventh Framework Programme, support will be provided to transnational cooperation in different forms across the Union and beyond, in a number of thematic areas corresponding to major fields of knowledge and technology, where the highest quality research must be supported and strengthened to address European social, economic, environmental and industrial challenges. The bulk of this effort will be directed towards improving industrial competitiveness, with a research agenda that reflects the needs of users throughout Europe.

The overarching aim is to contribute to sustainable development.

The ten themes determined for Community action are the following:

| 1) | Health; |
| --- | --- |

1)

Health;

| 2) | Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology; |
| --- | --- |

2)

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology;

| 3) | Information and Communication Technologies; |
| --- | --- |

3)

Information and Communication Technologies;

| 4) | Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; |
| --- | --- |

4)

Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies;

| 5) | Energy; |
| --- | --- |

5)

Energy;

| 6) | Environment (including Climate Change); |
| --- | --- |

6)

Environment (including Climate Change);

| 7) | Transport (including Aeronautics); |
| --- | --- |

7)

Transport (including Aeronautics);

| 8) | Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities; |
| --- | --- |

8)

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities;

| 9) | Space; |
| --- | --- |

9)

Space;

| 10) | Security. |
| --- | --- |

10)

Security.

These themes are broadly defined at relatively high level, such that they can adapt to evolving needs and opportunities that may arise during the lifetime of the Seventh Framework Programme. For each of them, a series of activities has been identified which indicates the broad lines envisaged for Community support. These activities have been identified on the basis of their contribution to Community objectives, including the transition to a knowledge-based society, the relevant European research potential and the added value of Community level intervention for these subjects.

Special attention will be paid to ensuring there is effective coordination between the thematic areas and to priority scientific areas which cut across themes, such as forestry research, cultural heritage, marine sciences and technologies.

Multidisciplinarity will be encouraged by joint cross-thematic approaches to research and technology subjects relevant to more than one theme, with joint calls being an important inter-thematic form of cooperation.

In the case of subjects of industrial relevance in particular, the topics have been identified relying, among other sources, on the work of different ‘European Technology Platforms’ set up in fields where Europe's competitiveness, economic growth and welfare depend on important research and technological progress in the medium to long term. European Technology Platforms bring together stakeholders, under industrial leadership, to define and implement a Strategic Research Agenda. This Framework Programme will contribute to the realisation of these Strategic Research Agendas where these present true European added value. European Technology Platforms can play a role in facilitating and organising the participation of industry, including SMEs, in research projects relating to their specific field, including projects eligible for funding under the Framework Programme.

The ten themes also include research needed to underpin the formulation, implementation and assessment of Community policies, in areas such as health, safety, consumer protection, energy, the environment, development aid, fisheries, maritime affairs, agriculture, animal welfare, transport, education and training, employment, social affairs, cohesion, and the creation of an Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, along with pre-normative and co-normative research relevant to improving interoperability and the quality of standards and their implementation.

Under each theme, beside these activities, two types of opportunities will be addressed in an open and flexible way:

| — | Future and Emerging Technologies: to support research aiming at identifying or further exploring new scientific and technological opportunities in a given field and/or in their combination with other relevant areas and disciplines through specific support for spontaneous research proposals, including by joint calls; to nurture novel ideas and radically new uses and to explore new options in research roadmaps, in particular those with a potential for significant breakthroughs; adequate coordination with the activities carried out under the Ideas programme will be guaranteed in order to avoid overlap and ensure an optimum use of funding. |
| --- | --- |

—

Future and Emerging Technologies: to support research aiming at identifying or further exploring new scientific and technological opportunities in a given field and/or in their combination with other relevant areas and disciplines through specific support for spontaneous research proposals, including by joint calls; to nurture novel ideas and radically new uses and to explore new options in research roadmaps, in particular those with a potential for significant breakthroughs; adequate coordination with the activities carried out under the Ideas programme will be guaranteed in order to avoid overlap and ensure an optimum use of funding.

| — | Unforeseen policy needs: to respond in a flexible way to new policy needs that arise during the course of the Framework Programme, such as unforeseen developments or events requiring a quick reaction, for example, the new epidemics, emerging concerns in food safety or natural disaster response. |
| --- | --- |

—

Unforeseen policy needs: to respond in a flexible way to new policy needs that arise during the course of the Framework Programme, such as unforeseen developments or events requiring a quick reaction, for example, the new epidemics, emerging concerns in food safety or natural disaster response.

The dissemination and transfer of knowledge is a key added value of European research actions, and measures will be taken to increase the use of results by industry, policy makers and society. Dissemination will be considered an integral task under all thematic areas, with appropriate restrictions for the security theme due to the confidentiality aspects of the activities, including through the funding of networking initiatives, seminars and events, assistance by external experts and information and electronic services in particular CORDIS.

Complementarity and synergy between this programme and other Community programmes will be ensured. Actions to support innovation will be taken under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme.

Particular attention should be paid to ensuring the adequate participation of SMEs (1), in particular knowledge-intensive SME in transnational cooperation. Concrete measures, including support actions to facilitate SME participation, will be taken throughout the ‘Cooperation’ part of the programme in the framework of a strategy to be developed under each theme. These strategies will be accompanied by quantitative and qualitative monitoring against the objectives set. The aim will be to enable at least 15 % of the funding available under the ‘Cooperation’ part of the programme to go to SMEs.

Support will also be provided to initiatives aimed at engaging the broadest possible public beyond the research community in the debate on scientific issues and research results, and to initiatives in the field of scientific communication and education, including the involvement, where appropriate, of civil society organisations or networks of such organisations. The integration of the gender dimension and gender equality will be addressed in all areas of research.

Raising the competitiveness of European research requires that the potential across the whole European Research Area is fully unlocked. Projects, aiming at providing scientific excellence, should be managed optimally with particular regard to the use of resources.

Across all these themes, support for trans-national cooperation will be implemented through:

| — | Collaborative research, |
| --- | --- |

—

Collaborative research,

| — | Joint Technology Initiatives, |
| --- | --- |

—

Joint Technology Initiatives,

| — | Coordination of non-Community research programmes, |
| --- | --- |

—

Coordination of non-Community research programmes,

| — | International cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

—

International cooperation.

Collaborative Research

Collaborative research will constitute the bulk and the core of Community research funding. The objective is to establish, in the major fields of advancement of knowledge, excellent research projects and networks able to attract researchers and investments from Europe and the entire world.

This will be achieved by supporting collaborative research through a range of funding schemes: collaborative projects, networks of excellence, coordination/support actions (see Annex III).

Joint Technology Initiatives

In a very limited number of cases, the scope of an RTD objective and the scale of the resources involved could justify setting up long term public private partnerships in the form of Joint Technology Initiatives. These initiatives, mainly resulting from the work of European Technology Platforms and covering one or a small number of selected aspects of research in their field, will combine private sector investment and national and European public funding, including grant funding from the Seventh Framework Programme and loan and guarantee finance from the European Investment Bank. Each Joint Technology Initiative will be decided upon individually, either on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty (this may include the creation of a joint undertaking) or on the basis of Specific Programme Decisions in accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty.

Potential Joint Technology Initiatives will be identified in an open and transparent way on the basis of an evaluation using a series of criteria:

| — | inability of existing instruments to achieve the objective, |
| --- | --- |

—

inability of existing instruments to achieve the objective,

| — | scale of the impact on industrial competitiveness and growth, |
| --- | --- |

—

scale of the impact on industrial competitiveness and growth,

| — | added value of European-level intervention, |
| --- | --- |

—

added value of European-level intervention,

| — | the degree and clarity of definition of the objective and deliverables to be pursued, |
| --- | --- |

—

the degree and clarity of definition of the objective and deliverables to be pursued,

| — | strength of the financial and resource commitment from industry, |
| --- | --- |

—

strength of the financial and resource commitment from industry,

| — | importance of the contribution to broader policy objectives including benefit to society, |
| --- | --- |

—

importance of the contribution to broader policy objectives including benefit to society,

| — | capacity to attract additional national support and leverage current and future industry funding. |
| --- | --- |

—

capacity to attract additional national support and leverage current and future industry funding.

The nature of the Joint Technology Initiatives must be clearly defined, in particular with regard to matters concerning:

| — | financial commitments, |
| --- | --- |

—

financial commitments,

| — | duration of the commitment of the participants, |
| --- | --- |

—

duration of the commitment of the participants,

| — | rules for entering and exiting the contract, |
| --- | --- |

—

rules for entering and exiting the contract,

| — | intellectual property rights. |
| --- | --- |

—

intellectual property rights.

Considering the particular scope and complexity of the Joint Technology Initiatives, strong efforts will be made to ensure their transparent operation and to ensure that any allocation of Community funding by the Joint Technology Initiatives takes place on the basis of the Framework Programme principles of excellence and competition.

Particular attention will be paid to the overall coherence and coordination between Joint Technology Initiatives and programmes and projects in the same fields (2), while respecting their existing implementation procedures, as well as to ensuring that participation in their projects is open to a wide range of participants throughout Europe, in particular SMEs.

Coordination of Non-Community Research Programmes

The action undertaken in this field will make use of two main tools: the ERA-NET scheme and the participation of the Community in jointly implemented national research programmes (under Article 169 of the Treaty). The action may cover subjects not directly linked to the ten themes in so far as they have sufficient European added value. The action will also be used to enhance the complementarity and synergy between the Seventh Framework Programme and activities carried out in the framework of intergovernmental structures such as EUREKA and COST (3).

The ERA-NET scheme will develop and strengthen the coordination of national and regional research activities by:

| — | providing a framework for actors implementing public research programmes to step up the coordination of their activities. This will include support for new ERA-NETs as well as for the broadening and deepening of the scope of existing ERA-NETs, e.g. by extending their partnership, as well as mutually opening their programmes. Where appropriate, ERA-NETs could be used for programme coordination between European regions and Member States to enable their cooperation with large-scale initiatives, |
| --- | --- |

—

providing a framework for actors implementing public research programmes to step up the coordination of their activities. This will include support for new ERA-NETs as well as for the broadening and deepening of the scope of existing ERA-NETs, e.g. by extending their partnership, as well as mutually opening their programmes. Where appropriate, ERA-NETs could be used for programme coordination between European regions and Member States to enable their cooperation with large-scale initiatives,

| — | in a limited number of cases, providing additional Community financial support to those participants that pool resources for the purpose of joint calls for proposals between their respective national and regional programmes (‘ERA-NET PLUS’). |
| --- | --- |

—

in a limited number of cases, providing additional Community financial support to those participants that pool resources for the purpose of joint calls for proposals between their respective national and regional programmes (‘ERA-NET PLUS’).

The participation of the Community in research programmes jointly implemented on the basis of Article 169 of the Treaty is especially relevant to European cooperation on a large scale in ‘variable geometry’ between Member States sharing common needs and/or interests. In well-identified cases such Article 169 initiatives could be launched in areas to be identified in close association with the Member States, including the possible cooperation with intergovernmental programmes, on the basis of a series of criteria:

| — | relevance to Community objectives, |
| --- | --- |

—

relevance to Community objectives,

| — | the clear definition of the objective to be pursued and its relevance to the objectives of this Framework Programme, |
| --- | --- |

—

the clear definition of the objective to be pursued and its relevance to the objectives of this Framework Programme,

| — | presence of a pre-existing basis (existing or envisaged research programmes), |
| --- | --- |

—

presence of a pre-existing basis (existing or envisaged research programmes),

| — | European added value, |
| --- | --- |

—

European added value,

| — | critical mass, with regard to the size and the number of programmes involved and the similarity of activities they cover, |
| --- | --- |

—

critical mass, with regard to the size and the number of programmes involved and the similarity of activities they cover,

| — | efficiency of Article 169 as the most appropriate means for achieving the objectives. |
| --- | --- |

—

efficiency of Article 169 as the most appropriate means for achieving the objectives.

International Cooperation

International cooperation actions, showing European added value and being of mutual interest, under this part of the Seventh Framework Programme will be:

| — | actions designed to enhance participation of researchers and research institutions from third countries in the thematic areas, with appropriate restrictions for the security theme due to the confidentiality aspects, accompanied by strong efforts to encourage them to seize this opportunity. |
| --- | --- |

—

actions designed to enhance participation of researchers and research institutions from third countries in the thematic areas, with appropriate restrictions for the security theme due to the confidentiality aspects, accompanied by strong efforts to encourage them to seize this opportunity.

| — | Specific cooperation actions in each thematic area dedicated to third countries where there is mutual interest in co-operating on particular topics selected on the basis of the scientific and technological level and needs of the countries concerned. Closely associated with the bilateral cooperation agreements or multilateral dialogues between the EU and these countries or groups of countries, these actions will serve as privileged tools for implementing the cooperation between the EU and these countries. Such actions are, in particular, actions aiming at reinforcing the research capacities of candidate countries as well as neighbourhood countries and cooperative activities targeted at developing and emerging countries, focusing on their particular needs in fields such as health, agriculture, fisheries and environment, and implemented in financial conditions adapted to their capacities. |
| --- | --- |

—

Specific cooperation actions in each thematic area dedicated to third countries where there is mutual interest in co-operating on particular topics selected on the basis of the scientific and technological level and needs of the countries concerned. Closely associated with the bilateral cooperation agreements or multilateral dialogues between the EU and these countries or groups of countries, these actions will serve as privileged tools for implementing the cooperation between the EU and these countries. Such actions are, in particular, actions aiming at reinforcing the research capacities of candidate countries as well as neighbourhood countries and cooperative activities targeted at developing and emerging countries, focusing on their particular needs in fields such as health, agriculture, fisheries and environment, and implemented in financial conditions adapted to their capacities.

This part of the Framework Programme covers the international cooperation actions in each thematic area and across themes. Such actions will be implemented in coordination with those under the ‘People’ and the ‘Capacities’ programmes. An overall strategy for international cooperation within the Seventh Framework Programme will underpin this activity.

THEMES

1.   Health

Objective

Improving the health of European citizens and increasing the competitiveness and boosting the innovative capacity of European health-related industries and businesses, while addressing global health issues including emerging epidemics. Emphasis will be put on translational research (translation of basic discoveries into clinical applications including scientific validation of experimental results), the development and validation of new therapies, methods for health promotion and prevention, including promotion of healthy ageing, diagnostic tools and medical technologies, as well as sustainable and efficient healthcare systems.

Rationale

The sequencing of the human genome and the recent advances in post-genomics have revolutionised research into human health and diseases. Integrating the vast amounts of data, understanding underlying biological processes and developing key technologies for health-related bio-industries requires the bringing together of critical masses of various expertise and resources that are not available at a national level, with a view to developing knowledge and capacity for intervention.

Significant advances in translational health research, which is essential to ensure that biomedical research provides practical benefits and improves life quality, also require multidisciplinary and pan-European approaches involving different stakeholders. Such approaches allow Europe to contribute more effectively to international efforts to combat diseases of global importance.

Clinical research on many diseases (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, mental and neurological diseases, in particular those linked with ageing, such as Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases) relies on international multi-centre trials to achieve the required number of patients in a short time-frame.

Epidemiological research requires a large diversity of populations and international networks to reach significant conclusions. Developing new diagnostics and treatments for rare disorders, as well as performing epidemiological research on those disorders, also requires multi-country approaches to increase the number of patients for each study. In addition, performing health policy-driven research at the European level enables comparisons to be made of the models, systems, data, and patient material held in national databases and biobanks.

Strong EU-based biomedical research will help strengthen the competitiveness of the European healthcare biotechnology, medical technology and pharmaceutical industries. EU collaboration with developing countries will allow those countries to develop research capacities. The EU must also play an active role in creating an environment conducive to innovation in public and pharmaceutical sectors which address public health needs, in particular to maximise the success of clinical research. Research-based SMEs are the main economic drivers of the healthcare biotechnology and medical technology industries. Although Europe now has more biotechnology companies than the US, most of them are small and less mature than their competitors. Public-private research efforts at the EU level will facilitate their development. EU research will also contribute to the development of new norms and standards to set up an appropriate legislative framework for new medical technologies (e.g. regenerative medicine). The global leadership of European research and innovation in the field of alternative testing strategies, in particular non-animal methods, should be ensured.

The activities that will be addressed, which include research essential to policy requirements, are set out below. The strategic issues of child health and health of the ageing population will receive specific attention across the activities. Long-term research agendas such as those established by European Technology Platforms, such as the one on innovative medicines, will be supported where relevant. To respond to new policy needs, additional actions may be supported in, for example, the areas of health policy issues and occupational health and safety.

Ethical, legal and socio-economic issues will be taken into account within each of the following activities.

Activities

| — | Biotechnology, generic tools and medical technologies for human health






  — | High-throughput research: to catalyse progress in fundamental genomics (genome and post-genome) and biomedical research by enhancing data generation, standardisation, acquisition and analysis. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Biotechnology, generic tools and medical technologies for human health

—

High-throughput research: to catalyse progress in fundamental genomics (genome and post-genome) and biomedical research by enhancing data generation, standardisation, acquisition and analysis.

| — | Detection, diagnosis and monitoring: with emphasis on non-invasive or minimally invasive approaches and technologies such as new preventive tools for regenerative medicine (e.g. through molecular imaging and diagnostics). |
| --- | --- |

—

Detection, diagnosis and monitoring: with emphasis on non-invasive or minimally invasive approaches and technologies such as new preventive tools for regenerative medicine (e.g. through molecular imaging and diagnostics).

| — | Predicting suitability, safety and efficacy of therapies: to develop and validate biological markers, in vivo and in vitro methods and models, including simulation, pharmacogenomics, targeting and delivery approaches and alternatives to animal testing. |
| --- | --- |

—

Predicting suitability, safety and efficacy of therapies: to develop and validate biological markers, in vivo and in vitro methods and models, including simulation, pharmacogenomics, targeting and delivery approaches and alternatives to animal testing.

| — | Innovative therapeutic approaches and intervention: to research, consolidate and ensure further developments in advanced therapies and technologies with potential application in many diseases and disorders such as new therapeutic tools for regenerative medicine. |
| --- | --- |

—

Innovative therapeutic approaches and intervention: to research, consolidate and ensure further developments in advanced therapies and technologies with potential application in many diseases and disorders such as new therapeutic tools for regenerative medicine.

| — | Translating research for human health






  — | Integrating biological data and processes — large-scale data gathering, systems biology (including modelling of complex systems): to generate and analyse the vast amount of data needed to understand better the complex regulatory networks of thousands of genes and gene-products controlling important biological processes in all relevant organisms and at all levels of organisation. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Translating research for human health

—

Integrating biological data and processes — large-scale data gathering, systems biology (including modelling of complex systems): to generate and analyse the vast amount of data needed to understand better the complex regulatory networks of thousands of genes and gene-products controlling important biological processes in all relevant organisms and at all levels of organisation.

| — | Research on the brain and related diseases, human development and ageing: to explore the process of healthy ageing and the way genes and environment interact with brain activity both under normal conditions and in brain diseases and relevant age-related illness (e.g. dementia). |
| --- | --- |

—

Research on the brain and related diseases, human development and ageing: to explore the process of healthy ageing and the way genes and environment interact with brain activity both under normal conditions and in brain diseases and relevant age-related illness (e.g. dementia).

| — | Translational research in infectious diseases: to address drug resistance, the global threats of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, as well as Hepatitis C and potentially new and re-emerging epidemics (e.g. SARS and highly pathogenic influenza). |
| --- | --- |

—

Translational research in infectious diseases: to address drug resistance, the global threats of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, as well as Hepatitis C and potentially new and re-emerging epidemics (e.g. SARS and highly pathogenic influenza).

| — | Translational research in major diseases — cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes/obesity; rare diseases; other chronic diseases including rheumatoid diseases, arthritis and musco-skeletal diseases: to develop patient-oriented strategies from prevention to diagnosis with particular emphasis on treatment, including clinical research. Aspects of palliative medicine will be taken into account. |
| --- | --- |

—

Translational research in major diseases — cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes/obesity; rare diseases; other chronic diseases including rheumatoid diseases, arthritis and musco-skeletal diseases: to develop patient-oriented strategies from prevention to diagnosis with particular emphasis on treatment, including clinical research. Aspects of palliative medicine will be taken into account.

| — | Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens






  — | Translating clinical outcome into clinical practice: to create the knowledge bases for clinical decision-making and to address the translation of outcomes of clinical research into clinical practice, especially addressing patient safety and the better use of medicines (including some aspects of pharmacovigilance and scientifically tested complementary and alternative medicines) as well as the specificities of children, women and the elderly population. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens

—

Translating clinical outcome into clinical practice: to create the knowledge bases for clinical decision-making and to address the translation of outcomes of clinical research into clinical practice, especially addressing patient safety and the better use of medicines (including some aspects of pharmacovigilance and scientifically tested complementary and alternative medicines) as well as the specificities of children, women and the elderly population.

| — | Quality, efficiency and solidarity of health care systems including transitional health care systems and home-care strategies: to translate effective interventions into management decisions, to assess the cost, efficiency and benefits of different interventions including with regard to patient safety, to define the needs and conditions for an adequate supply of human resources, to analyse factors influencing equity of access to high-quality health care (also by disadvantaged groups), including analyses of changes in population (e.g. ageing, mobility and migration, and the changing workplace). |
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Quality, efficiency and solidarity of health care systems including transitional health care systems and home-care strategies: to translate effective interventions into management decisions, to assess the cost, efficiency and benefits of different interventions including with regard to patient safety, to define the needs and conditions for an adequate supply of human resources, to analyse factors influencing equity of access to high-quality health care (also by disadvantaged groups), including analyses of changes in population (e.g. ageing, mobility and migration, and the changing workplace).

| — | Enhanced disease prevention and better use of medicines: to develop efficient public health interventions addressing wider determinants of health (such as stress, diet, lifestyle or environmental factors and their interaction with medication); to identify successful interventions in different health care settings to improve the prescription of medicines and their use by patients (including pharmacovigilance aspects and interactions of medicines). |
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Enhanced disease prevention and better use of medicines: to develop efficient public health interventions addressing wider determinants of health (such as stress, diet, lifestyle or environmental factors and their interaction with medication); to identify successful interventions in different health care settings to improve the prescription of medicines and their use by patients (including pharmacovigilance aspects and interactions of medicines).

| — | Appropriate use of new health therapies and technologies: long-term safety and effectiveness assessment and monitoring of large-scale use of new medical technologies (including devices) and advanced therapies to ensure a high level of protection and benefit for public health. |
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Appropriate use of new health therapies and technologies: long-term safety and effectiveness assessment and monitoring of large-scale use of new medical technologies (including devices) and advanced therapies to ensure a high level of protection and benefit for public health.

2.   Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology

Objective

Building a European knowledge-based bio-economy (4) by bringing together science, industry and other stakeholders, to exploit new and emerging research opportunities that address social, environmental and economic challenges: the growing demand for safer, healthier, higher quality food and for sustainable use and production of renewable bio-resources; the increasing risk of epizootic and zoonotic diseases and food related disorders; threats to the sustainability and security of agricultural, aquaculture and fisheries production; and the increasing demand for high quality food, taking into account animal welfare and rural and coastal contexts and response to specific dietary needs of consumers.

Rationale

Innovations and advancement of knowledge in the sustainable management, production and use of biological resources (micro-organisms, plants, animals), will provide the basis for new, sustainable, safe, eco-efficient and competitive products for agriculture, fisheries, feed, food, health, forest-based and related industries. In line with the European strategy on life sciences and biotechnology (5), this will help increase the competitiveness of European agriculture and biotechnology, seed and food companies, in particular high-tech SMEs, while improving social welfare and well-being.

Research into the safety of food and feed chains, diet-related diseases, food choices and the impact of food and nutrition on health will help to fight food-related disorders (e.g. obesity, allergies) and infectious diseases (e.g. transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, avian flu), while making an important contribution to the implementation of existing and the formulation of future policies and regulations in the areas of public, animal and plant health and consumer protection.

The diversity and mainly small size of the European industries in these areas, while being one of the Union's strengths and an opportunity, leads to fragmented approaches to similar problems. These are better addressed by increased collaboration and sharing of expertise, for example on new methodologies, technologies, processes and standards that result from changing Community legislation.

Several European Technology Platforms contribute to setting common research priorities, in fields such as plant genomics and biotechnology, forestry and forest based industries, global animal health, farm animal breeding, food and industrial biotechnology. The research carried out will provide the knowledge base needed to support the Common Agricultural Policy and European Forest Strategy; agriculture and trade issues; safety aspects of genetically modified organisms (‘GMOs’); food safety regulations; Community animal health, disease control and welfare standards; and the Common Fisheries Policy reform aiming to provide sustainable development of fishing and aquaculture and the safety of seafood products (6): With a view to ensuring social relevance, a flexible response to new policy needs is also foreseen, in particular with respect to new risks and social or economic trends and needs.

Activities

| — | Sustainable production and management of biological resources from land, forest, and aquatic environments: enabling research, including ‘omics’ technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, systems biology, bioinformatics and converging technologies for micro-organisms, plants and animals, including research on the exploitation and sustainable use of their biodiversity.
  For land-based biological resources, research will focus on: soil fertility, improved crops and production systems in all their diversity, including organic farming, quality production schemes and monitoring and assessment of the impact of GMOs on the environment and humans; plant health, sustainable, competitive and multifunctional agriculture, and forestry; rural development; animal health and welfare, breeding and production; infectious diseases in animals, including epidemiological studies, zoonoses and their pathogenic mechanisms, and diseases linked to animal feedstuffs; other threats to the sustainability and security of food production, including climate change; safe disposal of animal waste.
  For biological resources from aquatic environments, research will support sustainability and competitiveness of fisheries, provide the scientific and technical basis of fisheries management and support the sustainable development of aquaculture, including breeding and welfare.
  Development of tools (including ICT tools) needed by policy makers and other actors in areas such as agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, and rural development (landscape, land management practices etc.); socio-economic and ethical contexts of production. |
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Sustainable production and management of biological resources from land, forest, and aquatic environments: enabling research, including ‘omics’ technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, systems biology, bioinformatics and converging technologies for micro-organisms, plants and animals, including research on the exploitation and sustainable use of their biodiversity.

For land-based biological resources, research will focus on: soil fertility, improved crops and production systems in all their diversity, including organic farming, quality production schemes and monitoring and assessment of the impact of GMOs on the environment and humans; plant health, sustainable, competitive and multifunctional agriculture, and forestry; rural development; animal health and welfare, breeding and production; infectious diseases in animals, including epidemiological studies, zoonoses and their pathogenic mechanisms, and diseases linked to animal feedstuffs; other threats to the sustainability and security of food production, including climate change; safe disposal of animal waste.

For biological resources from aquatic environments, research will support sustainability and competitiveness of fisheries, provide the scientific and technical basis of fisheries management and support the sustainable development of aquaculture, including breeding and welfare.

Development of tools (including ICT tools) needed by policy makers and other actors in areas such as agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, and rural development (landscape, land management practices etc.); socio-economic and ethical contexts of production.

| — | ‘Fork to farm’ — food, health and well being: Consumer, societal, cultural, industrial and health as well as traditional aspects of food and feed, including behavioural and cognitive sciences; nutrition, diet-related diseases and disorders, including childhood and adult obesity and allergies; nutrition in relation to the prevention of diseases (including increased knowledge of the health bringing compounds and properties of food); innovative food and feed processing technologies (including packaging and technologies from non-food fields); improved quality and safety, both chemical and biological, of food, beverages and feed; enhanced food safety assurance methodologies; integrity (and control) of the food chain; physical and biological environmental impacts on and of food/feed chains; impact on, and resistance of, food chains to global changes; total food chain concept (including seafood and other food raw materials and components); traceability and its further development; authenticity of food; development of new ingredients and products. |
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‘Fork to farm’ — food, health and well being: Consumer, societal, cultural, industrial and health as well as traditional aspects of food and feed, including behavioural and cognitive sciences; nutrition, diet-related diseases and disorders, including childhood and adult obesity and allergies; nutrition in relation to the prevention of diseases (including increased knowledge of the health bringing compounds and properties of food); innovative food and feed processing technologies (including packaging and technologies from non-food fields); improved quality and safety, both chemical and biological, of food, beverages and feed; enhanced food safety assurance methodologies; integrity (and control) of the food chain; physical and biological environmental impacts on and of food/feed chains; impact on, and resistance of, food chains to global changes; total food chain concept (including seafood and other food raw materials and components); traceability and its further development; authenticity of food; development of new ingredients and products.

| — | Life sciences and biotechnology for sustainable non-food products and processes: improved crops and forest resources, feed-stocks, marine products and biomass (including marine resources) for energy, environment, and products with high added value such as materials and chemicals (including biological resources utilisable in pharmaceutical industry and medicine), including novel farming systems, bio-processes and bio-refinery concepts; bio-catalysis; new and improved micro-organisms and enzymes; forestry and forest based products and processes; environmental bio-remediation and cleaner bio-processing, the utilisation of agro-industrial wastes and by-products. |
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Life sciences and biotechnology for sustainable non-food products and processes: improved crops and forest resources, feed-stocks, marine products and biomass (including marine resources) for energy, environment, and products with high added value such as materials and chemicals (including biological resources utilisable in pharmaceutical industry and medicine), including novel farming systems, bio-processes and bio-refinery concepts; bio-catalysis; new and improved micro-organisms and enzymes; forestry and forest based products and processes; environmental bio-remediation and cleaner bio-processing, the utilisation of agro-industrial wastes and by-products.

3.   Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Objective

Improving the competitiveness of European industry and enabling Europe to master and shape future developments in ICT so that the demands of its society and economy are met. ICT is at the very core of the knowledge-based society. Activities will strengthen Europe's scientific and technology base and ensure its global leadership in ICT, help drive and stimulate product, service and process innovation and creativity through ICT use and ensure that ICT progress is rapidly transformed into benefits for Europe's citizens, businesses, industry and governments. These activities will also help reduce the digital divide and social exclusion.

Rationale

ICT is critical to Europe's future and underpins the realisation of the Lisbon agenda. It has a catalytic impact in three key areas: productivity and innovation, modernisation of public services and advances in science and technology. Half of the productivity gains in our economies are explained by the impact of ICT on products, services and business processes. ICT is the leading factor in boosting innovation and creativity and in mastering change in value chains across industry and service sectors.

ICT is essential to meeting the rise in demand for health and social care, in particular for people with special needs, including the ageing population, to modernising services in domains of public interest such as education, cultural heritage, security, energy, transport and the environment and to promoting accessibility and transparency of governance and policy development processes. ICT plays an important role in RTD management and communication and is catalytic in the advance of other fields of science and technology as it transforms the way researchers conduct their research, cooperate and innovate.

The escalating economic and societal demands, together with the continued mainstreaming of ICT and the need to push further the limits of technology as well as to develop innovative high-value ICT-based products and services set a growing agenda for research. To bring technology closer to people and organisational needs means: hiding technology complexity and revealing functionality on demand; making technology functional, very simple to use, available and affordable; providing new ICT-based applications, solutions and services that are trusted, reliable, and adaptable to the users' context and preferences. Driven by the demand of more-for-less, ICT researchers are involved in a global race focussing on miniaturisation, mastering the convergence of computing, communications and media technologies, including further interoperability between systems and the convergence with other relevant sciences and disciplines, and building systems that are able to learn and evolve.

From these diverse efforts a new wave of technologies is emerging. ICT research activities will also draw on a broader range of scientific and technological disciplines including bio- and life sciences, psychology, pedagogy, cognitive and social sciences and the humanities.

ICT is one the most research intensive sectors. The ICT research effort, public and private, represents a third of the total research effort in all major economies. Although Europe already enjoys industrial and technological leadership in key ICT fields it lags behind its major competitors in investment in ICT research. Only through a renewed and more intensive pooling of the effort at European level will we be able to make the most of the opportunities that progress in ICT can offer. ICT research activity based on the ‘open source’ development model is proving its utility as a source of innovation and increasing collaboration. The results of ICT research can take various exploitation paths and lead to various business models.

The ICT research activities will be closely articulated with policy actions for ICT deployment and with regulatory measures within a comprehensive and holistic strategy. Priorities have been set following extensive consultations that included input from a series of European Technology Platforms and industrial initiatives in areas such as nano-electronics, microsystems, embedded systems, mobile and wireless communications, electronic media, photonics, robotics and software, services and grids, including Free, Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS). Sustainability issues will also be taken into account, particularly in the field of electronics.

Activities

The role of research into Future and Emerging Technologies is particularly relevant under this theme in order to support research at the frontier of knowledge in core ICTs and in their combination with other relevant areas and disciplines; to nurture novel ideas and radically new uses and to explore new options in ICT research roadmaps, including the exploitation of quantum effects, system integration and smart systems.

| — | ICT Technology Pillars:






  — | Nano-electronics, photonics and integrated micro/nano-systems: pushing the limits of miniaturisation, integration, variety, storage and density; increasing performance and manufacturability at lower cost; facilitating incorporation of ICT in a range of applications; interfaces; upstream research requiring exploration of new concepts. |
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ICT Technology Pillars:

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Nano-electronics, photonics and integrated micro/nano-systems: pushing the limits of miniaturisation, integration, variety, storage and density; increasing performance and manufacturability at lower cost; facilitating incorporation of ICT in a range of applications; interfaces; upstream research requiring exploration of new concepts.

| — | Ubiquitous and unlimited capacity communication networks: ubiquitous access over heterogeneous networks — fixed, mobile, wireless and broadcasting networks spanning from the personal area to the regional and global area — allowing the seamless delivery of ever higher volumes of data and services anywhere and at any time. |
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Ubiquitous and unlimited capacity communication networks: ubiquitous access over heterogeneous networks — fixed, mobile, wireless and broadcasting networks spanning from the personal area to the regional and global area — allowing the seamless delivery of ever higher volumes of data and services anywhere and at any time.

| — | Embedded systems, computing and control: powerful, secure and distributed, reliable and efficient computing, storage and communication systems and products that are embedded in objects and physical infrastructures and that can sense, control and adapt to their environment; interoperability of discrete and continuous systems. |
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Embedded systems, computing and control: powerful, secure and distributed, reliable and efficient computing, storage and communication systems and products that are embedded in objects and physical infrastructures and that can sense, control and adapt to their environment; interoperability of discrete and continuous systems.

| — | Software, Grids, security and dependability: dynamic, adaptive, dependable and trusted software and services, platforms for software and services, complex systems and new processing architectures, including their provision as a utility. |
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Software, Grids, security and dependability: dynamic, adaptive, dependable and trusted software and services, platforms for software and services, complex systems and new processing architectures, including their provision as a utility.

| — | Knowledge, cognitive and learning systems: semantic systems; capturing and exploiting knowledge embedded in web and multimedia content; bio-inspired artificial systems that perceive, understand, learn and evolve, and act autonomously; learning by convivial machines and humans based on a better understanding of human cognition. |
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Knowledge, cognitive and learning systems: semantic systems; capturing and exploiting knowledge embedded in web and multimedia content; bio-inspired artificial systems that perceive, understand, learn and evolve, and act autonomously; learning by convivial machines and humans based on a better understanding of human cognition.

| — | Simulation, visualisation, interaction and mixed realities: tools for innovative design, and creativity in products, services and digital media, and for natural, language-enabled and context-rich interaction and communication. |
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Simulation, visualisation, interaction and mixed realities: tools for innovative design, and creativity in products, services and digital media, and for natural, language-enabled and context-rich interaction and communication.

| — | New perspectives in ICT drawing on other science and technology disciplines, including insights from mathematics and physics, biotechnologies, material and life-sciences, for miniaturisation of ICT devices to sizes compatible and interacting with living organisms, to increase performance and user-friendliness of systems engineering and information processing, and for modelling and simulation of the living world. |
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New perspectives in ICT drawing on other science and technology disciplines, including insights from mathematics and physics, biotechnologies, material and life-sciences, for miniaturisation of ICT devices to sizes compatible and interacting with living organisms, to increase performance and user-friendliness of systems engineering and information processing, and for modelling and simulation of the living world.

| — | Integration of Technologies:






  — | Personal environments: personal communication and computing devices, accessories, wearables, implants; their interfaces and interconnections to services and resources. |
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Integration of Technologies:

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Personal environments: personal communication and computing devices, accessories, wearables, implants; their interfaces and interconnections to services and resources.

| — | Home environments: communication, monitoring, control, assistance; seamless interoperability and use of all devices; interactive digital content and services. |
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Home environments: communication, monitoring, control, assistance; seamless interoperability and use of all devices; interactive digital content and services.

| — | Robotic systems: advanced autonomous systems; cognition, control, action skills, natural interaction and cooperation; miniaturisation, humanoid technologies. |
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Robotic systems: advanced autonomous systems; cognition, control, action skills, natural interaction and cooperation; miniaturisation, humanoid technologies.

| — | Intelligent infrastructures: tools making infrastructures that are critical to everyday life more efficient and user-friendly, easier to adapt and maintain, and more robust to usage and resistant to failures. |
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Intelligent infrastructures: tools making infrastructures that are critical to everyday life more efficient and user-friendly, easier to adapt and maintain, and more robust to usage and resistant to failures.

| — | Applications Research:






  — | ICT meeting societal challenges: new systems, novel materials, structures, technologies and services in areas of public interest, improving quality, efficiency, access and inclusiveness, including accessibility for the disabled; user friendly applications, integration of new technologies and initiatives such as ambient assisted living,






  — | for health, improving disease prevention and health care provisions, early diagnosis, treatment and personalisation; autonomy, safety, monitoring and mobility of patients; health information space for knowledge discovery and management, |
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Applications Research:

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ICT meeting societal challenges: new systems, novel materials, structures, technologies and services in areas of public interest, improving quality, efficiency, access and inclusiveness, including accessibility for the disabled; user friendly applications, integration of new technologies and initiatives such as ambient assisted living,

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for health, improving disease prevention and health care provisions, early diagnosis, treatment and personalisation; autonomy, safety, monitoring and mobility of patients; health information space for knowledge discovery and management,

| — | to improve inclusion and equal participation and prevent digital divides; assistive technology for the elderly and for disabled people; design-for-all, |
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to improve inclusion and equal participation and prevent digital divides; assistive technology for the elderly and for disabled people; design-for-all,

| — | for mobility; intelligent ICT-based transportation systems, vehicles and intelligent service solutions for tourism enabling people and goods to move safely, ecologically, comfortably and efficiently, |
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for mobility; intelligent ICT-based transportation systems, vehicles and intelligent service solutions for tourism enabling people and goods to move safely, ecologically, comfortably and efficiently,

| — | in support of the environment, risk management and sustainable development, to prevent or reduce vulnerability and to mitigate the consequences of natural disasters, industrial accidents and human activities related to economic development, |
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in support of the environment, risk management and sustainable development, to prevent or reduce vulnerability and to mitigate the consequences of natural disasters, industrial accidents and human activities related to economic development,

| — | for governments at all levels: efficiency, openness and accountability, for a world-class public administration and links to citizens and businesses, supporting democracy, allowing access to information to all. |
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for governments at all levels: efficiency, openness and accountability, for a world-class public administration and links to citizens and businesses, supporting democracy, allowing access to information to all.

| — | ICT for content, creativity and personal development:






  — | new media paradigms and new forms of content, including entertainment; creation of and access to interactive digital content; enriched user experiences; cost-effective content delivery; digital rights management; hybrid media, |
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ICT for content, creativity and personal development:

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new media paradigms and new forms of content, including entertainment; creation of and access to interactive digital content; enriched user experiences; cost-effective content delivery; digital rights management; hybrid media,

| — | technology-enhanced learning; adaptive and contextualised learning solutions; active learning, |
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technology-enhanced learning; adaptive and contextualised learning solutions; active learning,

| — | ICT-based systems to support accessibility and use over time of digital cultural and scientific resources and assets, in a multilingual/multicultural environment. |
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ICT-based systems to support accessibility and use over time of digital cultural and scientific resources and assets, in a multilingual/multicultural environment.

| — | ICT supporting businesses and industry:






  — | new forms of dynamic networked cooperative business processes, digital eco-systems including for empowering small and medium-sized organisations and communities; optimised work organisation and collaborative work environments such as knowledge sharing and interactive services (e.g. for tourism), |
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ICT supporting businesses and industry:

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new forms of dynamic networked cooperative business processes, digital eco-systems including for empowering small and medium-sized organisations and communities; optimised work organisation and collaborative work environments such as knowledge sharing and interactive services (e.g. for tourism),

| — | manufacturing, including traditional industries: rapid and adaptive design, production and delivery of highly customised goods; digital and virtual production; modelling, simulation, optimisation and presentation tools; miniature and integrated ICT products, |
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manufacturing, including traditional industries: rapid and adaptive design, production and delivery of highly customised goods; digital and virtual production; modelling, simulation, optimisation and presentation tools; miniature and integrated ICT products,

| — | ICT for trust and confidence: identity management; authentication and authorisation; privacy enhancing technologies; rights and asset management; protection against cyber threats. |
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ICT for trust and confidence: identity management; authentication and authorisation; privacy enhancing technologies; rights and asset management; protection against cyber threats.

4.   Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies

Objective

Improving the competitiveness of European industry and generate knowledge to ensure its transformation from a resource-intensive to a knowledge-intensive industry, by generating step changes in knowledge and implementing decisive knowledge for new applications at the crossroads between different technologies and disciplines. This will benefit both new, high-tech industries and higher-value, knowledge-based traditional industries, with a special focus on the appropriate dissemination of RTD results to SMEs. These activities are primarily concerned with enabling technologies which impact all industrial sectors and many other Seventh Framework Programme themes.

Rationale

The increasing difficulties affecting many industrial activities appear no longer to be limited to traditional sectors with a high labour intensity, but are beginning to be observed in intermediate sectors — which constitute the established strengths of European industry — and even in some high-technology sectors. A strong industrial base must be maintained by strengthening the knowledge content in the existing industry as well as building, in Europe, a strong knowledge-based, knowledge intensive industry, stressing the exploitation of basic research for industrial applications. This will include the modernisation of the existing SME base and the creation and subsequent growth of new knowledge-driven SMEs, from the dissemination of knowledge and expertise through collaborative programmes.

The competitiveness of industry in the future will largely depend on nano-technologies and their applications. RTD in nano-sciences and nano-technologies taken up in several areas can accelerate European industry's transformation. The EU has recognised leadership in fields such as nano-sciences, nano-technologies, materials and production technologies, which must be strengthened in order to secure and increase the EU position in a highly competitive global context.

Materials with new properties are key to the future competitiveness of European industry and the basis for technical progress in many areas.

Industry-relevant priorities and their integration for sectoral applications can be established through activities like the European Technology Platforms in fields such as nano-electronics, manufacturing, power generation, steel, chemistry, energy, the transport industry, construction, industrial safety, textiles, ceramics, forest-based industry and nano-medicine. This will help establish common research priorities and targets. In addition by responding flexibly to new policy needs that arise during the lifetime of the Seventh Framework Programme, the relevant policy, regulatory and standardisation, and impact issues will be addressed.

Activities

| — | Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies






  — | Generating new knowledge of interface and size dependent phenomena; nano-scale control of material properties for new applications; integration of technologies at the nano-scale including monitoring and sensing; self-assembling properties; nano-motors; nano-machines and nano-systems; methods and tools for characterisation and manipulation at nano-dimensions; nano- and high-precision technologies in chemistry for the manufacture of basic materials and components; the study and production of nano-metre precise components; impact on human safety, health and the environment; metrology, monitoring and sensing, nomenclature and standards; exploration of new concepts and approaches for sectoral applications, including the integration and convergence of emerging technologies. Activities will also investigate the impact of nano-technology on society and the relevance of nano-science and technology for the solution of societal problems. |
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Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies

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Generating new knowledge of interface and size dependent phenomena; nano-scale control of material properties for new applications; integration of technologies at the nano-scale including monitoring and sensing; self-assembling properties; nano-motors; nano-machines and nano-systems; methods and tools for characterisation and manipulation at nano-dimensions; nano- and high-precision technologies in chemistry for the manufacture of basic materials and components; the study and production of nano-metre precise components; impact on human safety, health and the environment; metrology, monitoring and sensing, nomenclature and standards; exploration of new concepts and approaches for sectoral applications, including the integration and convergence of emerging technologies. Activities will also investigate the impact of nano-technology on society and the relevance of nano-science and technology for the solution of societal problems.

| — | Materials






  — | Generating new knowledge of high-performance surfaces and materials for new products and processes as well as for their repair; knowledge-based materials with tailored properties and predictable performance; more reliable design and simulation; computational modelling; higher complexity; environmental compatibility; integration of nano-micro-macro functionality in the chemical technology and materials processing industries; new nano-materials including nano-composites, bio-materials, and hybrid materials, including design and control of their processing, properties and performance. |
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Materials

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Generating new knowledge of high-performance surfaces and materials for new products and processes as well as for their repair; knowledge-based materials with tailored properties and predictable performance; more reliable design and simulation; computational modelling; higher complexity; environmental compatibility; integration of nano-micro-macro functionality in the chemical technology and materials processing industries; new nano-materials including nano-composites, bio-materials, and hybrid materials, including design and control of their processing, properties and performance.

| — | New Production






  — | Creating conditions and assets for sustainable knowledge-intensive production, including construction, development and validation of new paradigms responding to emerging industrial needs and fostering the modernisation of the European industry base; development of generic production assets for adaptive, networked and knowledge-based production; development of new engineering concepts exploiting the convergence of technologies (e.g. nano, micro, bio, geo, info, optical, cognitive technologies and their engineering requirements) for the next generation of high value-added new or renewed products and services, and adaptation to changing needs; engaging high-throughput production technologies. |
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New Production

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Creating conditions and assets for sustainable knowledge-intensive production, including construction, development and validation of new paradigms responding to emerging industrial needs and fostering the modernisation of the European industry base; development of generic production assets for adaptive, networked and knowledge-based production; development of new engineering concepts exploiting the convergence of technologies (e.g. nano, micro, bio, geo, info, optical, cognitive technologies and their engineering requirements) for the next generation of high value-added new or renewed products and services, and adaptation to changing needs; engaging high-throughput production technologies.

| — | Integration of technologies for industrial applications






  — | Integrating new knowledge, nano- and micro-technologies, materials and production in sectoral and cross sectoral applications, in areas such as health, food, construction and buildings, transport, energy, information and communication, chemistry, environment, textiles and clothing, footwear, forest-based industry, steel, mechanical engineering. |
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Integration of technologies for industrial applications

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Integrating new knowledge, nano- and micro-technologies, materials and production in sectoral and cross sectoral applications, in areas such as health, food, construction and buildings, transport, energy, information and communication, chemistry, environment, textiles and clothing, footwear, forest-based industry, steel, mechanical engineering.

5.   Energy

Objective

Adapting the current energy system into a more sustainable one, less dependent on imported fuels and based on a diverse mix of energy sources, in particular renewables, energy carriers and non-polluting sources; enhancing energy efficiency, including by rationalising use and storage of energy; addressing the pressing challenges of security of supply and climate change, whilst increasing the competitiveness of Europe's industries.

Rationale

Energy systems are confronted with major challenges. There is an urgent need to identify and develop adequate and timely solutions given the alarming trends in global energy demand, the finite nature of conventional oil and natural gas reserves, the need to curb dramatically emissions of greenhouse gases in order to mitigate the devastating consequences of climate change, the damaging volatility of oil prices (in particular for the transport sector which is heavily oil dependent) and geopolitical instability in supplier regions. Energy research is an important contribution towards ensuring affordable energy costs for our citizens and industries. Research and demonstration are necessary in order to provide the most environmentally sound and cost-effective technologies and measures enabling the EU to meet its targets under the Kyoto Protocol and beyond and to implement its energy policy commitments, as described in the 2000 Green Paper on the security of energy supply (7), the 2005 Green Paper on Energy Efficiency (8) and the 2006 Green Paper on a European strategy for sustainable competitive and secure energy (9).

Europe has developed world leadership in a number of energy generation and energy efficiency technologies. It is the pioneer in modern renewable energy technologies, such as solar energy, bio- and wind energy. The EU is also a global competitor in power generation and distribution technologies and has a strong research capability in the area of carbon capture and sequestration. These positions, however, are now facing severe competition (in particular from the US and Japan). Therefore Europe must maintain and develop its leading position which requires substantial efforts and international collaboration.

Radically transforming the energy system into a less- or non-CO2-emitting, reliable, competitive and sustainable energy system requires new technologies with risks that are too high and profits too uncertain for private firms to provide all the investment needed for research, development, demonstration and deployment. Public support should therefore play a key role in mobilising private investment and European efforts and resources should be combined in a coherent and more effective manner, to compete with economies that are investing heavily and consistently in similar technologies. European technology platforms play an important role in this regard, by mobilising the necessary research effort in a coordinated manner. The activities to meet the objective are set out below. A specific activity on knowledge for energy policy making is included which may also provide support to new policy needs that emerge relating, for example, to the role of European energy policy in the development of international climate change actions, and instabilities or disruptions in energy supply and price.

Activities

| — | Hydrogen and fuel cells
  Integrated action to provide a strong technological foundation for competitive EU fuel cell and hydrogen industries, for stationary, portable and transport applications. The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells European Technology Platform contributes to this activity by proposing an integrated research and deployment strategy. |
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Hydrogen and fuel cells

Integrated action to provide a strong technological foundation for competitive EU fuel cell and hydrogen industries, for stationary, portable and transport applications. The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells European Technology Platform contributes to this activity by proposing an integrated research and deployment strategy.

| — | Renewable electricity generation
  Technologies to increase overall conversion efficiency, cost efficiency and reliability, driving down the cost of electricity production from indigenous renewable energy sources, including wastes, and the development and the demonstration of technologies suited to different regional conditions. |
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Renewable electricity generation

Technologies to increase overall conversion efficiency, cost efficiency and reliability, driving down the cost of electricity production from indigenous renewable energy sources, including wastes, and the development and the demonstration of technologies suited to different regional conditions.

| — | Renewable fuel production
  Integrated fuel production systems and conversion technologies: to develop and drive down the unit cost of solid, liquid and gaseous (including hydrogen) fuels produced from renewable energy sources including biomass and wastes, aiming at the cost-effective production, storage, distribution and use of carbon-neutral fuels, in particular biofuels for transport and electricity generation. |
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Renewable fuel production

Integrated fuel production systems and conversion technologies: to develop and drive down the unit cost of solid, liquid and gaseous (including hydrogen) fuels produced from renewable energy sources including biomass and wastes, aiming at the cost-effective production, storage, distribution and use of carbon-neutral fuels, in particular biofuels for transport and electricity generation.

| — | Renewables for heating and cooling
  Research, development and demonstration of technologies and devices including storage technologies to increase efficiencies and drive down the costs of active and passive heating and cooling from renewable energy sources, ensuring their use in different regional conditions where sufficient potential can be identified. |
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Renewables for heating and cooling

Research, development and demonstration of technologies and devices including storage technologies to increase efficiencies and drive down the costs of active and passive heating and cooling from renewable energy sources, ensuring their use in different regional conditions where sufficient potential can be identified.

| — | CO2 capture and storage technologies for zero emission power generation
  Research, development and demonstration of technologies to drastically reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuel use aiming at highly efficient and cost effective power and/or heat generation plants with near zero emissions, based on CO2 capture and storage technologies, in particular underground storage. |
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CO2 capture and storage technologies for zero emission power generation

Research, development and demonstration of technologies to drastically reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuel use aiming at highly efficient and cost effective power and/or heat generation plants with near zero emissions, based on CO2 capture and storage technologies, in particular underground storage.

| — | Clean coal technologies
  Research, development and demonstration of technologies to substantially improve plant efficiency, reliability and cost through development and demonstration of clean coal and other solid fuel conversion technologies producing also secondary energy carriers (including hydrogen) and liquid or gaseous fuels. Activities will be linked as appropriate to CO2 capture and storage technologies or co-utilisation of biomass. |
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Clean coal technologies

Research, development and demonstration of technologies to substantially improve plant efficiency, reliability and cost through development and demonstration of clean coal and other solid fuel conversion technologies producing also secondary energy carriers (including hydrogen) and liquid or gaseous fuels. Activities will be linked as appropriate to CO2 capture and storage technologies or co-utilisation of biomass.

| — | Smart energy networks
  Research, development and demonstration on how to increase the efficiency, safety, reliability and quality of the European electricity and gas systems and networks, notably within the context of a more integrated European energy market, e.g. by transforming the current electricity grids into an interactive (customers/operators) service network, developing energy storage options and removing obstacles to the large-scale deployment and effective integration of distributed and renewable energy sources. |
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Smart energy networks

Research, development and demonstration on how to increase the efficiency, safety, reliability and quality of the European electricity and gas systems and networks, notably within the context of a more integrated European energy market, e.g. by transforming the current electricity grids into an interactive (customers/operators) service network, developing energy storage options and removing obstacles to the large-scale deployment and effective integration of distributed and renewable energy sources.

| — | Energy efficiency and savings
  Research, development and demonstration of new concepts, optimisation of proven concepts and technologies to improve energy efficiency and to enable further final and primary energy consumption savings, over their life cycle, for buildings (including in lighting), transport, services and industry. This includes the integration of strategies and technologies for energy efficiency (including co- and polygeneration), the use of new and renewable energy technologies and energy demand management measures and devices, and the demonstration of minimum climate impact buildings. |
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Energy efficiency and savings

Research, development and demonstration of new concepts, optimisation of proven concepts and technologies to improve energy efficiency and to enable further final and primary energy consumption savings, over their life cycle, for buildings (including in lighting), transport, services and industry. This includes the integration of strategies and technologies for energy efficiency (including co- and polygeneration), the use of new and renewable energy technologies and energy demand management measures and devices, and the demonstration of minimum climate impact buildings.

| — | Knowledge for energy policy making
  Development of tools, methods and models to assess the main economic and social issues related to energy technologies and to provide quantifiable targets and scenarios for medium- and long-term horizons (including providing scientific support for policy development). |
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Knowledge for energy policy making

Development of tools, methods and models to assess the main economic and social issues related to energy technologies and to provide quantifiable targets and scenarios for medium- and long-term horizons (including providing scientific support for policy development).

6.   Environment (including climate change)

Objective

Sustainable management of the environment and its resources through the advancement of knowledge on the interaction between the climate, biosphere, ecosystems and human activities, and the development of new technologies, tools and services, in order to address global environmental issues in an integrated way. Emphasis will be placed on prediction of climate, ecological, earth and ocean systems changes, on tools and technologies for monitoring, prevention, mitigation and adaptation of environmental pressures and risks, including risks to health, and on tools and technologies for the sustainability of the natural and man-made environment.

Rationale

Environmental problems extend beyond national frontiers and require a coordinated approach at a pan-European and, often, global level. Earth's natural resources and the man-made environment are under intense pressure from a growing population, urbanisation, construction, continuous expansion of the agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, transport, and energy sectors, and climate variability and warming at local, regional and global scales. Europe needs to engage in a new sustainable relationship with the environment while improving competitiveness and strengthening European industry. EU-wide cooperation is needed in order to attain critical mass, given the scale, scope and high level of complexity of environmental research. This will facilitate common planning, the use of connected and inter-operable databases, and the development of coherent and large scale observation and forecasting systems. Research should address the need for data management and information services and problems related to data transfer, integration, mapping.

Research is needed at EU level for the implementation of international commitments such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and its Kyoto protocol, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the objectives of the World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, including the EU Water Initiative, and contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Earth Observation initiative.

In addition, there are significant research needs arising from existing and emerging EU level policies, the implementation of the 6th Environmental Action Plan and associated thematic strategies (e.g. the EU marine strategy), the action plans, programmes and directives on Environmental Technologies and Environment and Health, the Water Framework and Natura 2000.

The EU needs to strengthen its position in world markets for environmental technologies. Such technologies contribute to sustainable consumption and production, helping to deliver sustainable growth providing eco-efficient solutions to environmental problems at different scales and protecting our cultural and natural heritage. Environmental requirements act as a stimulus for innovation and can provide business opportunities and higher competitiveness while at the same time ensuring a more sustainable future for next generations. European Technology Platforms on water supply and sanitation and on sustainable chemistry confirm the need for EU level action and their research agendas are taken into consideration in the activities below. Other platforms (e.g. on construction and on forestry) partially deal with environmental technology issues and are taken into consideration as well. Socio-economic issues have a particularly strong influence on the development of environmental technologies and their introduction to the market and subsequent application, as, for example, is the case with water resources management. Activities must consider the socio-economic aspects of policies and technological developments, whenever relevant to the topic.

A series of activities are listed below (10) many of which are directly relevant to policy needs. However, additional support may be provided to new policy needs that emerge, for example, in relation to sustainability impact assessments of EU policies; the follow up to the post-Kyoto action on climate change; and new environmental policies such as those in the European Soil Strategy and relating to maritime policy, standards and regulations.

Activities

| — | Climate change, pollution and risks






  — | Pressures on the environment and climate: functioning of climate and the earth system including the polar regions; adaptation and mitigation measures; pollution in air, soil and water; changes in atmospheric composition and water cycle; global and regional interactions between climate and atmosphere, land surface, ice and the ocean; and impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, including the effects of the sea level rise on coastal zones and impacts on particularly sensitive areas. |
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Climate change, pollution and risks

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Pressures on the environment and climate: functioning of climate and the earth system including the polar regions; adaptation and mitigation measures; pollution in air, soil and water; changes in atmospheric composition and water cycle; global and regional interactions between climate and atmosphere, land surface, ice and the ocean; and impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, including the effects of the sea level rise on coastal zones and impacts on particularly sensitive areas.

| — | Environment and health: interaction of environmental stressors with human health including identification of sources, biomonitoring research for environment related health, indoor air quality and links to indoor environment, urban environment, car emissions and impact and emerging risk factors; integrated risk assessment methods for hazardous substances including alternatives to animal testing; quantification and cost-benefit analysis of environmental health risks and indicators for prevention strategies. |
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Environment and health: interaction of environmental stressors with human health including identification of sources, biomonitoring research for environment related health, indoor air quality and links to indoor environment, urban environment, car emissions and impact and emerging risk factors; integrated risk assessment methods for hazardous substances including alternatives to animal testing; quantification and cost-benefit analysis of environmental health risks and indicators for prevention strategies.

| — | Natural hazards: improvement of forecasting and integrated hazards — vulnerability — and risk assessments for disasters related to geological hazards (such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis) and climate (such as storms, droughts, floods, forest fires, landslides, avalanches and other extreme events) and their impact; development of early warning systems and improve prevention, mitigation and management strategies, also within a multi-risk approach. |
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Natural hazards: improvement of forecasting and integrated hazards — vulnerability — and risk assessments for disasters related to geological hazards (such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis) and climate (such as storms, droughts, floods, forest fires, landslides, avalanches and other extreme events) and their impact; development of early warning systems and improve prevention, mitigation and management strategies, also within a multi-risk approach.

| — | Sustainable Management of Resources






  — | Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources and biodiversity: ecosystems; water resources management; waste management and prevention; protection and management of biodiversity, including control of invasive alien species, soil, seabed, lagoons and coastal areas protection, approaches against desertification and land degradation, preservation of landscape; sustainable use and management of forests; sustainable management and planning of urban environment, including post-industrialized zones; data management and information services; assessment and foresight relating to natural processes. |
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Sustainable Management of Resources

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Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources and biodiversity: ecosystems; water resources management; waste management and prevention; protection and management of biodiversity, including control of invasive alien species, soil, seabed, lagoons and coastal areas protection, approaches against desertification and land degradation, preservation of landscape; sustainable use and management of forests; sustainable management and planning of urban environment, including post-industrialized zones; data management and information services; assessment and foresight relating to natural processes.

| — | Management of marine environments: impact of human activities on the marine environment and its resources; pollution and eutrophication in regional seas and coastal areas; deep sea ecosystems; assessment of marine biodiversity trends, of ecosystem processes and of ocean circulation; seabed geology; development of strategies, concepts and tools for a sustainable use of the ocean and its resources. |
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Management of marine environments: impact of human activities on the marine environment and its resources; pollution and eutrophication in regional seas and coastal areas; deep sea ecosystems; assessment of marine biodiversity trends, of ecosystem processes and of ocean circulation; seabed geology; development of strategies, concepts and tools for a sustainable use of the ocean and its resources.

| — | Environmental Technologies






  — | Environmental technologies for observation, simulation, prevention, mitigation, adaptation, remediation and restoration of the natural and man-made environment: related to water, climate, air, marine, urban and rural environment, soil, waste treatment, recycling, clean production processes and sustainable products, chemicals safety. |
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Environmental Technologies

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Environmental technologies for observation, simulation, prevention, mitigation, adaptation, remediation and restoration of the natural and man-made environment: related to water, climate, air, marine, urban and rural environment, soil, waste treatment, recycling, clean production processes and sustainable products, chemicals safety.

| — | Protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, including human habitat: improved damage assessment on cultural heritage; development of innovative conservation strategies; fostering of the integration of cultural heritage in the urban setting. |
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Protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, including human habitat: improved damage assessment on cultural heritage; development of innovative conservation strategies; fostering of the integration of cultural heritage in the urban setting.

| — | Technology assessment, verification and testing: methods and tools for environmental risk and lifecycle assessment of processes, technologies and products, including alternative testing strategies and in particular non-animal methods for industrial chemicals; support for sustainable chemistry, forest-based sector technology, water supply and sanitation platforms (11); scientific and technological aspects of a future European environmental technologies verification and testing programme, complementing third party assessment instruments. |
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Technology assessment, verification and testing: methods and tools for environmental risk and lifecycle assessment of processes, technologies and products, including alternative testing strategies and in particular non-animal methods for industrial chemicals; support for sustainable chemistry, forest-based sector technology, water supply and sanitation platforms (11); scientific and technological aspects of a future European environmental technologies verification and testing programme, complementing third party assessment instruments.

| — | Earth observation and assessment tools






  — | Earth and ocean observation systems and monitoring methods for the environment and sustainable development: contribute to the development and integration of observation systems for environmental and sustainability issues in the framework of GEOSS (to which GMES is complementary); interoperability between systems and optimisation of information for understanding, modelling and predicating environmental phenomena, for assessing, exploring and managing natural resources. |
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Earth observation and assessment tools

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Earth and ocean observation systems and monitoring methods for the environment and sustainable development: contribute to the development and integration of observation systems for environmental and sustainability issues in the framework of GEOSS (to which GMES is complementary); interoperability between systems and optimisation of information for understanding, modelling and predicating environmental phenomena, for assessing, exploring and managing natural resources.

| — | Forecasting methods and assessment tools for sustainable development taking into account differing scales of observation: modelling links between economy/environment/society including market based instruments, externalities, thresholds and developing the knowledge base and methodologies for sustainability impact assessment on key issues such as land use and marine issues; urban development, social and economic tensions related to climate change. |
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Forecasting methods and assessment tools for sustainable development taking into account differing scales of observation: modelling links between economy/environment/society including market based instruments, externalities, thresholds and developing the knowledge base and methodologies for sustainability impact assessment on key issues such as land use and marine issues; urban development, social and economic tensions related to climate change.

7.   Transport (including aeronautics)

Objective

Based on technological and operational advances and on the European transport policy, developing integrated, safer, ‘greener’ and ‘smarter’ pan-European transport systems for the benefit of all citizens, society and climate policy, respecting the environment and natural resources; and securing and further developing the competitiveness attained by the European industries in the global market.

Rationale

Transport is one of Europe's strengths — the air transport sector contributes to 2,6 % of the EU GDP (with 3,1 million jobs) and the surface transport field generates 11 % of the EU GDP (employing some 16 million persons). However, transport is responsible for 25 % of all the EU emissions of CO2, hence the absolute need for a ‘greening’ of the system to ensure more sustainable transport patterns and compatibility with growth rates, as developed in the White Paper on ‘European Transport Policy for 2010: time to decide’ (12).

The enlargement (increasing land surface by 25 % and population by 20 %) and economic development of the EU present new challenges for transporting people and goods efficiently, cost-effectively and in a sustainable manner. Transport also has direct relevance for other major policies such as trade, competition, employment, environment, cohesion, energy, security and the internal market.

Investment in RTD in EU transport industries is a prerequisite for ensuring a technological competitive advantage in global markets (13). Activities at European level will also stimulate the restructuring of the industry, including the integration of the supply chain and, in particular, SMEs.

The research agendas developed by European Technology Platforms (14) support the need to take a new ‘transport systems’ perspective that considers the interactions of vehicles or vessels, transport networks or infrastructures and the use of transport services, which can only be developed at European level. RTD costs in all these fields are rising substantially, and collaborative activity at EU-level is essential to enable a ‘critical mass’ of diverse RTD providers to address the scale and multi-disciplinary challenges in a cost-effective way, as well as meeting the political, technological and socio-economic challenges of issues such as the ‘clean and safe vehicle’ of the future, interoperability and intermodality with particular reference to waterborne and rail transport, affordability, safety, capacity, security and environmental impacts in an enlarged Union. Also, developing technologies in support of the Galileo system and its applications will be essential in implementing European policies.

As well as the strong industry relevance of the themes and activities set out below, the needs of policy makers will be addressed in an integrated way covering economic, social and environmental aspects of transport policy. In addition, support will be provided to respond to existing as well as new policy needs, for example relating to developments in maritime policy or implementation of the European Single Sky.

Activities

| — | Aeronautics and air transport






  — | The greening of air transport: reduction of emissions, including green house gases and noise disturbance, incorporating work on engines and alternative fuels, structures and new aircraft designs including rotorcraft, airport operations and traffic management. |
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Aeronautics and air transport

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The greening of air transport: reduction of emissions, including green house gases and noise disturbance, incorporating work on engines and alternative fuels, structures and new aircraft designs including rotorcraft, airport operations and traffic management.

| — | Increasing time efficiency: improvement of the efficiency of operating schedules focusing on innovative air traffic management systems in line with the effective implementation of Single Sky policy which integrate air, ground and space components, including traffic flow and more aircraft autonomy. |
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Increasing time efficiency: improvement of the efficiency of operating schedules focusing on innovative air traffic management systems in line with the effective implementation of Single Sky policy which integrate air, ground and space components, including traffic flow and more aircraft autonomy.

| — | Ensuring customer satisfaction and safety: improvement of passenger comfort, innovative in-flight services and more efficient passenger handling; improvement of all safety aspects of air transport; wider choice of aircraft ranging from wide body to smaller size vehicles suitable for different applications (including regional applications). |
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Ensuring customer satisfaction and safety: improvement of passenger comfort, innovative in-flight services and more efficient passenger handling; improvement of all safety aspects of air transport; wider choice of aircraft ranging from wide body to smaller size vehicles suitable for different applications (including regional applications).

| — | Improving cost efficiency: reduction of costs associated with product development, manufacturing and operating costs focusing on innovative and zero maintenance, repair and overhaul, aircraft, increased use of automation and simulation. |
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Improving cost efficiency: reduction of costs associated with product development, manufacturing and operating costs focusing on innovative and zero maintenance, repair and overhaul, aircraft, increased use of automation and simulation.

| — | Protection of aircraft and passengers: enhancement of protection measures for the traveller, crew, aircraft and air transport system, such as improved data and identification methods, protecting the aircraft against attack, improved security design of aircraft. |
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Protection of aircraft and passengers: enhancement of protection measures for the traveller, crew, aircraft and air transport system, such as improved data and identification methods, protecting the aircraft against attack, improved security design of aircraft.

| — | Pioneering the air transport of the future: addressing the longer term challenges of aviation with more radical, environmentally efficient, accessible and innovative combinations of technologies which would lead to significant steps forward in air transport. |
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Pioneering the air transport of the future: addressing the longer term challenges of aviation with more radical, environmentally efficient, accessible and innovative combinations of technologies which would lead to significant steps forward in air transport.

| — | Sustainable surface transport (rail, road and waterborne)






  — | The greening of surface transport: reduction of environmental and noise pollution, including green house gases; reducing the impact of transport on climate change by reducing emissions through technological and socio-economic means as well as user training; development of clean and efficient engines and power-trains, including hybrid technology and the use of alternative fuels for transport applications such as hydrogen and fuel cells, taking account of cost-efficiency and energy-efficiency considerations; end of life strategies for vehicles and vessels. |
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Sustainable surface transport (rail, road and waterborne)

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The greening of surface transport: reduction of environmental and noise pollution, including green house gases; reducing the impact of transport on climate change by reducing emissions through technological and socio-economic means as well as user training; development of clean and efficient engines and power-trains, including hybrid technology and the use of alternative fuels for transport applications such as hydrogen and fuel cells, taking account of cost-efficiency and energy-efficiency considerations; end of life strategies for vehicles and vessels.

| — | Encouraging and increasing modal shift and decongesting transport corridors: development of sustainable innovative, intermodal and interoperable regional and national transport and logistics networks, infrastructures and systems in Europe; cost internalisation; information exchange between vehicle/vessel and transport infrastructure; optimisation of infrastructure capacity; modal shift strategies to encourage energy efficient means of transport. |
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Encouraging and increasing modal shift and decongesting transport corridors: development of sustainable innovative, intermodal and interoperable regional and national transport and logistics networks, infrastructures and systems in Europe; cost internalisation; information exchange between vehicle/vessel and transport infrastructure; optimisation of infrastructure capacity; modal shift strategies to encourage energy efficient means of transport.

| — | Ensuring sustainable urban mobility for all citizens including the disadvantaged: innovative organisation schemes, including clean and safe vehicles and means of transport with lower levels of pollution, new high quality public transportation modes and rationalisation of private transport, communication infrastructure, integrated town planning and transport taking into account their relationship with growth and employment. |
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Ensuring sustainable urban mobility for all citizens including the disadvantaged: innovative organisation schemes, including clean and safe vehicles and means of transport with lower levels of pollution, new high quality public transportation modes and rationalisation of private transport, communication infrastructure, integrated town planning and transport taking into account their relationship with growth and employment.

| — | Improving safety and securityas inherent to the transport system: in transport operations for drivers, passengers, crew, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as for freight, in the design and operation of vehicles, vessels, infrastructures, and within the total transport system. |
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Improving safety and securityas inherent to the transport system: in transport operations for drivers, passengers, crew, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as for freight, in the design and operation of vehicles, vessels, infrastructures, and within the total transport system.

| — | Strengthening competitiveness: improvement of design processes; development of advanced power-train and vehicle and vessel technologies; innovative and cost-effective production systems and infrastructure construction and maintenance; integrative architectures. |
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Strengthening competitiveness: improvement of design processes; development of advanced power-train and vehicle and vessel technologies; innovative and cost-effective production systems and infrastructure construction and maintenance; integrative architectures.

| — | Support for the European global satellite navigation system (Galileo and EGNOS): precise navigation and timing services for use in a range of sectors; efficient use of satellite navigation and support for the definition of second generation technologies and applications. |
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Support for the European global satellite navigation system (Galileo and EGNOS): precise navigation and timing services for use in a range of sectors; efficient use of satellite navigation and support for the definition of second generation technologies and applications.

8.   Socio-Economic Sciences and the Humanities

Objective

Generating an in-depth, shared understanding of the complex and interrelated socio-economic challenges Europe is confronted with, such as growth, employment and competitiveness, social cohesion, social, cultural and educational challenges in an enlarged EU and sustainability, demographic change, migration and integration, quality of life and global interdependence, in particular with the view to providing an improved knowledge base for policies in the fields concerned.

Rationale

Europe has a strong and high quality research base in socio-economic and socio-cultural sciences and the humanities fields. The diversity of approaches within the EU in the economic, social, political and cultural domains provides a highly fertile ground for research in these fields at EU level. There is much European added value in collaborative research addressing European socio-economic and socio-cultural issues in the areas mentioned. First, the issues and challenges concerned are of high priority at the European level and are addressed by Community policies. Second, comparative research across the EU or other countries offers a particularly effective tool as well as important learning opportunities across countries and regions.

Third, EU-level research has particular advantages in being able to develop Europe-wide data collection and to employ the multiple perspectives needed to understand complex issues. Finally, the development of a genuinely European socio-economic knowledge base on these key challenges will make an essential contribution to promoting their shared understanding across the European Union and, most significantly, by European citizens.

The activities to be supported are listed below and are expected to contribute significantly to improving the formulation, implementation, impacts and assessments of policy and the definition of regulatory measures in a wide range of areas such as the economic, social, cultural, education and training, gender equality, enterprise, international trade, consumer, external relations, and scientific and technological spheres, official statistics policies and the creation of the area of freedom, security and justice. In addition, opportunities will be provided to address emerging socio-economic challenges as well as to undertake research on new or unforeseen policy needs. Use may also be made of social platforms to discuss future research agendas.

Activities

| — | Growth, employment and competitiveness in a knowledge society: developing and integrating research on the issues affecting growth, socio-economic stability, employment and competitiveness, covering topics such as innovation, education including life-long learning and the role of scientific and other knowledge and intangible goods on a global scale, youth and youth policy, adaptation of labour market policies, and national institutional contexts. |
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Growth, employment and competitiveness in a knowledge society: developing and integrating research on the issues affecting growth, socio-economic stability, employment and competitiveness, covering topics such as innovation, education including life-long learning and the role of scientific and other knowledge and intangible goods on a global scale, youth and youth policy, adaptation of labour market policies, and national institutional contexts.

| — | Combining economic, social and environmental objectives in a European perspective: by addressing the two key and highly interrelated issues of continuing evolution of European socio-economic models and economic and social and regional cohesion in an enlarged EU, taking into account sustainability and the protection of the environment, sustainable urban planning, the interaction between environment, energy and society, the role of cities and metropolitan regions, and the socio-economic impact of European policies and legislation. |
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Combining economic, social and environmental objectives in a European perspective: by addressing the two key and highly interrelated issues of continuing evolution of European socio-economic models and economic and social and regional cohesion in an enlarged EU, taking into account sustainability and the protection of the environment, sustainable urban planning, the interaction between environment, energy and society, the role of cities and metropolitan regions, and the socio-economic impact of European policies and legislation.

| — | Major trends in society and their implications: such as demographic change including ageing and its effects on pension systems, migration and integration, analysing the implications of the demographic change for urban development; lifestyles, work, families, reconciling professional and family life, gender issues, disabilities issues, health and quality of life; economic consumer protection; inequalities; criminality; the role of business in society and population diversity, ethnicity, religious pluralism, cultural interactions multicultural issues and issues related to protection of fundamental rights and the fight against discrimination of any kind. |
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Major trends in society and their implications: such as demographic change including ageing and its effects on pension systems, migration and integration, analysing the implications of the demographic change for urban development; lifestyles, work, families, reconciling professional and family life, gender issues, disabilities issues, health and quality of life; economic consumer protection; inequalities; criminality; the role of business in society and population diversity, ethnicity, religious pluralism, cultural interactions multicultural issues and issues related to protection of fundamental rights and the fight against discrimination of any kind.

| — | Europe in the world: understanding changing interactions, cross cultural relations and interdependencies between world regions, including developing regions, and their implications; addressing emerging threats and risks without undermining human rights, freedom and well-being, and fostering peace. |
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Europe in the world: understanding changing interactions, cross cultural relations and interdependencies between world regions, including developing regions, and their implications; addressing emerging threats and risks without undermining human rights, freedom and well-being, and fostering peace.

| — | The citizen in the European Union: in the context of the future development of the enlarged EU, addressing the issues of achieving a sense of democratic ‘ownership’ and active participation by the peoples of Europe; effective and democratic governance at all levels including economic and legal governance and the role of civil society; research for building a shared understanding and respect for Europe's diversities and commonalities in terms of culture, religions, cultural heritage, institutions and legal systems, history, languages and values as building elements of our European multi-cultural identity and heritage. |
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The citizen in the European Union: in the context of the future development of the enlarged EU, addressing the issues of achieving a sense of democratic ‘ownership’ and active participation by the peoples of Europe; effective and democratic governance at all levels including economic and legal governance and the role of civil society; research for building a shared understanding and respect for Europe's diversities and commonalities in terms of culture, religions, cultural heritage, institutions and legal systems, history, languages and values as building elements of our European multi-cultural identity and heritage.

| — | Socio-economic and scientific indicators: their use in policy and its implementation and monitoring, the improvement of existing indicators, techniques to analyse them and the development of new ones for this purpose and for the evaluation of research programmes, including indicators based on official statistics. |
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Socio-economic and scientific indicators: their use in policy and its implementation and monitoring, the improvement of existing indicators, techniques to analyse them and the development of new ones for this purpose and for the evaluation of research programmes, including indicators based on official statistics.

| — | Foresight activities relating to major science, technology and related socio-economic issues such as future demographic trends and the globalization of knowledge, the dissemination of knowledge, and evolution of research systems and of the future developments in and across major research domains and scientific disciplines. |
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Foresight activities relating to major science, technology and related socio-economic issues such as future demographic trends and the globalization of knowledge, the dissemination of knowledge, and evolution of research systems and of the future developments in and across major research domains and scientific disciplines.

9.   Space

Objective

Supporting a European Space Programme focusing on applications such as GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) with benefits for citizens and for the competitiveness of the European space industry. This will contribute to the development of a European space policy, complementing efforts by Member States and by other key players, including the European Space Agency (ESA).

Rationale

The Community can contribute in this field to the better definition of common objectives based on user requirements and policy objectives; to the coordination of activities in order to avoid duplications and maximise interoperability; to improving cost-effectiveness and to the definition of standards. Public authorities and decision-makers represent important potential users and the European industry will also benefit from a well defined European Space policy implemented through a European Space Programme, supported in part by the proposed research and technological development actions. European level actions are also needed to support Community policy objectives, for example in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, environment, health, telecommunications, security, transport as well as ensuring that Europe is a respected partner in regional and international cooperation.

In the last 40 years, excellent technological competence has been built up in Europe, both nationally and through ESA. Sustaining a competitive industry (including manufacturers, service providers and operators) requires new research and technologies. Space applications bring important benefits to citizens by virtue of technological spin-off effects and are indispensable in a high-tech society.

The activities set out below aim at: the efficient exploitation of space assets (in coordination with in-situ assets, including airborne assets) for the implementation of applications, namely GMES and their contribution to law enforcement in Community policies; space exploration, allowing international cooperation opportunities and dramatic technological breakthroughs as well as cost-effective missions; exploitation and exploration of space supported through enabling activities guaranteeing the strategic role of the European Union. These activities will be complemented by other actions under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and in the Education and Training Programme. The public policy benefits of the below activities will also be maximised, including by the provision of additional support for new policy needs that may arise, for example: space-based solutions in support of developing countries and use of space-observation tools and methods to support developments in Community policies.

Activities

| — | Space-based applications at the service of European society






  — | GMES: development of satellite-based and in-situ monitoring and early-warning systems, including for the safety of citizens, and techniques relating to the management of the environment and security (including the management of natural disasters) and their integration with ground-based, ship-borne and airborne components; support for the integration, harmonisation, use and delivery of GMES data (both satellite-based and in-situ, including ground-based, shipborne and airborne) and services. |
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Space-based applications at the service of European society

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GMES: development of satellite-based and in-situ monitoring and early-warning systems, including for the safety of citizens, and techniques relating to the management of the environment and security (including the management of natural disasters) and their integration with ground-based, ship-borne and airborne components; support for the integration, harmonisation, use and delivery of GMES data (both satellite-based and in-situ, including ground-based, shipborne and airborne) and services.

| — | Innovative satellite communication services, seamlessly integrated in the global electronic communication networks, for citizens and enterprises in application sectors encompassing civil protection, e-government, telemedicine, tele-education, search and rescue, tourism and leisure time, personal navigation, fleet management, agriculture and forestry, meteorology and generic users. |
| --- | --- |

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Innovative satellite communication services, seamlessly integrated in the global electronic communication networks, for citizens and enterprises in application sectors encompassing civil protection, e-government, telemedicine, tele-education, search and rescue, tourism and leisure time, personal navigation, fleet management, agriculture and forestry, meteorology and generic users.

| — | Development of monitoring technologies and systems for reducing the vulnerability of space-based services and for contributing to the surveillance of space. |
| --- | --- |

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Development of monitoring technologies and systems for reducing the vulnerability of space-based services and for contributing to the surveillance of space.

| — | Applications of space-based systems for risk prevention and risk management and all kinds of emergency, enhancing convergence with non-space systems. |
| --- | --- |

—

Applications of space-based systems for risk prevention and risk management and all kinds of emergency, enhancing convergence with non-space systems.

| — | Exploration of space






  — | Providing RTD support and maximising scientific added value through synergies with initiatives by ESA or national space agencies in the field of space exploration; facilitating the access to scientific data. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Exploration of space

—

Providing RTD support and maximising scientific added value through synergies with initiatives by ESA or national space agencies in the field of space exploration; facilitating the access to scientific data.

| — | Support to coordinate efforts for the development of space-borne telescopes and detectors as well as for data analysis in space sciences. |
| --- | --- |

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Support to coordinate efforts for the development of space-borne telescopes and detectors as well as for data analysis in space sciences.

| — | RTD for strengthening space foundations






  — | Space research and development for long term needs including space transportation; research activities to increase the competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of the European space technology sector. |
| --- | --- | --- |

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RTD for strengthening space foundations

—

Space research and development for long term needs including space transportation; research activities to increase the competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of the European space technology sector.

| — | Space sciences including bio-medicine and life and physical sciences in space. |
| --- | --- |

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Space sciences including bio-medicine and life and physical sciences in space.

10.   Security

Objective

To develop the technologies and knowledge for building capabilities needed to ensure the security of citizens from threats such as terrorism, natural disasters, and crime, while respecting fundamental human rights including privacy; to ensure optimal and concerted use of available technologies to the benefit of civil European security, to stimulate the cooperation of providers and users for civil security solutions, improving the competitiveness of the European security industry and delivering mission-oriented research results to reduce security gaps.

Rationale

Security in Europe is a precondition of prosperity and freedom. The EU Security Strategy: ‘A Secure Europe in a Better World’, adopted by the European Council, addresses the need for a comprehensive security strategy encompassing both civil and defence-related security measures.

Security related research is an important building block for realising a high level of security within the area of freedom, security and justice. It will also contribute to developing technologies and capabilities in support of other Community policies in areas such as transport, civil protection, energy, environment and health. Security research needs specific implementation rules to take into account its special nature.

Existing security related research activities in Europe suffer from the fragmentation of efforts, the lack of critical mass of scale and scope and the lack of connections and interoperability. Europe needs to improve the coherence of its efforts by developing efficient institutional arrangements and by instigating cooperation and coordination among the various national and international actors in order to avoid duplication and to explore synergies wherever possible. Security research at Community level will maintain an exclusively civil orientation and focus on activities of clear added value to the national level. As a consequence, civil security research within the Seventh Framework Programme will reinforce the competitiveness of the European security industry. Recognising that there are areas of ‘dual-use’ technology, close coordination with the activities of European Defence Agency will be needed in order to ensure complementarity.

Security research will emphasise European capabilities regarding surveillance, distribution of information and knowledge of threats and incidents as well as systems for better assessments and situation control through better use of common ICT-systems in the fields of different operations.

The non defence activities set out below will complement and integrate the technology- and systems-oriented research relevant to civil security which is carried out in other themes. They will be mission-oriented, developing the technologies and capabilities as required by the specific security missions. They are by design flexible so as to accommodate as yet unknown future security threats and related policy needs that may arise, stimulating cross-fertilisation and the take-up of existing technologies for the civil security sector, European security research will also encourage the development of multi-purpose technologies in order to maximise the scope for their application.

Activities

| — | Security of citizens: delivering technology solutions for civil protection, including bio-security and protection against risks arising from crime and terrorist attacks. |
| --- | --- |

—

Security of citizens: delivering technology solutions for civil protection, including bio-security and protection against risks arising from crime and terrorist attacks.

| — | Security of infrastructures and utilities: analysing and securing existing and future public and private critical/networked infrastructure (e.g. in transport, energy, ICT), systems and services (including financial and administrative services). |
| --- | --- |

—

Security of infrastructures and utilities: analysing and securing existing and future public and private critical/networked infrastructure (e.g. in transport, energy, ICT), systems and services (including financial and administrative services).

| — | Intelligent surveillance and border security: focusing on technologies and capabilities to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of all systems, equipment, tools and processes as well as methods for rapid identification required for improving the security of Europe's land and coastal borders, including border control and surveillance issues. |
| --- | --- |

—

Intelligent surveillance and border security: focusing on technologies and capabilities to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of all systems, equipment, tools and processes as well as methods for rapid identification required for improving the security of Europe's land and coastal borders, including border control and surveillance issues.

| — | Restoring security and safety in case of crisis: focusing on technologies providing an overview of, and support for diverse emergency management operations (such as civil protection, humanitarian and rescue tasks), and on issues such as inter-organisational preparation, coordination and communication, distributed architectures and human factors. |
| --- | --- |

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Restoring security and safety in case of crisis: focusing on technologies providing an overview of, and support for diverse emergency management operations (such as civil protection, humanitarian and rescue tasks), and on issues such as inter-organisational preparation, coordination and communication, distributed architectures and human factors.

The above four areas will be supported by the following themes of a more cross-cutting nature:

| — | Security systems integration, interconnectivity and interoperability: Intelligence, information gathering and civil security, focusing on technologies to enhance the interoperability of systems, equipment, services and processes, including law enforcement, firefighting, civil defence and medical information infrastructures, as well as on the reliability, organisational aspects, protection of confidentiality and integrity of information and traceability of all transactions and processing. |
| --- | --- |

—

Security systems integration, interconnectivity and interoperability: Intelligence, information gathering and civil security, focusing on technologies to enhance the interoperability of systems, equipment, services and processes, including law enforcement, firefighting, civil defence and medical information infrastructures, as well as on the reliability, organisational aspects, protection of confidentiality and integrity of information and traceability of all transactions and processing.

| — | Security and society: mission orientated research which will focus on socio-economic analyses, scenario building and activities related to: cultural, social, political and economic dimensions of security, communication with society, the role of human values and policy making, psychology social environment of terrorism, citizens' perception of security, ethics, protection of privacy, societal foresight and systemic risk analysis. Research will also address technologies that better safeguard privacy and liberties, and will address vulnerabilities and new threats, as well as the management and impact assessment of possible consequences. |
| --- | --- |

—

Security and society: mission orientated research which will focus on socio-economic analyses, scenario building and activities related to: cultural, social, political and economic dimensions of security, communication with society, the role of human values and policy making, psychology social environment of terrorism, citizens' perception of security, ethics, protection of privacy, societal foresight and systemic risk analysis. Research will also address technologies that better safeguard privacy and liberties, and will address vulnerabilities and new threats, as well as the management and impact assessment of possible consequences.

| — | Security research coordination and structuring: coordination of European and international security research efforts and development of synergies between civil, security and defence research, improvement of legal conditions, and encouragement to the optimal use of existing infrastructures. |
| --- | --- |

—

Security research coordination and structuring: coordination of European and international security research efforts and development of synergies between civil, security and defence research, improvement of legal conditions, and encouragement to the optimal use of existing infrastructures.

II.   Ideas

Objective

This programme will enhance the dynamism, creativity and excellence of European research at the frontier of knowledge. This will be done by supporting ‘investigator-driven’ research projects carried out across all fields by individual teams in competition at the European level. Projects will be funded on the basis of proposals presented by researchers both from the private and public sectors on subjects of their choice and evaluated on the sole criterion of excellence as judged by peer review. Communication and dissemination of research results is an important aspect of this programme.

Rationale

Investigator-driven ‘frontier’ research, within the framework of activities commonly understood as ‘basic research’, is a key driver of wealth and social progress, as it opens new opportunities for scientific and technological advance, and is instrumental in producing new knowledge leading to future applications and markets.

Despite many achievements and a high level of performance in a large number of fields, Europe is not making the most of its research potential and resources, and urgently needs a greater capacity to generate knowledge and translate such knowledge into economic and social value and growth.

A Europe-wide competitive funding structure (in addition to and not replacing national funding) for frontier research executed by individual teams, which may be of national or transnational character, is a key component of the European Research Area, complementing other Community and national activities. It will help reinforce the dynamism and attractiveness of Europe for the best researchers from both European and third countries, and for industrial investment.

Activities

This action will respond to the most promising and productive areas of research and the best opportunities for scientific and technological progress, within and across disciplines, including engineering and social sciences and the humanities. It will be implemented independently of the thematic orientations of the other parts of the Seventh Framework Programme, and will pay attention to new generation researchers and new groups as well as established teams.

The Community activities in frontier research will be implemented by a European Research Council (ERC), consisting of an independent scientific council, supported by a lean and cost-effective dedicated implementation structure. The management of the ERC will be carried out by staff recruited for that purpose, including officials from EU institutions, and will cover only the real administrative needs in order to assure the stability and continuity necessary for an effective administration.

The Scientific Council will consist of representatives of the European scientific community, ensuring a diversity of the research fields, at the highest level, acting in their personal capacity, independently of political or other interests. Its members will be appointed by the Commission following an independent procedure for their identification. They will be appointed for a period of four years, renewable once, on a basis of a rotating system which will ensure the continuity of the Scientific Council's work.

The Scientific Council will, inter alia, establish an overall scientific strategy, have full authority over decisions on the type of research to be funded and act as guarantor of the quality of the activity from the scientific perspective. Its tasks will cover, in particular, the development of the annual work programme, the establishment of the peer review process, as well as the monitoring and quality control of the programme's implementation from the scientific perspective. It will establish a code of conduct addressing, inter alia, the avoidance of conflicts of interest.

The dedicated implementation structure will be responsible for all aspects of implementation and programme execution as provided for in the annual work programme. It will, in particular, implement the peer review and selection process according to the principles established by the Scientific Council and will ensure the financial and scientific management of the grants.

The administrative and staffing costs for the ERC relating to the Scientific Council and dedicated implementation structure will be consistent with lean and cost-effective management; administrative expenditure will be kept to a minimum, consistent with ensuring the resources necessary for high quality implementation.

The Commission will act as the guarantor of the ERC's full autonomy and integrity. It will ensure that the ERC acts in accordance with the principles of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency and transparency, and that it follows precisely the strategy and implementation methodology established by the Scientific Council. The Commission will draw up, in cooperation with the scientific council, an annual report on the ERC's operations and realisation of the objectives and submit it to the European Parliament and the Council.

The ERC will have the faculty to conduct its own strategic studies to prepare for and support its operational activities. In particular, it may consult with European, intergovernmental and national initiatives so as to programme its activities in the light of other research at European and national level.

The implementation and management of the activity will be reviewed and evaluated on an on-going basis to assess its achievements and to adjust and improve procedures on the basis of experience. In the context of the interim evaluation referred to in Article 7(2), an independent review will also be carried out of the ERC's structures and mechanisms, against the criteria of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency and transparency and with the full involvement of the Scientific Council. The review will explicitly look at the advantages and disadvantages of a structure based on an Executive Agency, and a structure based on Article 171 of the Treaty. On the basis of this review, these structures and mechanisms should be modified as appropriate. The Commission will ensure that all the necessary preparatory work is undertaken and presented to the European Parliament and the Council, with a view to a transition to any modified structure required, as soon as possible. The progress report referred to in Article 7(2), preceding the interim evaluation, will give initial findings on the functioning of the ERC.

III.   People

Objective

Strengthening, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human potential in research and technology in Europe, by stimulating people to enter into the profession of researcher, encouraging European researchers to stay in Europe, and attracting to Europe researchers from the entire world, making Europe more attractive to the best researchers. Building on the experiences with the ‘Marie Curie’ actions under previous Framework Programmes, this will be done by putting into place a coherent set of ‘Marie Curie’ actions, particularly taking into account the European added value in terms of their impact on the European Research Area. These actions will address researchers at all stages of their careers, from initial research training specifically intended for young people to life-long learning and career development in the public and private sectors. Efforts will also be made to increase participation by women researchers, by encouraging equal opportunities in all ‘Marie Curie Actions’, by designing the actions to ensure that researchers can achieve an appropriate work/life balance and by facilitating the resumption of a research career after a break.

Rationale

Abundant and highly trained qualified researchers are a necessary condition to advance science and to underpin innovation, but also an important factor to attract and sustain investments in research by public and private entities. Against the background of growing competition at world level, the development of an open European labour market for researchers free from all forms of discrimination and the diversification of skills and career paths of researchers are crucial to support a beneficial circulation of researchers and their knowledge, both within Europe and in a global setting. Special measures to encourage early-stage researchers and support early stages of scientific career, as well as measures to reduce the ‘brain drain’, such as reintegration grants, will be introduced.

Mobility, both trans-national and intersectoral, including the stimulation of industrial participation and the opening of research careers and academic positions at European scale, is a key component of the European Research Area and indispensable to increasing European capacities and performance in research. International competition between researchers will remain central in order to ensure the highest quality of research under this activity. Increasing the mobility of researchers and strengthening the resources of those institutions which attract researchers internationally will encourage centres of excellence around the European Union. To ensure training and mobility within new research and technology areas, appropriate coordination with other parts of the Seventh Framework Programme will be ensured and synergies will be sought with other Community policies, e.g. on education, cohesion and employment. Actions on linking science education to careers, and research and coordination actions on new methods in science education are foreseen under the Science in Society part of the ‘Capacities’ programme.

Activities

| — | Initial training of researchers to improve their career perspectives, in both public and private sectors, inter alia through the broadening of their scientific and generic skills, including those relating to technology transfer and entrepreneurship, and attracting more young people to scientific careers. This will be implemented through Marie Curie Networks with the main objective being to overcome fragmentation of and to strengthen at European level the initial training and career development of researchers. Support is foreseen for the best early-stage researchers to join established research teams. Members of the trans-national networks must exploit their complementary competencies through integrated training programmes. Support will comprise recruitment of early stage researchers, organisation of training events also open to researchers outside the network and senior chairs and/or industry positions for knowledge transfer and supervision. |
| --- | --- |

—

Initial training of researchers to improve their career perspectives, in both public and private sectors, inter alia through the broadening of their scientific and generic skills, including those relating to technology transfer and entrepreneurship, and attracting more young people to scientific careers. This will be implemented through Marie Curie Networks with the main objective being to overcome fragmentation of and to strengthen at European level the initial training and career development of researchers. Support is foreseen for the best early-stage researchers to join established research teams. Members of the trans-national networks must exploit their complementary competencies through integrated training programmes. Support will comprise recruitment of early stage researchers, organisation of training events also open to researchers outside the network and senior chairs and/or industry positions for knowledge transfer and supervision.

| — | Life-long training and career development to support the career development of experienced researchers. With a view to complementing or acquiring new skills and competencies or to enhance inter/multidisciplinarity and/or inter-sectoral mobility, support is foreseen for researchers with particular needs for additional/complementary competences and skills, for researchers to resume a research career after a break and for (re-)integrating researchers into a longer term research position in Europe, including in their country of origin, after a trans-national/international mobility experience. This action line will be implemented through both individual fellowships awarded directly at Community level and through the co-financing of regional, national or international programmes where this fulfils the criteria of European added value, transparency and openness. |
| --- | --- |

—

Life-long training and career development to support the career development of experienced researchers. With a view to complementing or acquiring new skills and competencies or to enhance inter/multidisciplinarity and/or inter-sectoral mobility, support is foreseen for researchers with particular needs for additional/complementary competences and skills, for researchers to resume a research career after a break and for (re-)integrating researchers into a longer term research position in Europe, including in their country of origin, after a trans-national/international mobility experience. This action line will be implemented through both individual fellowships awarded directly at Community level and through the co-financing of regional, national or international programmes where this fulfils the criteria of European added value, transparency and openness.

Initially the co-financing mode will be implemented on a controlled scale allowing for the necessary experience to be gained.

| — | Industry-academia pathways and partnerships: Support for longer term cooperation programmes between organisations from academia and industry, in particular SMEs and including traditional manufacturing industries, will aim at stimulating intersectoral mobility and increasing knowledge sharing through joint research partnerships, supported by the recruitment of experienced researchers to the partnership, by staff secondments between both sectors, and by the organisation of events. |
| --- | --- |

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Industry-academia pathways and partnerships: Support for longer term cooperation programmes between organisations from academia and industry, in particular SMEs and including traditional manufacturing industries, will aim at stimulating intersectoral mobility and increasing knowledge sharing through joint research partnerships, supported by the recruitment of experienced researchers to the partnership, by staff secondments between both sectors, and by the organisation of events.

| — | The international dimension: to increase the quality of European research by attracting research talent from outside Europe and fostering mutually beneficial research collaboration with researchers from outside Europe. This will be addressed through international outgoing fellowships (with an in-built mandatory return phase); international incoming fellowships; partnerships to support the exchange of researchers. Common initiatives between European organisations and organisations from countries neighbouring the EU and countries with which the Community has a Science and Technology agreement will also be supported. The activity will include measures to counter the risk of ‘brain drain’ from developing countries and emerging economies and measures to create networks of European researchers working abroad. These actions will be implemented in line with the international activities under the ‘Cooperation’ and ‘Capacities’ programmes. |
| --- | --- |

—

The international dimension: to increase the quality of European research by attracting research talent from outside Europe and fostering mutually beneficial research collaboration with researchers from outside Europe. This will be addressed through international outgoing fellowships (with an in-built mandatory return phase); international incoming fellowships; partnerships to support the exchange of researchers. Common initiatives between European organisations and organisations from countries neighbouring the EU and countries with which the Community has a Science and Technology agreement will also be supported. The activity will include measures to counter the risk of ‘brain drain’ from developing countries and emerging economies and measures to create networks of European researchers working abroad. These actions will be implemented in line with the international activities under the ‘Cooperation’ and ‘Capacities’ programmes.

| — | Specific actions to support the creation of a genuine European labour market for researchers, by removing obstacles to mobility and enhancing the career perspectives of researchers in Europe. Incentive measures for public institutions that promote the mobility, quality and profile of their researchers will also be supported. Furthermore, awards to improve the public awareness of Marie Curie actions and their objectives will be provided. |
| --- | --- |

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Specific actions to support the creation of a genuine European labour market for researchers, by removing obstacles to mobility and enhancing the career perspectives of researchers in Europe. Incentive measures for public institutions that promote the mobility, quality and profile of their researchers will also be supported. Furthermore, awards to improve the public awareness of Marie Curie actions and their objectives will be provided.

IV.   Capacities

This part of the Seventh Framework Programme will enhance research and innovation capacities throughout Europe and ensure their optimal use. This aim will be achieved through:

| — | Optimising the use and development of research infrastructures, |
| --- | --- |

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Optimising the use and development of research infrastructures,

| — | Strengthening innovative capacities of SmEs and their ability to benefit from research, |
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Strengthening innovative capacities of SmEs and their ability to benefit from research,

| — | Supporting the development of regional research-driven clusters, |
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Supporting the development of regional research-driven clusters,

| — | Unlocking the research potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions, |
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Unlocking the research potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions,

| — | Bringing science and society closer together for the harmonious integration of science and technology in European society, |
| --- | --- |

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Bringing science and society closer together for the harmonious integration of science and technology in European society,

| — | Support for the coherent development of research policies, |
| --- | --- |

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Support for the coherent development of research policies,

| — | Horizontal actions and measures in support of international cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

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Horizontal actions and measures in support of international cooperation.

RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES

Objective

Optimising the use and development of the best research infrastructures existing in Europe, and helping to create in all fields of science and technology new research infrastructures of pan-European interest needed by the European scientific community to remain at the forefront of the advancement of research, and able to help industry to strengthen its base of knowledge and its technological know-how.

Rationale

Research infrastructures play an increasing role in the advancement of knowledge and technology and their exploitation. The importance of such infrastructures is already well established in areas such as energy, space and particle physics and is increasing in other areas. For example, radiation sources, data banks in genomics and data banks in social science, observatories for environmental and space sciences, systems of imaging or clean rooms for the study and development of new materials or nano-electronics, are at the core of research. They are expensive, need a broad range of expertise to be developed, and should be used and exploited by a large community of scientist and customer industries on a European scale.

The development of a European approach with regard to research infrastructures, including computing and communication based e-infrastructures and virtual infrastructures, and the carrying out of activities in this area at Union level, can make a significant contribution to boosting the potential of European research and its exploitation and contributing to the development of the European Research Area.

While the Member States' role will remain central in the development and financing of infrastructures, the Community can and should play a catalysing and leveraging role by helping to ensure wider and more efficient access to, and use of, the infrastructures existing in the different Member States, by stimulating the development of these infrastructures, and their networking, in a coordinated way, and by fostering the emergence of new research infrastructures of pan-European interest in the medium to long term. In this respect, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) plays a key role in identifying needs and a roadmap for European research infrastructures.

Activities

Activities carried out under this heading will be executed across the whole field of science and technology. They will be implemented in close cooperation with the activities taking place in the thematic areas to ensure that all the actions undertaken at European level in the Community framework respond to the needs for research infrastructures in the areas concerned, including international cooperation.

The activities will be the following:

| — | Support for existing research infrastructures






  — | Integrating activities to structure better, on a European scale, the way research infrastructures operate in a given field and to promote their coherent use and development, in particular through trans-national access, to ensure that European researchers, including researchers from industry and SMEs, may have access to high performing research infrastructures to conduct their research, irrespective of the location of the infrastructure, |
| --- | --- | --- |

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Support for existing research infrastructures

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Integrating activities to structure better, on a European scale, the way research infrastructures operate in a given field and to promote their coherent use and development, in particular through trans-national access, to ensure that European researchers, including researchers from industry and SMEs, may have access to high performing research infrastructures to conduct their research, irrespective of the location of the infrastructure,

| — | Strenghtening research e-infrastructure by fostering the further development and evolution and global connectivity of high-capacity and high-performance communication and grid infrastructures and reinforcing European computing capabilities, as well as encouraging their adoption by user communities where appropriate, enhancing their global relevance and increasing the level of trust and confidence, building on the achievements of GEANT and Grid infrastructures and based on open standards for interoperability. |
| --- | --- |

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Strenghtening research e-infrastructure by fostering the further development and evolution and global connectivity of high-capacity and high-performance communication and grid infrastructures and reinforcing European computing capabilities, as well as encouraging their adoption by user communities where appropriate, enhancing their global relevance and increasing the level of trust and confidence, building on the achievements of GEANT and Grid infrastructures and based on open standards for interoperability.

| — | Support for new research infrastructures






  — | Construction of new infrastructures and major upgrades of existing ones focussing mainly on preparatory phases, to promote the emergence of new research facilities, in accordance with the principle of ‘variable geometry’, building primarily upon the work conducted by ESFRI (15). |
| --- | --- | --- |

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Support for new research infrastructures

—

Construction of new infrastructures and major upgrades of existing ones focussing mainly on preparatory phases, to promote the emergence of new research facilities, in accordance with the principle of ‘variable geometry’, building primarily upon the work conducted by ESFRI (15).

| — | design studies, through a bottom-up approach of calls for proposals, to promote the creation of new research infrastructures by funding exploratory awards and feasibility studies for new infrastructures. |
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design studies, through a bottom-up approach of calls for proposals, to promote the creation of new research infrastructures by funding exploratory awards and feasibility studies for new infrastructures.

Infrastructures projects proposed for funding in this respect will be identified on the basis of a series of criteria including in particular:

| — | Inability of existing mechanisms to achieve the objective. |
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Inability of existing mechanisms to achieve the objective.

| — | Added value of Community financial support. |
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Added value of Community financial support.

| — | Capacity to offer a service in response to the needs of users from the scientific (academic and industrial) community throughout Europe, including added value to the European Research Area. |
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Capacity to offer a service in response to the needs of users from the scientific (academic and industrial) community throughout Europe, including added value to the European Research Area.

| — | Scientific excellence. |
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Scientific excellence.

| — | Relevance at international level. |
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Relevance at international level.

| — | Contribution to technological development capacity. |
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Contribution to technological development capacity.

| — | Contribution to developing ‘research-based clusters of excellence’. |
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Contribution to developing ‘research-based clusters of excellence’.

| — | Technological and organisational feasibility. |
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Technological and organisational feasibility.

| — | Possibilities for European partnership and strong financial and other commitment of Member States and other major stakeholders, as well as the possible use of EIB loans and Structural Funds. |
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Possibilities for European partnership and strong financial and other commitment of Member States and other major stakeholders, as well as the possible use of EIB loans and Structural Funds.

| — | Evaluation of construction and operating costs. |
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Evaluation of construction and operating costs.

As far as the construction of new infrastructures is concerned, the potential for scientific excellence of the convergence regions as well as the outermost regions should be taken into account, whenever appropriate. An efficient coordination of the Community financial instruments, in particular the Seventh Framework Programme and the structural funds, will be ensured.

RESEARCH FOR THE BENEFIT OF SMEs

Objectives

Strengthening the innovation capacity of European SMEs and their contribution to the development of new technology based products and markets by helping them outsource research, increase their research efforts, extend their networks, better exploit research results and acquire technological know how, bridging the gap between research and innovation.

Rationale

SMEs are at the core of European industry. They should be a key component of the innovation system and in the chain of transformation of knowledge into new products, processes and services. Faced with increasing competition in the internal market and globally, European SMEs need to increase their knowledge and research intensity, enhance the exploitation of research, expand their business activities into larger markets and internationalize their knowledge networks. Most Member State actions relevant to SMEs do not encourage and support trans-national research cooperation and technology transfer. Actions at EU level are necessary to complement and enhance the impact of actions undertaken at national and regional level. In addition to the actions listed below, the participation of SMEs will be encouraged and facilitated, and their needs taken into account, across the Seventh Framework Programme.

Activities

Specific actions in support of SMEs are conceived to support SMEs or SME associations that need to outsource research: mainly low to medium-tech SMEs with little or no research capability. Research intensive SMEs may participate as providers of research services or outsource research to complement their core research capability. Actions will be carried out in the entire field of science and technology with a bottom-up approach. Actions will include support of demonstration and other activities to facilitate the exploitation of research results, ensuring complementarity with the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme. Financial means will be allocated through two schemes:

| — | Research for SMEs: To support small groups of innovative SMEs to solve common or complementary technological problems. |
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Research for SMEs: To support small groups of innovative SMEs to solve common or complementary technological problems.

| — | Research for SME associations: To support SME associations and SME groupings to develop technical solutions to problems common to large numbers of SMEs in specific industrial sectors or segments of the value chain. |
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Research for SME associations: To support SME associations and SME groupings to develop technical solutions to problems common to large numbers of SMEs in specific industrial sectors or segments of the value chain.

The clear focus will be on support for research projects. In addition, support will be granted to national schemes providing financial means to SMEs or SME associations to prepare proposals for actions under ‘Research for the benefit of SMEs’. During the implementation of the Community RTD Framework Programme, complementarity and synergy will be ensured with the actions of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme.

The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme will encourage and facilitate the participation of SMEs in the Seventh Framework Programme through its horizontal services in support of business and innovation. Complementarity and synergy with other Community programmes will be ensured.

REGIONS OF KNOWLEDGE

Objectives

Strengthening the research potential of European regions, in particular by encouraging and supporting the development, across Europe, of regional ‘research-driven clusters’ associating universities, research centres, enterprises and regional authorities.

Rationale

Regions are increasingly recognised as important players in the EU's research and development landscape. Research policy and activities at regional level often rely on the development of ‘clusters’ associating public and private actors. The pilot action on ‘Regions of Knowledge’ demonstrated the dynamic of this evolution and the need to support and encourage the development of such structures.

The actions undertaken in this area will enable European regions to strengthen their capacity for investing in RTD and carry out research activities, while maximising their potential for a successful involvement of their operators in European research projects and facilitating the emergence of clusters, thereby promoting regional development in Europe. Actions will facilitate the creation of regional clusters which contribute to the development of the European Research Area.

Activities

The new ‘Regions of Knowledge’ initiative will involve and bring together regional actors involved in research, such as universities, research centres, industry, public authorities (regional councils or regional development agencies). Projects will cover joint analysis of research agendas of regional clusters (in coordination with other activities on the broader issue of regional innovation clusters) and the elaboration of a set of instruments to address them in specific research activities, including through the ‘mentoring’ of regions with less developed research profiles by highly developed regions and support for emerging Regions of Knowledge.

This will comprise measures aiming at improving research networking and access to sources of research funding as well as better integration and linking of research actors and institutions in regional economies. These activities will be implemented in close relationship with Community regional policy (structural funds), the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the education and training programmes.

In the context of the specific activity of ‘Regions of Knowledge’ synergies will be sought with Community regional policy as well as with relevant national and regional programmes, in particular with regard to convergence and outermost regions.

RESEARCH POTENTIAL

Objective

Stimulating the realisation of the full research potential of the enlarged Union by unlocking and developing existing or emerging excellence in the EU's convergence regions and outermost regions (16), and helping to strengthen the capacities of their researchers to successfully participate in research activities at Community level.

Rationale

Europe does not fully exploit its research potential, in particular in less advanced regions remote from the European core of research and industrial development. In order to help researchers and institutions, whether in the public or private sector, of these regions to contribute to the overall European research effort, while taking advantage of the knowledge and experience existing in other regions of Europe, this action aims at establishing the conditions that will allow them to exploit their potential and help to fully realise the European Research Area in the enlarged Union. The actions will build on past and existing measures such as the European Centres of Excellence under the Fifth Framework Programme in what were then acceding and candidate countries and Marie Curie Host Fellowships for the Transfer of Knowledge.

Activities

The action in this domain will comprise support for:

| — | Trans-national two-way secondments of research staff between selected organisations in the convergence regions, and one or more partner organisations; support for selected centres of existing or emerging excellence for the recruitment of incoming experienced researchers from other countries. |
| --- | --- |

—

Trans-national two-way secondments of research staff between selected organisations in the convergence regions, and one or more partner organisations; support for selected centres of existing or emerging excellence for the recruitment of incoming experienced researchers from other countries.

| — | The acquisition and development of research equipment and the development of a material environment enabling a full exploitation of the intellectual potential present in the selected centres of existing or emerging excellence in the convergence regions. |
| --- | --- |

—

The acquisition and development of research equipment and the development of a material environment enabling a full exploitation of the intellectual potential present in the selected centres of existing or emerging excellence in the convergence regions.

| — | The organisation of workshops and conferences to facilitate knowledge transfer; promotion activities as well as initiatives aiming at disseminating and transferring research results in and to other countries and international markets. |
| --- | --- |

—

The organisation of workshops and conferences to facilitate knowledge transfer; promotion activities as well as initiatives aiming at disseminating and transferring research results in and to other countries and international markets.

| — | ‘Evaluation facilities’ through which any research centre in the convergence regions can obtain an international independent expert evaluation of the level of their overall research quality and infrastructures. |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Evaluation facilities’ through which any research centre in the convergence regions can obtain an international independent expert evaluation of the level of their overall research quality and infrastructures.

Strong synergies will be sought with Community regional policy. Actions supported under this heading will identify needs and opportunities for reinforcing the research capacities of emerging and existing centres of excellence in convergence regions which may be met by structural and cohesion funds.

Synergies will also be sought with the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme in order to promote the regional commercialisation of RTD in collaboration with industry.

SCIENCE IN SOCIETY

Objective

To stimulate, with a view to building an open, effective and democratic European knowledge-based society, the harmonious integration of scientific and technological endeavour, and associated research policies in the European social web, by encouraging pan-European reflection and debate on science and technology and their relationship with the whole spectrum of society and culture.

Rationale

The influence of science and technology on our daily lives is becoming increasingly profound. Products of social activity and shaped by social and cultural factors, science and technology nevertheless remain a remote domain far from the daily concerns of a large part of the public and of policy decision makers, and continue to be the subject of misunderstandings. Contentious issues relating to emerging technologies should be addressed by society on the basis of well informed debate leading to sound choices and decisions.

Activities

The substantial and integrated initiative undertaken in this field will comprise support for:

| — | Strengthening and improving the European science system, and addressing the following issues: improving the use and monitoring the impact of scientific advice and expertise for policy-making (including risk management); the future of scientific publications; measures to make scientific publications more accessible to members of the public wishing to consult them; safeguards for scientific domains open to misuse; and issues of fraud, trust and ‘self regulation’. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthening and improving the European science system, and addressing the following issues: improving the use and monitoring the impact of scientific advice and expertise for policy-making (including risk management); the future of scientific publications; measures to make scientific publications more accessible to members of the public wishing to consult them; safeguards for scientific domains open to misuse; and issues of fraud, trust and ‘self regulation’.

| — | Broadening the engagement of researchers and the public at large, including organised civil society, with science-related questions, to anticipate and clarify political and societal issues, including ethical issues. |
| --- | --- |

—

Broadening the engagement of researchers and the public at large, including organised civil society, with science-related questions, to anticipate and clarify political and societal issues, including ethical issues.

| — | Reflection and debate on science and technology and their place in society, drawing on disciplines such as history, sociology and philosophy of science and technology. |
| --- | --- |

—

Reflection and debate on science and technology and their place in society, drawing on disciplines such as history, sociology and philosophy of science and technology.

| — | Gender research, including the integration of the gender dimension in all areas of research and the promotion of the role of women in research and in scientific decision-making bodies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Gender research, including the integration of the gender dimension in all areas of research and the promotion of the role of women in research and in scientific decision-making bodies.

| — | Creation of an open environment which triggers curiosity for science in young people, by reinforcing science education at all levels, including in schools, and promoting interest and full participation in science among young people from all backgrounds. |
| --- | --- |

—

Creation of an open environment which triggers curiosity for science in young people, by reinforcing science education at all levels, including in schools, and promoting interest and full participation in science among young people from all backgrounds.

| — | Strengthening the role of research carried out in universities and other higher education institutes and the engagement of such universities and institutes in the challenges of globalisation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthening the role of research carried out in universities and other higher education institutes and the engagement of such universities and institutes in the challenges of globalisation.

| — | Improved intercommunication and mutual understanding between the scientific world and the wider audience of policy-makers, the media and the general public, by helping scientists better communicate and present their work and by supporting scientific information, publications and media. |
| --- | --- |

—

Improved intercommunication and mutual understanding between the scientific world and the wider audience of policy-makers, the media and the general public, by helping scientists better communicate and present their work and by supporting scientific information, publications and media.

These activities will take the form of, in particular, research projects, studies, networking and exchanges, public events and initiatives, prizes, surveys and data collection. In many cases they will imply international partnerships with organisations from third countries.

SUPPORT FOR THE COHERENT DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH POLICIES

Objectives

Enhancing the effectiveness and coherence of national and Community research policies and their articulation with other policies, improving the impact of public research and its links with industry, and strengthening public support and its leverage effect on investment by private actors.

Rationale

Increasing investment in research and development up to the 3 % objective and improving its effectiveness is a top priority of the Lisbon strategy for growth and employment. Thus, the development of effective policies to leverage public and private research investments is a major concern of public authorities in light of the need to accelerate the transition towards a competitive knowledge-based economy. This calls for adaptability of research policies, the mobilisation of a broader range of instruments, coordination of efforts across national boundaries and the mobilisation of other policies to create better framework conditions for research.

Activities

The activities undertaken under this heading will complement the coordination activities under the ‘Cooperation’ programme and will aim at improving the coherence and impact of regional, national and Community policies and initiatives (e.g. funding programmes, legislation, recommendations and guidelines). The activities will be the following:

| — | Monitoring and analysis of research related public policies and industrial strategies, including their impact, and development of indicators to provide information and evidence in support of the design, implementation, evaluation and trans-national coordination of policies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Monitoring and analysis of research related public policies and industrial strategies, including their impact, and development of indicators to provide information and evidence in support of the design, implementation, evaluation and trans-national coordination of policies.

| — | Strengthening, on a voluntary basis, the coordination of research policies via actions to support the implementation of the open method of coordination (OMC) and bottom-up trans-national cooperation initiatives undertaken at national or regional level on issues of common interest. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthening, on a voluntary basis, the coordination of research policies via actions to support the implementation of the open method of coordination (OMC) and bottom-up trans-national cooperation initiatives undertaken at national or regional level on issues of common interest.

ACTIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

To become competitive and play a leading role at world level, the European Community needs a strong and coherent international science and technology policy. The international actions carried out under the different programmes within the seventh Framework Programme will be implemented in the context of an overall international cooperation strategy.

This international policy has three interdependent objectives:

| — | To support European competitiveness through strategic partnerships with third countries in selected fields of science and by engaging the best third country scientists to work in and with Europe; |
| --- | --- |

—

To support European competitiveness through strategic partnerships with third countries in selected fields of science and by engaging the best third country scientists to work in and with Europe;

| — | To facilitate contacts with partners in third countries with the aim of providing better access to research carried out elsewhere in the world; |
| --- | --- |

—

To facilitate contacts with partners in third countries with the aim of providing better access to research carried out elsewhere in the world;

| — | To address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit. |
| --- | --- |

—

To address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit.

Cooperation with third countries in the Seventh Framework Programme will be targeted, in particular, at the following groups of countries:

| — | Candidate countries; |
| --- | --- |

—

Candidate countries;

| — | Countries neighbouring the EU, Mediterranean partner countries, Western Balkans countries (WBC) (17) and the Eastern European and Central Asian countries (EECA) (18); |
| --- | --- |

—

Countries neighbouring the EU, Mediterranean partner countries, Western Balkans countries (WBC) (17) and the Eastern European and Central Asian countries (EECA) (18);

| — | Developing countries, focusing on the particular needs of each country or region concerned (19); |
| --- | --- |

—

Developing countries, focusing on the particular needs of each country or region concerned (19);

| — | Emerging economies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Emerging economies.

The theme-oriented international cooperation actions will be carried out under the ‘Cooperation’ programme. The international actions in the area of human potential will be carried under the ‘People’ programme.

Horizontal support actions and measures with a focus other than a specific thematic or interdisciplinary area covered in ‘Cooperation’ programme will be implemented under the ‘Capacities’ programme, and could be supplemented, in a limited number of cases, by specific cooperation actions of mutual interest. Efforts will be undertaken to improve the coherence of national activities by supporting the coordination of national programmes on international scientific cooperation. Taking into account the experience gained through INTAS and building on its work in the framework of cooperation with the Eastern European and Central Asian countries, activities providing continuity will be undertaken through this programme and the ‘Cooperation’ and ‘People’ programmes.

The overall coordination of the international cooperation actions under the different programmes of the Seventh Framework Programme, as well as with other Community instruments, will be ensured.

NON-NUCLEAR ACTIONS OF THE JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE (JRC)

Objective

To provide customer driven scientific and technical support to the Community policy making process, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies and responding to new policy demands.

Rationale

The JRC's independence of special interests, whether private or national, combined with its technical expertise enable it to facilitate communication and consensus building between stakeholders (industry associations, environmental action groups, Member States' competent authorities, other research centres etc.) and policy makers, especially at the Community level. Through scientific and technological support the JRC helps to make the Community policy process more effective, transparent and based on sound science. Where and when appropriate, research conducted by the JRC should be coordinated with the research undertaken under the ‘Themes’ of the ‘Cooperation’ Specific Programme, in order to avoid overlap and duplication.

The usefulness and credibility of the JRC's support to Community policies is closely linked to the quality of its scientific expertise and its integration in the international scientific community. The JRC will therefore continue investing in research and networking with other centres of excellence in relevant fields. It will participate in indirect actions in all areas with emphasis on common scientific reference systems, networking, training and mobility, research infrastructure and participation in technology platforms and coordination instruments where it has the relevant expertise to produce added value.

The JRC will actively pursue the promotion of the integration of new Member States and candidate countries in its activities to the level currently enjoyed by the EU-15.

Activities

The JRC's priorities will be in fields which are strategically important for the Union and where its input provides high added value. Scientific and technical support to Community policies will continue to be delivered in core areas such as sustainable development, climate change, food, energy, transport, chemicals, alternative methods to animal testing, research policy, information technologies, reference methods and materials, biotechnology, risks, hazards and socio-economic impacts. Growth will be in areas of key concern for the Community:

| — | Prosperity in a knowledge-intensive society






  — | To carry out and develop advanced econometric modelling and analysis techniques in the context of policy definition and monitoring, for example in the follow-up to the Lisbon Strategy, the Internal Market and Community research and education policies; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Prosperity in a knowledge-intensive society

—

To carry out and develop advanced econometric modelling and analysis techniques in the context of policy definition and monitoring, for example in the follow-up to the Lisbon Strategy, the Internal Market and Community research and education policies;

| — | To develop models to support a new balance between sustainability objectives and competitiveness in a responsible way; |
| --- | --- |

—

To develop models to support a new balance between sustainability objectives and competitiveness in a responsible way;

| — | To provide its scientific/technical support to the development of risk assessment and management procedures as a tool for the European decision-making process. |
| --- | --- |

—

To provide its scientific/technical support to the development of risk assessment and management procedures as a tool for the European decision-making process.

| — | Solidarity and responsible management of resources






  — | To become a recognised science and technology reference centre for sustainable agriculture focusing on food quality, traceability and safety (including GM food and feed), spatial management and cross-compliance and to support the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Solidarity and responsible management of resources

—

To become a recognised science and technology reference centre for sustainable agriculture focusing on food quality, traceability and safety (including GM food and feed), spatial management and cross-compliance and to support the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy.

| — | To provide the Common Fisheries Policy with S&T support. |
| --- | --- |

—

To provide the Common Fisheries Policy with S&T support.

| — | To enhance the provision of harmonised European geo-referenced data and spatial information systems (support to INSPIRE) and to continue developing new approaches to global environmental and resources monitoring (support to GMES). |
| --- | --- |

—

To enhance the provision of harmonised European geo-referenced data and spatial information systems (support to INSPIRE) and to continue developing new approaches to global environmental and resources monitoring (support to GMES).

| — | To provide expertise and play a role in the GMES research activities and in the development of new applications in this field. |
| --- | --- |

—

To provide expertise and play a role in the GMES research activities and in the development of new applications in this field.

| — | To support the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Environment and Health including providing support to on-going activities to establish a Community integrated environment and health information system. |
| --- | --- |

—

To support the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Environment and Health including providing support to on-going activities to establish a Community integrated environment and health information system.

| — | To promote and enhance the development and validation of alternative strategies, and in particular non-animal methods, in all relevant areas of research (safety assessment, vaccine testing, health and biomedical research etc.). |
| --- | --- |

—

To promote and enhance the development and validation of alternative strategies, and in particular non-animal methods, in all relevant areas of research (safety assessment, vaccine testing, health and biomedical research etc.).

| — | Freedom, security and justice






  — | To develop activities contributing to the establishment of the area of freedom, security and justice, especially in areas related to protection against terrorism, organised crime and fraud, border security and prevention of major risks, in cooperation with relevant bodies. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Freedom, security and justice

—

To develop activities contributing to the establishment of the area of freedom, security and justice, especially in areas related to protection against terrorism, organised crime and fraud, border security and prevention of major risks, in cooperation with relevant bodies.

| — | To support the Community response to natural and technological disasters. |
| --- | --- |

—

To support the Community response to natural and technological disasters.

| — | Europe as world partner






  — | To strengthen support to Community external policies in specific areas such as external aspects of internal security, development cooperation and humanitarian aid. |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

Europe as world partner

—

To strengthen support to Community external policies in specific areas such as external aspects of internal security, development cooperation and humanitarian aid.

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(1)  Throughout the Seventh Framework Programme, ‘SMEs’ are understood to include microenterprises.

(2)  In particular with the activities carried out by the intergovernmental structure EUREKA. In addition, the experience gained by EUREKA clusters could be relevant to Joint Technology Initiatives in related areas.

(3)  This will include financial support for the administration and coordination activities of COST.

(4)  The term ‘bio-economy’ includes all industries and economic sectors that produce, manage and otherwise exploit biological resources and related services, supply or consumer industries, such as agriculture, food, fisheries, forestry, etc.

(5)  ‘Life sciences and biotechnology — A strategy for Europe’ — COM(2002) 27.

(6)  Complementary research relating to the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources is addressed under the ‘Environment (including climate change)’ theme.

(7)  COM(2000) 769.

(8)  COM(2005) 265.

(9)  COM(2006) 105.

(10)  Complementary research relating to the production and use of biological resources is addressed under the ‘Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology’ theme.

(11)  The research agendas of relevant European Technology Platforms will be taken into account in the different activities.

(12)  COM(2001) 370.

(13)  The European aeronautics industry invests 14 % of its turnover in research, the European car industry almost 5 % of its turnover; and the EU shipbuilding industry competitive advantage relies exclusively on RTD.

(14)  ACARE: Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe. Launched in 2001, it is the first operational example of a Technology Platform; ERRAC: European Rail Research Advisory Council; ERTRAC: European Road Transport Research Advisory Council; WATERBORNE Technology Platform.

(15)  ESFRI was launched in April 2002. ESFRI brings together representatives from the 25 EU Member States, appointed by Ministers in charge of Research, and a representative of the European Commission. The countries associated with Framework Programmes for Research were invited to join in 2004.

(16)  Convergence regions are those set out in Article 5 of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 of 11 July 2006 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 (OJ L 210, 31.07.2006, p. 25 to 78). This includes ‘convergence’ objective regions, regions eligible for funding from the Cohesion fund, and outermost regions.

(17)  Other than associated candidate countries.

(18)  Formerly called the New Independent States: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

(19)  Noting that Latin America includes both developing countries and emerging economies.

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ANNEX II

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN AMONG PROGRAMMES

The indicative breakdown among programmes is as follows (in EUR million):

| Cooperation (1)
   (2) | 32 365 |
| --- | --- |
| Health | 6 050 |
| Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology | 1 935 |
| Information and Communication Technologies | 9 110 |
| Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies | 3 500 |
| Energy | 2 300 |
| Environment (including Climate Change) | 1 900 |
| Transport (including Aeronautics) | 4 180 |
| Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities | 610 |
| Space | 1 430 |
| Security | 1 350 |
| Ideas | 7 460 |
| People | 4 728 |
| Capacities | 4 217 |
| Research Infrastructures | 1 850 |
| Research for the benefit of SMEs | 1 336 |
| Regions of Knowledge | 126 |
| Research Potential | 370 |
| Science in Society | 280 |
| Coherent development of research policies | 70 |
| Activities of International Cooperation | 185 |
| Non-nuclear actions of the Joint Research Centre | 1 751 |
| TOTAL | 50 521 |

Cooperation (1)
   (2)

32 365

Health

6 050

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology

1 935

Information and Communication Technologies

9 110

Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies

3 500

Energy

2 300

Environment (including Climate Change)

1 900

Transport (including Aeronautics)

4 180

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities

610

Space

1 430

Security

1 350

Ideas

7 460

People

4 728

Capacities

4 217

Research Infrastructures

1 850

Research for the benefit of SMEs

1 336

Regions of Knowledge

126

Research Potential

370

Science in Society

280

Coherent development of research policies

70

Activities of International Cooperation

185

Non-nuclear actions of the Joint Research Centre

1 751

TOTAL

50 521

Special provisions concerning the Risk-Sharing Finance Facility (RSFF)

The indicative budgets for the ‘Cooperation’ and ‘Capacities’ programmes include contributions to the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the constitution of the RSFF referred to in Annex III. The Council decisions adopting the contributing specific programmes will establish, inter alia, the implementing arrangements under which the Commission will decide on the reallocation to other activities of the Framework Programme of the Community contribution to the RSFF and the income it generates that are not used by the EIB.

The Seventh Framework Programme will contribute an amount of up to EUR 1 billion to the RSFF which is to be matched by an equivalent amount from the EIB. It will come from the ‘Cooperation’ programme (up to EUR 800 million by proportional contribution of all thematic priorities, except socio-economic sciences and humanities) and the ‘Capacities’ programme (up to EUR 200 million from the research infrastructure line).

The amount will be made available progressively to the EIB taking account of the level of demand.

In order to ensure a rapid launch with a critical mass of resources, an amount in the order of EUR 500 million will be progressively allocated in the budget for a period up to the interim evaluation of the Seventh Framework Programme, referred to in Article 7(2) of this Decision. The results of the interim evaluation will be taken into account when allocating the amount for the remainder of the period.

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(1)  Including Joint Technology Initiatives (including financial plan, etc.) and the part of the coordination and international cooperation activities to be funded within the themes.

(2)  The aim will be to enable at least 15 % of the funding available under the ‘Cooperation’ part of the programme to go to SMEs.

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ANNEX III

FUNDING SCHEMES

Indirect Actions

The activities supported by the Seventh Framework Programme will be funded through a range of ‘Funding schemes’. These schemes will be used, either alone or in combination, to fund actions implemented throughout the Framework Programme.

The decisions for specific programmes, work programmes and calls for proposals will specify, as and when appropriate:

| — | The type(s) of scheme(s) used to fund different actions; |
| --- | --- |

—

The type(s) of scheme(s) used to fund different actions;

| — | The categories of participants (such as research organisations, universities, industry, SMEs, public authorities) which can benefit from it; |
| --- | --- |

—

The categories of participants (such as research organisations, universities, industry, SMEs, public authorities) which can benefit from it;

| — | The types of activities (such as research and technological development, demonstration, management, training, dissemination, and other related activities) which can be funded through each of them. |
| --- | --- |

—

The types of activities (such as research and technological development, demonstration, management, training, dissemination, and other related activities) which can be funded through each of them.

Where different funding schemes can be used, the work programmes may specify the funding scheme to be used for the topic on which proposals are invited.

The funding schemes are the following:

| (a) | To support actions which are primarily implemented on the basis of calls for proposals:






  1. | Collaborative projects
  Support for research projects carried out by consortia with participants from different countries, aiming at developing new knowledge, new technology, products, demonstration activities or common resources for research. The size, scope and internal organisation of projects can vary from field to field and from topic to topic. Projects can range from small or medium-scale focused research actions to large-scale integrating projects for achieving a defined objective. Projects may also be targeted to special groups such as SMEs. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

To support actions which are primarily implemented on the basis of calls for proposals:

1.

Collaborative projects

Support for research projects carried out by consortia with participants from different countries, aiming at developing new knowledge, new technology, products, demonstration activities or common resources for research. The size, scope and internal organisation of projects can vary from field to field and from topic to topic. Projects can range from small or medium-scale focused research actions to large-scale integrating projects for achieving a defined objective. Projects may also be targeted to special groups such as SMEs.

| 2. | Networks of Excellence
  Support for a Joint Programme of Activities implemented by a number of research organisations integrating their activities in a given field, carried out by research teams in the framework of longer term cooperation. The implementation of this Joint Programme of Activities will require a formal commitment from the organisations integrating part of their resources and their activities. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Networks of Excellence

Support for a Joint Programme of Activities implemented by a number of research organisations integrating their activities in a given field, carried out by research teams in the framework of longer term cooperation. The implementation of this Joint Programme of Activities will require a formal commitment from the organisations integrating part of their resources and their activities.

| 3. | Coordination and support actions
  Support for activities aimed at coordinating or supporting research activities and policies (networking, exchanges, trans-national access to research infrastructures, studies, conferences, etc.). These actions may also be implemented by means other than calls for proposals. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Coordination and support actions

Support for activities aimed at coordinating or supporting research activities and policies (networking, exchanges, trans-national access to research infrastructures, studies, conferences, etc.). These actions may also be implemented by means other than calls for proposals.

| 4. | Support for ‘frontier’ research
  Support for projects carried out by individual national or transnational research teams. This scheme will be used to support investigator-driven ‘frontier’ research projects funded in the framework of the European Research Council. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Support for ‘frontier’ research

Support for projects carried out by individual national or transnational research teams. This scheme will be used to support investigator-driven ‘frontier’ research projects funded in the framework of the European Research Council.

| 5. | Support for training and career development of researchers
  Support for training and career development of researchers, mainly to be used for the implementation of the Marie Curie actions. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Support for training and career development of researchers

Support for training and career development of researchers, mainly to be used for the implementation of the Marie Curie actions.

| 6. | Research for the benefit of specific groups (in particular SMEs)
  Support for research projects where the bulk of the research and technological development is carried out by universities, research centres or other legal entities, for the benefit of specific groups, in particular SMEs or associations of SMEs. Efforts will be undertaken to mobilise additional financing from the EIB and other financial organisations. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Research for the benefit of specific groups (in particular SMEs)

Support for research projects where the bulk of the research and technological development is carried out by universities, research centres or other legal entities, for the benefit of specific groups, in particular SMEs or associations of SMEs. Efforts will be undertaken to mobilise additional financing from the EIB and other financial organisations.

| (b) | To support actions implemented on the basis of decisions by the Council and the European Parliament (or by the Council in consultation with the European Parliament) based on a proposal from the Commission, the Community will provide financial support to multi-financed large-scale initiatives.






  — | A financial contribution from the Community to the joint implementation of well identified national research programmes, on the basis of Article 169 of the Treaty. This joint implementation will require the establishment or existence of a dedicated implementation structure. Community financial support will be provided subject to the definition of a financing plan based on formal commitments from competent national authorities. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

To support actions implemented on the basis of decisions by the Council and the European Parliament (or by the Council in consultation with the European Parliament) based on a proposal from the Commission, the Community will provide financial support to multi-financed large-scale initiatives.

—

A financial contribution from the Community to the joint implementation of well identified national research programmes, on the basis of Article 169 of the Treaty. This joint implementation will require the establishment or existence of a dedicated implementation structure. Community financial support will be provided subject to the definition of a financing plan based on formal commitments from competent national authorities.

| — | A financial contribution from the Community to the implementation of Joint Technology Initiatives to realise objectives that cannot be achieved through the funding schemes identified in part (a) above. Joint Technology Initiatives will mobilise a combination of funding of different kinds and from different sources; private and public, European and national. This funding may take different forms and may be allocated or mobilised though a range of mechanisms: support from the Framework Programme, loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB), risk capital support. Joint Technology Initiatives may be decided and implemented on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty (this may include the creation of joint undertakings) or through the Decisions establishing the specific programmes. Community support will be provided subject to the definition of an overall blueprint of financial engineering, based on formal commitments from all parties concerned. |
| --- | --- |

—

A financial contribution from the Community to the implementation of Joint Technology Initiatives to realise objectives that cannot be achieved through the funding schemes identified in part (a) above. Joint Technology Initiatives will mobilise a combination of funding of different kinds and from different sources; private and public, European and national. This funding may take different forms and may be allocated or mobilised though a range of mechanisms: support from the Framework Programme, loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB), risk capital support. Joint Technology Initiatives may be decided and implemented on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty (this may include the creation of joint undertakings) or through the Decisions establishing the specific programmes. Community support will be provided subject to the definition of an overall blueprint of financial engineering, based on formal commitments from all parties concerned.

| — | A financial contribution from the Community to the development of new infrastructures of European interest. This contribution may be decided on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty or through the Specific Programme Decisions. The development of new infrastructures will mobilise a combination of funding of different nature and origin: national funding, Framework Programme, Structural funds, loans from the EIB and others. Community support will be provided subject to the definition of an overall financial plan based on a commitment from all parties concerned. |
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A financial contribution from the Community to the development of new infrastructures of European interest. This contribution may be decided on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty or through the Specific Programme Decisions. The development of new infrastructures will mobilise a combination of funding of different nature and origin: national funding, Framework Programme, Structural funds, loans from the EIB and others. Community support will be provided subject to the definition of an overall financial plan based on a commitment from all parties concerned.

The Community will implement the funding schemes identified in part (a) above in compliance with the provisions of the regulation to be adopted pursuant to Article 167 of the Treaty, the relevant State aid instruments, in particular the Community framework for State aid to research and development, as well as international rules in this area. In compliance with this international framework, it will be necessary to be able to adjust the scale and form of financial participation on a case-by-case basis, in particular if funding from other public sector sources is available, including other sources of Community financing such as the EIB.

In addition to providing direct financial support to participants in RTD actions, the Community will improve their access to debt finance through the ‘Risk-Sharing Finance Facility’ by providing a contribution to the EIB. The Community contribution must be used by the EIB, which will be a risk sharing partner, to contribute to the provisioning and capital allocation for loan and guarantee financing from its own resources. There will be no further liability for the Community budget. Subject to and in accordance with arrangements to be established by the regulation adopted pursuant Article 167 of the Treaty and the Council decisions adopting the specific programmes, this mechanism will enable the EIB to increase the amount of financing of European RTD actions (such as joint technology initiatives, large projects-including EUREKA projects, and new research infrastructures and projects run by SMEs) to help overcome market deficiencies.

In the case of participants in an indirect action established in a region lagging in development (convergence regions and outermost regions (1)), complementary funding from the structural funds will be mobilised wherever possible and appropriate. In the case of participation of entities from the candidate countries, an additional contribution from the pre-accession financial instruments may be granted under similar conditions. As regards actions in the ‘research infrastructures’ part of the ‘capacities’ programme of the Seventh Framework Programme, the detailed funding arrangements for these will be defined with a view to ensuring that there is effective complementarity between community research funding and other Community and national instruments, notably the structural funds.

Direct actions

The Community will undertake activities implemented by the Joint Research Centre, which are referred to as direct actions.

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(1)  Convergence regions are those set out in Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006. This includes ‘convergence’ objective regions, regions eligible for funding from the Cohesion fund, and outermost regions.

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STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL'S REASONS

I.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | On 15 April 2005, the Commission submitted to the European Parliament and the Council its proposals for a Decision of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013), and for a Council Decision concerning the 7th Framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007-2011) (1). |
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1.

On 15 April 2005, the Commission submitted to the European Parliament and the Council its proposals for a Decision of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013), and for a Council Decision concerning the 7th Framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007-2011) (1).

| 2. | This proposal is based on Article 166(1) of the EC Treaty. |
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2.

This proposal is based on Article 166(1) of the EC Treaty.

| 3. | The Economic and Social Committee delivered its opinion on 15 December 2005 (2). The Committee of the Regions delivered its opinion on 17 November 2005 (3). |
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3.

The Economic and Social Committee delivered its opinion on 15 December 2005 (2). The Committee of the Regions delivered its opinion on 17 November 2005 (3).

| 4. | The European Parliament delivered its opinion on the proposal on 15 June 2006 (4). |
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4.

The European Parliament delivered its opinion on the proposal on 15 June 2006 (4).

| 5. | The Council adopted its common position on the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) on 25 September 2006, in accordance with Article 251 of the Treaty. (5) |
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5.

The Council adopted its common position on the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) on 25 September 2006, in accordance with Article 251 of the Treaty. (5)

II.   BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE PROPOSAL

| a) | Pursuant to Title XVIII of the EC Treaty (Articles 163 — 173), the Community will carry out activities on research and technological development. In particular:






  — | pursuant to Article 163(1) TEC, the Community shall have the objective of strengthening the scientific and technological bases of Community industry and encouraging it to become more competitive at international level, while promoting all the research activities deemed necessary by virtue of other Chapters of this Treaty; |
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a)

Pursuant to Title XVIII of the EC Treaty (Articles 163 — 173), the Community will carry out activities on research and technological development. In particular:

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pursuant to Article 163(1) TEC, the Community shall have the objective of strengthening the scientific and technological bases of Community industry and encouraging it to become more competitive at international level, while promoting all the research activities deemed necessary by virtue of other Chapters of this Treaty;

| — | pursuant to Article 165(1) TEC, the Community and the Member States shall coordinate their research and technological development activities so as to ensure that national policies and Community policy are mutually consistent; |
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pursuant to Article 165(1) TEC, the Community and the Member States shall coordinate their research and technological development activities so as to ensure that national policies and Community policy are mutually consistent;

| — | pursuant to Article 166(1) TEC, all research and technological development activities of the Community shall be set out in a multiannual Framework Programme (the current Sixth Framework Programme expires at the end of 2006). |
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pursuant to Article 166(1) TEC, all research and technological development activities of the Community shall be set out in a multiannual Framework Programme (the current Sixth Framework Programme expires at the end of 2006).

| b) | The European Councils in Lisbon in March 2000, Santa Maria de Feira in June 2000 and Stockholm in March 2001 adopted conclusions aimed at the rapid establishment of a European research and innovation area (ERA) with a view to the EU becoming by 2010 the world's most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy capable of sustainable economic growth, with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. The re-launch of the Lisbon Strategy undertaken in 2005, and the report of the high-level group of independent expert chaired by Esko Aho, which was mandated by the European Heads of State and Government meeting at Hampton Courts, confirmed the validity of the strategy with regard to scientific research, technological development and innovation.
  On this basis, the Commission has proposed that the Seventh Framework Programme should, in order to fulfil the objectives laid down in the Treaty and contributing to the Lisbon process by helping to make a reality of ERA and enabling open coordination so that appropriate cooperation in S/T research activities is undertaken at national and European levels, have the following new characteristics:






  — | concentration on a selected number of thematic priorities in which Community action can add the greatest possible value, and where in some duly justified cases, support for a long-term strategic research agenda could be granted in the framework of Joint Technology Initiatives; |
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b)

The European Councils in Lisbon in March 2000, Santa Maria de Feira in June 2000 and Stockholm in March 2001 adopted conclusions aimed at the rapid establishment of a European research and innovation area (ERA) with a view to the EU becoming by 2010 the world's most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy capable of sustainable economic growth, with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. The re-launch of the Lisbon Strategy undertaken in 2005, and the report of the high-level group of independent expert chaired by Esko Aho, which was mandated by the European Heads of State and Government meeting at Hampton Courts, confirmed the validity of the strategy with regard to scientific research, technological development and innovation.

On this basis, the Commission has proposed that the Seventh Framework Programme should, in order to fulfil the objectives laid down in the Treaty and contributing to the Lisbon process by helping to make a reality of ERA and enabling open coordination so that appropriate cooperation in S/T research activities is undertaken at national and European levels, have the following new characteristics:

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concentration on a selected number of thematic priorities in which Community action can add the greatest possible value, and where in some duly justified cases, support for a long-term strategic research agenda could be granted in the framework of Joint Technology Initiatives;

| — | support for research at the frontiers of knowledge, through investigator-driven basic research performed by the most excellent research teams in Europe, through the creation of an independent European Research Council; |
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support for research at the frontiers of knowledge, through investigator-driven basic research performed by the most excellent research teams in Europe, through the creation of an independent European Research Council;

| — | better education and research training, easier access to research opportunities and better recognition of the researcher's contribution to the goals of society, through the strengthening of the human resources policy within the framework programme building on the positive experiences with the ‘Marie Curie’ Actions under previous framework programmes; |
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better education and research training, easier access to research opportunities and better recognition of the researcher's contribution to the goals of society, through the strengthening of the human resources policy within the framework programme building on the positive experiences with the ‘Marie Curie’ Actions under previous framework programmes;

| — | optimising the use and development of European research infrastructures; strengthen the innovative capacities of SMEs and their ability to benefit from research; support the development of research-driven clusters; unlock the potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions; bring science and society closer together, and give support to the coherent development of research policies at Community and national level; |
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optimising the use and development of European research infrastructures; strengthen the innovative capacities of SMEs and their ability to benefit from research; support the development of research-driven clusters; unlock the potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions; bring science and society closer together, and give support to the coherent development of research policies at Community and national level;

| — | strengthen the important role of the Joint Research Centre in providing customer-driven scientific and technological support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies, and in functioning as an independent reference centre for science and technology in the EU in the areas of its specific competence; |
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strengthen the important role of the Joint Research Centre in providing customer-driven scientific and technological support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies, and in functioning as an independent reference centre for science and technology in the EU in the areas of its specific competence;

| — | simplification and streamlining of the implementation arrangements, on the basis of improved management procedures. |
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simplification and streamlining of the implementation arrangements, on the basis of improved management procedures.

III.   ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON POSITION

A.   General observations

The Council's common position reflects to a considerable extent both the proposal of the Commission and the opinion of the European Parliament as regards the structure, scientific and technological content, means of implementation of the Framework Programme as well as the financial amount and its indicative breakdown.

During its examination of the Commission's proposal, the Council sought to incorporate to the largest possible extent the amendments of the European Parliament, to reflect the considerable degree of consensus between the two legislative bodies, while at the same time respecting the general thrust of the Commission's proposal. To this end, the Council has followed certain guiding principles:

| (1) | recognition of the role of the Framework Programme as an instrument for achieving major Community objectives, bearing in mind that the bulk of European research and technological development efforts are funded by the Member States at national level; |
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(1)

recognition of the role of the Framework Programme as an instrument for achieving major Community objectives, bearing in mind that the bulk of European research and technological development efforts are funded by the Member States at national level;

| (2) | the need for a focussed Community research effort bringing about a critical mass of expertise and European added value, while ensuring sufficient in-depth coverage of relevant topics under the themes chosen for Community research; |
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(2)

the need for a focussed Community research effort bringing about a critical mass of expertise and European added value, while ensuring sufficient in-depth coverage of relevant topics under the themes chosen for Community research;

| (3) | the need to complement the focussed effort on key thematic research areas by providing flexible support to Community policies and by enabling a response to emerging scientific and technological needs in the rapidly evolving research environment, while setting appropriate parameters for such flexibility so as to ensure legal clarity; |
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(3)

the need to complement the focussed effort on key thematic research areas by providing flexible support to Community policies and by enabling a response to emerging scientific and technological needs in the rapidly evolving research environment, while setting appropriate parameters for such flexibility so as to ensure legal clarity;

| (4) | the need to implement the Framework Programme using instruments which are apt to achieve the critical mass of expertise and European added value in the research activities, while ensuring a smooth transition from the Sixth Framework Programme and safeguarding the possibility for all interested parties/entities to participate in Community research, provided the criterion of scientific excellence is fulfilled; |
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(4)

the need to implement the Framework Programme using instruments which are apt to achieve the critical mass of expertise and European added value in the research activities, while ensuring a smooth transition from the Sixth Framework Programme and safeguarding the possibility for all interested parties/entities to participate in Community research, provided the criterion of scientific excellence is fulfilled;

| (5) | the need to give greater importance to public-private partnership at all levels, including strongly improved support for research and technological development of SMEs as well as long-term strategic research agendas of whole industry sectors such as those defined by European Technology Platforms and — in a few carefully selected cases — the setting up of Joint Technology Initiatives; |
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(5)

the need to give greater importance to public-private partnership at all levels, including strongly improved support for research and technological development of SMEs as well as long-term strategic research agendas of whole industry sectors such as those defined by European Technology Platforms and — in a few carefully selected cases — the setting up of Joint Technology Initiatives;

| (6) | the need for clarity, in particular by providing the necessary level of detail, both in terms of S/T content and funding, bearing in mind that the Framework Programme must be implemented through specific programmes which will, by their very nature, provide for more detailed implementing modalities. |
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(6)

the need for clarity, in particular by providing the necessary level of detail, both in terms of S/T content and funding, bearing in mind that the Framework Programme must be implemented through specific programmes which will, by their very nature, provide for more detailed implementing modalities.

B.   Specific comments

1.   Main amendments to the Commission proposal

(a)   Ethical issues

Concerning ethical issues, the Council has agreed to the line suggested by the European Parliament in its first-reading opinion: rules with regard to ethics in the Seventh Framework Programme, and in particular with regard to embryonic stem-cell research, are now clearly set out in the text of Article 6 of the Framework Programme Decision. In addition, the Commission has made it clear that it will maintain the practice adopted during the Sixth Framework Programme and excluding the activities of destroying human embryos, including for the procurement of stem cells, from Community financial support under the RTD framework programme.

(b)   Scientific and technological content

i.   Cooperation

While broadly maintaining the Commission's proposal on the scientific and technological content of the thematic priorities, the Council, in the light of the European Parliament's amendments, clarified and extended the scope of certain of them as follows:

| — | the number of priorities was increased from nine to ten, splitting security research away from space research; |
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the number of priorities was increased from nine to ten, splitting security research away from space research;

| — | special attention will be paid to ensuring there is an effective coordination between the thematic areas and priority scientific areas which cut across themes, such as forestry research, cultural heritage, marine sciences and technologies; |
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special attention will be paid to ensuring there is an effective coordination between the thematic areas and priority scientific areas which cut across themes, such as forestry research, cultural heritage, marine sciences and technologies;

| — | in order to support research aiming at identifying or further exploring new scientific and technological opportunities in a given field, as well as in their combination with other relevant areas and disciplines, future and emerging technologies and unforeseen policy needs will be addressed in an open and flexible way, through specific support for spontaneous research proposals, including for joint calls, in order to nurture novel ideas and radically new uses and to explore new options in research roadmaps, in particular linked with a potential for significant breakthroughs; |
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in order to support research aiming at identifying or further exploring new scientific and technological opportunities in a given field, as well as in their combination with other relevant areas and disciplines, future and emerging technologies and unforeseen policy needs will be addressed in an open and flexible way, through specific support for spontaneous research proposals, including for joint calls, in order to nurture novel ideas and radically new uses and to explore new options in research roadmaps, in particular linked with a potential for significant breakthroughs;

| — | dissemination and transfer of knowledge will be prioritised in order to facilitate the use of results by industry, policy makers and society, with appropriate restrictions for the security theme due to the confidentiality aspects of its activities; |
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dissemination and transfer of knowledge will be prioritised in order to facilitate the use of results by industry, policy makers and society, with appropriate restrictions for the security theme due to the confidentiality aspects of its activities;

| — | particular attention will be paid to assure an adequate participation of SMEs. To this end, and broadly reflecting the views of the European Parliament, the aim will be to enable at least 15 % of the funding available under the ‘Cooperation’ part of the programme to go to SMEs. The Council has also recognised the role of European Technology Platforms while not, however, suggesting direct funding to them, considering that a project based approach is more appropriate to reach this aim; |
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particular attention will be paid to assure an adequate participation of SMEs. To this end, and broadly reflecting the views of the European Parliament, the aim will be to enable at least 15 % of the funding available under the ‘Cooperation’ part of the programme to go to SMEs. The Council has also recognised the role of European Technology Platforms while not, however, suggesting direct funding to them, considering that a project based approach is more appropriate to reach this aim;

| — | concerning the Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs), the Council accepted the European Parliament's amendment adding supplementary criteria as regards their creation. Hence, the nature of JTIs must be clearly defined, in particular with regard to matters concerning financial commitments, duration of the commitment of the participants, rules for entering and exiting their contracts, and intellectual property rights. In addition, strong efforts will be made to ensure their transparent operation and that any allocation of Community funding by the JTIs will take place on the basis of the principles of excellence and competition; |
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concerning the Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs), the Council accepted the European Parliament's amendment adding supplementary criteria as regards their creation. Hence, the nature of JTIs must be clearly defined, in particular with regard to matters concerning financial commitments, duration of the commitment of the participants, rules for entering and exiting their contracts, and intellectual property rights. In addition, strong efforts will be made to ensure their transparent operation and that any allocation of Community funding by the JTIs will take place on the basis of the principles of excellence and competition;

| — | in the first priority (Health), in response to concerns expressed by the European Parliament, a broader scope of research has been accepted, notably including post-genomic research; new preventive tools for regenerative medicine; new delivery approaches; modelling of complex systems; age-related illnesses including dementia; Hepatitis C and potentially newly emerging epidemics such as SARS; rheumatoid and musco-skeletal diseases; aspects of palliative medicine; patient safety and better use of medicine including aspects of pharmacovigilance and scientifically tested complementary and alternative medicines; research into health-care systems including home care strategies and assessing the cost, efficiency and benefits of different interventions; research on lifestyle and environmental factors and their interaction with medication; |
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in the first priority (Health), in response to concerns expressed by the European Parliament, a broader scope of research has been accepted, notably including post-genomic research; new preventive tools for regenerative medicine; new delivery approaches; modelling of complex systems; age-related illnesses including dementia; Hepatitis C and potentially newly emerging epidemics such as SARS; rheumatoid and musco-skeletal diseases; aspects of palliative medicine; patient safety and better use of medicine including aspects of pharmacovigilance and scientifically tested complementary and alternative medicines; research into health-care systems including home care strategies and assessing the cost, efficiency and benefits of different interventions; research on lifestyle and environmental factors and their interaction with medication;

| — | in the second priority (food, agriculture and biotechnology), the objective has been broadened to include environmental challenges, aquaculture, coastal contexts and response to specific dietary needs of consumers. Activities have been widened to include bioinformatics, sustainable use of biodiversity, land-based biological resources including soil fertility, plant health, epidemiological studies, diseases linked to animal feedstuffs and other threats to the sustainability and security of food production including climate change; the role of fisheries has been highlighted in response to the views of the Parliament; |
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in the second priority (food, agriculture and biotechnology), the objective has been broadened to include environmental challenges, aquaculture, coastal contexts and response to specific dietary needs of consumers. Activities have been widened to include bioinformatics, sustainable use of biodiversity, land-based biological resources including soil fertility, plant health, epidemiological studies, diseases linked to animal feedstuffs and other threats to the sustainability and security of food production including climate change; the role of fisheries has been highlighted in response to the views of the Parliament;

| — | in the third priority (information and communication technologies). By building upon the amendments proposed by the European Parliament, this priority has been strengthened to include product, service and process innovation and creativity; reduction of digital divide and social exclusion; the needs of people with special needs including the ageing population; promotion of accessibility and transparency of governance and development processes; RTD management and communication; innovative high-value ICT based products and services; ICT research activity based on the ‘open source’ development model; various exploitation paths and business models as a result of ICT research; photonics; Free, Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS); sustainability issues in the field of electronics; exploitation of quantum effects; storage; mathematics; natural cooperation; improvement of health care provisions; health information space for knowledge management; ecological aspects of mobility; access to interactive digital content; |
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in the third priority (information and communication technologies). By building upon the amendments proposed by the European Parliament, this priority has been strengthened to include product, service and process innovation and creativity; reduction of digital divide and social exclusion; the needs of people with special needs including the ageing population; promotion of accessibility and transparency of governance and development processes; RTD management and communication; innovative high-value ICT based products and services; ICT research activity based on the ‘open source’ development model; various exploitation paths and business models as a result of ICT research; photonics; Free, Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS); sustainability issues in the field of electronics; exploitation of quantum effects; storage; mathematics; natural cooperation; improvement of health care provisions; health information space for knowledge management; ecological aspects of mobility; access to interactive digital content;

| — | accessibility and use over time of scientific resources and assets in multicultural environment; empowerment of small and medium-sized organisations and communities; traditional industries; and optimisation. In addition, and in contrast to the original Commission's proposal, research into Future and Emerging Technologies has been made an integral part of all activities under this priority, not merely as a single activity under this priority. |
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accessibility and use over time of scientific resources and assets in multicultural environment; empowerment of small and medium-sized organisations and communities; traditional industries; and optimisation. In addition, and in contrast to the original Commission's proposal, research into Future and Emerging Technologies has been made an integral part of all activities under this priority, not merely as a single activity under this priority.

| — | in the fourth priority (nano-sciences, nano-technologies, materials and new production technologies), the rationale has been broadened to include power generation, energy, ceramics and nano-medicine. Activities have been extended to include manufacture of basic materials and components; nano-metre precise components; monitoring and sensing; nano-composites; geo and optical technologies; footwear and steel. |
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in the fourth priority (nano-sciences, nano-technologies, materials and new production technologies), the rationale has been broadened to include power generation, energy, ceramics and nano-medicine. Activities have been extended to include manufacture of basic materials and components; nano-metre precise components; monitoring and sensing; nano-composites; geo and optical technologies; footwear and steel.

| — | In the fifth priority (energy), the rational and activities have been strengthened to include identification of adequate and timely solutions for energy systems due to finite nature of conventional oil and natural gas reserves; affordable energy costs for citizens and industries; reference to both 2005 and 2006 Green Paper (6), Europe's world leadership in a number of energy generation and energy efficiency technologies; electricity production from wastes; production of fuels from biomass and waste; storage; distribution and use of carbon-neutral fuels, in particular biofuels for electricity generation; highly efficient and cost-effective power and/or heat generation plants with near zero emissions based on in particular underground storage; development and demonstration of other solid fuel conversion technologies producing also secondary energy carriers and liquid and gaseous fuels; development of energy storage options; further final and primary energy consumption savings for buildings and transport; the use of new and renewable energy technologies and energy demand management measures and devices; scientific support for policy development. In addition, concerning the polygeneration, it was found appropriate at this stage, due to limited resources, to integrate it under activity ’Energy efficiency and savings’ and not as a separate activity as proposed by the European Parliament. |
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In the fifth priority (energy), the rational and activities have been strengthened to include identification of adequate and timely solutions for energy systems due to finite nature of conventional oil and natural gas reserves; affordable energy costs for citizens and industries; reference to both 2005 and 2006 Green Paper (6), Europe's world leadership in a number of energy generation and energy efficiency technologies; electricity production from wastes; production of fuels from biomass and waste; storage; distribution and use of carbon-neutral fuels, in particular biofuels for electricity generation; highly efficient and cost-effective power and/or heat generation plants with near zero emissions based on in particular underground storage; development and demonstration of other solid fuel conversion technologies producing also secondary energy carriers and liquid and gaseous fuels; development of energy storage options; further final and primary energy consumption savings for buildings and transport; the use of new and renewable energy technologies and energy demand management measures and devices; scientific support for policy development. In addition, concerning the polygeneration, it was found appropriate at this stage, due to limited resources, to integrate it under activity ’Energy efficiency and savings’ and not as a separate activity as proposed by the European Parliament.

| — | in the sixth priority (environment, including climate change), the Council followed the line of the European Parliament by extending the objective to include climate and adaptation of environmental pressures, and the rationale to include construction and fisheries, references to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), the UN Convention on Combat Desertification and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; as well as the contribution of environmental technologies to sustainable consumption and production; natural heritage; and higher competitiveness while at the same time ensuring a more sustainable future for next generations. Scope of activities have been clarified to more explicitly include polar regions; global and regional interactions; atmosphere, effects of the sea level rise on coastal zones and impact on particularly sensitive areas; improvement of forecasting; droughts, forest fires, landslides, avalanches and other extreme events as part of climate disasters; impact of disasters related to geological hazards and climate; improvement of management strategies, also within a multi-risk approach; control of invasive alien species, lagoons; preservation of landscape; sustainable products; protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, including human habitat; alternative testing strategies using in particular non-animal methods for industrial chemicals; third party assessment instruments; assessment, exploitation and management of natural resources; and differing scales of observation; |
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in the sixth priority (environment, including climate change), the Council followed the line of the European Parliament by extending the objective to include climate and adaptation of environmental pressures, and the rationale to include construction and fisheries, references to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), the UN Convention on Combat Desertification and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; as well as the contribution of environmental technologies to sustainable consumption and production; natural heritage; and higher competitiveness while at the same time ensuring a more sustainable future for next generations. Scope of activities have been clarified to more explicitly include polar regions; global and regional interactions; atmosphere, effects of the sea level rise on coastal zones and impact on particularly sensitive areas; improvement of forecasting; droughts, forest fires, landslides, avalanches and other extreme events as part of climate disasters; impact of disasters related to geological hazards and climate; improvement of management strategies, also within a multi-risk approach; control of invasive alien species, lagoons; preservation of landscape; sustainable products; protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, including human habitat; alternative testing strategies using in particular non-animal methods for industrial chemicals; third party assessment instruments; assessment, exploitation and management of natural resources; and differing scales of observation;

| — | the seventh priority (transport, including aeronautics) has been improved to include benefits for all citizens; transport's relevance on environment; interoperability and intermodality of waterborne transport; smaller size vehicles for different applications; innovative maintenance; repair and overhaul; accessible combinations of technologies; sustainable surface transport; transport applications such as hydrogen and fuel cells, taking into account cost-efficiency and energy-efficiency considerations; logistics; means of transport with lower levels of pollution; infrastructure maintenance; and EGNOS; |
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the seventh priority (transport, including aeronautics) has been improved to include benefits for all citizens; transport's relevance on environment; interoperability and intermodality of waterborne transport; smaller size vehicles for different applications; innovative maintenance; repair and overhaul; accessible combinations of technologies; sustainable surface transport; transport applications such as hydrogen and fuel cells, taking into account cost-efficiency and energy-efficiency considerations; logistics; means of transport with lower levels of pollution; infrastructure maintenance; and EGNOS;

| — | the eight priority (socio-economic sciences and the humanities) has been extended to include demographic change; definition of regulatory measures in cultural, scientific and technological areas, as well as in the area of gender equality; intangible goods; regional cohesion; socio-economic impact of European policies and legislation; reconciliation of professional and family life; disability issues; inequalities; ethnicity and religious pluralism; developing regions; peace fostering; future development of the enlarged EU; role of civil society; and dissemination of knowledge; |
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the eight priority (socio-economic sciences and the humanities) has been extended to include demographic change; definition of regulatory measures in cultural, scientific and technological areas, as well as in the area of gender equality; intangible goods; regional cohesion; socio-economic impact of European policies and legislation; reconciliation of professional and family life; disability issues; inequalities; ethnicity and religious pluralism; developing regions; peace fostering; future development of the enlarged EU; role of civil society; and dissemination of knowledge;

| — | in the ninth priority (space), the rationale has been broadened to incorporate forestry; health; technological spin-off effects and indispensability of space applications in a high-tech society; efficient exploitation of space assets in coordination with in-situ assets, including airborne assets; and cost-effective missions. Activities have been extended to include in-situ monitoring; support to the integration and harmonisation of Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) data (both satellite-based and in-situ, including ground based, shipborne and airborne); development of space-based systems for risk prevention and risk management and all kinds of emergencies, enhancing convergence with non-space systems; maximisation of scientific added value through synergies with initiatives of ESA or national space agencies in the field of space exploration, and facilitation of access to this scientific data; coordination of efforts for the development of space-borne telescopes and detectors, as well as for data analysis in space science; and bio-medicine; |
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—

in the ninth priority (space), the rationale has been broadened to incorporate forestry; health; technological spin-off effects and indispensability of space applications in a high-tech society; efficient exploitation of space assets in coordination with in-situ assets, including airborne assets; and cost-effective missions. Activities have been extended to include in-situ monitoring; support to the integration and harmonisation of Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) data (both satellite-based and in-situ, including ground based, shipborne and airborne); development of space-based systems for risk prevention and risk management and all kinds of emergencies, enhancing convergence with non-space systems; maximisation of scientific added value through synergies with initiatives of ESA or national space agencies in the field of space exploration, and facilitation of access to this scientific data; coordination of efforts for the development of space-borne telescopes and detectors, as well as for data analysis in space science; and bio-medicine;

| — | in the tenth priority (security), the objective has been improved to include natural disasters and privacy. The broadened rationale includes support to Community policy in the field of health, and the emphasis of the security research for European capabilities regarding surveillance, distribution of information and knowledge of threats and incidents as well as systems for better assessment and situation control through better use of common ICT-systems in the fields of different operations. Activities have been extended to include methods for rapid identification; restoration of safety in case of crisis; providence of an overview of, and support for diverse emergency management operations; security systems interconnectivity; intelligence, information gathering and civil security; mission oriented research related to cultural, social, political and economic dimensions of security, the role of human values and policy making, psychology and social environment of terrorism. |
| --- | --- |

—

in the tenth priority (security), the objective has been improved to include natural disasters and privacy. The broadened rationale includes support to Community policy in the field of health, and the emphasis of the security research for European capabilities regarding surveillance, distribution of information and knowledge of threats and incidents as well as systems for better assessment and situation control through better use of common ICT-systems in the fields of different operations. Activities have been extended to include methods for rapid identification; restoration of safety in case of crisis; providence of an overview of, and support for diverse emergency management operations; security systems interconnectivity; intelligence, information gathering and civil security; mission oriented research related to cultural, social, political and economic dimensions of security, the role of human values and policy making, psychology and social environment of terrorism.

ii.   Ideas

The Council followed the line of the European Parliament to enable the rapid creation of the European Research Council (ERC), consisting of an independent scientific council and a dedicated implementing structure. By building upon the EP's amendments, it has also further extended the text to ensure that the management of the ERC will be carried out by staff recruited for that purpose; that the Scientific Council will represent a diversity of the research fields and that they will be appointed for a period of four years, renewable once, on the basis of a rotating system; that the Scientific Council will also establish an overall scientific strategy, have full authority over decisions on the type of research to be funded, and also establish a code of conduct addressing, inter alia, the avoidance of conflicts of interest; that the administrative and staffing costs of the ERC will be consistent with lean and cost-effective management; that the Commission will ensure that the ERC will act in accordance with the principles of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency and transparency, and draw up an annual report on the ERC's operations and realisation of the objectives and submit it to the European Parliament and the Council; and that the ERC will have the faculty to conduct its own strategic studies for preparing and supporting its operational activities.

However, the Council has opted for a more flexible approach than the European Parliament as regards the ERC's structure. A decision on a possible modification of ERC's structure should therefore be taken only after the interim evaluation of the Framework Programme, foreseen for no later than 2010, in the context of which an independent review of the ERC's structures will explicitly look at the advantages and disadvantages of structures such as an Executive Agency or Article 171 of the Treaty, against criteria of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency and transparency.

iii.   People

The Council has agreed to the large majority of the European Parliament's amendments. This programme now includes a reference to building on the experience with the ‘Marie Curie’ actions under previous Framework programmes and their impact on the European Research Area; training specifically intended for young people; increased participation of women researchers; open European labour market for researchers free from all forms of discrimination; special measures to encourage early-stage researchers and support early stage of scientific careers, as well as measures to reduce ‘brain drain’; encouragement of centres of excellence around the European Union; synergies with other Community policies; and the broadening of scientific and generic skills, including those relating to technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

iv.   Capacities

While broadly maintaining the Commission's proposal, the Council decided to include coherent development of policies as a separate activity undertaken in this part of the Framework programme rather than keeping it as a horizontal part of other activities in the ‘Capacities’ programme.

In the light of the European Parliament's amendments, the Council further clarified the scope of certain activities, as follows:

| — | in the ‘research infrastructures’ activity, the objective now refers to the development of the European Research Area. The scope of activities regarding existing infrastructures have been clarified to include access to high performing research infrastructures also from researchers from industry and SMEs; evolution and development of global connectivity; open standards for interoperability. Concerning new infrastructures, Community activities should focus mainly on the preparatory phases, given that Member States' role will remain central in their development and financing. As regards the criteria for funding, the Council extended the list to include contributions to technological development capacity, and to developing ‘research-based clusters of excellence’, as well as the possibility of using EIB loans and Structural funds; |
| --- | --- |

—

in the ‘research infrastructures’ activity, the objective now refers to the development of the European Research Area. The scope of activities regarding existing infrastructures have been clarified to include access to high performing research infrastructures also from researchers from industry and SMEs; evolution and development of global connectivity; open standards for interoperability. Concerning new infrastructures, Community activities should focus mainly on the preparatory phases, given that Member States' role will remain central in their development and financing. As regards the criteria for funding, the Council extended the list to include contributions to technological development capacity, and to developing ‘research-based clusters of excellence’, as well as the possibility of using EIB loans and Structural funds;

| — | in the ‘research for the benefit of SMEs’ activity, the Council has followed the line of the European Parliament to include bridging the gap between research and innovation; enhancing the exploitation of research; research providers; complementarity with the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme as well as with other Community programmes; in response to amendment from the European Parliament, support to ‘national exploratory awards’ has been added, whilst limiting its scope to preparing proposals for actions under ‘research for the benefit of SMEs’ as the Council considered that the clear focus should be in support for research projects; |
| --- | --- |

—

in the ‘research for the benefit of SMEs’ activity, the Council has followed the line of the European Parliament to include bridging the gap between research and innovation; enhancing the exploitation of research; research providers; complementarity with the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme as well as with other Community programmes; in response to amendment from the European Parliament, support to ‘national exploratory awards’ has been added, whilst limiting its scope to preparing proposals for actions under ‘research for the benefit of SMEs’ as the Council considered that the clear focus should be in support for research projects;

| — | in the ‘regions of knowledge’ activity, the Council extended the scope to include facilitation of the emergence and creation of regional clusters which contribute to the development of the European Research Area; support to emerging Regions of Knowledge; relationship with Structural Funds; and synergy with the Community and relevant national and regional programmes; |
| --- | --- |

—

in the ‘regions of knowledge’ activity, the Council extended the scope to include facilitation of the emergence and creation of regional clusters which contribute to the development of the European Research Area; support to emerging Regions of Knowledge; relationship with Structural Funds; and synergy with the Community and relevant national and regional programmes;

| — | in the ‘research potential’ activity, the activities have been clarified to include synergies with the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme in order to promote the regional commercialisation of R&D in collaboration with industry; |
| --- | --- |

—

in the ‘research potential’ activity, the activities have been clarified to include synergies with the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme in order to promote the regional commercialisation of R&D in collaboration with industry;

| — | in the ‘science and society’ activity, the Council has broadened the activities to include measures to make scientific publications more accessible to members of the public wishing to consult them; promotion of the role of women in research and in scientific decision-making bodies; creation of an open environment which triggers curiosity for science in young people; promotion of full participation of young people in science; improved inter-communication and mutual understanding between the scientific world and the wider audience; better presentation of scientific work; support to scientific publications; |
| --- | --- |

—

in the ‘science and society’ activity, the Council has broadened the activities to include measures to make scientific publications more accessible to members of the public wishing to consult them; promotion of the role of women in research and in scientific decision-making bodies; creation of an open environment which triggers curiosity for science in young people; promotion of full participation of young people in science; improved inter-communication and mutual understanding between the scientific world and the wider audience; better presentation of scientific work; support to scientific publications;

| — | in the ‘activities of international cooperation’, the Council has provided that activities, currently undertaken by INTAS which will be wound up by the end of 2006, will be subsumed in this programme as well as in the specific programmes ‘Cooperation’ and ‘People’. It has also extended the objective to include facilitation of contacts with partners in third countries with the aim of providing better access to research carried out elsewhere in the world; the activities will also include specific cooperation actions of mutual interest. |
| --- | --- |

—

in the ‘activities of international cooperation’, the Council has provided that activities, currently undertaken by INTAS which will be wound up by the end of 2006, will be subsumed in this programme as well as in the specific programmes ‘Cooperation’ and ‘People’. It has also extended the objective to include facilitation of contacts with partners in third countries with the aim of providing better access to research carried out elsewhere in the world; the activities will also include specific cooperation actions of mutual interest.

v.   Non-nuclear actions of the Joint Research Centre

The Council clarified the rationale to include coordination of actions under this part with the research undertaken under the ‘Themes’ of the ‘Cooperation’ Specific Programme with the aim of avoiding overlap and duplication. Activities have been extended to include scientific/technical support to the development of risk assessment and management procedures as a tool for the European decision-making process; expertise and role in the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) research activities and in the development of new applications in this field; and development and validation of alternative strategies, and in particular non-animal methods, in all relevant research areas.

(c)   Overall amount and breakdown of funds

Following the conclusion of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (7), the originally proposed budget for the Seventh Framework Programme of 72.726 million euro had to be reduced while preserving appropriate focus and critical mass. The Council has maintained the Commission's amended proposal for the maximum overall amount of EUR 50 521 million, in accordance with the European Parliament's opinion. The Council has however proposed adjustments to the breakdown of this figure, as follows:

| — | In the ‘Cooperation’ part, the Council has followed the line of the European Parliament's amendments to increase the funding for the thematic themes which have a great potential for improving European competitiveness, in particular as regards the first (health), the fifth (energy) and the eighth priority (socio-economic sciences and the humanities), but not to the same extent. Following the split of the ‘security and space’ theme into two separate priorities, the Council decided to earmark EUR 80 million less for security than for space because it considers that Community competence in this area remains limited; |
| --- | --- |

—

In the ‘Cooperation’ part, the Council has followed the line of the European Parliament's amendments to increase the funding for the thematic themes which have a great potential for improving European competitiveness, in particular as regards the first (health), the fifth (energy) and the eighth priority (socio-economic sciences and the humanities), but not to the same extent. Following the split of the ‘security and space’ theme into two separate priorities, the Council decided to earmark EUR 80 million less for security than for space because it considers that Community competence in this area remains limited;

| — | In the ‘Capacities’ part, the Council followed the line taken by the European Parliament to cut the proposed funding for ‘research infrastructures’ and instead substantially increase the funding for ‘research for the benefit of SMEs’. Nevertheless, the Council considers that activities in the ‘Capacities’ part constitute an essential element of the Framework Programme as they support key aspects of European research and innovation capacities; therefore they suffered a considerably smaller reduction than that foreseen by the European Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

—

In the ‘Capacities’ part, the Council followed the line taken by the European Parliament to cut the proposed funding for ‘research infrastructures’ and instead substantially increase the funding for ‘research for the benefit of SMEs’. Nevertheless, the Council considers that activities in the ‘Capacities’ part constitute an essential element of the Framework Programme as they support key aspects of European research and innovation capacities; therefore they suffered a considerably smaller reduction than that foreseen by the European Parliament;

| — | Concerning the ‘Ideas’ and ‘People’, the Council has kept the funding as proposed by the Commission, and hence did not follow the European Parliament's amendments which increased the funding for both these parts of the Framework Programme at the expense of ‘Capacities’. |
| --- | --- |

—

Concerning the ‘Ideas’ and ‘People’, the Council has kept the funding as proposed by the Commission, and hence did not follow the European Parliament's amendments which increased the funding for both these parts of the Framework Programme at the expense of ‘Capacities’.

2.   Council's position on the European Parliament's amendments

The Council's common position incorporates a large number of the European Parliament's amendments (232 of the 326 amendments suggested), in whole, in substance or in part, sometimes in a modified form or in a different place, and often in the form proposed by the Commission in its modified proposal, as outlined above.

| (a) | The Council's common position incorporates the following amendments, in whole or in substance:






  — | 1, 3, 4, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 24, 26, 32, 35, 39, 43, 44, 47, 52, 58, 59, 66, 76, 88, 93, 95, 97, 121, 126, 130, 132, 137, 142, 146, 148, 149, 153, 162, 173, 174, 180, 181, 182, 183, 189, 190, 192, 193, 198, 201, 209, 214, 215, 216, 221, 224, 225, 226, 227, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 243, 245, 246, 251, 256, 262, 264, 266, 273, 284, 288, 289, 294, 295, 296, 297, 302, 303, 304, 309, 324; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

The Council's common position incorporates the following amendments, in whole or in substance:

—

1, 3, 4, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 24, 26, 32, 35, 39, 43, 44, 47, 52, 58, 59, 66, 76, 88, 93, 95, 97, 121, 126, 130, 132, 137, 142, 146, 148, 149, 153, 162, 173, 174, 180, 181, 182, 183, 189, 190, 192, 193, 198, 201, 209, 214, 215, 216, 221, 224, 225, 226, 227, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 243, 245, 246, 251, 256, 262, 264, 266, 273, 284, 288, 289, 294, 295, 296, 297, 302, 303, 304, 309, 324;

| (b) | The Council incorporated in principle, or in part, the following amendments:






  — | 2, 5, 6, 16, 17, 19, 20, 25, 27, 30, 31, 33, 34, 40, 42, 45, 46, 50, 53, 60, 63, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 94, 96, 98, 99, 101, 104, 106, 107, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 119, 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 131, 136, 138, 140, 141, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 163, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 175, 177, 178, 179, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 195, 196, 197, 199, 200, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 213, 222, 223, 228, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 244, 248, 253, 255, 257, 268, 269, 272, 274, 275, 276, 278, 280, 286, 287, 291, 293, 298, 299, 300, 313, 315, 334, 350, 351, 359, 361, 362; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

The Council incorporated in principle, or in part, the following amendments:

—

2, 5, 6, 16, 17, 19, 20, 25, 27, 30, 31, 33, 34, 40, 42, 45, 46, 50, 53, 60, 63, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 94, 96, 98, 99, 101, 104, 106, 107, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 119, 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 131, 136, 138, 140, 141, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 163, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 175, 177, 178, 179, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 195, 196, 197, 199, 200, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 213, 222, 223, 228, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 244, 248, 253, 255, 257, 268, 269, 272, 274, 275, 276, 278, 280, 286, 287, 291, 293, 298, 299, 300, 313, 315, 334, 350, 351, 359, 361, 362;

| (c) | The Council followed the Commission in not incorporating the following amendments:






  — | 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 36, 37, 38, 41, 48, 49, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 61, 62, 64, 65, 74, 83, 91, 92, 100, 102, 103, 105, 108, 116, 117, 118, 133, 134, 135, 139, 143, 144, 145, 147, 150, 151, 152, 161, 164, 176, 191, 194, 212, 217, 218, 219, 220, 229, 247, 249, 250, 252, 254, 258, 259, 260, 261, 263, 265, 267, 270, 271, 277, 279, 281, 282, 283, 285, 290, 292, 301, 305, 306, 307, 308, 310, 311, 312, 314, 320, 347, 349, 360. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

The Council followed the Commission in not incorporating the following amendments:

—

7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 36, 37, 38, 41, 48, 49, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 61, 62, 64, 65, 74, 83, 91, 92, 100, 102, 103, 105, 108, 116, 117, 118, 133, 134, 135, 139, 143, 144, 145, 147, 150, 151, 152, 161, 164, 176, 191, 194, 212, 217, 218, 219, 220, 229, 247, 249, 250, 252, 254, 258, 259, 260, 261, 263, 265, 267, 270, 271, 277, 279, 281, 282, 283, 285, 290, 292, 301, 305, 306, 307, 308, 310, 311, 312, 314, 320, 347, 349, 360.

IV.   CONCLUSION

In establishing its common position, the Council has taken full account of the Commission's proposal and the European Parliament's opinion in first reading. A considerable number of amendments, in full or in part, have been incorporated in the common position with the aim of meeting the bulk of the European Parliament's concerns. The Council believes that its common position represents a well balanced text and it looks forward to constructive discussions with the European Parliament with a view to rapid adoption of the Seventh Framework Programme as well as its implementing measures (i.e. Rules of Participation, Specific Programmes).

---

(1)  Doc. 8087/05 RECH 80 ATO 45 COMPET 68 CODEC 266 — COM(2005) 119 final.

(2)  OJ C 65, 17.03.2006, p. 9.

(3)  OJ C 115, 16.05.2006, p. 20.

(4)  Doc. P6_TA-PROV(2006)0265.

(5)  The Council has also reached a political agreement on the text of the Council Decision concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for research and training activities (2007-2011). The final adoption of this Decision will take place simultaneously with the final adoption of the EC Framework Programme Decision. The draft text has been transmitted to the European Parliament for information.

(6)  2005 Green Paper on Energy Efficiency (COM (2005)265), 2006 Green Paper on a European strategy for sustainable competitive and secure energy (COM (2006) 105).

(7)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

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| 12.12.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 301/51 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.12.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 301/51

---

COMMON POSITION (EC) No 28/2006

adopted by the Council on 23 October 2006

with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation

(2006/C 301 E/02)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 179(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (1),

Whereas:

| (1) | A new framework for planning and delivering assistance is proposed in order to make the Community's external assistance more effective. Council Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 (2) establishes an Instrument for Pre Accession (IPA) for Community assistance to candidate and potential candidate countries. Regulation (EC) No [...] (3) lays down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). Council Regulation (EC) No [...] (4) establishes a financing instrument for cooperation with industrialised and other high-income countries and territories. Regulation (EC) No [...] (5) establishes an instrument for stability. Regulation (EC) No [...] (6) establishes an instrument for nuclear safety cooperation. Regulation (EC) No [...] (7) establishes a financing instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide. Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 (8) concerns humanitarian aid. This Regulation establishes a financing instrument for development cooperation providing direct support for the Community's development cooperation policy. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

A new framework for planning and delivering assistance is proposed in order to make the Community's external assistance more effective. Council Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 (2) establishes an Instrument for Pre Accession (IPA) for Community assistance to candidate and potential candidate countries. Regulation (EC) No [...] (3) lays down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). Council Regulation (EC) No [...] (4) establishes a financing instrument for cooperation with industrialised and other high-income countries and territories. Regulation (EC) No [...] (5) establishes an instrument for stability. Regulation (EC) No [...] (6) establishes an instrument for nuclear safety cooperation. Regulation (EC) No [...] (7) establishes a financing instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide. Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 (8) concerns humanitarian aid. This Regulation establishes a financing instrument for development cooperation providing direct support for the Community's development cooperation policy.

| (2) | The Community pursues a development cooperation policy aimed at achieving the objectives of poverty reduction, sustainable economic and social development and the smooth and gradual integration of developing countries into the world economy. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Community pursues a development cooperation policy aimed at achieving the objectives of poverty reduction, sustainable economic and social development and the smooth and gradual integration of developing countries into the world economy.

| (3) | The Community pursues a cooperation policy that fosters cooperation, partnerships and joint undertakings between economic players in the Community and partner countries and regions, and promotes dialogue between political, economic and social partners in relevant sectors. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Community pursues a cooperation policy that fosters cooperation, partnerships and joint undertakings between economic players in the Community and partner countries and regions, and promotes dialogue between political, economic and social partners in relevant sectors.

| (4) | The Community's development cooperation policy and international action are guided by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), such as the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 8 September 2000, and the main development objectives and principles approved by the Community and its Member States in the context of the United Nations (UN) and other competent international organisations in the field of development cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Community's development cooperation policy and international action are guided by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), such as the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 8 September 2000, and the main development objectives and principles approved by the Community and its Member States in the context of the United Nations (UN) and other competent international organisations in the field of development cooperation.

| (5) | With a view to policy coherence for development, it is important that Community non-development policies assist developing countries' efforts in achieving the MDGs in line with Article 178 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

With a view to policy coherence for development, it is important that Community non-development policies assist developing countries' efforts in achieving the MDGs in line with Article 178 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.

| (6) | A political environment which guarantees peace and stability, respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles, the rule of law, good governance and gender equality is fundamental to long-term development. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

A political environment which guarantees peace and stability, respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles, the rule of law, good governance and gender equality is fundamental to long-term development.

| (7) | Sound and sustainable economic policies are a prerequisite for development. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Sound and sustainable economic policies are a prerequisite for development.

| (8) | The members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) committed themselves at the 4th Ministerial Conference in Doha to mainstreaming trade in development strategies and to providing trade-related technical and capacity-building assistance as well as the necessary measures seeking to facilitate the transfer of technology through and for trade, to enhance the relationship between foreign direct investment and trade, and the mutual interrelation of trade and environment, and to help developing countries take part in new trade negotiations and implement their results. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) committed themselves at the 4th Ministerial Conference in Doha to mainstreaming trade in development strategies and to providing trade-related technical and capacity-building assistance as well as the necessary measures seeking to facilitate the transfer of technology through and for trade, to enhance the relationship between foreign direct investment and trade, and the mutual interrelation of trade and environment, and to help developing countries take part in new trade negotiations and implement their results.

| (9) | The Joint Statement by the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on European Union Development Policy: ‘The European Consensus’ (9), of 20 December 2005, and any subsequent modifications thereto, provides the general framework for action by the Community on development matters. It should steer the planning and implementation of the development assistance and cooperation strategies. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The Joint Statement by the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on European Union Development Policy: ‘The European Consensus’ (9), of 20 December 2005, and any subsequent modifications thereto, provides the general framework for action by the Community on development matters. It should steer the planning and implementation of the development assistance and cooperation strategies.

| (10) | Development cooperation should be implemented through geographic and thematic programmes. Geographic programmes should support the development of, and reinforce the cooperation with, countries and regions in Latin America, Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and South Africa. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Development cooperation should be implemented through geographic and thematic programmes. Geographic programmes should support the development of, and reinforce the cooperation with, countries and regions in Latin America, Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and South Africa.

| (11) | The Community and its Member States have concluded partnership and cooperation agreements with some of these partner countries and regions aimed at making a significant contribution to the long-term development of the partner countries and the wellbeing of their people. The essential elements on which these partnership and cooperation agreements are based are the common and universal values of respect for, and promotion of, human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and the rule of law. In this context, attention should also be given to the right to decent work and the rights of people with disabilities. The pursuit and deepening of bilateral relations between the Community and partner countries and the consolidation of multilateral institutions are important factors in making a significant contribution to balancing and developing the world economy and also in strengthening the Community's and partner countries' and regions' role and place in the world. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The Community and its Member States have concluded partnership and cooperation agreements with some of these partner countries and regions aimed at making a significant contribution to the long-term development of the partner countries and the wellbeing of their people. The essential elements on which these partnership and cooperation agreements are based are the common and universal values of respect for, and promotion of, human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and the rule of law. In this context, attention should also be given to the right to decent work and the rights of people with disabilities. The pursuit and deepening of bilateral relations between the Community and partner countries and the consolidation of multilateral institutions are important factors in making a significant contribution to balancing and developing the world economy and also in strengthening the Community's and partner countries' and regions' role and place in the world.

| (12) | While thematic programmes should primarily support developing countries, two beneficiary countries as well as the overseas countries and territories (OCTs), whose characteristics do not meet the requirements to be defined as Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD/DAC) and which are covered by Article 2(4), second subparagraph, first indent, should also be eligible for thematic programmes under the conditions set out in this Regulation. The Community should finance thematic programmes in countries, territories and regions eligible for assistance under a geographic programme provided for under this Regulation, for assistance under Regulation (EC) No [...] or for geographic cooperation in accordance with the European Development Fund (EDF). Council Decision 2001/822/EC of 27 November 2001 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Community (‘Overseas Association Decision’) (10), which is applicable until 31 December 2011, lays down the conditions for the eligibility of OCTs for the thematic activities of development assistance funded by the general budget of the European Union, which are not altered by this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

While thematic programmes should primarily support developing countries, two beneficiary countries as well as the overseas countries and territories (OCTs), whose characteristics do not meet the requirements to be defined as Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD/DAC) and which are covered by Article 2(4), second subparagraph, first indent, should also be eligible for thematic programmes under the conditions set out in this Regulation. The Community should finance thematic programmes in countries, territories and regions eligible for assistance under a geographic programme provided for under this Regulation, for assistance under Regulation (EC) No [...] or for geographic cooperation in accordance with the European Development Fund (EDF). Council Decision 2001/822/EC of 27 November 2001 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Community (‘Overseas Association Decision’) (10), which is applicable until 31 December 2011, lays down the conditions for the eligibility of OCTs for the thematic activities of development assistance funded by the general budget of the European Union, which are not altered by this Regulation.

| (13) | Thematic programmes should provide distinctive added value and complement programmes of a geographic nature, which constitute the main framework for Community cooperation with third countries. Development cooperation implemented through thematic programmes should be subsidiary to the geographic programmes set out in this Regulation and in Regulation (EC) No [...] and to cooperation under the EDF. Thematic programmes encompass a specific area of activity of interest to a group of partner countries not determined by geography, or cooperation activities addressed to various regions or groups of partner countries, or an international operation that is not geographically specific. They also have an important role in developing Community policies externally and ensuring sectoral consistency and visibility. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Thematic programmes should provide distinctive added value and complement programmes of a geographic nature, which constitute the main framework for Community cooperation with third countries. Development cooperation implemented through thematic programmes should be subsidiary to the geographic programmes set out in this Regulation and in Regulation (EC) No [...] and to cooperation under the EDF. Thematic programmes encompass a specific area of activity of interest to a group of partner countries not determined by geography, or cooperation activities addressed to various regions or groups of partner countries, or an international operation that is not geographically specific. They also have an important role in developing Community policies externally and ensuring sectoral consistency and visibility.

| (14) | Thematic programmes should support actions in the areas of human and social development, environment and sustainable management of natural resources, including energy, non-State actors and local authorities, food security and migration and asylum. The contents of the thematic programmes have been prepared on the basis of the corresponding communications from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Thematic programmes should support actions in the areas of human and social development, environment and sustainable management of natural resources, including energy, non-State actors and local authorities, food security and migration and asylum. The contents of the thematic programmes have been prepared on the basis of the corresponding communications from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council.

| (15) | The thematic programme on the environment and the sustainable management of resources, including energy should, inter alia, promote international environmental governance and Community environmental and energy policies abroad. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

The thematic programme on the environment and the sustainable management of resources, including energy should, inter alia, promote international environmental governance and Community environmental and energy policies abroad.

| (16) | The thematic programme on migration and asylum should contribute to the realisation of the objective set out in the Conclusions of the European Council held in Brussels on 15 and 16 December 2005, namely to intensify Community financial assistance in areas concerning or related to migration in respect of its relations with third countries. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The thematic programme on migration and asylum should contribute to the realisation of the objective set out in the Conclusions of the European Council held in Brussels on 15 and 16 December 2005, namely to intensify Community financial assistance in areas concerning or related to migration in respect of its relations with third countries.

| (17) | Community policy on food security has evolved towards supporting broad-based food security strategies at national, regional and global level, limiting the use of food aid to humanitarian situations and food crises and avoiding disruptive effects on local production and markets, and needs to take into account the specific situation of countries that are structurally fragile and highly dependent on support for food security, in order to avoid a steep reduction of Community assistance to these countries. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

Community policy on food security has evolved towards supporting broad-based food security strategies at national, regional and global level, limiting the use of food aid to humanitarian situations and food crises and avoiding disruptive effects on local production and markets, and needs to take into account the specific situation of countries that are structurally fragile and highly dependent on support for food security, in order to avoid a steep reduction of Community assistance to these countries.

| (18) | In line with the Council Conclusions of 24 May 2005 actions should be supported to improve reproductive and sexual health in developing countries and to secure respect for the rights relating thereto; financial assistance and appropriate expertise should be provided with a view to promoting a holistic approach to, and the recognition of, reproductive and sexual health and rights as defined in the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), including safe motherhood and universal access to a comprehensive range of safe and reliable reproductive and sexual health care and services. When cooperation measures are implemented, the decisions adopted at the ICPD must be rigorously observed, where relevant. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

In line with the Council Conclusions of 24 May 2005 actions should be supported to improve reproductive and sexual health in developing countries and to secure respect for the rights relating thereto; financial assistance and appropriate expertise should be provided with a view to promoting a holistic approach to, and the recognition of, reproductive and sexual health and rights as defined in the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), including safe motherhood and universal access to a comprehensive range of safe and reliable reproductive and sexual health care and services. When cooperation measures are implemented, the decisions adopted at the ICPD must be rigorously observed, where relevant.

| (19) | Following up on Regulation (EC) No 266/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 February 2006 establishing accompanying measures for Sugar Protocol countries affected by the reform of the EU sugar regime (11), assistance to ACP Sugar Protocol countries affected by the reform of the Common Market Organisation for sugar should also be provided and aim at supporting their adjustment process. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

Following up on Regulation (EC) No 266/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 February 2006 establishing accompanying measures for Sugar Protocol countries affected by the reform of the EU sugar regime (11), assistance to ACP Sugar Protocol countries affected by the reform of the Common Market Organisation for sugar should also be provided and aim at supporting their adjustment process.

| (20) | In implementing the Community's development policy, more effective aid, greater complementarity and better harmonisation, alignment and coordination of procedures, both between the Community and its Member States and in relations with other donors and development actors, are essential to ensuring the consistency and relevance of aid whilst at the same time reducing the costs borne by partner countries as approved in the Declaration on Aid Effectiveness adopted by the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness, held in Paris, on 2 March 2005. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

In implementing the Community's development policy, more effective aid, greater complementarity and better harmonisation, alignment and coordination of procedures, both between the Community and its Member States and in relations with other donors and development actors, are essential to ensuring the consistency and relevance of aid whilst at the same time reducing the costs borne by partner countries as approved in the Declaration on Aid Effectiveness adopted by the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness, held in Paris, on 2 March 2005.

| (21) | In order to achieve the objectives of this Regulation, it is necessary to pursue a differentiated approach depending on development contexts and needs, supporting partner countries or regions with specific, tailor-made programmes, based on their own needs, strategies, priorities and assets. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

In order to achieve the objectives of this Regulation, it is necessary to pursue a differentiated approach depending on development contexts and needs, supporting partner countries or regions with specific, tailor-made programmes, based on their own needs, strategies, priorities and assets.

| (22) | The key to the success of development policies is whether the partner countries take ownership of the development strategies, and, to this end, the greatest possible involvement of all sections of society, including disabled people and other vulnerable groups, should be encouraged. With a view to ensuring efficiency and transparency and encouraging countries to take ownership, donors' cooperation strategies and implementation procedures should, where possible, be aligned on those of the partner countries. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

The key to the success of development policies is whether the partner countries take ownership of the development strategies, and, to this end, the greatest possible involvement of all sections of society, including disabled people and other vulnerable groups, should be encouraged. With a view to ensuring efficiency and transparency and encouraging countries to take ownership, donors' cooperation strategies and implementation procedures should, where possible, be aligned on those of the partner countries.

| (23) | Taking into consideration the need to ensure effective bridging between humanitarian relief and long-term development assistance, measures eligible under Regulation (EC) No [...] should not, in principle, be funded under this Regulation, except where there is a need to ensure continuity of cooperation from crisis to stable conditions for development. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

Taking into consideration the need to ensure effective bridging between humanitarian relief and long-term development assistance, measures eligible under Regulation (EC) No [...] should not, in principle, be funded under this Regulation, except where there is a need to ensure continuity of cooperation from crisis to stable conditions for development.

| (24) | Untying aid in line with best practices of the OECD/DAC is a key factor in adding value to aid and in building local capacity. Rules on participation in tenders and grant contracts, as well as rules concerning the origin of supplies should be set down in accordance with most recent developments concerning the untying of aid. |
| --- | --- |

(24)

Untying aid in line with best practices of the OECD/DAC is a key factor in adding value to aid and in building local capacity. Rules on participation in tenders and grant contracts, as well as rules concerning the origin of supplies should be set down in accordance with most recent developments concerning the untying of aid.

| (25) | Assistance should be managed in accordance with the rules for external aid contained in Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (12), with due provisions aimed at protecting the financial interests of the Community. Continued efforts should be made to improve the implementation of development cooperation to achieve a sound balance between financial resources allocated and absorption capacity, as well as to reduce outstanding commitments. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

Assistance should be managed in accordance with the rules for external aid contained in Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (12), with due provisions aimed at protecting the financial interests of the Community. Continued efforts should be made to improve the implementation of development cooperation to achieve a sound balance between financial resources allocated and absorption capacity, as well as to reduce outstanding commitments.

| (26) | This Regulation lays down a financial envelope for the period 2007-2013 constituting the prime reference for the budgetary authority, within the meaning of Point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (13). |
| --- | --- |

(26)

This Regulation lays down a financial envelope for the period 2007-2013 constituting the prime reference for the budgetary authority, within the meaning of Point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (13).

| (27) | The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (14). Programming documents and some specific implementation measures should be adopted by the management committee procedure. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (14). Programming documents and some specific implementation measures should be adopted by the management committee procedure.

| (28) | Since the objectives of this Regulation, namely the proposed cooperation with developing countries, territories and regions that are not Community Member States and are not eligible for Community aid under Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 or Regulation (EC) No [...] cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the scale of the action, be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives. |
| --- | --- |

(28)

Since the objectives of this Regulation, namely the proposed cooperation with developing countries, territories and regions that are not Community Member States and are not eligible for Community aid under Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 or Regulation (EC) No [...] cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the scale of the action, be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives.

| (29) | This Regulation makes it necessary to repeal the current set of Regulations, in view of the restructuring of the external action instruments, notably in the field of development cooperation, |
| --- | --- |

(29)

This Regulation makes it necessary to repeal the current set of Regulations, in view of the restructuring of the external action instruments, notably in the field of development cooperation,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Overall purpose and scope

1.   The Community shall finance measures aimed at supporting cooperation with developing countries, territories and regions included in the list of aid recipients of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD/DAC), and set out in Annex I (hereinafter referred to as ‘partner countries and regions’). The Commission shall amend Annex I in accordance with regular OECD/DAC reviews of its list of aid recipients and inform the European Parliament and the Council thereof.

2.   The Community shall finance thematic programmes in countries, territories and regions eligible for assistance under a geographic programme of this Regulation, set out in Articles 5 to 10, for assistance under Regulation (EC) No [...] or for geographic cooperation under the European Development Fund (EDF).

3.   For the purposes of this Regulation, a region is defined as a geographical entity comprising more than one developing country.

TITLE I

OBJECTIVES AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Article 2

Objectives

1.   The primary and overarching objective of cooperation under this Regulation shall be the eradication of poverty in partner countries and regions in the context of sustainable development, including pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as the promotion of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights and for the rule of law. Consistently with this objective, cooperation with partner countries and regions shall:

| — | consolidate and support democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, good governance, gender equality and related instruments of international law; |
| --- | --- |

—

consolidate and support democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, good governance, gender equality and related instruments of international law;

| — | foster the sustainable development — including political, economic, social and environmental aspects — of partner countries and regions, and more particularly the most disadvantaged among them; |
| --- | --- |

—

foster the sustainable development — including political, economic, social and environmental aspects — of partner countries and regions, and more particularly the most disadvantaged among them;

| — | encourage their smooth and gradual integration into the world economy; |
| --- | --- |

—

encourage their smooth and gradual integration into the world economy;

| — | help develop international measures to preserve and improve the quality of the environment and the sustainable management of global natural resources, in order to ensure sustainable development, including addressing climate change and biodiversity loss; and |
| --- | --- |

—

help develop international measures to preserve and improve the quality of the environment and the sustainable management of global natural resources, in order to ensure sustainable development, including addressing climate change and biodiversity loss; and

| — | strengthen the relationship between the Community and partner countries and regions. |
| --- | --- |

—

strengthen the relationship between the Community and partner countries and regions.

2.   Community cooperation under this Regulation shall comply with the commitments and objectives in the field of development cooperation that the Community has approved in the context of the United Nations (UN) and other competent international organisations in the field of development cooperation.

3.   Community development policy, as laid down in Title XX of the Treaty, shall provide the legal framework for cooperation with partner countries and regions. The Joint Statement by the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on European Union Development Policy: ‘The European Consensus’, of 20 December 2005, and any subsequent modifications thereto, shall provide the general framework, orientations and focus to steer the implementation of Community cooperation with partner countries and regions under this Regulation.

4.   Measures referred to in Article 1(1) shall be designed so as to fulfil the criteria for Official Development Assistance (ODA) established by the OECD/DAC.

Programmes referred to in Article 1(2) shall be designed so as to fulfil the criteria for ODA established by the OECD/DAC, unless:

| — | the characteristics of the beneficiary require otherwise, or |
| --- | --- |

—

the characteristics of the beneficiary require otherwise, or

| — | the programme implements a global initiative, a community policy priority or an international obligation or commitment of the Community, as referred to in Article 11(2), and the measure does not have the characteristics to fulfil such criteria. |
| --- | --- |

—

the programme implements a global initiative, a community policy priority or an international obligation or commitment of the Community, as referred to in Article 11(2), and the measure does not have the characteristics to fulfil such criteria.

At least 90 % of the expenditure foreseen under thematic programmes shall be designed so as to fulfil the criteria for ODA established by the OECD/DAC, without prejudice to Article 2(4), second subparagraph, first indent.

5.   Community assistance under this Regulation shall not be used to finance the procurement of arms or ammunition, and operations having military or defence implications.

6.   Measures covered by Regulation (EC) No [...] and in particular Article 4 thereof, and eligible for funding thereunder shall not, in principle, be funded under this Regulation, except where there is a need to ensure continuity of cooperation from crisis to stable conditions for development.

Without prejudice to the need to ensure continuity of cooperation from crisis to stable conditions for development, measures covered by, and eligible for funding under, Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid (15), shall not be funded under this Regulation.

Article 3

General principles

1.   The Community is founded on the values of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and seeks to develop and consolidate commitment to these values in partner countries and regions through dialogue and cooperation.

2.   In the implementation of this Regulation, a differentiated approach depending on development contexts and needs shall be pursued so that partner countries or regions are provided with specific, tailor-made cooperation, based on their own needs, strategies, priorities and assets.

Least developed countries and low income countries shall be given priority in terms of overall resource allocation in order to achieve the MDGs. Appropriate attention shall be given to support the pro-poor development of middle income countries, particularly the lower middle income countries many of which face problems similar to those of low income countries.

3.   Mainstreaming of the following cross-cutting issues shall be undertaken in all programmes: the promotion of human rights, gender equality, democracy, good governance, the rights of the child and indigenous peoples' rights, environmental sustainability and combating HIV/AIDS. In addition, particular attention shall be given to strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice and supporting civil society, as well as promoting dialogue, participation and reconciliation, and institution-building.

4.   The Community shall take account of the objectives laid down in Title XX of the Treaty and in Article 2 of this Regulation, in all policies which are likely to affect partner countries and regions. For measures financed under this Regulation, the Community shall also aim to ensure coherence with other areas of its external action. This shall be ensured in formulating policy, strategic planning and the programming and implementation of measures.

5.   The Community and the Member States shall improve coordination and complementarity of their policies on development cooperation by responding to partner countries' and regions' priorities at country and regional level. Community policy in the sphere of development cooperation shall be complementary to the policies pursued by the Member States.

6.   The Commission and the Member States shall seek regular and frequent exchanges of information, including with other donors, and promote better donor coordination and complementarity by working towards joint multiannual programming, based on partner countries' poverty reduction or equivalent strategies and partner countries' own budget processes, by common implementation mechanisms including shared analysis, by joint donor-wide missions and by the use of co-financing arrangements.

7.   Within their respective spheres of competence, the Community and the Member States shall promote a multilateral approach to global challenges and foster cooperation with multilateral and regional organisations and bodies such as international financial institutions, UN agencies, funds and programmes, and other bilateral donors.

8.   The Community shall promote effective cooperation with partner countries and regions in line with international best practice. It shall promote:

| (a) | a development process that is partner country led and owned. The Community shall increasingly align its support with partners' national development strategies, reform policies and procedures. The Community shall contribute to strengthening the process of mutual accountability between partner governments and donors and promote local expertise and local employment; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

a development process that is partner country led and owned. The Community shall increasingly align its support with partners' national development strategies, reform policies and procedures. The Community shall contribute to strengthening the process of mutual accountability between partner governments and donors and promote local expertise and local employment;

| (b) | inclusive and participatory approaches to development and a broad involvement of all segments of society in the development process and in national dialogue, including political dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

inclusive and participatory approaches to development and a broad involvement of all segments of society in the development process and in national dialogue, including political dialogue;

| (c) | effective cooperation modalities and instruments as set out in Article 25 in line with OECD/DAC best practices, adapted to the particular circumstances of each partner country or region, with a focus on programme-based approaches, delivery of predictable aid funding, the development and use of country systems and on results-based approaches to development including, where appropriate, MDG targets and indicators; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

effective cooperation modalities and instruments as set out in Article 25 in line with OECD/DAC best practices, adapted to the particular circumstances of each partner country or region, with a focus on programme-based approaches, delivery of predictable aid funding, the development and use of country systems and on results-based approaches to development including, where appropriate, MDG targets and indicators;

| (d) | improved impact of policies and programming through coordination and harmonisation between donors to reduce overlap and duplication, to improve complementarity and to support donor-wide initiatives. Coordination shall take place in partner countries and regions using agreed guidelines and best practice principles on coordination and aid effectiveness; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

improved impact of policies and programming through coordination and harmonisation between donors to reduce overlap and duplication, to improve complementarity and to support donor-wide initiatives. Coordination shall take place in partner countries and regions using agreed guidelines and best practice principles on coordination and aid effectiveness;

| (e) | an MDG profile in Country Strategy Papers and in its multiannual programming. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

an MDG profile in Country Strategy Papers and in its multiannual programming.

9.   The Commission shall inform and have regular exchanges of views with the European Parliament.

10.   The Commission shall seek regular exchanges of information with civil society.

TITLE II

GEOGRAPHIC AND THEMATIC PROGRAMMES

Article 4

Implementation of Community assistance

Consistently with the overall purpose and scope, objectives and general principles of this Regulation, Community assistance shall be implemented through geographic and thematic programmes set out in Articles 5 to 16 and the programme set out in Article 17.

Article 5

Geographic programmes

1.   A geographic programme shall encompass cooperation in appropriate areas of activity with partner countries and regions determined on a geographical basis.

2.   Consistently with the overall purpose and scope, objectives and general principles of this Regulation, Community assistance to the countries of Latin America, Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East as set out in Annex I, as well as South Africa, shall include actions within the following areas of cooperation:

| (a) | supporting the implementation of policies aimed at poverty eradication and at the achievement of the MDGs; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

supporting the implementation of policies aimed at poverty eradication and at the achievement of the MDGs;

Human development:

| (b) | addressing the essential needs of the population with prime attention to primary education and health, in particular by:
  Health:






  (i) | increasing access to and provision of health services for lower income population groups and marginalised groups, including women and children, persons belonging to groups subject to ethnic, religious or any other discrimination and persons with disabilities, with a central focus on the related MDGs, namely reducing child mortality, improving maternal and child health and sexual and reproductive health and rights as set out in the Cairo Agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), addressing poverty diseases, in particular HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

addressing the essential needs of the population with prime attention to primary education and health, in particular by:

Health:

(i)

increasing access to and provision of health services for lower income population groups and marginalised groups, including women and children, persons belonging to groups subject to ethnic, religious or any other discrimination and persons with disabilities, with a central focus on the related MDGs, namely reducing child mortality, improving maternal and child health and sexual and reproductive health and rights as set out in the Cairo Agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), addressing poverty diseases, in particular HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria;

| (ii) | strengthening health systems in order to prevent human resource crises in the health sector; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

strengthening health systems in order to prevent human resource crises in the health sector;

| (iii) | enhancing capacities particularly in areas such as public health and research and development; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

enhancing capacities particularly in areas such as public health and research and development;

Education:

| (iv) | giving priority in primary education to achieving quality primary education followed by vocational training and to reduce inequalities in terms of access to education; promoting compulsory and free education up to the age of 15 to combat all forms of child labour; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

giving priority in primary education to achieving quality primary education followed by vocational training and to reduce inequalities in terms of access to education; promoting compulsory and free education up to the age of 15 to combat all forms of child labour;

| (v) | aiming at achieving universal primary education by 2015, and at eliminating gender disparity in education; |
| --- | --- |

(v)

aiming at achieving universal primary education by 2015, and at eliminating gender disparity in education;

| (vi) | promoting vocational training, higher education, life-long learning, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation, academic and cultural exchanges as well as enhancing mutual understanding between partner countries and regions and the Community; |
| --- | --- |

(vi)

promoting vocational training, higher education, life-long learning, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation, academic and cultural exchanges as well as enhancing mutual understanding between partner countries and regions and the Community;

Social cohesion and employment:

| (c) | promoting social cohesion as a priority policy of the relations between the Community and partner countries, with a focus on decent work and social and fiscal policies, thereby fighting against poverty, inequality, unemployment and exclusion of vulnerable and marginalised groups; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

promoting social cohesion as a priority policy of the relations between the Community and partner countries, with a focus on decent work and social and fiscal policies, thereby fighting against poverty, inequality, unemployment and exclusion of vulnerable and marginalised groups;

| (d) | combating all forms of group-based discrimination and promoting and protecting gender equality, indigenous peoples' rights and the rights of the child, including supporting implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and actions to address the problems faced by street children and children undertaking forms of labour that are hazardous and/or hinder full-time education; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

combating all forms of group-based discrimination and promoting and protecting gender equality, indigenous peoples' rights and the rights of the child, including supporting implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and actions to address the problems faced by street children and children undertaking forms of labour that are hazardous and/or hinder full-time education;

| (e) | strengthening the institutional framework to promote and facilitate the creation of small and medium sized enterprises with a view to stimulating job creation; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

strengthening the institutional framework to promote and facilitate the creation of small and medium sized enterprises with a view to stimulating job creation;

Governance, democracy, human rights and support for institutional reforms:

| (f) | promoting and protecting fundamental freedoms and human rights, strengthening democracy, the rule of law, access to justice and good governance including actions to combat corruption, which may include, but are not limited to, capacity building and strengthening the institutional and legislative framework, particularly in the areas of national administration, design and implementation of policies and management of public finances and national resources in a transparent way; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

promoting and protecting fundamental freedoms and human rights, strengthening democracy, the rule of law, access to justice and good governance including actions to combat corruption, which may include, but are not limited to, capacity building and strengthening the institutional and legislative framework, particularly in the areas of national administration, design and implementation of policies and management of public finances and national resources in a transparent way;

| (g) | supporting an active civil society, including civil society organisations representing people living in poverty, as well as promoting civic dialogue, participation and reconciliation, and institution-building; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

supporting an active civil society, including civil society organisations representing people living in poverty, as well as promoting civic dialogue, participation and reconciliation, and institution-building;

| (h) | fostering cooperation and policy reform in the fields of security and justice, especially as regards asylum and migration, the fight against drugs and other trafficking including trafficking in human beings, corruption and money laundering; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

fostering cooperation and policy reform in the fields of security and justice, especially as regards asylum and migration, the fight against drugs and other trafficking including trafficking in human beings, corruption and money laundering;

| (i) | fostering cooperation and policy reform in the field of migration and asylum with partner countries and promoting capacity building initiatives to ensure the formulation and implementation of pro-development migration policies to address the root causes of migration; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

fostering cooperation and policy reform in the field of migration and asylum with partner countries and promoting capacity building initiatives to ensure the formulation and implementation of pro-development migration policies to address the root causes of migration;

| (j) | supporting effective multilateralism, in particular through compliance with, and the effective implementation of, international law and multilateral agreements relevant to the field of development; |
| --- | --- |

(j)

supporting effective multilateralism, in particular through compliance with, and the effective implementation of, international law and multilateral agreements relevant to the field of development;

Trade and regional integration:

| (k) | assisting partner countries and regions on trade, investment and regional integration including technical assistance and capacity building to design and implement sound trade policies, favouring a more conducive business environment, sound economic and financial policies and private sector development, with a view to partner countries and regions benefiting from their integration into the world economy and to supporting social justice and pro-poor growth; |
| --- | --- |

(k)

assisting partner countries and regions on trade, investment and regional integration including technical assistance and capacity building to design and implement sound trade policies, favouring a more conducive business environment, sound economic and financial policies and private sector development, with a view to partner countries and regions benefiting from their integration into the world economy and to supporting social justice and pro-poor growth;

| (l) | supporting accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and implementation of WTO agreements by technical assistance and capacity building, in particular the implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (the TRIPS Agreement), notably in the area of public health; |
| --- | --- |

(l)

supporting accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and implementation of WTO agreements by technical assistance and capacity building, in particular the implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (the TRIPS Agreement), notably in the area of public health;

| (m) | supporting economic and trade cooperation and strengthening investment relations between the Community and partner countries and regions, including by actions to promote and ensure that private actors, including local and European businesses, contribute to socially responsible and sustainable economic development, including respect for the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and by actions to promote local capacity building; |
| --- | --- |

(m)

supporting economic and trade cooperation and strengthening investment relations between the Community and partner countries and regions, including by actions to promote and ensure that private actors, including local and European businesses, contribute to socially responsible and sustainable economic development, including respect for the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and by actions to promote local capacity building;

Environment and sustainable development of natural resources:

| (n) | promoting sustainable development through environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources, including protection of biodiversity, and of forests, including activities for the conservation and sustainable management of forests with active participation of local communities and forest-dependent peoples; |
| --- | --- |

(n)

promoting sustainable development through environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources, including protection of biodiversity, and of forests, including activities for the conservation and sustainable management of forests with active participation of local communities and forest-dependent peoples;

| (o) | supporting improvements in the urban environment; |
| --- | --- |

(o)

supporting improvements in the urban environment;

| (p) | promoting sustainable patterns of production and consumption and the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste, taking into account their impacts on health; |
| --- | --- |

(p)

promoting sustainable patterns of production and consumption and the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste, taking into account their impacts on health;

| (q) | ensuring respect for and supporting the implementation of international environment agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in line with the EU Action Plan on Climate Change, and their protocols and any subsequent modifications; |
| --- | --- |

(q)

ensuring respect for and supporting the implementation of international environment agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in line with the EU Action Plan on Climate Change, and their protocols and any subsequent modifications;

| (r) | developing capacities for emergency preparedness and prevention of natural disasters; |
| --- | --- |

(r)

developing capacities for emergency preparedness and prevention of natural disasters;

Water and energy:

| (s) | supporting sustainable integrated water resource management, with particular emphasis on universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation in line with the MDGs and sustainable and efficient use of water resources, including for agricultural and industrial purposes; |
| --- | --- |

(s)

supporting sustainable integrated water resource management, with particular emphasis on universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation in line with the MDGs and sustainable and efficient use of water resources, including for agricultural and industrial purposes;

| (t) | fostering greater use of sustainable energy technologies; |
| --- | --- |

(t)

fostering greater use of sustainable energy technologies;

Infrastructure, communication and transport:

| (u) | contributing to the development of economic infrastructure, including support to regional integration, and promoting the increased use of information and communication technologies; |
| --- | --- |

(u)

contributing to the development of economic infrastructure, including support to regional integration, and promoting the increased use of information and communication technologies;

Rural development, territorial planning, agriculture and food security:

| (v) | supporting sustainable rural development, including decentralisation and empowerment, particularly with a view to ensuring food security; |
| --- | --- |

(v)

supporting sustainable rural development, including decentralisation and empowerment, particularly with a view to ensuring food security;

Post-crisis situations and fragile States:

| (w) | reconstructing and rehabilitating, in the medium- and long-term, regions and countries affected by conflict, man-made and natural disasters, including support for mine-action, demobilisation and reintegration actions, while ensuring the continuum between relief, rehabilitation and development in accordance with Article 2(6), bearing in mind the competences of the Community and its Member States; |
| --- | --- |

(w)

reconstructing and rehabilitating, in the medium- and long-term, regions and countries affected by conflict, man-made and natural disasters, including support for mine-action, demobilisation and reintegration actions, while ensuring the continuum between relief, rehabilitation and development in accordance with Article 2(6), bearing in mind the competences of the Community and its Member States;

| (x) | carrying out medium- and long-term activities aimed at the self-sufficiency and integration or reintegration of uprooted people, ensuring that an integrated and consistent approach between humanitarian aid, rehabilitation, aid to uprooted people and development cooperation is pursued. Community action shall facilitate the move from the emergency stage to that of development, encouraging the socio-economic integration or reintegration of the people affected, and encourage the establishment or strengthening of democratic structures and the role of the population in the development process; |
| --- | --- |

(x)

carrying out medium- and long-term activities aimed at the self-sufficiency and integration or reintegration of uprooted people, ensuring that an integrated and consistent approach between humanitarian aid, rehabilitation, aid to uprooted people and development cooperation is pursued. Community action shall facilitate the move from the emergency stage to that of development, encouraging the socio-economic integration or reintegration of the people affected, and encourage the establishment or strengthening of democratic structures and the role of the population in the development process;

| (y) | in fragile or failing States, supporting the delivery of basic services and building of legitimate, effective and resilient public institutions; |
| --- | --- |

(y)

in fragile or failing States, supporting the delivery of basic services and building of legitimate, effective and resilient public institutions;

| (z) | addressing development challenges common to the Community and its partners, in particular support to sectoral dialogues, to the implementation of bilateral agreements and to any other area of action consistent with the scope of this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(z)

addressing development challenges common to the Community and its partners, in particular support to sectoral dialogues, to the implementation of bilateral agreements and to any other area of action consistent with the scope of this Regulation.

Article 6

Latin America

Community assistance to Latin America shall support actions consistent with Article 5 and with the overall purpose and scope, objectives and general principles of this Regulation. Additional attention shall be paid to the following areas of cooperation, reflecting the specific situation in Latin America:

| (a) | promoting social cohesion as a shared goal and priority policy of Community-Latin America relations thereby fighting against poverty, inequality and exclusion. Particular attention shall be paid to social welfare and tax policies, productive investment for more and better jobs, policies to combat discrimination and production, consumption and trafficking of drugs, and improvements in basic social services, in particular health and education; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

promoting social cohesion as a shared goal and priority policy of Community-Latin America relations thereby fighting against poverty, inequality and exclusion. Particular attention shall be paid to social welfare and tax policies, productive investment for more and better jobs, policies to combat discrimination and production, consumption and trafficking of drugs, and improvements in basic social services, in particular health and education;

| (b) | encouraging greater regional integration, including the support to different processes of regional integration and to the interconnection of network infrastructures, while ensuring complementarity with activities supported by European Investment Bank (EIB) and other institutions; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

encouraging greater regional integration, including the support to different processes of regional integration and to the interconnection of network infrastructures, while ensuring complementarity with activities supported by European Investment Bank (EIB) and other institutions;

| (c) | supporting the reinforcement of good governance and public institutions, and of the protection of human rights, including the rights of the child and indigenous peoples' rights; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

supporting the reinforcement of good governance and public institutions, and of the protection of human rights, including the rights of the child and indigenous peoples' rights;

| (d) | supporting the creation of a common EU-Latin American higher education area; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

supporting the creation of a common EU-Latin American higher education area;

| (e) | promoting sustainable development in all its dimensions, with particular attention to the protection of forests and biodiversity. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

promoting sustainable development in all its dimensions, with particular attention to the protection of forests and biodiversity.

Article 7

Asia

Community assistance to Asia shall support actions consistent with Article 5 and with the overall purpose and scope, objectives and general principles of this Regulation. Additional attention shall be paid to the following areas of cooperation, reflecting the specific situation in Asia:

| (a) | pursuing MDGs in the field of health, including HIV/AIDS, and education, inter alia, through policy dialogue for sectoral reform; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

pursuing MDGs in the field of health, including HIV/AIDS, and education, inter alia, through policy dialogue for sectoral reform;

| (b) | addressing governance issues in particular in fragile States so as to help build legitimate, effective and resilient public institutions and an active and organised civil society, and to enhance the protection of human rights, including the rights of the child; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

addressing governance issues in particular in fragile States so as to help build legitimate, effective and resilient public institutions and an active and organised civil society, and to enhance the protection of human rights, including the rights of the child;

| (c) | encouraging greater regional integration and cooperation through support to different processes of regional integration and dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

encouraging greater regional integration and cooperation through support to different processes of regional integration and dialogue;

| (d) | contributing to the control of epidemics and zoonoses as well as to the rehabilitation of the affected sectors; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

contributing to the control of epidemics and zoonoses as well as to the rehabilitation of the affected sectors;

| (e) | promoting sustainable development in all its dimensions, with particular attention to the protection of forests and biodiversity; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

promoting sustainable development in all its dimensions, with particular attention to the protection of forests and biodiversity;

| (f) | fighting against production, consumption and trafficking of drugs and against other trafficking. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

fighting against production, consumption and trafficking of drugs and against other trafficking.

Article 8

Central Asia

Community assistance to Central Asia shall support actions consistent with Article 5 and with the overall purpose and scope, objectives and general principles of this Regulation. Additional attention shall be paid to the following areas of cooperation, reflecting the specific situation in Central Asia:

| (a) | promoting constitutional reforms and legislative, administrative and regulatory approximation with the Community, including strengthening of national institutions and bodies responsible for the effective implementation of policies in areas covered in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements, such as election bodies, parliaments, public administration reform and public financial management; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

promoting constitutional reforms and legislative, administrative and regulatory approximation with the Community, including strengthening of national institutions and bodies responsible for the effective implementation of policies in areas covered in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements, such as election bodies, parliaments, public administration reform and public financial management;

| (b) | promoting the development of a market economy and partner countries' integration into the WTO, while addressing the social aspects of the transition; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

promoting the development of a market economy and partner countries' integration into the WTO, while addressing the social aspects of the transition;

| (c) | supporting efficient border management and cross-border cooperation to promote sustainable economic, social and environmental development in border regions; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

supporting efficient border management and cross-border cooperation to promote sustainable economic, social and environmental development in border regions;

| (d) | fighting against production, consumption and trafficking of drugs and against other trafficking; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

fighting against production, consumption and trafficking of drugs and against other trafficking;

| (e) | fighting against HIV/AIDS; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

fighting against HIV/AIDS;

| (f) | promoting regional cooperation, dialogue and integration, including with countries covered by Regulation (EC) No [...] and other Community instruments, in particular promoting cooperation in the environment — notably water and sanitation —, education, energy and transport sectors, including the security and safety of international energy supply and transport operations, on interconnections, the networks and their operators, renewable energy sources, energy efficiency. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

promoting regional cooperation, dialogue and integration, including with countries covered by Regulation (EC) No [...] and other Community instruments, in particular promoting cooperation in the environment — notably water and sanitation —, education, energy and transport sectors, including the security and safety of international energy supply and transport operations, on interconnections, the networks and their operators, renewable energy sources, energy efficiency.

Article 9

Middle East

Community assistance to the Middle East shall support actions consistent with Article 5 and with the overall purpose and scope, objectives and general principles of this Regulation. Additional attention shall be paid to the following areas of cooperation, reflecting the specific situation in the Middle East:

| (a) | encouraging social cohesion to ensure social equity, notably in relation to the use of domestic national resources and to ensure political equality in particular through the promotion of human rights, including gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

encouraging social cohesion to ensure social equity, notably in relation to the use of domestic national resources and to ensure political equality in particular through the promotion of human rights, including gender equality;

| (b) | promoting economic diversification, the development of a market economy, and partner countries' integration in the WTO; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

promoting economic diversification, the development of a market economy, and partner countries' integration in the WTO;

| (c) | promoting regional cooperation, dialogue and integration, including with countries covered by Regulation (EC) No [...] and other Community instruments via the support to integration efforts within the region, for example on the economy, energy, transportation and refugees; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

promoting regional cooperation, dialogue and integration, including with countries covered by Regulation (EC) No [...] and other Community instruments via the support to integration efforts within the region, for example on the economy, energy, transportation and refugees;

| (d) | supporting the conclusion of international agreements and the effective implementation of international law, in particular UN resolutions and multilateral conventions; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

supporting the conclusion of international agreements and the effective implementation of international law, in particular UN resolutions and multilateral conventions;

| (e) | addressing governance issues in particular in fragile States so as to help build legitimate, effective and resilient public institutions and an active and organised civil society, and to enhance the protection of human rights, including the rights of the child. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

addressing governance issues in particular in fragile States so as to help build legitimate, effective and resilient public institutions and an active and organised civil society, and to enhance the protection of human rights, including the rights of the child.

Article 10

South Africa

Community assistance to South Africa shall support actions consistent with Article 5 and with the overall purpose and scope, objectives and general principles of this Regulation. Additional attention shall be paid to the following areas of cooperation, reflecting the specific situation in South Africa:

| (a) | supporting the consolidation of a democratic society, good governance and a State governed by the rule of law and contributing to regional and continental stability and integration; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

supporting the consolidation of a democratic society, good governance and a State governed by the rule of law and contributing to regional and continental stability and integration;

| (b) | providing support to the adjustment efforts occasioned in the region by the establishment of free-trade areas under the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement between the Community and South Africa (16) and other regional arrangements; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

providing support to the adjustment efforts occasioned in the region by the establishment of free-trade areas under the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement between the Community and South Africa (16) and other regional arrangements;

| (c) | supporting the fight against poverty, inequality and exclusion, including by addressing the basic needs of the previously disadvantaged communities; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

supporting the fight against poverty, inequality and exclusion, including by addressing the basic needs of the previously disadvantaged communities;

| (d) | addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic and its impacts on the South African society. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic and its impacts on the South African society.

Article 11

Thematic programmes

1.   A thematic programme shall be subsidiary to programmes referred to in Articles 5 to 10 and shall encompass a specific area of activity of interest to a group of partner countries not determined by geography, or cooperation activities addressed to various regions or groups of partner countries, or an international operation that is not geographically specific.

2.   Consistently with the overall purpose and scope, objectives and general principles of this Regulation, the actions undertaken through thematic programmes shall add value to and be additional to, and coherent with, actions funded under geographic programmes. The following principles shall apply to these actions:

| (a) | Community policy objectives cannot be achieved in an appropriate or effective manner through geographic programmes and the thematic programme is implemented by or through an intermediary organisation such as non-governmental organisations, other non-State actors, international organisations or multilateral mechanisms. This includes global initiatives supporting the MDGs, sustainable development or global public goods and actions in Member States and acceding countries by way of derogation from Article 24 as envisaged in the relevant thematic programme,
  and/or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Community policy objectives cannot be achieved in an appropriate or effective manner through geographic programmes and the thematic programme is implemented by or through an intermediary organisation such as non-governmental organisations, other non-State actors, international organisations or multilateral mechanisms. This includes global initiatives supporting the MDGs, sustainable development or global public goods and actions in Member States and acceding countries by way of derogation from Article 24 as envisaged in the relevant thematic programme,

and/or

| (b) | actions are of the following nature:






  — | multi-regional and/or cross-cutting actions, including pilot projects and innovatory policies; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

actions are of the following nature:

—

multi-regional and/or cross-cutting actions, including pilot projects and innovatory policies;

| — | actions in cases where there is no agreement on the action with the partner government(s); |
| --- | --- |

—

actions in cases where there is no agreement on the action with the partner government(s);

| — | actions relevant to the purpose of a specific thematic programme which respond to a Community policy priority or an international obligation or commitment of the Community; |
| --- | --- |

—

actions relevant to the purpose of a specific thematic programme which respond to a Community policy priority or an international obligation or commitment of the Community;

| — | where appropriate, actions in cases where there is no geographic programme or it has been suspended. |
| --- | --- |

—

where appropriate, actions in cases where there is no geographic programme or it has been suspended.

Article 12

Investing in people

1.   The objective of Community assistance under the thematic programme ‘Investing in People’ shall be to support actions in areas which directly affect people's living standards and well-being defined below and focusing on the poorest and least developed countries and the most disadvantaged sections of the population.

2.   To achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and consistent with Article 11, the programme shall include the following areas of activity:

| (a) | Good health for all:






  (i) | fight against poverty diseases targeting the major communicable diseases such as laid down in the European Programme for action to confront HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, in particular:






  — | increase the affordability of key pharmaceuticals and diagnostics for the three diseases in accordance with the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement as clarified in the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(a)

Good health for all:

(i)

fight against poverty diseases targeting the major communicable diseases such as laid down in the European Programme for action to confront HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, in particular:

—

increase the affordability of key pharmaceuticals and diagnostics for the three diseases in accordance with the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement as clarified in the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health;

| — | encourage public and private investment in research and development for new treatments, new medicines, particularly vaccines, microbicides and innovative treatments; |
| --- | --- |

—

encourage public and private investment in research and development for new treatments, new medicines, particularly vaccines, microbicides and innovative treatments;

| — | support global initiatives targeting the major communicable diseases in the context of poverty reduction, including the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; |
| --- | --- |

—

support global initiatives targeting the major communicable diseases in the context of poverty reduction, including the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria;

| (ii) | in line with the principles agreed at the ICPD and ICPD + 5, support actions to improve reproductive and sexual health in developing countries and to secure the right of women, men and adolescents to good reproductive and sexual health and provide financial assistance and appropriate expertise with a view to promoting a holistic approach to, and the recognition of, reproductive and sexual health and rights as defined in the ICPD Programme of Action, including safe motherhood and universal access to a comprehensive range of safe and reliable reproductive and sexual health care and services, supplies, education and information, including information on all kinds of family planning methods, including:






  — | reducing maternal mortality and morbidity rates, with particular reference to the countries and populations where these are highest; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(ii)

in line with the principles agreed at the ICPD and ICPD + 5, support actions to improve reproductive and sexual health in developing countries and to secure the right of women, men and adolescents to good reproductive and sexual health and provide financial assistance and appropriate expertise with a view to promoting a holistic approach to, and the recognition of, reproductive and sexual health and rights as defined in the ICPD Programme of Action, including safe motherhood and universal access to a comprehensive range of safe and reliable reproductive and sexual health care and services, supplies, education and information, including information on all kinds of family planning methods, including:

—

reducing maternal mortality and morbidity rates, with particular reference to the countries and populations where these are highest;

| (iii) | improve equitable access to health providers, commodities and health services by supporting:






  — | interventions to address the human resources crisis in health; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(iii)

improve equitable access to health providers, commodities and health services by supporting:

—

interventions to address the human resources crisis in health;

| — | health information systems with the ability to generate, measure and analyse disaggregated performance data to ensure better health and development outcomes and sustainability of delivery systems; |
| --- | --- |

—

health information systems with the ability to generate, measure and analyse disaggregated performance data to ensure better health and development outcomes and sustainability of delivery systems;

| — | improved vaccination and immunisation coverage and promotion of the availability of, and access to, existing or new vaccines; |
| --- | --- |

—

improved vaccination and immunisation coverage and promotion of the availability of, and access to, existing or new vaccines;

| — | fair mechanisms for financing equitable access to health care. |
| --- | --- |

—

fair mechanisms for financing equitable access to health care.

| (iv) | keeping a balanced approach between prevention, treatment and care, with prevention as a key priority, acknowledging that its effectiveness is increased when linked with treatment and care. |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

keeping a balanced approach between prevention, treatment and care, with prevention as a key priority, acknowledging that its effectiveness is increased when linked with treatment and care.

| (b) | Education, knowledge and skills:






  (i) | special attention to actions taken in the context of the MDGs to achieve universal primary education by 2015 and the Dakar Framework for Action on Education for All; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

Education, knowledge and skills:

(i)

special attention to actions taken in the context of the MDGs to achieve universal primary education by 2015 and the Dakar Framework for Action on Education for All;

| (ii) | basic, secondary and higher education as well as vocational education and training to improve access to education for all children and, increasingly, for women and men of all ages, with a view to increasing knowledge, skills and employability on the job market, contributing to active citizenship and individual fulfilment on a life-long basis; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

basic, secondary and higher education as well as vocational education and training to improve access to education for all children and, increasingly, for women and men of all ages, with a view to increasing knowledge, skills and employability on the job market, contributing to active citizenship and individual fulfilment on a life-long basis;

| (iii) | the promotion of high quality basic education, with particular focus on access for girls, children in conflict-affected areas and children from marginalised and more vulnerable social groups to education programmes; the promotion of compulsory and free education up to the age of 15 to combat all forms of child labour; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

the promotion of high quality basic education, with particular focus on access for girls, children in conflict-affected areas and children from marginalised and more vulnerable social groups to education programmes; the promotion of compulsory and free education up to the age of 15 to combat all forms of child labour;

| (iv) | developing ways to measure learning outcomes in order to better assess the quality of education, especially in literacy, numeracy and essential life skills; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

developing ways to measure learning outcomes in order to better assess the quality of education, especially in literacy, numeracy and essential life skills;

| (v) | promoting donor harmonisation and alignment to promote universal, compulsory, free and high quality education through international or multi-country initiatives; |
| --- | --- |

(v)

promoting donor harmonisation and alignment to promote universal, compulsory, free and high quality education through international or multi-country initiatives;

| (vi) | supporting an inclusive knowledge-based society and contributing to bridging the digital divide, knowledge and information gaps; |
| --- | --- |

(vi)

supporting an inclusive knowledge-based society and contributing to bridging the digital divide, knowledge and information gaps;

| (vii) | improving knowledge and innovation through science and technology as well as development of, and access to, electronic communication networks in order to improve socio-economic growth and sustainable development in conjunction with the international dimension of EU research policy. |
| --- | --- |

(vii)

improving knowledge and innovation through science and technology as well as development of, and access to, electronic communication networks in order to improve socio-economic growth and sustainable development in conjunction with the international dimension of EU research policy.

| (c) | Gender equality:






  (i) | the promotion of gender equality and women's rights, implementing global commitments as detailed in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, activities include:






  — | supporting programmes that contribute to achieving the objectives of the Beijing Platform for Action with a special emphasis on gender equality in governance and political and social representation and other actions to empower women; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(c)

Gender equality:

(i)

the promotion of gender equality and women's rights, implementing global commitments as detailed in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, activities include:

—

supporting programmes that contribute to achieving the objectives of the Beijing Platform for Action with a special emphasis on gender equality in governance and political and social representation and other actions to empower women;

| — | strengthening institutional and operational capacities of key stakeholders, civil society organisations, women's organisations and networks, in their endeavours to promote gender equality and economic and social empowerment, including north-south and south-south networking and advocacy; |
| --- | --- |

—

strengthening institutional and operational capacities of key stakeholders, civil society organisations, women's organisations and networks, in their endeavours to promote gender equality and economic and social empowerment, including north-south and south-south networking and advocacy;

| — | including a gender perspective in monitoring and statistical capacity building, by supporting the development and dissemination of data and indicators disaggregated by sex, as well as gender equality data and indicators; |
| --- | --- |

—

including a gender perspective in monitoring and statistical capacity building, by supporting the development and dissemination of data and indicators disaggregated by sex, as well as gender equality data and indicators;

| — | reducing the adult illiteracy rate, with particular emphasis on female literacy; |
| --- | --- |

—

reducing the adult illiteracy rate, with particular emphasis on female literacy;

| — | actions against violence against women. |
| --- | --- |

—

actions against violence against women.

| (d) | Other aspects of human and social development:






  (i) | Culture:






  — | promotion of inter-cultural dialogue, cultural diversity and respect for the equal dignity of all cultures; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

(d)

Other aspects of human and social development:

(i)

Culture:

—

promotion of inter-cultural dialogue, cultural diversity and respect for the equal dignity of all cultures;

| — | promotion of international cooperation to stimulate the contribution of cultural industries to economic growth in developing countries to fully exploit its potential for fighting poverty, including addressing issues such as market access and intellectual property rights; |
| --- | --- |

—

promotion of international cooperation to stimulate the contribution of cultural industries to economic growth in developing countries to fully exploit its potential for fighting poverty, including addressing issues such as market access and intellectual property rights;

| — | promotion of respect for the social, cultural and spiritual values of indigenous peoples and minorities to enhance equality and justice in multi-ethnic societies in compliance with universal human rights to which everyone is entitled, including indigenous peoples and persons belonging to minorities; |
| --- | --- |

—

promotion of respect for the social, cultural and spiritual values of indigenous peoples and minorities to enhance equality and justice in multi-ethnic societies in compliance with universal human rights to which everyone is entitled, including indigenous peoples and persons belonging to minorities;

| — | supporting culture as a promising economic sector for development and growth. |
| --- | --- |

—

supporting culture as a promising economic sector for development and growth.

| (ii) | Employment and social cohesion:






  — | promotion of an integrated social and economic approach including promotion of productive employment, decent work for all, social cohesion, development of human resources, equity, social security and mapping employment issues and enhancing the quality of jobs in the informal sector and empowering labour associations, in accordance with the principles of the related ILO Conventions and the Community's international commitments in these areas; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(ii)

Employment and social cohesion:

—

promotion of an integrated social and economic approach including promotion of productive employment, decent work for all, social cohesion, development of human resources, equity, social security and mapping employment issues and enhancing the quality of jobs in the informal sector and empowering labour associations, in accordance with the principles of the related ILO Conventions and the Community's international commitments in these areas;

| — | promotion of the ‘decent work for all’ agenda as a universal objective, including through global and other multi-country initiatives to implement internationally agreed ILO core labour standards, assessment of trade impact on decent work, sustained and adequate mechanisms for fair financing, effective functioning — and wider coverage — of social protection systems; |
| --- | --- |

—

promotion of the ‘decent work for all’ agenda as a universal objective, including through global and other multi-country initiatives to implement internationally agreed ILO core labour standards, assessment of trade impact on decent work, sustained and adequate mechanisms for fair financing, effective functioning — and wider coverage — of social protection systems;

| — | support for initiatives to promote the improvement of working conditions as well as the adjustment to trade liberalisation, including an employment dimension in development policies, to help spread European social values; |
| --- | --- |

—

support for initiatives to promote the improvement of working conditions as well as the adjustment to trade liberalisation, including an employment dimension in development policies, to help spread European social values;

| — | help to promote the positive social dimension of globalisation and the EU's experience. |
| --- | --- |

—

help to promote the positive social dimension of globalisation and the EU's experience.

| (iii) | Youth and children:






  — | combating all forms of child labour, trafficking of and violence against children and promotion of policies taking into consideration youth's and children's particular vulnerability and potentials, protection of their rights and interests, education, health and livelihoods, starting with participation and empowerment; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(iii)

Youth and children:

—

combating all forms of child labour, trafficking of and violence against children and promotion of policies taking into consideration youth's and children's particular vulnerability and potentials, protection of their rights and interests, education, health and livelihoods, starting with participation and empowerment;

| — | enhancing developing countries' attention and capacity to develop policies benefiting youth and children; |
| --- | --- |

—

enhancing developing countries' attention and capacity to develop policies benefiting youth and children;

| — | advocacy for concrete strategies and interventions to address particular problems and challenges affecting youth and children taking their best interests into account in all relevant action. Participation by children and youth should be ensured; |
| --- | --- |

—

advocacy for concrete strategies and interventions to address particular problems and challenges affecting youth and children taking their best interests into account in all relevant action. Participation by children and youth should be ensured;

| — | using the Community's position as the principal donor of ODA among international institutions to urge the multilateral donors to exert pressure for the framing of policies to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, particularly the hazardous ones with a view to promoting the effective elimination of all forms of child labour, combating trafficking of, and violence against, children and promoting the role of children and youth as actors for development. |
| --- | --- |

—

using the Community's position as the principal donor of ODA among international institutions to urge the multilateral donors to exert pressure for the framing of policies to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, particularly the hazardous ones with a view to promoting the effective elimination of all forms of child labour, combating trafficking of, and violence against, children and promoting the role of children and youth as actors for development.

Article 13

Environment and sustainable management of natural resources including energy

1.   The objective of the thematic programme on environment and sustainable management of natural resources, including water, and energy, shall be to integrate environmental protection requirements into the Community's development and other external policies as well as to help promote the Community's environmental and energy policies abroad in the common interest of the Community and partner countries and regions.

2.   To achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and consistent with Article 11, the programme shall include the following areas of activity:

| (a) | working upstream in assisting developing countries to achieve the MDG on environmental sustainability through capacity building for environmental integration in developing countries, supporting civil society actors, local authorities and consultative platforms, environmental monitoring and assessment, developing innovative approaches and twinning to share experience and reinforce cooperation in these areas with key countries; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

working upstream in assisting developing countries to achieve the MDG on environmental sustainability through capacity building for environmental integration in developing countries, supporting civil society actors, local authorities and consultative platforms, environmental monitoring and assessment, developing innovative approaches and twinning to share experience and reinforce cooperation in these areas with key countries;

| (b) | promoting implementation of Community initiatives and agreed commitments at international and regional level and/or of a transboundary character through support for sustainable development including activities to address current and future climate change issues, biodiversity, desertification, forests, land degradation fisheries and marine resources, compliance with environmental standards (for products and production processes), sound chemicals and wastes management, fight against pollution, sustainable production and consumption and environment-related migration. This also includes efforts to promote good forest governance and combat illegal logging, particularly through FLEGT, and innovative activities for the conservation and sustainable management of forests with active participation of local communities and forest dependent peoples.
  With regard to water, the thematic programme will aim at establishing a framework for long term protection of water resources and promoting sustainable water use through support for policy coordination; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

promoting implementation of Community initiatives and agreed commitments at international and regional level and/or of a transboundary character through support for sustainable development including activities to address current and future climate change issues, biodiversity, desertification, forests, land degradation fisheries and marine resources, compliance with environmental standards (for products and production processes), sound chemicals and wastes management, fight against pollution, sustainable production and consumption and environment-related migration. This also includes efforts to promote good forest governance and combat illegal logging, particularly through FLEGT, and innovative activities for the conservation and sustainable management of forests with active participation of local communities and forest dependent peoples.

With regard to water, the thematic programme will aim at establishing a framework for long term protection of water resources and promoting sustainable water use through support for policy coordination;

| (c) | better integration of environmental objectives through support for methodological work, enhancing environmental expertise available for policy work, integration and innovative actions of the Community and promoting coherence; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

better integration of environmental objectives through support for methodological work, enhancing environmental expertise available for policy work, integration and innovative actions of the Community and promoting coherence;

| (d) | strengthening environmental governance and supporting international policy development by working for coherence between the environmental and the other pillars of international governance for sustainable development and by assisting regional and international environmental monitoring and assessment, providing additional support to the Secretariats of multilateral environmental agreements, promoting effective compliance and enforcement measures for multilateral environmental agreements including through capacity building, supporting international organisations and processes, supporting civil society and policy think tanks, and improving the efficiency of international negotiations; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

strengthening environmental governance and supporting international policy development by working for coherence between the environmental and the other pillars of international governance for sustainable development and by assisting regional and international environmental monitoring and assessment, providing additional support to the Secretariats of multilateral environmental agreements, promoting effective compliance and enforcement measures for multilateral environmental agreements including through capacity building, supporting international organisations and processes, supporting civil society and policy think tanks, and improving the efficiency of international negotiations;

| (e) | supporting sustainable energy options in partner countries and regions, through integration of sustainable energy in development plans and strategies, developing institutional support and technical assistance, creating a favourable legislative and policy framework to attract new business and investors in renewable energy, enhancing the role of energy as a means to create income generation for the poor, promoting innovative financing approaches, and encouraging regional cooperation between governments, non-governmental organisations and the private sector in the above areas. The Community's strategic actions will give particular encouragement to the use of renewable energy sources, increased energy efficiency, and the development of appropriate energy regulatory frameworks in the countries and regions concerned and the replacement of especially damaging energy sources by others which are less so. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

supporting sustainable energy options in partner countries and regions, through integration of sustainable energy in development plans and strategies, developing institutional support and technical assistance, creating a favourable legislative and policy framework to attract new business and investors in renewable energy, enhancing the role of energy as a means to create income generation for the poor, promoting innovative financing approaches, and encouraging regional cooperation between governments, non-governmental organisations and the private sector in the above areas. The Community's strategic actions will give particular encouragement to the use of renewable energy sources, increased energy efficiency, and the development of appropriate energy regulatory frameworks in the countries and regions concerned and the replacement of especially damaging energy sources by others which are less so.

Article 14

Non-State actors and local authorities in development

1.   The objective of the thematic programme on non-State actors and local authorities in development shall be to co-finance initiatives proposed and/or carried out by civil society organisations and local authorities originating from the Community and partner countries in the area of development. At least 85 % of the funding foreseen under this thematic programme shall be allocated to non-State actors. The programme shall be implemented in consistency with the objective of this Regulation and to strengthen the capacity of non-State actors and local authorities in the policy making process, so as to:

| (a) | promote an inclusive and empowered society in order to:






  (i) | benefit populations out of reach of mainstream services and resources and excluded from policy making processes; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

promote an inclusive and empowered society in order to:

(i)

benefit populations out of reach of mainstream services and resources and excluded from policy making processes;

| (ii) | strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations and local authorities in partner countries, with a view to facilitating their participation in defining and implementing poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations and local authorities in partner countries, with a view to facilitating their participation in defining and implementing poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies;

| (iii) | facilitate interaction between State and non-State actors in different contexts and support an increased role for local authorities in decentralisation processes; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

facilitate interaction between State and non-State actors in different contexts and support an increased role for local authorities in decentralisation processes;

| (b) | increase the level of awareness of the European citizen regarding development issues and mobilise active public support in the Community and acceding countries for poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies in partner countries, for fairer relations between developed and developing countries, and reinforce civil society and local authority roles for these purposes; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

increase the level of awareness of the European citizen regarding development issues and mobilise active public support in the Community and acceding countries for poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies in partner countries, for fairer relations between developed and developing countries, and reinforce civil society and local authority roles for these purposes;

| (c) | achieve more efficient cooperation, foster synergies and facilitate a structured dialogue between civil society networks and local authorities' associations, within their organisations and with Community institutions. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

achieve more efficient cooperation, foster synergies and facilitate a structured dialogue between civil society networks and local authorities' associations, within their organisations and with Community institutions.

2.   To achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and consistent with Article 11, the programme shall include the following areas of activity:

| (a) | interventions in developing countries and regions which:






  (i) | strengthen participatory development and processes and inclusion of all actors, especially vulnerable and marginalised groups; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

interventions in developing countries and regions which:

(i)

strengthen participatory development and processes and inclusion of all actors, especially vulnerable and marginalised groups;

| (ii) | support capacity development processes of the actors concerned at country, regional or local level; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

support capacity development processes of the actors concerned at country, regional or local level;

| (iii) | promote mutual understanding processes; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

promote mutual understanding processes;

| (iv) | facilitate citizens' active engagement in development processes and at strengthening their capacity to take action; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

facilitate citizens' active engagement in development processes and at strengthening their capacity to take action;

| (b) | raising public awareness of development issues and promoting education for development in the Community and in acceding countries, to anchor development policy in European societies, to mobilise greater public support in the Community and acceding countries for action against poverty and for fairer relations between developed and developing countries, to raise awareness in the Community of the issues and difficulties facing developing countries and their peoples, and to promote the social dimension of globalisation; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

raising public awareness of development issues and promoting education for development in the Community and in acceding countries, to anchor development policy in European societies, to mobilise greater public support in the Community and acceding countries for action against poverty and for fairer relations between developed and developing countries, to raise awareness in the Community of the issues and difficulties facing developing countries and their peoples, and to promote the social dimension of globalisation;

| (c) | coordination and communication between civil society and local authority networks, within their organisations and between different types of stakeholders active in the European and global public debate on development. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

coordination and communication between civil society and local authority networks, within their organisations and between different types of stakeholders active in the European and global public debate on development.

3.   Support to local authorities in partner countries shall normally be carried out in the framework of country strategy papers except where the latter do not provide appropriate support, particularly in situations such as difficult partnerships, fragile states and post-conflict.

Support to local authorities and their associations will take account of their contributing capacity in the calculation of Community co-financing.

Article 15

Food security

1.   The objective of the thematic programme on food security shall be to improve food security in favour of the poorest and most vulnerable people and contribute to achieving the MDG on poverty and hunger, through a set of actions which ensure overall coherence, complementarity and continuity of Community interventions, including in the area of the transition from relief to development.

2.   To achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and consistently with Article 11, the programme shall include the following areas of activity:

| (a) | contributing to the provision of international public goods, in particular pro-poor demand driven research and technological innovation, as well as capacity development, scientific and technical South-South and South-North cooperation and twinning; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

contributing to the provision of international public goods, in particular pro-poor demand driven research and technological innovation, as well as capacity development, scientific and technical South-South and South-North cooperation and twinning;

| (b) | supporting global, continental and regional programmes which notably:






  (i) | support food security information and early warning; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

supporting global, continental and regional programmes which notably:

(i)

support food security information and early warning;

| (ii) | support food security in specific fields such as agriculture, including formulation of regional agricultural policies and access to land, agricultural trade and natural resource management; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

support food security in specific fields such as agriculture, including formulation of regional agricultural policies and access to land, agricultural trade and natural resource management;

| (iii) | promote, strengthen and complement national food security and poverty reduction strategies in the short, medium and longer-term; and |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

promote, strengthen and complement national food security and poverty reduction strategies in the short, medium and longer-term; and

| (iv) | support networking of policy experts and non-State actors to foster the global food security agenda; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

support networking of policy experts and non-State actors to foster the global food security agenda;

| (c) | advocating and advancing the food security agenda. The Community shall continue to address key food security issues in the international debate, and shall promote harmonisation, coherence and alignment of policies and aid delivery modes of development partners and donors. In particular, the promotion of the role of civil society in food security issues should be strengthened; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

advocating and advancing the food security agenda. The Community shall continue to address key food security issues in the international debate, and shall promote harmonisation, coherence and alignment of policies and aid delivery modes of development partners and donors. In particular, the promotion of the role of civil society in food security issues should be strengthened;

| (d) | addressing food insecurity in exceptional situations of transition and State fragility, playing a central role in linking relief, rehabilitation and development. The thematic programme shall:






  (i) | support interventions to protect, maintain and recover productive and social assets vital for food security, to facilitate economic integration and longer term rehabilitation; and |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

addressing food insecurity in exceptional situations of transition and State fragility, playing a central role in linking relief, rehabilitation and development. The thematic programme shall:

(i)

support interventions to protect, maintain and recover productive and social assets vital for food security, to facilitate economic integration and longer term rehabilitation; and

| (ii) | support crisis prevention and management, to address vulnerability to shocks and to strengthen people's resilience; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

support crisis prevention and management, to address vulnerability to shocks and to strengthen people's resilience;

| (e) | developing innovative food security policies, strategies and approaches, and strengthening the potential for their replication and South-South dissemination. Areas for intervention may include agriculture, including land reform and land policy, sustainable management of and access to natural resources, food security in relation to rural and local development, including infrastructure, nutrition, demography and labour, migration, health and education. Consistency and complementarity with other Community programmes in these areas shall be ensured. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

developing innovative food security policies, strategies and approaches, and strengthening the potential for their replication and South-South dissemination. Areas for intervention may include agriculture, including land reform and land policy, sustainable management of and access to natural resources, food security in relation to rural and local development, including infrastructure, nutrition, demography and labour, migration, health and education. Consistency and complementarity with other Community programmes in these areas shall be ensured.

Article 16

Migration and asylum

1.   The objective of the thematic programme on cooperation with third countries in the areas of migration and asylum shall be to support them in their efforts to ensure better management of migratory flows in all their dimensions. While the subject of the thematic programme shall be primarily migration to the Community, it shall also take account of relevant south/south migratory flows.

2.   To achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and consistent with Article 11, the programme shall include the following areas of activity:

| (a) | fostering the links between migration and development, especially by encouraging the contribution of diasporas to the development of their country of origin and increasing the value of migrants' return; mitigating brain drain and promoting the circular movement of skilled migrants; facilitating financial transfers of migrants to their country of origin; supporting voluntary return and reintegration of migrants and building capacities for migration management; fostering capacity building efforts to help countries in the formulation of pro-development migration policies and in their capacity to jointly manage migration flows; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

fostering the links between migration and development, especially by encouraging the contribution of diasporas to the development of their country of origin and increasing the value of migrants' return; mitigating brain drain and promoting the circular movement of skilled migrants; facilitating financial transfers of migrants to their country of origin; supporting voluntary return and reintegration of migrants and building capacities for migration management; fostering capacity building efforts to help countries in the formulation of pro-development migration policies and in their capacity to jointly manage migration flows;

| (b) | promoting well-managed labour migration, in particular by informing about legal migration and conditions of entry in and stay on the territory of the Member States of the Community; providing information on labour migration opportunities and needs in Member States and on qualifications of third country candidates for migration; supporting pre-departure training for candidates for legal migration; and encouraging the definition and implementation of legislative frameworks for migrant workers in third countries; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

promoting well-managed labour migration, in particular by informing about legal migration and conditions of entry in and stay on the territory of the Member States of the Community; providing information on labour migration opportunities and needs in Member States and on qualifications of third country candidates for migration; supporting pre-departure training for candidates for legal migration; and encouraging the definition and implementation of legislative frameworks for migrant workers in third countries;

| (c) | fighting illegal immigration and facilitating the readmission of illegal immigrants, including between third countries, and in particular, fighting the smuggling of and trafficking in human beings; discouraging illegal immigration and raising awareness of the risks related to it; improving capacities in the areas of border, visa and passport management, including the security of documents and the introduction of biometric data, and detection of forged documents; implementing effectively readmission agreements concluded with the Community and obligations arising out of international agreements; and assisting third countries in the management of illegal immigration and in the coordination of their policies; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

fighting illegal immigration and facilitating the readmission of illegal immigrants, including between third countries, and in particular, fighting the smuggling of and trafficking in human beings; discouraging illegal immigration and raising awareness of the risks related to it; improving capacities in the areas of border, visa and passport management, including the security of documents and the introduction of biometric data, and detection of forged documents; implementing effectively readmission agreements concluded with the Community and obligations arising out of international agreements; and assisting third countries in the management of illegal immigration and in the coordination of their policies;

| (d) | protecting migrants, including the most vulnerable such as women and children against exploitation and exclusion through measures such as developing third countries' legislation in the field of migration; supporting integration and non-discrimination as well as measures to protect migrants from racism and xenophobia; preventing and fighting the smuggling of and trafficking in human beings and any form of slavery; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

protecting migrants, including the most vulnerable such as women and children against exploitation and exclusion through measures such as developing third countries' legislation in the field of migration; supporting integration and non-discrimination as well as measures to protect migrants from racism and xenophobia; preventing and fighting the smuggling of and trafficking in human beings and any form of slavery;

| (e) | promoting asylum and international protection, including through regional protection programmes, in particular in strengthening institutional capacities; supporting the registration of asylum applicants and refugees; promoting international standards and instruments on the protection of refugees; supporting the improvement of reception conditions and local integration, and working towards lasting solutions. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

promoting asylum and international protection, including through regional protection programmes, in particular in strengthening institutional capacities; supporting the registration of asylum applicants and refugees; promoting international standards and instruments on the protection of refugees; supporting the improvement of reception conditions and local integration, and working towards lasting solutions.

Article 17

ACP Sugar Protocol countries

1.   ACP Sugar Protocol countries listed in Annex III affected by the Community sugar reform shall benefit from a programme of accompanying measures. Community assistance to these countries shall aim at supporting their adjustment process as they are faced with new conditions on the sugar market due to the reform of the common organisation of the market in sugar. Community assistance shall take into account the countries' adaptation strategies and shall pay specific attention to the following areas of cooperation:

| (a) | enhancing the competitiveness of the sugar and cane sector, where this is a sustainable process, taking into account the situation of the different stakeholders in the chain; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

enhancing the competitiveness of the sugar and cane sector, where this is a sustainable process, taking into account the situation of the different stakeholders in the chain;

| (b) | promoting the economic diversification of sugar-dependent areas; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

promoting the economic diversification of sugar-dependent areas;

| (c) | addressing broader impacts generated by the adaptation process, possibly related, but not restricted, to employment and social services, land use and environmental restoration, the energy sector, research and innovation and macro-economic stability. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

addressing broader impacts generated by the adaptation process, possibly related, but not restricted, to employment and social services, land use and environmental restoration, the energy sector, research and innovation and macro-economic stability.

2.   Within the amount referred to in Annex IV, the Commission shall fix the maximum amount available to each Sugar Protocol country for financing the actions referred to in paragraph 1 on the basis of the needs of each country, related in particular to the impact of the reform of the sugar sector in the country concerned and to the importance of the sugar sector to the economy. The measurement of the allocation criteria shall be based on data of campaigns preceding 2004.

Further instructions regarding the allocation of the overall amount among beneficiaries shall be defined by the Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 35(2).

TITLE III

PROGRAMMING AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS

Article 18

General framework for programming and allocating funds

1.   In the case of geographic programmes, the Commission shall draw up a strategy paper and a multiannual indicative programme for each partner country or region, as provided for in Article 19, and adopt an annual action programme for each partner country or region, as provided for in Article 22.

In the case of thematic programmes, the Commission shall draw up thematic strategy papers as provided for in Article 20, and adopt action programmes as provided for in Article 22.

In exceptional circumstances, Community support may also take the form of special measures not covered in strategy papers or multiannual indicative programmes, as provided for in Article 23.

2.   The Commission shall determine the multiannual indicative allocations within each geographic programme using standard, objective and transparent resource allocation criteria, based on the needs and performance of the partner country or region concerned and bearing in mind the particular difficulties faced by countries or regions in crisis, conflict or disaster prone, alongside the specificity of the different programmes.

The needs criteria include population, income per capita and the extent of poverty, income distribution and the level of social development. The performance criteria include political, economic and social progress, progress in good governance and the effective use of aid, and in particular the way a country uses scarce resources for development, beginning with its own resources.

3.   The Commission may include a specific financial allocation for the purpose of strengthening cooperation between the EU's outermost regions and neighbouring partner countries and regions.

Article 19

Geographic strategy papers and multiannual indicative programmes

1.   The preparation and implementation of strategy papers shall apply principles of aid effectiveness: national ownership, partnership, coordination, harmonisation, alignment to recipient country or regional systems and results orientation as laid down in Article 3(5) to (8).

2.   Strategy papers shall cover no more than the period of validity of this Regulation and aim to provide a coherent framework for cooperation between the Community and the partner country or region concerned, consistent with the overall purpose and scope, objectives, principles and policy prescriptions of, and Annex IV to, this Regulation. Multiannual indicative programmes shall be based on strategy papers.

Strategy papers shall be reviewed at mid-term, or ad hoc if necessary, in accordance where appropriate with the principles and procedures laid down in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements concluded with the partner countries and regions;

3.   Strategy papers shall, in principle, be based on a dialogue with the partner country or region which involves civil society and regional and local authorities, so as to ensure that the country or region concerned takes sufficient ownership of the process and to encourage support for national development strategies, particularly those for reducing poverty.

4.   Multiannual indicative programmes shall be drawn up on the basis of the strategy papers for each partner country or region. They shall be the subject of an agreement with the country or region where possible.

Multiannual indicative programmes shall set out the priority areas selected for Community financing, the specific objectives, the expected results and the performance indicators.

The programmes shall also set out the indicative financial allocation, both overall and per priority area; this may be given in the form of a range, where appropriate. These allocations shall be consistent with the indicative allocations set out in Annex IV.

The programmes shall be adjusted where necessary, taking into account any mid-term or ad hoc reviews of strategy papers.

A multiannual indicative allocation may be increased or decreased as a result of reviews, particularly in the light of special needs such as those of a post-crisis situation, or where performance has been exceptional or unsatisfactory.

5.   In circumstances such as crises, post conflict situations or threats to democracy, the rule of law, human rights or fundamental freedoms, a special emergency procedure may be used to conduct an ad hoc review of the country's or region's cooperation strategy. Such reviews may propose a country or region strategy to make the transition to long-term cooperation and development.

6.   In accordance with Article 2(6), the strategy shall ensure that measures taken under this Regulation are consistent with, and avoid duplication with, measures eligible for funding under other Community instruments, in particular Regulation (EC) No [...] and Regulation (EC) No 1257/96. Where partner countries or groups of partner countries are directly involved in, or affected by, a crisis or post-crisis situation, multiannual indicative programmes shall place special emphasis on stepping up coordination between relief, rehabilitation and development to help them make the transition from an emergency situation to the development phase; programmes for countries and regions regularly subject to natural disasters shall provide for disaster preparedness and prevention and the management of the consequences of such disasters.

7.   To foster regional cooperation, the Commission may decide when adopting annual action programmes of the type referred to in Article 22, or the special measures referred to in Article 23 for cooperation measures under this Chapter, that projects or programmes of a regional or cross-border nature carried out with countries listed in Annex V are eligible, in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 2(4). Provisions may be made for this in the strategy papers and multiannual indicative programmes, referred to in this Article, and in Article 20.

8.   The Commission and the Member States shall consult each other, as well as other donors and development actors including representatives of civil society and regional and local authorities, at an early stage of the programming process in order to promote complementarity among their cooperation activities.

Article 20

Strategy papers for thematic programmes

1.   Thematic strategy papers shall cover no more than the period of validity of this Regulation. They shall set out the Community's strategy for the theme concerned, the Community's priorities, the international situation and the activities of the main partners. They shall be consistent with the overall purpose and scope, objectives, principles and policy prescriptions of, and Annex IV to, this Regulation.

Thematic strategy papers shall set out the priority areas selected for financing by the Community, the specific objectives, the expected results and the performance indicators.

The thematic strategy papers shall also give the indicative financial allocation, both overall and per priority area; this may be given in the form of a range, where appropriate.

Strategy papers shall be reviewed at mid-term, or ad hoc if necessary.

2.   The Commission and the Member States shall consult each other, as well as other donors and development actors including representatives of civil society and local authorities, at an early stage of the programming process in order to promote complementarity among their cooperation activities.

3.   Resources and intervention priorities shall be laid down for participation in global initiatives.

Article 21

Adoption of strategy papers and multiannual indicative programmes

Strategy papers and multiannual indicative programmes referred to in Articles 19 and 20, and any reviews thereof referred to in Article 19(2) and Article 20(1), as well as accompanying measures referred to in Article 17, shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 35(2).

TITLE IV

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 22

Adoption of annual action programmes

1.   The Commission shall adopt annual action programmes based on the strategy papers and multiannual indicative programmes referred to in Articles 19 and 20.

Exceptionally, for instance where an action programme has not yet been adopted, the Commission may, on the basis of the strategy papers and multiannual indicative programmes referred to in Articles 19 and 20, adopt measures not provided for in an annual action programme under the same rules and procedures as for action programmes.

2.   Annual action programmes shall specify the objectives pursued, the fields of intervention, the expected results, the management procedures and total amount of financing planned. They shall contain a description of the operations to be financed, an indication of the amounts allocated for each operation and an indicative implementation timetable. Objectives shall be measurable and have time bound benchmarks.

3.   The annual action programmes shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 35(2).

4.   Appropriate environmental screening shall be undertaken at project level including environmental impact assessment (EIA) for environmentally sensitive projects, in particular for major new infrastructure. Where relevant, strategic environmental assessments (SEA) shall be used in the implementation of sectoral programmes. The involvement of interested stakeholders in environmental assessments and public access to the results shall be ensured.

Article 23

Adoption of special measures not provided for in the strategy papers or multiannual indicative programmes

1.   In the event of unforeseen and duly justified needs or circumstances related to natural disasters, civil strife or crises, and which cannot be funded under Regulation (EC) No [...] or Regulation (EC) No 1257/96, the Commission shall adopt special measures not provided for in the strategy papers or multiannual indicative programmes (hereinafter referred to as ‘special measures’).

Special measures may also be used to fund measures to ease the transition from emergency aid to long-term development operations, including those to better prepare people to deal with recurring crises.

2.   Special measures shall specify the objectives pursued, the intervention areas, the expected results, the management procedures and the total amount of financing. They shall contain a description of the operations to be financed, an indication of the amounts allocated for each operation and the indicative timetable for their implementation. They shall include a definition of the type of performance indicators that will have to be monitored when implementing the special measures.

3.   Where the cost of such measures exceeds EUR 10 million, the Commission shall adopt them under the management procedure referred to in Article 35(2). For special measures below EUR 10 million, the Commission shall send the measures to the Member States and the European Parliament for information within one month of adopting its decision.

4.   The procedure referred to in Article 35(2) need not be used for amendments to special measures, such as those making technical adjustments, extending the implementation period, reassigning funds within the forecast budget, or increasing or reducing the size of the budget by less than 20 % of the initial budget, provided these amendments do not affect the initial objectives set out in the Commission decision. Any such technical adjustments shall be communicated within one month to the European Parliament and to the Member States.

Article 24

Eligibility

1.   Without prejudice to Article 31, the following, inter alia, shall be eligible for funding under this Regulation for the purposes of implementing the annual action programmes referred to in Article 22 or the special measures referred to in Article 23:

| (a) | partner countries and regions, and their institutions; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

partner countries and regions, and their institutions;

| (b) | decentralised bodies in the partner countries, such as municipalities, provinces, departments and regions; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

decentralised bodies in the partner countries, such as municipalities, provinces, departments and regions;

| (c) | joint bodies set up by the partner countries and regions with the Community; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

joint bodies set up by the partner countries and regions with the Community;

| (d) | international organisations, including regional organisations, UN bodies, departments and missions, international and regional financial institutions and development banks, in so far as they contribute to the objectives of this Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

international organisations, including regional organisations, UN bodies, departments and missions, international and regional financial institutions and development banks, in so far as they contribute to the objectives of this Regulation;

| (e) | Community institutions and bodies, but only for the purposes of implementing the support measures referred to in Article 26; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Community institutions and bodies, but only for the purposes of implementing the support measures referred to in Article 26;

| (f) | EU agencies; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

EU agencies;

| (g) | the following entities and bodies of the Member States, partner countries and regions and any other third country complying with the rules on access to the Community's external assistance set out in Article 31, insofar as they help to achieve the objectives of this Regulation:






  (i) | public or para-Statal bodies, local authorities and consortia or representative associations thereof; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(g)

the following entities and bodies of the Member States, partner countries and regions and any other third country complying with the rules on access to the Community's external assistance set out in Article 31, insofar as they help to achieve the objectives of this Regulation:

(i)

public or para-Statal bodies, local authorities and consortia or representative associations thereof;

| (ii) | companies, firms and other private organisations and businesses; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

companies, firms and other private organisations and businesses;

| (iii) | financial institutions that grant, promote and finance private investment in partner countries and regions; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

financial institutions that grant, promote and finance private investment in partner countries and regions;

| (iv) | non-State actors as defined in paragraph 2; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

non-State actors as defined in paragraph 2;

| (v) | natural persons. |
| --- | --- |

(v)

natural persons.

2.   The non-State, non-profit making actors eligible for financial support under this Regulation operating on an independent and accountable basis include: non governmental organisations, organisations representing indigenous peoples, organisations representing national and/or ethnic minorities, local traders' associations and citizens' groups, cooperatives, trade unions, organisations representing economic and social interests, organisations fighting corruption and fraud and promoting good governance, civil rights organisations and organisations combating discrimination, local organisations (including networks) involved in decentralised regional cooperation and integration, consumer organisations, women's and youth organisations, teaching, cultural, research and scientific organisations, universities, churches and religious associations and communities, the media and any non governmental associations and independent foundations, including independent political foundations, likely to contribute to the implementation of the objectives of this Regulation.

Article 25

Types of financing

1.   Community financing may take the following forms:

| (a) | projects and programmes; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

projects and programmes;

| (b) | budget support if the partner country's management of public spending is sufficiently transparent, reliable and effective, and where it has put in place properly formulated sectoral or macroeconomic policies positively assessed by its principal donors; including, where relevant, the international financial institutions. The Commission shall consistently use an approach based on results and performance indicators and shall clearly define and monitor its conditionality and support efforts of partner countries to develop parliamentary control and audit capacities and to increase transparency and public access to information. Disbursement of budgetary support shall be conditional on satisfactory progress towards achieving the objectives in terms of impact and results; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

budget support if the partner country's management of public spending is sufficiently transparent, reliable and effective, and where it has put in place properly formulated sectoral or macroeconomic policies positively assessed by its principal donors; including, where relevant, the international financial institutions. The Commission shall consistently use an approach based on results and performance indicators and shall clearly define and monitor its conditionality and support efforts of partner countries to develop parliamentary control and audit capacities and to increase transparency and public access to information. Disbursement of budgetary support shall be conditional on satisfactory progress towards achieving the objectives in terms of impact and results;

| (c) | sectoral support; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

sectoral support;

| (d) | in exceptional cases, sectoral and general import programmes, which may take the form of:






  (i) | sectoral import programmes in kind; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

in exceptional cases, sectoral and general import programmes, which may take the form of:

(i)

sectoral import programmes in kind;

| (ii) | sectoral import programmes providing foreign exchange to finance imports for the sector in question; or |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

sectoral import programmes providing foreign exchange to finance imports for the sector in question; or

| (iii) | general import programmes providing foreign exchange to finance general imports of a wide range of products; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

general import programmes providing foreign exchange to finance general imports of a wide range of products;

| (e) | funds made available to the EIB or other financial intermediaries on the basis of Commission programmes for the purpose of providing loans (in particular to support investment in and development of the private sector), risk capital (in the form of subordinated or conditional loans) or other temporary minority holdings in business capital, and contributions to guarantee funds in accordance with Article 32, to the extent that the financial risk of the Community is limited to these funds; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

funds made available to the EIB or other financial intermediaries on the basis of Commission programmes for the purpose of providing loans (in particular to support investment in and development of the private sector), risk capital (in the form of subordinated or conditional loans) or other temporary minority holdings in business capital, and contributions to guarantee funds in accordance with Article 32, to the extent that the financial risk of the Community is limited to these funds;

| (f) | interest-rate subsidies, especially for environment related loans; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

interest-rate subsidies, especially for environment related loans;

| (g) | debt-relief, under internationally agreed debt relief programmes; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

debt-relief, under internationally agreed debt relief programmes;

| (h) | grants to finance projects submitted by entities of the type listed in Article 24(1)(b), (c), (d), (f) and (g)(i) to (v); |
| --- | --- |

(h)

grants to finance projects submitted by entities of the type listed in Article 24(1)(b), (c), (d), (f) and (g)(i) to (v);

| (i) | grants to finance the operating costs of entities of the type listed in Article 24(1)(b), (c), (d), (f) and (g)(i), (iii) and (iv); |
| --- | --- |

(i)

grants to finance the operating costs of entities of the type listed in Article 24(1)(b), (c), (d), (f) and (g)(i), (iii) and (iv);

| (j) | funding for twinning programmes between public institutions, local authorities, national public bodies or private-law entities entrusted with public service tasks of a Member State and those of a partner country or region; |
| --- | --- |

(j)

funding for twinning programmes between public institutions, local authorities, national public bodies or private-law entities entrusted with public service tasks of a Member State and those of a partner country or region;

| (k) | contributions to international funds, such as those managed by international or regional organisations; |
| --- | --- |

(k)

contributions to international funds, such as those managed by international or regional organisations;

| (l) | contributions to national funds set up by partner countries and regions to attract joint financing from a number of donors, or contributions to funds set up by one or more donors for the purpose of the joint implementation of projects; |
| --- | --- |

(l)

contributions to national funds set up by partner countries and regions to attract joint financing from a number of donors, or contributions to funds set up by one or more donors for the purpose of the joint implementation of projects;

| (m) | capital investments in international financial institutions and regional development banks; |
| --- | --- |

(m)

capital investments in international financial institutions and regional development banks;

| (n) | human and material resources required for effective administration and supervision of projects and programmes by partner countries and regions. |
| --- | --- |

(n)

human and material resources required for effective administration and supervision of projects and programmes by partner countries and regions.

2.   Community assistance shall not be used for paying taxes, duties or charges in beneficiary countries.

Article 26

Support measures

1.   Community financing may cover expenditure associated with the preparation, follow up, monitoring, audit and evaluation activities directly necessary for the implementation of this Regulation and the achievement of its objectives, e.g. studies, meetings, information, awareness-raising, training and publication activities, expenditure associated with computer networks for the exchange of information, and any other administrative or technical assistance expenditure necessary for the management of the programme. It shall also cover expenditure at Commission delegations on the administrative support needed to manage operations financed under this Regulation.

2.   These support measures are not necessarily covered by multiannual indicative programmes and may therefore be financed outside the scope of strategy papers and multiannual indicative programmes. However, they may also be financed under multiannual indicative programmes.

The Commission shall adopt support measures not covered by the multiannual indicative programmes in accordance with Article 23(3) and (4).

Article 27

Co-financing

1.   Measures shall be eligible for co-financing from the following, inter alia:

| (a) | Member States and their regional and local authorities, and in particular their public and para-Statal agencies; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Member States and their regional and local authorities, and in particular their public and para-Statal agencies;

| (b) | other donor countries, and in particular their public and para-Statal agencies; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

other donor countries, and in particular their public and para-Statal agencies;

| (c) | international organisations, including regional organisations, and in particular international and regional financial institutions; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

international organisations, including regional organisations, and in particular international and regional financial institutions;

| (d) | companies, firms, other private organisations and businesses, and other non-State actors; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

companies, firms, other private organisations and businesses, and other non-State actors;

| (e) | partner countries and regions in receipt of funding. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

partner countries and regions in receipt of funding.

2.   In the case of parallel co-financing, the project or programme is split into a number of clearly identifiable components, which are each financed by the different partners providing co-financing in such a way that the end-use of the financing can always be identified.

In the case of joint co-financing, the total cost of a project or programme is shared between the partners providing the co-financing and the resources are pooled in such a way that it is no longer possible to identify the source of financing for any given activity undertaken as part of the project or programme.

3.   In the case of joint co-financing, the Commission may receive and manage funds on behalf of the bodies referred to in paragraph 1(a), (b) and (c) for the purpose of implementing joint measures. Such funds shall be treated as assigned revenue, in accordance with Article 18 of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

Article 28

Management procedures

1.   The measures financed under this Regulation shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 and any revision thereof.

2.   In the event of co-financing and in other duly justified cases, the Commission may entrust tasks of public authority, and in particular budget implementation tasks, to the bodies referred to in Article 54(2)(c) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

3.   In the case of decentralised management, the Commission may decide to use the procurement or grant procedures of the beneficiary partner country or region after verifying that they respect the relevant criteria of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002, provided that:

| — | the procedures of the beneficiary partner country or region satisfy the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment and non-discrimination and prevent any conflict of interests, |
| --- | --- |

—

the procedures of the beneficiary partner country or region satisfy the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment and non-discrimination and prevent any conflict of interests,

| — | the beneficiary partner country or region undertakes to check regularly that the operations financed by the General Budget of the European Union have been properly implemented, to take appropriate measures to prevent irregularities and fraud, and, if necessary, to take legal action to recover unduly paid funds. |
| --- | --- |

—

the beneficiary partner country or region undertakes to check regularly that the operations financed by the General Budget of the European Union have been properly implemented, to take appropriate measures to prevent irregularities and fraud, and, if necessary, to take legal action to recover unduly paid funds.

Article 29

Budget commitments

1.   Budget commitments shall be made on the basis of decisions taken by the Commission in accordance with Articles 22(1), 23(1) and 26(1).

2.   Community financing may take one of the following legal forms, inter alia:

| — | financing agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

financing agreements,

| — | grant agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

grant agreements,

| — | procurement contracts, |
| --- | --- |

—

procurement contracts,

| — | employment contracts. |
| --- | --- |

—

employment contracts.

Article 30

Protecting the Community's financial interests

1.   Any agreements resulting from this Regulation shall contain provisions ensuring the protection of the Community's financial interests, in particular with respect to irregularities, fraud, corruption and any other illegal activity, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (17), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (18) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Antifraud Office (OLAF) (19).

2.   Agreements shall expressly entitle the Commission and the Court of Auditors to perform audits, including document audits or on the spot audits of any contractor or subcontractor who has received Community funds. They shall also expressly authorise the Commission to carry out on-the-spot checks and inspections as provided for in Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96.

3.   All contracts resulting from the implementation of assistance shall ensure the rights of the Commission and the Court of Auditors under paragraph 2 during and after the performance of the contracts.

Article 31

Public procurement procedures, grant award procedures, rules of origin

1.   Participation in the award of procurement or grant contracts financed under this Regulation shall be open to all natural persons who are nationals of, or legal persons who are established in, a Member State of the Community, in an official candidate country as recognised by the European Community or in a Member State of the European Economic Area.

Participation in the award of procurement or grant contracts financed under a geographic programme as defined in Articles 5 to 10 shall be open to all natural persons who are nationals of, or legal persons who are established in, any developing country eligible by virtue of Annex I.

Participation in the award of procurement or grant contracts financed under a thematic programme as defined in Articles 11 to 16, and the programme set out in Article 17, shall be open to all natural persons who are nationals of, or legal persons who are established in, a developing country, as specified by the OECD/DAC and in Annex II, in addition to natural or legal persons eligible by virtue of the thematic programme or the programme set out in Article 17. The Commission shall publish and update Annex II in accordance with regular reviews of the list of aid recipients of the OECD/DAC, and inform the Council thereof.

2.   Participation in the award of procurement or grant contracts financed under this Regulation shall also be open to all natural persons who are nationals of or legal persons who are established in any country other than those referred in paragraph 1, where reciprocal access to their external assistance has been established.

Reciprocal access shall be granted whenever a country grants eligibility on equal terms to the Member States and to the recipient country concerned.

Reciprocal access shall be established by means of a specific decision concerning a given country or a given regional group of countries. Such a decision shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 35(2) and shall be in force for a minimum period of one year.

The granting of reciprocal access shall be based on a comparison between the Community and other donors and shall proceed at sectoral level, as defined by the OECD/DAC categories, or at country level, whether it be a donor or a recipient country. The decision to grant such reciprocity to a donor country shall be based on the transparency, consistency and proportionality of the aid provided by that donor, including its qualitative and quantitative nature. The recipient countries shall be consulted as part of the procedure described in this paragraph.

Reciprocal access in the least developed countries as defined by the OECD/DAC shall be automatically granted to OECD/DAC members.

3.   Participation in the award of procurement or grant contracts financed under a Community instrument shall be open to international organisations.

4.   The above is without prejudice to the participation of categories of eligible organisations by nature or by localisation in regard to the objectives of the action to carry out.

5.   Experts may be of any nationality, without prejudice to the qualitative and financial requirements set out in the Community's procurement rules.

6.   All supplies and materials purchased under a contract financed under this Regulation shall originate from the Community or from an eligible country as defined in paragraph 1 and 2. The term ‘origin’ for the purpose of this Regulation is defined in the relevant Community legislation on rules of origin for customs purposes.

7.   The Commission may, in duly substantiated cases, authorise the participation of natural and legal persons from countries having traditional economic, trade or geographical links with neighbouring countries or other third countries, and the use of supplies and materials of different origin.

8.   The Commission may, in duly substantiated exceptional cases, authorise the participation of natural persons who are nationals of or legal persons who are established in other countries than those referred to in paragraph 1 and 2, or the purchase of supplies and materials of different origins from that set out in paragraph 6.

Derogations may be justified on the basis of the unavailability of products and services in the markets of the countries concerned, for reasons of extreme urgency, or if the eligibility rules would make the realisation of a project, a programme or an action impossible or exceedingly difficult.

9.   Whenever Community funding covers an operation implemented through an international organisation, participation in the appropriate contractual procedures shall be open to all natural or legal persons who are eligible pursuant to paragraph 1 and 2 as well as to all natural or legal persons who are eligible pursuant to the rules of that organisation, care being taken to ensure that equal treatment is afforded to all donors. The same rules shall apply in respect of supplies, materials and experts.

Whenever Community funding covers an operation co-financed with a third country, subject to reciprocity as defined in paragraph 2, or with a regional organisation, or with a Member State, participation in the appropriate contractual procedures shall be open to all natural or legal persons who are eligible pursuant to paragraph 1, 2 and 3 as well as to all natural or legal persons who are eligible under the rules of such third country, regional organisation or Member State. The same rules shall apply in respect of supplies, materials and experts.

10.   For the purposes of aid channelled directly through non-State actors under the thematic programme defined in Article 14, the provisions of paragraph 1 shall not apply to the eligibility criteria established for the selection of grant beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries of these grants shall abide by the rules established in this Article where the implementation of aid requires the award of procurement contracts.

11.   In order to accelerate the eradication of poverty through the promotion of local capacities, markets and purchases, special consideration shall be given to local and regional procurement in partner countries.

Tenderers who have been awarded contracts shall respect internationally agreed core labour standards, e.g. the ILO core labour standards, conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining, elimination of forced and compulsory labour, elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, and the abolition of child labour.

Access by developing countries to Community assistance shall be rendered possible by all such technical assistance as is deemed appropriate.

Article 32

Funds made available to the European Investment Bank or other financial intermediaries

1.   The funds referred to in Article 25(1)(e) shall be managed by the EIB, other financial intermediaries or any other bank or organisation with the capacity to manage such funds.

2.   The Commission shall adopt implementing provisions for paragraph 1 on a case-by-case basis to cover risk sharing, the remuneration of the intermediary responsible for implementation, the use and recovery of profits on funds, and the closure of the operation.

Article 33

Evaluation

1.   The Commission shall regularly monitor and review its programmes, and evaluate the results of the implementation of geographical and thematic policies and programmes, and of sectoral policies and the effectiveness of programming, where appropriate by means of independent external evaluations, in order to ascertain whether the objectives have been met and enable it to formulate recommendations with a view to improving future operations. Proposals by the European Parliament or the Council for independent external evaluations will be taken into due account. Particular attention shall be given to social sectors and to progress made towards achieving the MDGs.

2.   The Commission shall send its evaluation reports to the European Parliament and to the Committee referred to in Article 35 for information. Member States may request to discuss specific evaluations in the Committee referred to in Article 35(3). The results shall feed back into programme design and resource allocation.

3.   The Commission shall associate all relevant stakeholders, including non-State actors and local authorities, in the evaluation phase of the Community assistance provided under this Regulation.

TITLE V

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 34

Annual report

1.   The Commission shall examine the progress made in implementing the measures taken under this Regulation and shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an annual report on the implementation and the results and, as far as possible, on the main outcomes and impacts of the assistance. This report shall also be submitted to the European Economic and Social Committee and to the Committee of the Regions.

2.   The annual report shall contain information relating to the previous year on the measures financed, the results of monitoring and evaluation exercises, the involvement of the relevant partners, and the implementation of budget commitments and payments, broken down by country, region and cooperation sector. It shall assess the results of the assistance, using as far as possible, specific and measurable indicators of its role in meeting the objectives of this Regulation. Particular attention shall be given to social sectors and to progress made towards achieving the MDGs.

Article 35

Committee

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a committee.

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. The period laid down in Article 4(3) of the Decision shall be set at 30 days.

3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

4.   The committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

5.   An observer from the EIB shall take part in the committee's proceedings, with regard to questions concerning the Bank.

Article 36

Participation by a third country not eligible under this Regulation

Without prejudice to Article 3(5), to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of Community assistance, the Commission may decide when adopting action programmes referred to in Article 22 or the special measures referred to in Article 23 that countries, territories and regions eligible for Community assistance under Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 or Regulation (EC) No [...] and the EDF are eligible for measures under this Regulation where the geographic or thematic project or programme to be implemented is of a global, regional or cross border nature. Provision may be made for this method of financing in the strategy papers and multiannual indicative programmes referred to in Articles 19 and 20. The provisions of Article 10 concerning eligibility and the provisions of Article 31 concerning participation in public procurement and grant award procedures and rules of origin shall be adapted to allow the countries, territories and regions concerned to take part.

Article 37

Suspension of assistance

Without prejudice to the provisions on suspension of aid in partnership and cooperation agreements with partner countries and regions, where a partner country fails to observe the principles referred to in Article 3(1), and where consultations with the partner country do not lead to a solution acceptable to both parties, or if consultations are refused or in cases of special urgency, the Council, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, may take appropriate measures in respect of any assistance granted to the partner country under this Regulation. Such measures may include full or partial suspension of assistance.

Article 38

Financial provisions

1.   The financial reference amount for the implementation of this Regulation over the period 2007-2013 is EUR 16 897 million.

2.   The indicative amounts allocated to each programme referred to in Articles 5 to 10 and 11 to 16 and 17 are laid down in Annex IV. These amounts are established for the period 2007-2013.

3.   Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the multiannual financial framework.

4.   An indicative amount of EUR 465 million has been included in the total amount for thematic programmes to finance activities that benefit the ENPI countries.

Article 39

Repeals

1.   The following Regulations are hereby repealed:

| (a) | Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2005 on access to Community external assistance (20); |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2005 on access to Community external assistance (20);

| (b) | Regulation (EC) No 806/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on promoting gender equality in development cooperation (21); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Regulation (EC) No 806/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on promoting gender equality in development cooperation (21);

| (c) | Regulation (EC) No 491/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 establishing a programme for financial and technical assistance to third countries in the areas of migration and asylum (AENEAS) (22); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Regulation (EC) No 491/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 establishing a programme for financial and technical assistance to third countries in the areas of migration and asylum (AENEAS) (22);

| (d) | Regulation (EC) No 1568/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on aid to fight poverty diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria) in developing countries (23); |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Regulation (EC) No 1568/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on aid to fight poverty diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria) in developing countries (23);

| (e) | Regulation (EC) No 1567/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on aid for policies and actions on reproductive and sexual health and rights in developing countries (24); |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Regulation (EC) No 1567/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on aid for policies and actions on reproductive and sexual health and rights in developing countries (24);

| (f) | Regulation (EC) No 2130/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 October 2001 on operations to aid uprooted people in Asia and Latin American developing countries (25); |
| --- | --- |

(f)

Regulation (EC) No 2130/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 October 2001 on operations to aid uprooted people in Asia and Latin American developing countries (25);

| (g) | Regulation (EC) No 2494/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 November 2000 on measures to promote the conservation and sustainable management of tropical forests and other forests in developing countries (26); |
| --- | --- |

(g)

Regulation (EC) No 2494/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 November 2000 on measures to promote the conservation and sustainable management of tropical forests and other forests in developing countries (26);

| (h) | Regulation (EC) No 2493/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 November 2000 on measures to promote the full integration of the environmental dimension in the development process of developing countries (27); |
| --- | --- |

(h)

Regulation (EC) No 2493/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 November 2000 on measures to promote the full integration of the environmental dimension in the development process of developing countries (27);

| (i) | Regulation (EC) No 1726/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 June 2000 on development cooperation with South Africa (28); |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Regulation (EC) No 1726/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 June 2000 on development cooperation with South Africa (28);

| (j) | Council Regulation (EC) No 1659/98 of 17 July 1998 on decentralised cooperation (29); |
| --- | --- |

(j)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1659/98 of 17 July 1998 on decentralised cooperation (29);

| (k) | Council Regulation (EC) No 1658/98 of 17 July 1998 on co-financing operations with European non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in fields of interest to the developing countries (30); |
| --- | --- |

(k)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1658/98 of 17 July 1998 on co-financing operations with European non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in fields of interest to the developing countries (30);

| (l) | Council Regulation (EC) No 1292/96 of 27 June 1996 on food-aid policy and food-aid management and special operations in support of food security (31); |
| --- | --- |

(l)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1292/96 of 27 June 1996 on food-aid policy and food-aid management and special operations in support of food security (31);

| (m) | Council Regulation (EEC) No 443/92 of 25 February 1992 on financial and technical assistance to, and economic cooperation with, the developing countries in Asia and Latin America (32) (ALA). |
| --- | --- |

(m)

Council Regulation (EEC) No 443/92 of 25 February 1992 on financial and technical assistance to, and economic cooperation with, the developing countries in Asia and Latin America (32) (ALA).

2.   The repealed Regulations shall continue to apply for legal acts and commitments of pre 2007 budget years. Any reference to the repealed Regulations shall be deemed to be a reference to this Regulation.

Article 40

Review

Not later than 31 December 2010, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a report evaluating the implementation of this Regulation in the first three years with, if appropriate, a legislative proposal introducing the necessary modifications, including the indicative financial allocations set out in Annex IV.

Article 41

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, ...

For the European Parliament

The President

...

For the Council

The President

...

---

(1)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 18 May 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal), Council Common Position of 23 October 2006 and Position of the European Parliament of ... (not yet published in the Official Journal). Council Decision of ... (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 82.

2

(3)  OJ L ...

3

(4)  OJ L ...

4

(5)  OJ L ...

5

(6)  OJ L ...

6

(7)  OJ L ...

7

(8)  OJ L 163, 2.7.1996, p. 1.

8

(9)  OJ C 46, 24.2.2006, p. 1.

9

(10)  OJ L 314, 30.11.2001, p. 1.

10

(11)  OJ L 50, 21.2.2006, p. 1.

11

(12)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

12

(13)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

13

(14)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

14

(15)  OJ L 163, 2.7.1996, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

15

(16)  Agreement on Trade, Development and Cooperation between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of South Africa, of the other part (OJ L 311, 4.12.1999, p. 3.)

16

(17)  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

17

(18)  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

18

(19)  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

19

(20)  OJ L 344, 27.12.2005, p. 1.

20

(21)  OJ L 143, 30.4.2004, p. 40.

21

(22)  OJ L 80, 18.3.2004, p. 1.

22

(23)  OJ L 224, 6.9.2003, p. 7. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005.

23

(24)  OJ L 224, 6.9.2003, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005.

24

(25)  OJ L 287, 31.10.2001, p. 3. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005.

25

(26)  OJ L 288, 15.11.2000, p. 6. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005.

26

(27)  OJ L 288, 15.11.2000, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005.

27

(28)  OJ L 198, 4.8.2000, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005

28

(29)  OJ L 213, 30.7.1998, p. 6. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 625/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 99, 3.4.2004, p. 1).

29

(30)  OJ L 213, 30.7.1998, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2110/2005.

30

(31)  OJ L 166, 5.7.1996, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1726/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 234, 1.9.2001, p. 10).

31

(32)  OJ L 52, 27.2.1992, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2112/2005 (OJ L 344, 27.12.2005, p. 23).

32

---

ANNEX I

COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE UNDER ARTICLE 1(1)

Latin America

| 1. | Argentina |
| --- | --- |

1.

Argentina

| 2. | Bolivia |
| --- | --- |

2.

Bolivia

| 3. | Brazil |
| --- | --- |

3.

Brazil

| 4. | Chile |
| --- | --- |

4.

Chile

| 5. | Colombia |
| --- | --- |

5.

Colombia

| 6. | Costa Rica |
| --- | --- |

6.

Costa Rica

| 7. | Cuba |
| --- | --- |

7.

Cuba

| 8. | Ecuador |
| --- | --- |

8.

Ecuador

| 9. | El Salvador |
| --- | --- |

9.

El Salvador

| 10. | Guatemala |
| --- | --- |

10.

Guatemala

| 11. | Honduras |
| --- | --- |

11.

Honduras

| 12. | Mexico |
| --- | --- |

12.

Mexico

| 13. | Nicaragua |
| --- | --- |

13.

Nicaragua

| 14. | Panama |
| --- | --- |

14.

Panama

| 15. | Paraguay |
| --- | --- |

15.

Paraguay

| 16. | Peru |
| --- | --- |

16.

Peru

| 17. | Uruguay |
| --- | --- |

17.

Uruguay

| 18. | Venezuela |
| --- | --- |

18.

Venezuela

Asia

| 19. | Afghanistan |
| --- | --- |

19.

Afghanistan

| 20. | Bangladesh |
| --- | --- |

20.

Bangladesh

| 21. | Bhutan |
| --- | --- |

21.

Bhutan

| 22. | Cambodia |
| --- | --- |

22.

Cambodia

| 23. | China |
| --- | --- |

23.

China

| 24. | India |
| --- | --- |

24.

India

| 25. | Indonesia |
| --- | --- |

25.

Indonesia

| 26. | Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
| --- | --- |

26.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

| 27. | Laos |
| --- | --- |

27.

Laos

| 28. | Malaysia |
| --- | --- |

28.

Malaysia

| 29. | Maldives |
| --- | --- |

29.

Maldives

| 30. | Mongolia |
| --- | --- |

30.

Mongolia

| 31. | Myanmar/Burma |
| --- | --- |

31.

Myanmar/Burma

| 32. | Nepal |
| --- | --- |

32.

Nepal

| 33. | Pakistan |
| --- | --- |

33.

Pakistan

| 34. | Philippines |
| --- | --- |

34.

Philippines

| 35. | Sri Lanka |
| --- | --- |

35.

Sri Lanka

| 36. | Thailand |
| --- | --- |

36.

Thailand

| 37. | Viet Nam |
| --- | --- |

37.

Viet Nam

Central Asia

| 38. | Kazakhstan |
| --- | --- |

38.

Kazakhstan

| 39. | Kyrgyz Republic |
| --- | --- |

39.

Kyrgyz Republic

| 40. | Tajikistan |
| --- | --- |

40.

Tajikistan

| 41. | Turkmenistan |
| --- | --- |

41.

Turkmenistan

| 42. | Uzbekistan |
| --- | --- |

42.

Uzbekistan

Middle East

| 43. | Iran |
| --- | --- |

43.

Iran

| 44. | Iraq |
| --- | --- |

44.

Iraq

| 45. | Oman |
| --- | --- |

45.

Oman

| 46. | Saudi Arabia |
| --- | --- |

46.

Saudi Arabia

| 47. | Yemen |
| --- | --- |

47.

Yemen

South Africa

| 48. | South Africa |
| --- | --- |

48.

South Africa

---

ANNEX II

OECD/DAC LIST OF ODA RECIPIENTS

Effective from 2006 for reporting on 2005, 2006 and 2007

| Least Developed Countries | Other Low Income Countries
  (per capita GNI < USD 825 in 2004) | Lower Middle Income Countries and Territories
  (per capita GNI USD 826-USD 3 255 in 2004) | Upper Middle Income Countries and Territories
  (per capita GNI USD 3 256-USD 10 065 in 2004) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Afghanistan
  Angola
  Bangladesh
  Benin
  Bhutan
  Burkina Faso
  Burundi
  Cambodia
  Cape Verde
  Central African Rep.
  Chad
  Comoros
  Democratic Republic of the Congo
  Djibouti
  Equatorial Guinea
  Eritrea
  Ethiopia
  Gambia
  Guinea
  Guinea-Bissau
  Haiti
  Kiribati
  Laos
  Lesotho
  Liberia
  Madagascar
  Malawi
  Maldives
  Mali
  Mauritania
  Mozambique
  Myanmar
  Nepal
  Niger
  Rwanda
  Samoa
  Sao Tome & Principe
  Senegal
  Sierra Leone
  Solomon Islands
  Somalia
  Sudan
  Tanzania
  Timor-Leste
  Togo
  Tuvalu
  Uganda
  Vanuatu
  Yemen
  Zambia | Cameroon
  Republic of the Congo
  Côte d'Ivoire
  Ghana
  India
  Kenya
  Democratic People's Republic of Korea
  Kyrgyz Rep.
  Moldova
  Mongolia
  Nicaragua
  Nigeria
  Pakistan
  Papua New Guinea
  Tajikistan
  Uzbekistan
  Viet Nam
  Zimbabwe | Albania
  Algeria
  Armenia
  Azerbaijan
  Belarus
  Bolivia
  Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Brazil
  China
  Colombia
  Cuba
  Dominican Republic
  Ecuador
  Egypt
  El Salvador
  Fiji
  Georgia
  Guatemala
  Guyana
  Honduras
  Indonesia
  Iran
  Iraq
  Jamaica
  Jordan
  Kazakhstan
  Macedonia, Former Yugoslav
  Republic ofMarshall Islands
  Micronesia, Fed. States
  Morocco
  Namibia
  Niue
  Palestinian Adm. Areas
  Paraguay
  Peru
  Philippines
  Serbia & Montenegro
  Sri Lanka
  Suriname
  Swaziland
  Syria
  Thailand
  - Tokelau
  Tonga
  Tunisia
  Turkmenistan
  Ukraine
  - Wallis & Futuna | * Anguilla
  Antigua and Barbuda
  Argentina
  Barbados
  Belize
  Botswana
  Chile
  Cook Islands
  Costa Rica
  Croatia
  Dominica
  Gabon
  Grenada
  Lebanon
  Libya
  Malaysia
  Mauritius
  - Mayotte
  Mexico
  - Montserrat
  Nauru
  Oman
  Palau
  Panama
  Saudi Arabia (1)

  Seychelles
  South Africa
  - St. Helena
  St. Kitts-Nevis
  St. Lucia
  St. Vincent & Grenadines
  Trinidad & Tobago
  Turkey
  - Turks & Caicos Islands
  Uruguay
  Venezuela |
| * | Territory |

Least Developed Countries

Other Low Income Countries

(per capita GNI < USD 825 in 2004)

Lower Middle Income Countries and Territories

(per capita GNI USD 826-USD 3 255 in 2004)

Upper Middle Income Countries and Territories

(per capita GNI USD 3 256-USD 10 065 in 2004)

Afghanistan

Angola

Bangladesh

Benin

Bhutan

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cambodia

Cape Verde

Central African Rep.

Chad

Comoros

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Djibouti

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Gambia

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Haiti

Kiribati

Laos

Lesotho

Liberia

Madagascar

Malawi

Maldives

Mali

Mauritania

Mozambique

Myanmar

Nepal

Niger

Rwanda

Samoa

Sao Tome & Principe

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Solomon Islands

Somalia

Sudan

Tanzania

Timor-Leste

Togo

Tuvalu

Uganda

Vanuatu

Yemen

Zambia

Cameroon

Republic of the Congo

Côte d'Ivoire

Ghana

India

Kenya

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Kyrgyz Rep.

Moldova

Mongolia

Nicaragua

Nigeria

Pakistan

Papua New Guinea

Tajikistan

Uzbekistan

Viet Nam

Zimbabwe

Albania

Algeria

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Belarus

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

China

Colombia

Cuba

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Fiji

Georgia

Guatemala

Guyana

Honduras

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Jamaica

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Macedonia, Former Yugoslav

Republic ofMarshall Islands

Micronesia, Fed. States

Morocco

Namibia

Niue

Palestinian Adm. Areas

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Serbia & Montenegro

Sri Lanka

Suriname

Swaziland

Syria

Thailand

- Tokelau

Tonga

Tunisia

Turkmenistan

Ukraine

- Wallis & Futuna

- Anguilla

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Barbados

Belize

Botswana

Chile

Cook Islands

Costa Rica

Croatia

Dominica

Gabon

Grenada

Lebanon

Libya

Malaysia

Mauritius

- Mayotte

Mexico

- Montserrat

Nauru

Oman

Palau

Panama

Saudi Arabia (1)

Seychelles

South Africa

- St. Helena

St. Kitts-Nevis

St. Lucia

St. Vincent & Grenadines

Trinidad & Tobago

Turkey

- Turks & Caicos Islands

Uruguay

Venezuela

*

Territory

---

(1)  Saudi Arabia passed the high income country threshold in 2004. In accordance with the OECD/DAC rules for revision of this list, it will graduate from the list in 2008 if it remains a high income country in 2005 and 2006. Its net ODA receipts from OECD/DAC Members were USD 9,9 million in 2003 and USD 9,0 million (preliminary) in 2004.

---

ANNEX III

ACP SUGAR PROTOCOL COUNTRIES

| 1. | Barbados |
| --- | --- |

1.

Barbados

| 2. | Belize |
| --- | --- |

2.

Belize

| 3. | Guyana |
| --- | --- |

3.

Guyana

| 4. | Jamaica |
| --- | --- |

4.

Jamaica

| 5. | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| --- | --- |

5.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

| 6. | Trinidad and Tobago |
| --- | --- |

6.

Trinidad and Tobago

| 7. | Fiji |
| --- | --- |

7.

Fiji

| 8. | Republic of the Congo |
| --- | --- |

8.

Republic of the Congo

| 9. | Côte d'Ivoire |
| --- | --- |

9.

Côte d'Ivoire

| 10. | Kenya |
| --- | --- |

10.

Kenya

| 11. | Madagascar |
| --- | --- |

11.

Madagascar

| 12. | Malawi |
| --- | --- |

12.

Malawi

| 13. | Mauritius |
| --- | --- |

13.

Mauritius

| 14. | Mozambique |
| --- | --- |

14.

Mozambique

| 15. | Swaziland |
| --- | --- |

15.

Swaziland

| 16. | Tanzania |
| --- | --- |

16.

Tanzania

| 17. | Zambia |
| --- | --- |

17.

Zambia

| 18. | Zimbabwe |
| --- | --- |

18.

Zimbabwe

---

ANNEX IV

INDICATIVE FINANCIAL ALLOCATIONS FOR THE PERIOD 2007-2013 (IN EUR MILLION)

| Total | 16 897 |
| --- | --- |
| Geographic programmes: | 10 057 |
| Latin America | 2 690 |
| Asia | 5 187 |
| Central Asia | 719 |
| Middle East | 481 |
| South Africa | 980 |
| Thematic programmes: | 5 596 |
| Investing in people | 1 060 |
| Environment and sustainable management of natural resources | 804 |
| Non-State actors and local authorities in development | 1 639 |
| Food security | 1 709 |
| Migration and asylum | 384 |
| ACP Sugar Protocol countries | 1 244 |

Total

16 897

Geographic programmes:

10 057

Latin America

2 690

Asia

5 187

Central Asia

719

Middle East

481

South Africa

980

Thematic programmes:

5 596

Investing in people

1 060

Environment and sustainable management of natural resources

804

Non-State actors and local authorities in development

1 639

Food security

1 709

Migration and asylum

384

ACP Sugar Protocol countries

1 244

---

ANNEX V

NON-DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES

| 1. | Australia |
| --- | --- |

1.

Australia

| 2. | Bahrain |
| --- | --- |

2.

Bahrain

| 3. | Brunei |
| --- | --- |

3.

Brunei

| 4. | Canada |
| --- | --- |

4.

Canada

| 5. | Chinese Taipei |
| --- | --- |

5.

Chinese Taipei

| 6. | Hong Kong |
| --- | --- |

6.

Hong Kong

| 7. | Japan |
| --- | --- |

7.

Japan

| 8. | Korea |
| --- | --- |

8.

Korea

| 9. | Macao |
| --- | --- |

9.

Macao

| 10. | New Zealand |
| --- | --- |

10.

New Zealand

| 11. | Kuwait |
| --- | --- |

11.

Kuwait

| 12. | Qatar |
| --- | --- |

12.

Qatar

| 13. | Singapore |
| --- | --- |

13.

Singapore

| 14. | United Arab Emirates |
| --- | --- |

14.

United Arab Emirates

| 15. | United States of America |
| --- | --- |

15.

United States of America

---

STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL'S REASONS

I.   INTRODUCTION

On 29 September 2004, the Commission forwarded a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation and economic cooperation. The proposal was based on Articles 179(1) and 181a(2) of the EC Treaty.

The European Parliament delivered its Opinion at first reading on 18 May 2006.

The Council adopted its common position in accordance with Article 251 of the EC Treaty on 23 October 2006.

II.   OBJECTIVE

In accordance with Article 179 of the EC Treaty, the objective of the proposed Regulation is to finance measures aimed at supporting cooperation with developing countries, territories and regions set out in the Annex to the Regulation and to finance thematic programmes in countries, regions and territories eligible to assistance under a geographical programme of the Regulation, to assistance under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument or to geographical cooperation under the European Development Fund.

III.   ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON POSITION

General

The initial Commission proposal covered the general objectives defined in Title XX and Title XXI of the EC Treaty. It therefore provided support for both development policy and all forms of cooperation with developing countries, countries in transition and industrialised countries. It did not impose any restrictions regarding the areas of Community cooperation or intervention.

At first reading, the European Parliament adopted a great many amendments to the initial Commission proposal with a view to reducing its scope to developing countries and basing it on a single Treaty provision (Article 179). The European Parliament also wished to transform the proposed Regulation into a procedural instrument and favoured policy priorities being established by separate co-decided Regulations.

Transforming the proposed Regulation into a procedural instrument requiring several new Commission proposals was not acceptable to Council or Commission which both believed that such approach would be incompatible with the stated aim of simplifying the structure of the Community's external financing instruments. After intensive discussions between the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission, an understanding on the architecture of the proposed Regulation was reached late June 2006 within the framework of an overall agreement on the package of external financing instruments.

Further to this understanding, a proposal for a Regulation on cooperation with industrialised countries was separated from the initial Commission proposal.

The Common Position, reflecting this understanding between all Institutions involved, now provides for a Regulation establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation, based solely on Article 179 of the EC Treaty and is a response to a large number of the concerns voiced in the European Parliament's first-reading amendments.

The following sections describe the changes of substance.

Recitals

The number and content of the recitals have been expanded in order to match the changes introduced in the body of the Regulation.

Legal basis

In accordance with the understanding reached between the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on the overall architecture of the external financing instruments, the initial Commission proposal for an instrument for development cooperation and economic cooperation was slimmed down and limited to a financing instrument for development cooperation. This change made it possible to delete the reference to Article 181a(1) of the EC Treaty, and to base the Regulation solely on Article 179(1).

Scope, objectives and general principles (Articles 1 to 3)

Article 1 of the Common Position provides that the overall purpose of the Regulation is to finance measures aimed at supporting cooperation with certain developing countries, territories and regions and to finance thematic programmes in countries, regions and territories eligible to assistance under a geographical programme of the Regulation, to assistance under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument or to geographical cooperation under the European Development Fund.

Article 2 lays down the objectives of geographical and thematic cooperation with partner countries and regions. It also provides that measures aimed at cooperation under geographical programmes shall be designed so as to be fully eligible for Official Development Assistance. Thematic programmes shall be equally designed so as to fulfil the criteria for Official Development Assistance, subject to some duly defined and quantified exceptions.

Article 3 contains general principles applicable to all measures and programmes under the Regulation. These principles are based on Title XX of the EC Treaty, the Development Policy Statement and various internationally accepted principles and commitments, including on aid effectiveness.

Geographical and thematic programmes (Articles 4 to 17)

The Council, very much like the European Parliament in its opinion at first reading, was concerned at the lack of policy content in the initial Commission proposal. Article 3 of the initial Commission proposal merely stated that measures should be financed under geographical or thematic programmes, which would be drawn up by the Commission, that would equally specify their geographical scope. The Council, however, chose to take a different way in order to preserve its legislative powers. Rather than reducing the initial Commission proposal to a procedural instrument, requiring the Commission to make use of its right of initiative to present proposals for additional policy regulations, the Council felt that it would be more appropriate to introduce policy content in the provisions of the Regulation. Therefore, Articles 5 to 10 of the Common Position set the policy for geographical programmes, while Articles 11 to 16 provide for the content of thematic programmes.

Article 5 is a horizontal provision, laying down principles applicable to each geographical programme. Hence, consistently with the overall purpose and scope, objectives and general principles of the Regulation, geographical cooperation with developing countries in Latin America, Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, and with South Africa, shall include actions within areas such as poverty eradication and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals or areas which are defined in the Development Policy Statement as areas for Community action, including human development; social cohesion and employment; governance, democracy, human rights and support for institutional reforms; trade and regional integration; environment and sustainable development of natural resources; water and energy; infrastructure, communication and transport; rural development, territorial planning, agriculture and food security; as well as post-crisis situations and fragile States.

Articles 6 to 10 lay down areas of cooperation with each of the geographical regions, which shall be consistent with and additional to the actions provided for in Article 5. These specific additional areas of cooperation allow for a tailor-made approach taking fully into account the characteristics of each geographical region. The content of these provisions is largely based on existing Regulations.

A similar approach was followed for thematic programmes. Article 11 sets out the principles applying to all thematic programmes. Specific content is laid down in the following provisions, detailing the content of the various thematic programmes: Investing in people (Article 12), Environment and sustainable management of natural resources including energy (Article 13), Non State actors and local authorities in development (Article 14), Food Security (Article 15), and Migration and Asylum (Article 16).

To a large extent, the content of these thematic provisions is based on, but not limited to, existing thematic Regulations. The content has been adapted to changing needs and realities, takes into account the Development Policy Statement and reflects a series of communications presented by the Commission in January 2006.

Finally, following up on Regulation (EC) No 266/2006, provision was made in Article 17 for Community assistance to ACP Sugar Protocol countries aimed at supporting their adjustment process due to the reform of the common organization of the market in sugar.

Financial provisions (Article 38 and Annex IV)

The Common Position, in its Article 38, provides for a financial reference amount for implementation of the Regulation for the period 2007-2013. The indicative amounts allocated to each programme are laid down in Annex IV, which forms an integral part of the Regulation. The Common Position also earmarks an indicative amount in the total amount for thematic programmes to finance activities that benefit countries under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument.

The inclusion of this indicative financial breakdown is the Council's response to a shared concern with the European Parliament, i.e. the need for greater involvement of both Institutions in resource allocation.

Review, entry into force and application (Articles 40 and 41)

The Common Position provides for the Regulation to enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal. It will apply from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. Moreover, Article 40 puts an obligation upon the Commission to present a report to the European Parliament and the Council evaluating the implementation of the Regulation, including the indicative financial allocations set out in Annex IV, not later than 31 December 2010.

IV.   CONCLUSION

The Council considers that its Common Position, which is the result of extensive preparatory work and negotiations since 2005 and which is supported by the Commission, addresses the concerns expressed by the European Parliament.

As a result of frequent and intensive contacts and exchanges of views between the respective Presidencies of the Council and key players of the European Parliament, a significant convergence of positions between the two Institutions emerged during the process. This convergence has finally led to compromise solutions, reflected in the Common Position, for all outstanding issues.

Thus, the Common Position seeks to establish a workable and efficient financing instrument for Community development cooperation, which represents a good balance between the need to simplify the existing instruments and respect for the powers of both branches of the legislature.

---

| 12.12.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 301/85 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.12.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 301/85

---

COMMON POSITION (EC) No 29/2006

adopted by the Council on 14 November 2006

with a view to adopting Regulation (EC) No .../2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on the submission of statistical data on landings of fishery products in Member States and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/C 301 E/03)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 285(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (1),

Whereas:

| (1) | Council Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 of 21 May 1991 on the submission of data on the landings of fishery products in Member States (2) requires Member States to submit data on the quantities and average prices of fishery products landed on their territory. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Council Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 of 21 May 1991 on the submission of data on the landings of fishery products in Member States (2) requires Member States to submit data on the quantities and average prices of fishery products landed on their territory.

| (2) | Experience has shown that analyses of the market for fishery products and other economic analyses would not be adversely affected if data were submitted under Community legislation at yearly rather than monthly intervals. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Experience has shown that analyses of the market for fishery products and other economic analyses would not be adversely affected if data were submitted under Community legislation at yearly rather than monthly intervals.

| (3) | Analyses would be enhanced if data were broken down by the flag state of fishing vessels carrying out landings. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Analyses would be enhanced if data were broken down by the flag state of fishing vessels carrying out landings.

| (4) | Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 imposes a limit on the extent to which sampling techniques are permitted when the collection and compilation of data place an excessive burden on certain national authorities. In order to improve and simplify the system for the submission of data, it is appropriate to replace that Regulation with a new instrument. Consequently, Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 should be repealed. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 imposes a limit on the extent to which sampling techniques are permitted when the collection and compilation of data place an excessive burden on certain national authorities. In order to improve and simplify the system for the submission of data, it is appropriate to replace that Regulation with a new instrument. Consequently, Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 should be repealed.

| (5) | Since the objective of this Regulation, namely the establishment of a common legal framework for the systematic production of Community statistical data on landings of fishery products in Member States, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Since the objective of this Regulation, namely the establishment of a common legal framework for the systematic production of Community statistical data on landings of fishery products in Member States, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.

| (6) | Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 of 17 February 1997 on Community Statistics (3) provides a reference framework for statistics in the field of fisheries. In particular, it requires conformity with principles of impartiality, reliability, relevance, cost-effectiveness, statistical confidentiality and transparency. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 of 17 February 1997 on Community Statistics (3) provides a reference framework for statistics in the field of fisheries. In particular, it requires conformity with principles of impartiality, reliability, relevance, cost-effectiveness, statistical confidentiality and transparency.

| (7) | It is important to ensure the uniform application of this Regulation and, in order to do so, to make provision for a Community procedure to help determine the implementing arrangements within an appropriate timescale and to make the necessary technical adaptations. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

It is important to ensure the uniform application of this Regulation and, in order to do so, to make provision for a Community procedure to help determine the implementing arrangements within an appropriate timescale and to make the necessary technical adaptations.

| (8) | The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (4). |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (4).

| (9) | Since the statistical data on landings of fishery products are an essential tool for the management of the Common Fisheries Policy, it is appropriate to lay down the possibility of using the management procedure provided for by Decision 1999/468/EC for granting Member States transitional periods for the implementation of this Regulation and derogations permitting them to exclude statistical data covering a particular sector of the fisheries industry from the national statistical data submitted. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Since the statistical data on landings of fishery products are an essential tool for the management of the Common Fisheries Policy, it is appropriate to lay down the possibility of using the management procedure provided for by Decision 1999/468/EC for granting Member States transitional periods for the implementation of this Regulation and derogations permitting them to exclude statistical data covering a particular sector of the fisheries industry from the national statistical data submitted.

| (10) | On the other hand, power should be conferred on the Commission to establish the conditions under which the Annexes should be technically adapted. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation, they should be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC, |
| --- | --- |

(10)

On the other hand, power should be conferred on the Commission to establish the conditions under which the Annexes should be technically adapted. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation, they should be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

| 1) | ‘Community fishing vessels’ means fishing vessels flying the flag of a Member State and registered in the Community; |
| --- | --- |

1)

‘Community fishing vessels’ means fishing vessels flying the flag of a Member State and registered in the Community;

| 2) | ‘EFTA fishing vessels’ means fishing vessels flying the flag of, or registered in, an EFTA country; |
| --- | --- |

2)

‘EFTA fishing vessels’ means fishing vessels flying the flag of, or registered in, an EFTA country;

| 3) | ‘Unit value’ means:






  (a) | the value at first sale of the fishery products landed (in national currency) divided by the quantity landed (in tonnes), or |
| --- | --- | --- |

3)

‘Unit value’ means:

(a)

the value at first sale of the fishery products landed (in national currency) divided by the quantity landed (in tonnes), or

| (b) | for fishery products not immediately sold, the average price per tonne in national currency, estimated using an appropriate method. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

for fishery products not immediately sold, the average price per tonne in national currency, estimated using an appropriate method.

Article 2

Obligations of the Member States

1.   Each year each Member State shall submit to the Commission statistical data in respect of the fishery products landed on its territory by Community and EFTA fishing vessels (hereinafter referred to as ‘statistical data’).

2.   For the purposes of this Regulation, the following fishery products shall be deemed to be landed on the territory of the reporting Member State:

| (a) | products landed by fishing vessels or other parts of the fishing fleet in national ports within the Community; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

products landed by fishing vessels or other parts of the fishing fleet in national ports within the Community;

| (b) | products landed by fishing vessels of the reporting Member State in non-Community ports and covered by the T2M form contained in Annex 43 to Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 of 2 July 1993 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code (5). |
| --- | --- |

(b)

products landed by fishing vessels of the reporting Member State in non-Community ports and covered by the T2M form contained in Annex 43 to Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 of 2 July 1993 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code (5).

Article 3

Compilation of statistical data

1.   The statistical data shall cover total landings on national territory within the Community.

2.   Sampling techniques may be employed where, owing to the structural characteristics of a particular sector of the fisheries of a Member State, comprehensive data collection would result in difficulties for the national authorities disproportionate to the importance of that sector.

Article 4

Statistical data

The statistical data shall relate to the total quantities and unit values of the fishery products landed in the reference calendar year.

The variables for which statistical data need to be submitted, their definitions and the relevant nomenclatures are given in Annexes II, III and IV.

Article 5

Submission of statistical data

Member States shall submit the statistical data to the Commission on an annual basis in accordance with the format specified in Annex I and using the codes set out in Annexes II, III and IV.

The statistical data shall be submitted within six months of the end of the reference calendar year.

Article 6

Methodology

1.   By ... (6) each Member State shall submit a detailed methodological report to the Commission describing how the data have been collected and the statistics compiled. That report shall include details of any sampling techniques and an evaluation of the quality of the resulting estimates.

2.   The Commission shall examine the reports and present its conclusions to the relevant working group of the Standing Committee for Agricultural Statistics (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Committee’) established by Article 1 of Council Decision 72/279/EEC (7).

3.   The Member States shall inform the Commission of any change in the information provided for under paragraph 1 within three months of the introduction of such change. They shall also forward to the Commission details of any substantial changes in the collection methods used.

Article 7

Transitional periods

Transitional periods for the implementation of this Regulation lasting not more than three years from the date of its entry into force may be granted to Member States in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 11(2).

Article 8

Derogations

1.   Where the inclusion in the statistics of a particular sector of the fisheries industry of a Member State would cause difficulties to the national authorities disproportionate to the importance of that sector, a derogation may be granted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 11(2), permitting that Member State to exclude statistical data covering that sector from the national statistical data submitted.

2.   Where a Member State requests a derogation under paragraph 1, it shall provide the Commission, in support of its request, with a report on problems encountered in applying this Regulation to total landings on its territory.

Article 9

Updating of the Annexes

The measures relating to technical adaptation of the Annexes shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 11(3).

Article 10

Assessment

The Commission shall, by ... (8) and every three years thereafter, submit an assessment report to the European Parliament and the Council on the statistical data compiled pursuant to this Regulation and in particular on their relevance and quality. The report shall also analyse the cost-effectiveness of the system used for the collection and processing of statistical data and shall put forward best practices for reducing the workload for Member States and enhancing the usefulness and quality of the statistical data.

Article 11

Committee procedure

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee.

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months.

3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5a(1) to (4) and Article 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

Article 12

Repeal

Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91 is hereby repealed.

Article 13

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at ...,

For the European Parliament

The President

...

For the Council

The President

...

---

(1)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 15 June 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal), Council Common Position of 14 November 2006 and Position of the European Parliament of ... (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  OJ L 133, 28.5.1991, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

2

(3)  OJ L 52, 22.2.1997, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003.

3

(4)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

4

(5)  OJ L 253, 11.10.1993, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 402/2006 (OJ L 70, 9.3.2006, p. 35).

5

(6)  12 months from the date of entry into force of this Regulation.

6

(7)  OJ L 179, 7.8.1972, p. 1.

7

(8)  Three years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation.

8

---

ANNEX I

FORMAT OF STATISTICAL DATA SUBMITTED

Statistical data file format

The statistical data are to be submitted in a file in which each record includes the fields indicated below. These fields are to be separated by a comma (‘,’).

| Field | Note | Annex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reference year | 4 digits (e.g. 2003) | |
| Reporting country | Alpha-3 code | Annex II |
| Species or species group | International alpha-3 code (1) | — |
| Flag State | Alpha-3 code | Annex II |
| Presentation | | Annex III |
| Intended use | | Annex IV |
| Quantity | Tonnes landed (rounded to one decimal place) | |
| Unit value | National currency per tonne | |

Field

Note

Annex

Reference year

4 digits (e.g. 2003)

Reporting country

Alpha-3 code

Annex II

Species or species group

International alpha-3 code (1)

—

Flag State

Alpha-3 code

Annex II

Presentation

Annex III

Intended use

Annex IV

Quantity

Tonnes landed (rounded to one decimal place)

Unit value

National currency per tonne

Quantities of less than 50 kg landed weight are to be recorded as ‘0,0’.

---

(1)  The full list of international alpha-3 species codes is to be found in the FAO's ASFIS file (http://www.fao.org/fi/statist/fisoft/asfis/asfis.asp)

---

ANNEX II

LIST OF COUNTRY CODES

| Country | Code |
| --- | --- |
| Belgium | BEL |
| Czech Republic | CZE |
| Denmark | DNK |
| Germany | DEU |
| Estonia | EST |
| Greece | GRC |
| Spain | ESP |
| France | FRA |
| Ireland | IRL |
| Italy | ITA |
| Cyprus | CYP |
| Latvia | LVA |
| Lithuania | LTU |
| Luxembourg | LUX |
| Hungary | HUN |
| Malta | MLT |
| Netherlands | NLD |
| Austria | AUT |
| Poland | POL |
| Portugal | PRT |
| Slovenia | SVN |
| Slovakia | SVK |
| Finland | FIN |
| Sweden | SWE |
| United Kingdom | GBR |
| Iceland | ISL |
| Norway | NOR |
| Other | OTH |

Country

Code

Belgium

BEL

Czech Republic

CZE

Denmark

DNK

Germany

DEU

Estonia

EST

Greece

GRC

Spain

ESP

France

FRA

Ireland

IRL

Italy

ITA

Cyprus

CYP

Latvia

LVA

Lithuania

LTU

Luxembourg

LUX

Hungary

HUN

Malta

MLT

Netherlands

NLD

Austria

AUT

Poland

POL

Portugal

PRT

Slovenia

SVN

Slovakia

SVK

Finland

FIN

Sweden

SWE

United Kingdom

GBR

Iceland

ISL

Norway

NOR

Other

OTH

---

ANNEX III

LIST OF PRESENTATION CODES

Part A

List

| Presentation | Code |
| --- | --- |
| Fresh (not specified) | 10 |
| Fresh (whole) | 11 |
| Fresh (gutted) | 12 |
| Fresh (tails) | 13 |
| Fresh (fillets) | 14 |
| Fresh (gutted and headed) | 16 |
| Fresh (live) | 18 |
| Fresh (other) | 19 |
| Frozen (not specified) | 20 |
| Frozen (whole) | 21 |
| Frozen (gutted) | 22 |
| Frozen (tails) | 23 |
| Frozen (fillets) | 24 |
| Frozen (not filleted) | 25 |
| Frozen (gutted and headed) | 26 |
| Frozen (cleaned) | 27 |
| Frozen (not cleaned) | 28 |
| Frozen (other) | 29 |
| Salted (not specified) | 30 |
| Salted (whole) | 31 |
| Salted (gutted) | 32 |
| Salted (fillets) | 34 |
| Salted (gutted and headed) | 36 |
| Salted (other) | 39 |
| Smoked | 40 |
| Cooked | 50 |
| Cooked (frozen and packaged) | 60 |
| Dried (not specified) | 70 |
| Dried (whole) | 71 |
| Dried (gutted) | 72 |
| Dried (fillets) | 74 |
| Dried (gutted and headed) | 76 |
| Dried (skinned) | 77 |
| Dried (other) | 79 |
| Whole (not specified) | 91 |
| Claws | 80 |
| Eggs | 85 |
| Presentation unknown | 99 |

Presentation

Code

Fresh (not specified)

10

Fresh (whole)

11

Fresh (gutted)

12

Fresh (tails)

13

Fresh (fillets)

14

Fresh (gutted and headed)

16

Fresh (live)

18

Fresh (other)

19

Frozen (not specified)

20

Frozen (whole)

21

Frozen (gutted)

22

Frozen (tails)

23

Frozen (fillets)

24

Frozen (not filleted)

25

Frozen (gutted and headed)

26

Frozen (cleaned)

27

Frozen (not cleaned)

28

Frozen (other)

29

Salted (not specified)

30

Salted (whole)

31

Salted (gutted)

32

Salted (fillets)

34

Salted (gutted and headed)

36

Salted (other)

39

Smoked

40

Cooked

50

Cooked (frozen and packaged)

60

Dried (not specified)

70

Dried (whole)

71

Dried (gutted)

72

Dried (fillets)

74

Dried (gutted and headed)

76

Dried (skinned)

77

Dried (other)

79

Whole (not specified)

91

Claws

80

Eggs

85

Presentation unknown

99

Part B

Notes

| 1. | Fillets: strips of flesh cut parallel to the backbone of the fish and consisting of the right or left side of the fish, provided that the head, viscera, fins (dorsal, anal, caudal, ventral, pectoral) and bones (vertebrae or large backbone, ventral or costal, bronchial or stirrup bones, etc.) have been removed and the two sides are not connected, for example by the back or stomach. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Fillets: strips of flesh cut parallel to the backbone of the fish and consisting of the right or left side of the fish, provided that the head, viscera, fins (dorsal, anal, caudal, ventral, pectoral) and bones (vertebrae or large backbone, ventral or costal, bronchial or stirrup bones, etc.) have been removed and the two sides are not connected, for example by the back or stomach.

| 2. | Whole fish: ungutted fish. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Whole fish: ungutted fish.

| 3. | Cleaned: squid where the arms, head and internal organs have been removed from the body. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Cleaned: squid where the arms, head and internal organs have been removed from the body.

| 4. | Frozen fish: fish that have been subjected to freezing in a manner to preserve the inherent quality of the fish by reducing the average temperature to -18 °C or lower and which are then kept at a temperature of -18 °C or lower. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Frozen fish: fish that have been subjected to freezing in a manner to preserve the inherent quality of the fish by reducing the average temperature to -18 °C or lower and which are then kept at a temperature of -18 °C or lower.

| 5. | Fresh fish: fish that have not been preserved, cured, frozen or otherwise treated other than chilled. They are generally presented whole or gutted. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Fresh fish: fish that have not been preserved, cured, frozen or otherwise treated other than chilled. They are generally presented whole or gutted.

| 6. | Salted fish: fish often in gutted and headed form, preserved in salt or brine. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Salted fish: fish often in gutted and headed form, preserved in salt or brine.

---

ANNEX IV

LIST OF CODES FOR INTENDED USE OF FISHERY PRODUCTS

Part A

List

| Destination | Code | Nature of submissions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Human consumption | 1 | Mandatory |
| Industrial uses | 2 | Mandatory |
| Withdrawn from the market | 3 | Voluntary |
| Bait | 4 | Voluntary |
| Animal feed | 5 | Voluntary |
| Waste | 6 | Voluntary |
| Intended use unknown | 9 | Voluntary |

Destination

Code

Nature of submissions

Human consumption

1

Mandatory

Industrial uses

2

Mandatory

Withdrawn from the market

3

Voluntary

Bait

4

Voluntary

Animal feed

5

Voluntary

Waste

6

Voluntary

Intended use unknown

9

Voluntary

Part B

Notes

| 1. | Human consumption: all fishery products which are sold at first sale for human consumption or which are landed under contract or other agreement for human consumption. Excluded are quantities intended for human consumption but which, at the time of first sale, are withdrawn from the market for human consumption owing to market conditions or hygiene regulations or for similar reasons. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Human consumption: all fishery products which are sold at first sale for human consumption or which are landed under contract or other agreement for human consumption. Excluded are quantities intended for human consumption but which, at the time of first sale, are withdrawn from the market for human consumption owing to market conditions or hygiene regulations or for similar reasons.

| 2. | Industrial uses: all fishery products specifically landed for reduction to meal and oil for consumption by animals, and quantities which, although originally intended for human consumption, are not sold for that purpose at first sale. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Industrial uses: all fishery products specifically landed for reduction to meal and oil for consumption by animals, and quantities which, although originally intended for human consumption, are not sold for that purpose at first sale.

| 3. | Withdrawn from the market: the quantities which originally were intended for human consumption but which, at the time of first sale, are withdrawn from the market owing to market conditions or hygiene regulations or for similar reasons. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Withdrawn from the market: the quantities which originally were intended for human consumption but which, at the time of first sale, are withdrawn from the market owing to market conditions or hygiene regulations or for similar reasons.

| 4. | Bait: quantities of fresh fish which are intended to be used as bait in other fishing activities. An example is the bait used in tuna pole and line fisheries. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Bait: quantities of fresh fish which are intended to be used as bait in other fishing activities. An example is the bait used in tuna pole and line fisheries.

| 5. | Animal feed: the quantities of fresh fish intended to be fed direct to animals. Excluded are quantities intended for processing to fish meal and oil. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Animal feed: the quantities of fresh fish intended to be fed direct to animals. Excluded are quantities intended for processing to fish meal and oil.

| 6. | Waste: fish or parts thereof which due to their state are to be destroyed prior to landing. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Waste: fish or parts thereof which due to their state are to be destroyed prior to landing.

| 7. | Intended use unknown: quantities of fish which cannot be assigned to any of the above categories. |
| --- | --- |

7.

Intended use unknown: quantities of fish which cannot be assigned to any of the above categories.

---

STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL'S REASONS

I.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | The Commission adopted its proposal (1) on 11 November 2005 with the aim of replacing the existing fishery products statistics Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91, in order to improve the use of the data collected while at the same time reducing the workload on Member States. The proposal was examined and discussed in the Council's preparatory bodies under successive Presidencies. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission adopted its proposal (1) on 11 November 2005 with the aim of replacing the existing fishery products statistics Regulation (EEC) No 1382/91, in order to improve the use of the data collected while at the same time reducing the workload on Member States. The proposal was examined and discussed in the Council's preparatory bodies under successive Presidencies.

| 2. | The European Parliament adopted its Opinion at first reading on 15 June 2006. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The European Parliament adopted its Opinion at first reading on 15 June 2006.

| 3. | The Council adopted its common position in accordance with Article 251 of the EC Treaty on 14 November 2006. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Council adopted its common position in accordance with Article 251 of the EC Treaty on 14 November 2006.

II.   OBJECTIVE

The objective of the draft Regulation is to provide for the submission by the Member States of harmonised data on the quantity and the value of landings of fishery products on their territories to permit analyses of the market for fishery products and more general economic analyses of the situation in fisheries.

III.   ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON POSITION

1.   General context

An agreement at fist reading was reached on this dossier in June 2006 (PE-CONS 3628/06).

On 17 July 2006, the Council adopted Decision 2006/512/EC amending Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission and introducing a new procedure named ‘regulatory procedure with scrutiny’ (Article 5a).

The new Committee procedure has to be followed to adopt measures of general scope which seek to amend non-essential elements of a basic instrument adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty, inter alia by deleting some of those elements or by supplementing the instrument by the addition of new non-essential elements.

2.   Adaptations introduced by the Council

The draft Regulation refers to the Committee management procedure for adopting measures relating to technical adaptation of the annexes. However, since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of the Regulation, they should be adopted in accordance with the new regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC.

Due to the urgency of the matter, it will be necessary that the adoption of this Regulation by the Parliament and the Council take place by December 2006.

3.   The Commission has accepted the common position agreed by the Council.

---

(1)  COM(2005) 566 final.

---

| 12.12.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 301/94 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.12.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 301/94

---

COMMON POSITION (EC) No 30/2006

adopted by the Council on 14 November 2006

with a view to the adoption of Decision No .../2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008)

(2006/C 301 E/04)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the first indent of Article 151(5) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3),

Whereas:

| (1) | The Treaty establishing the European Community gives it the task of creating an ever closer union between the peoples of Europe and of contributing to the flowering of the cultures of Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and also highlighting their common cultural heritage. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Treaty establishing the European Community gives it the task of creating an ever closer union between the peoples of Europe and of contributing to the flowering of the cultures of Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and also highlighting their common cultural heritage.

| (2) | The combined effect of the successive enlargements of the European Union (EU), the increased mobility resulting from the single market, old and new migratory flows, more significant exchanges with the rest of the world through trade, education, leisure and globalisation in general, is increasing interactions between European citizens, and all those living in the EU, and the various cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions in Europe and beyond. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The combined effect of the successive enlargements of the European Union (EU), the increased mobility resulting from the single market, old and new migratory flows, more significant exchanges with the rest of the world through trade, education, leisure and globalisation in general, is increasing interactions between European citizens, and all those living in the EU, and the various cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions in Europe and beyond.

| (3) | European citizens, and all those living in the EU temporarily or permanently, should therefore have the opportunity to take part in intercultural dialogue and fulfil their potential in a diverse, pluralist, solidarity-based and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

European citizens, and all those living in the EU temporarily or permanently, should therefore have the opportunity to take part in intercultural dialogue and fulfil their potential in a diverse, pluralist, solidarity-based and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world.

| (4) | At the heart of the European project, it is important to provide the means for intercultural dialogue and dialogue between citizens to strengthen respect for cultural diversity and deal with the complex reality in our societies and the coexistence of different cultural identities and beliefs. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the contribution of different cultures to the Member States' heritage and way of life and to recognise that culture and intercultural dialogue are essential for learning to live together in harmony. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

At the heart of the European project, it is important to provide the means for intercultural dialogue and dialogue between citizens to strengthen respect for cultural diversity and deal with the complex reality in our societies and the coexistence of different cultural identities and beliefs. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the contribution of different cultures to the Member States' heritage and way of life and to recognise that culture and intercultural dialogue are essential for learning to live together in harmony.

| (5) | Intercultural dialogue thus contributes towards achieving a number of the EU's strategic priorities, in particular by:






  — | respecting and promoting cultural diversity in Europe, improving coexistence and encouraging active European citizenship open to the world and based on the common values in the EU, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(5)

Intercultural dialogue thus contributes towards achieving a number of the EU's strategic priorities, in particular by:

—

respecting and promoting cultural diversity in Europe, improving coexistence and encouraging active European citizenship open to the world and based on the common values in the EU,

| — | contributing to ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimination within the EU by including the renewed Lisbon strategy, for which the knowledge-based economy requires people capable of adapting to changes and benefiting from all possible sources of innovation in order to increase prosperity, |
| --- | --- |

—

contributing to ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimination within the EU by including the renewed Lisbon strategy, for which the knowledge-based economy requires people capable of adapting to changes and benefiting from all possible sources of innovation in order to increase prosperity,

| — | emphasising the cultural and educational dimension of the renewed Lisbon strategy and, in so doing, stimulating the cultural and creative economy in the EU, which generates growth and creates jobs, |
| --- | --- |

—

emphasising the cultural and educational dimension of the renewed Lisbon strategy and, in so doing, stimulating the cultural and creative economy in the EU, which generates growth and creates jobs,

| — | supporting the EU's commitment to solidarity, social justice, the development of a social market economy, cooperation and greater cohesion in the respect of its common values, |
| --- | --- |

—

supporting the EU's commitment to solidarity, social justice, the development of a social market economy, cooperation and greater cohesion in the respect of its common values,

| — | enabling the EU to make its voice better heard in the world and to forge effective partnerships with countries in its neighbourhood, thus extending a zone of stability, democracy and common prosperity beyond the EU, and thereby increasing the well-being and security of European citizens and all those living in the EU. |
| --- | --- |

—

enabling the EU to make its voice better heard in the world and to forge effective partnerships with countries in its neighbourhood, thus extending a zone of stability, democracy and common prosperity beyond the EU, and thereby increasing the well-being and security of European citizens and all those living in the EU.

| (6) | Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of the structural funds, education, lifelong learning, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, gender equality, employment and social affairs, combating discrimination and social exclusion, combating racism and xenophobia, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, human rights and sustainable development, audiovisual policy and research. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Intercultural dialogue is an important dimension in many Community policies and instruments in the fields of the structural funds, education, lifelong learning, youth, culture, citizenship and sport, gender equality, employment and social affairs, combating discrimination and social exclusion, combating racism and xenophobia, policy on asylum and the integration of immigrants, human rights and sustainable development, audiovisual policy and research.

| (7) | It is also an increasing factor in the EU's external relations, particularly with regard to accession and candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans, the candidate countries for association agreements with the EU and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy and other third countries, particularly developing countries. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

It is also an increasing factor in the EU's external relations, particularly with regard to accession and candidate countries, the countries of the western Balkans, the candidate countries for association agreements with the EU and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy and other third countries, particularly developing countries.

| (8) | Building on the basis of Community experiences and initiatives, a fundamental step is promoting the participation of each citizen, men and women on an equal footing, of each Member State and of European society as a whole in an intercultural dialogue, in particular through the structured cooperation with civil society. It contributes to creating a sense of European identity, by embracing differences and shaping the various aspects of belonging to a community. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Building on the basis of Community experiences and initiatives, a fundamental step is promoting the participation of each citizen, men and women on an equal footing, of each Member State and of European society as a whole in an intercultural dialogue, in particular through the structured cooperation with civil society. It contributes to creating a sense of European identity, by embracing differences and shaping the various aspects of belonging to a community.

| (9) | For the purpose of the present Decision, the notion of ‘active European citizenship’ should not cover only citizens of the EU as defined in Article 17 of the EC Treaty, but any individual living permanently or temporarily in the EU. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

For the purpose of the present Decision, the notion of ‘active European citizenship’ should not cover only citizens of the EU as defined in Article 17 of the EC Treaty, but any individual living permanently or temporarily in the EU.

| (10) | The common values of the EU are those defined in Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The common values of the EU are those defined in Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union.

| (11) | It is essential to ensure complementarity and a horizontal approach in all Community, national, regional and local actions with a strong intercultural dialogue dimension, given that the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue will help to raise their profile and increase their coherence. The planning of these actions, both at Community and national level, shall take on board, where relevant, the experience gained from actions under the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007). |
| --- | --- |

(11)

It is essential to ensure complementarity and a horizontal approach in all Community, national, regional and local actions with a strong intercultural dialogue dimension, given that the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue will help to raise their profile and increase their coherence. The planning of these actions, both at Community and national level, shall take on board, where relevant, the experience gained from actions under the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007).

| (12) | The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue should also contribute to integrating intercultural dialogue as a horizontal and trans-sectoral priority into Community policies, actions and programmes and to identify and share best practices in its promotion. Visible recognition of best practices and projects in the field of intercultural dialogue will encourage stakeholders and promote the idea among civil society. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue should also contribute to integrating intercultural dialogue as a horizontal and trans-sectoral priority into Community policies, actions and programmes and to identify and share best practices in its promotion. Visible recognition of best practices and projects in the field of intercultural dialogue will encourage stakeholders and promote the idea among civil society.

| (13) | Cooperation with other international institutions such as the Council of Europe and UNESCO could be developed as appropriate, in particular to take into account their experience and expertise in promoting intercultural dialogue. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Cooperation with other international institutions such as the Council of Europe and UNESCO could be developed as appropriate, in particular to take into account their experience and expertise in promoting intercultural dialogue.

| (14) | It will also be important to ensure complementarity between the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and all external aspects of promoting intercultural dialogue initiatives developed within appropriate frameworks, including with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. It will also be important to ensure complementarity with any other cooperation initiative with third countries, in particular developing countries, which is relevant to the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

It will also be important to ensure complementarity between the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and all external aspects of promoting intercultural dialogue initiatives developed within appropriate frameworks, including with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy. It will also be important to ensure complementarity with any other cooperation initiative with third countries, in particular developing countries, which is relevant to the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

| (15) | Actions of intercultural dialogue to be developed within relevant external relations instruments should inter alia reflect the mutual interest associated with the exchange of experiences and values with third countries and promote mutual knowledge, respect and understanding of their respective cultures. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Actions of intercultural dialogue to be developed within relevant external relations instruments should inter alia reflect the mutual interest associated with the exchange of experiences and values with third countries and promote mutual knowledge, respect and understanding of their respective cultures.

| (16) | This Decision is addressed to the Member States. The candidate countries should nevertheless be closely associated with actions under the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue through initiatives to promote developing intercultural dialogue within the relevant frameworks for cooperation and dialogue, particularly in the context of the civil society dialogue between the EU and these countries (4). |
| --- | --- |

(16)

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. The candidate countries should nevertheless be closely associated with actions under the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue through initiatives to promote developing intercultural dialogue within the relevant frameworks for cooperation and dialogue, particularly in the context of the civil society dialogue between the EU and these countries (4).

| (17) | This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the action, a financial envelope constituting the prime reference for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (5). |
| --- | --- |

(17)

This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the action, a financial envelope constituting the prime reference for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (5).

| (18) | The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (6). An advisory committee is thus considered appropriate to the type and scale of the action envisaged. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (6). An advisory committee is thus considered appropriate to the type and scale of the action envisaged.

| (19) | Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the need, in particular, for multilateral partnerships and transnational exchanges on a Community scale, be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives, |
| --- | --- |

(19)

Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the need, in particular, for multilateral partnerships and transnational exchanges on a Community scale, be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Subject

The year 2008 shall be designated as the ‘European Year of Intercultural Dialogue’ to contribute to giving expression and a high profile to a sustained process of intercultural dialogue which will continue beyond that year.

Article 2

Objectives

1.   The overall objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue shall be to contribute to:

| — | promoting intercultural dialogue as a process in which all those living in the EU can improve their ability to deal with a more open, but also more complex, cultural environment, where, in different Member States as well as within each Member State, different cultural identities and beliefs coexist, |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting intercultural dialogue as a process in which all those living in the EU can improve their ability to deal with a more open, but also more complex, cultural environment, where, in different Member States as well as within each Member State, different cultural identities and beliefs coexist,

| — | highlighting intercultural dialogue as an opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world, |
| --- | --- |

—

highlighting intercultural dialogue as an opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world,

| — | raising the awareness of all those living in the EU, in particular young people, of the importance of developing an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on common values in the EU as laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

raising the awareness of all those living in the EU, in particular young people, of the importance of developing an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on common values in the EU as laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

| — | highlighting the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity to the heritage and ways of life of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

—

highlighting the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity to the heritage and ways of life of the Member States.

2.   The specific objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue shall be to:

| — | seek to raise the awareness of all those living in the EU, in particular young people, of the importance of engaging in intercultural dialogue in their daily life, |
| --- | --- |

—

seek to raise the awareness of all those living in the EU, in particular young people, of the importance of engaging in intercultural dialogue in their daily life,

| — | work to identify, share and give a visible European recognition to best practices in promoting intercultural dialogue throughout the EU, especially among young people and children, |
| --- | --- |

—

work to identify, share and give a visible European recognition to best practices in promoting intercultural dialogue throughout the EU, especially among young people and children,

| — | foster the role of education as an important medium for teaching about diversity, increase the understanding of other cultures and developing skills and best social practices, and highlight the central role of the media in promoting the principle of equality and mutual understanding, |
| --- | --- |

—

foster the role of education as an important medium for teaching about diversity, increase the understanding of other cultures and developing skills and best social practices, and highlight the central role of the media in promoting the principle of equality and mutual understanding,

| — | raise the profile, increase the coherence of and promote all Community programmes and actions contributing to intercultural dialogue and ensure their continuity, |
| --- | --- |

—

raise the profile, increase the coherence of and promote all Community programmes and actions contributing to intercultural dialogue and ensure their continuity,

| — | contribute to exploring new approaches to intercultural dialogue involving cooperation between a wide range of stakeholders from different sectors. |
| --- | --- |

—

contribute to exploring new approaches to intercultural dialogue involving cooperation between a wide range of stakeholders from different sectors.

Article 3

Content of measures

The measures taken in order to achieve the objectives defined in Article 2 are set out in the Annex.

They shall include the implementation of the following activities or the granting of support thereto:

| (a) | events and initiatives on a European scale aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, through involving directly or otherwise reaching as many people as possible, and highlighting achievements and experiences on the theme of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

events and initiatives on a European scale aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue, through involving directly or otherwise reaching as many people as possible, and highlighting achievements and experiences on the theme of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue;

| (b) | events and initiatives at national level and regional level with a strong European dimension aimed at promoting the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, through directly involving or otherwise reaching as many people as possible, with particular attention being given to actions relating to civic education and learning to appreciate other people and their differences; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

events and initiatives at national level and regional level with a strong European dimension aimed at promoting the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, through directly involving or otherwise reaching as many people as possible, with particular attention being given to actions relating to civic education and learning to appreciate other people and their differences;

| (c) | information and promotion campaigns, particularly in cooperation with the media and civil society organisations at Community and national level to disseminate the key messages concerning the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and the recognition of best practices, especially among young people and children; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

information and promotion campaigns, particularly in cooperation with the media and civil society organisations at Community and national level to disseminate the key messages concerning the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and the recognition of best practices, especially among young people and children;

| (d) | surveys and studies on a Community or national scale and consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders to assess and report on the preparation for, and the effectiveness and impact of, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in order to lay the basis for its long-term follow-up. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

surveys and studies on a Community or national scale and consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders to assess and report on the preparation for, and the effectiveness and impact of, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in order to lay the basis for its long-term follow-up.

Article 4

Cooperation by the Member States

Each Member State shall appoint a national coordination body, or an equivalent administrative body, responsible for organising that Member State's participation in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. It shall inform the Commission of that appointment within one month of the adoption of this Decision.

Each Member State shall ensure that the aforementioned body involve in an appropriate manner the various parties to intercultural dialogue at national, regional and local level.

The aforementioned body shall ensure the coordination, at national level, of actions relating to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

Article 5

Implementation

1.   The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 6(2).

2.   Special attention shall be paid to cooperation with the European institutions, in particular the European Parliament.

Article 6

Committee

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee.

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

3.   The Committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure.

4.   The national representatives to the Committee shall be appointed preferably by the national coordination body referred to in Article 4.

Article 7

Financial provisions

1.   Measures which are Community-wide, referred to in part A of the Annex, may be subsidised up to 80 % of their total cost from the general budget of the European Union.

2.   The measures referred to in part B of the Annex may be subsidised up to 50 % of their total cost from the general budget of the European Union in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 8.

3.   Measures which are Community-wide, referred to in part C of the Annex, shall give rise to a procurement contract or the award of grants financed from the general budget of the European Union.

Article 8

Application and selection procedure

1.   Decisions on the awarding of grants shall be taken by the Commission in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 6(2). The Commission shall ensure a balanced and fair distribution between the Member States and among the different fields of activity involved, while taking into consideration the quality of the projects proposed.

2.   Grant applications presented under Article 7(3) shall be submitted to the Commission by the body referred to in Article 4.

Article 9

International organisations

For the purposes of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Commission may cooperate with appropriate international organisations, in particular with the Council of Europe and UNESCO, taking great care to ensure the visibility of the EU's participation.

Article 10

Role of the Commission

1.   The Commission shall ensure coherence between the measures laid down in this Decision and other Community actions and initiatives.

2.   The Commission shall endeavour to involve the candidate countries in the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, on the basis of their participation in a number of Community programmes including an intercultural dialogue dimension and by developing specific initiatives in appropriate frameworks, particularly in the context of civil society dialogue between the EU and candidate countries.

3.   The Commission shall ensure complementarity between the measures taken to achieve the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and initiatives likely to be developed within the relevant cooperation and dialogue frameworks with those EFTA countries which are party to the EEA agreement, the countries of the western Balkans and the partner countries of the European neighbourhood policy.

4.   The Commission shall also ensure complementarity with any other initiative of cooperation with third countries, in particular developing countries, relevant for the objectives of intercultural dialogue of the European Year.

Article 11

Budget

The financial envelope for the implementation of this Decision for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2008 is EUR 10 000 000. Preparatory action shall be limited to 30 % of the overall budget.

Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework.

Article 12

Protection of the Community's financial interests

1.   The Commission shall ensure that, when actions financed under this Decision are implemented, the financial interests of the Community are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and by the recovery of the amounts unduly paid and, if irregularities are detected, by effective, proportional and dissuasive penalties, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (7), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (8) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Antifraud Office (OLAF) (9).

2.   With regard to the Community actions financed under this Decision, the notion of irregularity referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 shall mean any infringement of a provision of Community law or any infringement of a contractual obligation resulting from an act or omission by an economic operator which has, or would have, the effect of prejudicing the general budget of the European Union or budgets managed by the Communities, by an unjustified item of expenditure.

3.   The Commission shall reduce, suspend or recover the amount of financial assistance granted for an action if it finds irregularities, particularly non-compliance with the provisions of this Decision, the individual decision or the contract granting the financial support in question, or if it transpires that, without Commission approval having being sought, the action has been subjected to significant change which conflicts with its nature or with its implementing conditions.

4.   If the time limits have not been observed or if only part of the allocated financial assistance is justified by the progress made with implementing an action, the Commission shall request the beneficiary to submit observations within a specified period. If the beneficiary does not give a satisfactory answer, the Commission may cancel the remaining financial assistance and demand repayment of sums already paid.

5.   Any amount unduly paid shall be repaid to the Commission. Interest shall be added to any sums not repaid in due time under the conditions laid down in Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (10).

Article 13

Supervision

1.   The beneficiary shall submit technical and financial reports on the progress of work for any action financed under this Decision. A final report shall also be submitted within three months of the completion of the action. The Commission shall determine the form and subject-matter of the reports.

2.   For a period of five years following the last payment in respect of any action, the beneficiary of financial assistance shall keep available for the Commission all the supporting documents regarding expenditure on the action.

3.   The Commission shall take every other step necessary to verify that the actions financed are carried out properly and in compliance with the provisions of this Decision and Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

Article 14

Monitoring and evaluation

By 31 December 2009 at the latest, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions a report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the measures laid down in Article 3 to serve as a basis for future EU policies, measures and actions in this field.

Article 15

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 16

Addressees

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, ...

For the European Parliament

The President

...

For the Council

The President

...

---

(1)  OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 42.

1

(2)  OJ C 206, 29.8.2006, p. 44.

2

(3)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 1 June 2006 and Council Decision of ... (not yet published in the Official Journal).

3

(4)  See Commission communication of 29 June 2005 to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on civil society dialogue between the EU and candidate countries.

4

(5)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

5

(6)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

6

(7)  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

7

(8)  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

8

(9)  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

9

(10)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

10

---

ANNEX

MEASURES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3

A.   Co-financing of actions on a community scale

A limited number of emblematic actions on a European scale aimed at raising awareness, particularly among young people, of the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue may receive a Community grant of up to 80 % of the total cost.

These actions may consist of particular events, including a Community event to open and close the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in cooperation with the Presidencies in office during 2008.

As an indication, approximately 30 % of the total budget allocated will be devoted to these actions.

B.   Co-financing of actions on a national scale

Actions at national level with a strong European dimension may fulfil the conditions for receiving Community aid of up to 50 % of the total cost.

These actions may relate in particular to the cofinancing of one national initiative per Member State.

As an indication, approximately 30 % of the total budget allocated will be devoted to these actions.

C.   Actions on a community scale

| 1. | Information and promotion actions including:






  (a) | an information campaign coordinated at Community level and articulated in the Member States, building on best practices of intercultural dialogue at all levels; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Information and promotion actions including:

(a)

an information campaign coordinated at Community level and articulated in the Member States, building on best practices of intercultural dialogue at all levels;

| (b) | cooperation with the private sector, the media, educational institutions and other partners from the civil society to disseminate information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

cooperation with the private sector, the media, educational institutions and other partners from the civil society to disseminate information on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue;

| (c) | the design of a logo and slogans for use in connection with any activity linked to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and the production of promotional tools to be made available throughout the Community; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the design of a logo and slogans for use in connection with any activity linked to the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and the production of promotional tools to be made available throughout the Community;

| (d) | appropriate measures for publicising the results and raising the profile of Community programmes, actions and initiatives contributing to the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and to provide a European recognition to best practices, especially among young people and children; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

appropriate measures for publicising the results and raising the profile of Community programmes, actions and initiatives contributing to the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and to provide a European recognition to best practices, especially among young people and children;

| (e) | the dissemination, of teaching materials and tools primarily intended for educational institutions, promoting exchanges on cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

the dissemination, of teaching materials and tools primarily intended for educational institutions, promoting exchanges on cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue;

| (f) | the establishment of a web portal to make actions in the field of intercultural dialogue accessible to the general public and to guide promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue through the various relevant Community programmes and actions. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

the establishment of a web portal to make actions in the field of intercultural dialogue accessible to the general public and to guide promoters of projects relating to intercultural dialogue through the various relevant Community programmes and actions.

| 2. | Other actions:
  Surveys, studies at Community level and consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders to assess, and report on, the preparation for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in order to lay the basis for its long-term follow-up. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Other actions:

Surveys, studies at Community level and consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders to assess, and report on, the preparation for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in order to lay the basis for its long-term follow-up.

| 3. | Financing will generally take the form of direct purchase of goods and services by means of open and/or restricted invitations to tender. It may also take the form of grants.
  The financial resources dedicated to Heading C shall not exceed 40 % of the total budget allocated. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Financing will generally take the form of direct purchase of goods and services by means of open and/or restricted invitations to tender. It may also take the form of grants.

The financial resources dedicated to Heading C shall not exceed 40 % of the total budget allocated.

D.   Actions receiving non-financial community support

The Community will grant non-financial support, including written authorisation to use the logo, once developed, and other materials associated with the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, in initiatives from public or private organisations, in so far as the latter may provide assurances to the Commission that the initiatives in question are or will be carried out during 2008 and are likely to make a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Initiatives organised in third countries in association or cooperation with the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, without being supported financially by it, may also receive non-financial support from the Community and use the logo and other materials associated with the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

---

STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL'S REASONS

I.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | On 6 October 2005 the Commission submitted to the European Parliament and to the Council a proposal for a Decision, based on Article 151 of the EC Treaty, to designate 2008 as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 6 October 2005 the Commission submitted to the European Parliament and to the Council a proposal for a Decision, based on Article 151 of the EC Treaty, to designate 2008 as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

| 2. | The European Economic and Social Committee delivered its opinion on 20 April 2006 and the Committee of the Regions gave its opinion on 27 April 2006. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The European Economic and Social Committee delivered its opinion on 20 April 2006 and the Committee of the Regions gave its opinion on 27 April 2006.

| 3. | The European Parliament delivered its opinion at first reading on 1st June 2006. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The European Parliament delivered its opinion at first reading on 1st June 2006.

| 4. | The Commission submitted an amended proposal on 7 September 2006. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Commission submitted an amended proposal on 7 September 2006.

| 5. | On 14 November 2006, the Council adopted its common position in accordance with Article 251 (2) of the EC Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

5.

On 14 November 2006, the Council adopted its common position in accordance with Article 251 (2) of the EC Treaty.

II.   OBJECTIVE

The proposal aims to declare 2008 the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Intercultural dialogue being closely linked to the fundamental ambition underlying the construction of Europe, namely to bring together the peoples of Europe, a European Year devoted to intercultural dialogue will constitute a unique awareness-raising tool for affirming this priority and involving citizens.

The overall objectives of the Year are to contribute to:

| — | promoting intercultural dialogue as a process in which all those living in the EU can improve their ability to deal with a more open, but also more complex, cultural environment, where, in different Member States as well as within each Member State, different cultural identities and beliefs coexist, |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting intercultural dialogue as a process in which all those living in the EU can improve their ability to deal with a more open, but also more complex, cultural environment, where, in different Member States as well as within each Member State, different cultural identities and beliefs coexist,

| — | highlighting intercultural dialogue as an opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world, |
| --- | --- |

—

highlighting intercultural dialogue as an opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a diverse and dynamic society, not only in Europe but also in the world,

| — | raising the awareness of all those living in the EU, in particular young people, of the importance of developing an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on common values in the EU as laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

raising the awareness of all those living in the EU, in particular young people, of the importance of developing an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respects cultural diversity and is based on common values in the EU as laid down in Article 6 of the EU Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

| — | highlighting the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity to the heritage and ways of life of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

—

highlighting the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity to the heritage and ways of life of the Member States.

The activities of the Year will be developed around three types of action:

| — | cofinancing (up to 80 %of the total cost) of actions on a community scale aiming at raising awareness of the objectives of the Year, particularly among young people; |
| --- | --- |

—

cofinancing (up to 80 %of the total cost) of actions on a community scale aiming at raising awareness of the objectives of the Year, particularly among young people;

| — | cofinancing (up to 50 % of the total cost) of actions on a national scale with a strong European dimension; |
| --- | --- |

—

cofinancing (up to 50 % of the total cost) of actions on a national scale with a strong European dimension;

| — | actions on a Community scale, including information and promotion activities, and surveys, studies and consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders to assess the preparation for and impact of the Year. |
| --- | --- |

—

actions on a Community scale, including information and promotion activities, and surveys, studies and consultation with transnational networks and civil society stakeholders to assess the preparation for and impact of the Year.

The budget for the Year is set at 10 million Euros.

III.   ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON POSITION

1.   General comments

The Council's common position retains the main elements of the Commission's original proposal and is fully in line with the Commission's amended proposal.

2.   European Parliament amendments

The Council has sought in its common position to take account of the European Parliament's concerns and priorities and was able to accept most of Parliament's amendments. Out of the 46 amendments voted by the EP, the Council accepted in full, in part or in principle 33 amendments.

A number of informal contacts took place between the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission during tripartite meetings with a view to reaching an early agreement with the EP. The Council took on board the main concerns of the EP and understands that the text of the common position could be acceptable to the EP.

In addition to a number of amendments improving the drafting of the Decision, or incorporating references to relevant policies or processes, the Council incorporated, in full or in part, the following amendments, introducing substantial changes regarding the implementation of the Year:

Amendments 4 and 5 underlining the cultural and educational dimensions of the renewed Lisbon Strategy and stressing the need to contribute to ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimination within the European Union;

Amendments 8 and 9 referring to gender equality;

Amendment 29 underlining links between the Year of intercultural dialogue and the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007);

Amendments 11 and 34 mentioning explicitly cooperation with the Council of Europe and UNESCO with in the context of the Year;

Amendments 14, 21 and 36 aiming at ensuring continuity and long-term follow-up to the Year;

Amendments 15 and 25 which introduce a reference to religious diversity;

Amendments 19 and 39 stressing the importance of education in promoting intercultural dialogue;

Amendments 20 and 41 on recognition of best practices;

Amendments 27 and 30 emphasizing the regional and local level;

Amendments 28 and 42 underlining the need to consult trans-national networks and civil society;

Amendment 32 on cooperation with other institutions, notably the European Parliament.

Regarding the allocation of financial resources, the Council has sought a balanced compromise on the financial resources dedicated to information and promotions campaigns (Amendment 37), with a limitation of 40 % of the overall budget dedicated to actions on a Community scale ( information and promotion activities and other actions) and approximately 30 % of the budget each for cofinancing of actions at Community and at national level. Amendment 35 limiting preparatory actions to 30 % of the budget was also incorporated.

IV.   CONCLUSION

The Council considers that, as a whole, its common position is fully in line with the objectives of the Commission's amended proposal. The Council also considers that it has taken due account of the objectives pursued by the European Parliament in its amendments to the Commission's proposal and looks forward to an agreement with the Parliament in the near future with a view to the early adoption of the Decision.

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| 12.12.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 301/103 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

12.12.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 301/103

---

COMMON POSITION (EC) No 31/2006

adopted by the Council on 14 November 2006

with a view to the adoption of Decision No .../2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... establishing a programme of Community action in the field of consumer policy (2007-2013)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/C 301 E/05)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 153 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3),

Whereas:

| (1) | The Community can contribute to protecting the health, safety and economic and legal interests of citizens through actions in the field of consumer protection. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Community can contribute to protecting the health, safety and economic and legal interests of citizens through actions in the field of consumer protection.

| (2) | It is therefore appropriate to establish a programme of Community action in the field of consumer policy, replacing Decision No 20/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 December 2003 establishing a general framework for financing Community actions in support of consumer policy for the years 2004 to 2007 (4). That Decision should therefore be repealed. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

It is therefore appropriate to establish a programme of Community action in the field of consumer policy, replacing Decision No 20/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 December 2003 establishing a general framework for financing Community actions in support of consumer policy for the years 2004 to 2007 (4). That Decision should therefore be repealed.

| (3) | Integrating consumer interests in all Community policies, in accordance with Article 153 of the Treaty, should be given high priority, together with the consumer policy objectives set out in this programme. Coordination with other Community policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies. In order to promote synergies and avoid duplication, other Community funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Integrating consumer interests in all Community policies, in accordance with Article 153 of the Treaty, should be given high priority, together with the consumer policy objectives set out in this programme. Coordination with other Community policies and programmes is a key part of ensuring that consumer interests are taken fully into account in other policies. In order to promote synergies and avoid duplication, other Community funds and programmes should provide for financial support for the integration of consumer interests in their respective fields.

| (4) | This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial envelope constituting the prime reference, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (5), for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial envelope constituting the prime reference, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (5), for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure.

| (5) | It is of general European interest that the health and safety aspects of services and non-food products and the economic and legal interests of citizens, as well as consumers' interests in the development of standards for products and services, be represented at Community level. Given the particular nature of the organisations concerned, the renewal of Community support for the functioning of such organisations should not be subject to the principle of gradual decrease of the extent of Community support. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

It is of general European interest that the health and safety aspects of services and non-food products and the economic and legal interests of citizens, as well as consumers' interests in the development of standards for products and services, be represented at Community level. Given the particular nature of the organisations concerned, the renewal of Community support for the functioning of such organisations should not be subject to the principle of gradual decrease of the extent of Community support.

| (6) | It is appropriate to ensure a transition between this programme and the programme it replaces, in particular regarding the continuation of multi-annual measures and the evaluation of the previous programme's successes and areas that need more attention. As of 1 January 2014, the technical and administrative assistance appropriations should cover, if necessary, the expenditure related to the management of actions not completed by the end of 2013. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

It is appropriate to ensure a transition between this programme and the programme it replaces, in particular regarding the continuation of multi-annual measures and the evaluation of the previous programme's successes and areas that need more attention. As of 1 January 2014, the technical and administrative assistance appropriations should cover, if necessary, the expenditure related to the management of actions not completed by the end of 2013.

| (7) | The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (6). |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (6).

| (8) | Implementation of the programme should take into account the fact that the internal market will not function properly if consumers are less well protected in some Member States than in others. The programme should therefore focus especially on consumer protection and consumer awareness in the Member States which have acceded on or after 1 May 2004, in order to ensure a level playing field for all Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Implementation of the programme should take into account the fact that the internal market will not function properly if consumers are less well protected in some Member States than in others. The programme should therefore focus especially on consumer protection and consumer awareness in the Member States which have acceded on or after 1 May 2004, in order to ensure a level playing field for all Member States.

| (9) | The Agreement on the European Economic Area (hereinafter referred to as ‘the EEA Agreement’) provides for cooperation in the field of consumer protection between the European Community and its Member States, on the one hand, and the countries of the European Free Trade Association participating in the European Economic Area (hereinafter referred to as ‘the EFTA/EEA countries’), on the other. Provision should also be made to open the programme to participation by other countries, in particular the neighbouring countries of the European Union and countries which are applying for, are candidates for, or are acceding to, membership of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The Agreement on the European Economic Area (hereinafter referred to as ‘the EEA Agreement’) provides for cooperation in the field of consumer protection between the European Community and its Member States, on the one hand, and the countries of the European Free Trade Association participating in the European Economic Area (hereinafter referred to as ‘the EFTA/EEA countries’), on the other. Provision should also be made to open the programme to participation by other countries, in particular the neighbouring countries of the European Union and countries which are applying for, are candidates for, or are acceding to, membership of the European Union.

| (10) | In the context of the implementation of the programme, cooperation with third countries not participating in the programme should be encouraged, taking into account any relevant agreements between those countries and the Community. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

In the context of the implementation of the programme, cooperation with third countries not participating in the programme should be encouraged, taking into account any relevant agreements between those countries and the Community.

| (11) | The value and impact of the measures taken under the programme should be regularly monitored and evaluated, including by independent external evaluators. For the purposes of evaluating consumer policy, measurable objectives should be formulated and indicators developed. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The value and impact of the measures taken under the programme should be regularly monitored and evaluated, including by independent external evaluators. For the purposes of evaluating consumer policy, measurable objectives should be formulated and indicators developed.

| (12) | Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States due to the cross-border nature of the issues involved, and can therefore by reason of the greater potential of Community action efficiently and effectively to protect the health, safety and economic and legal interests of citizens be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives, |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States due to the cross-border nature of the issues involved, and can therefore by reason of the greater potential of Community action efficiently and effectively to protect the health, safety and economic and legal interests of citizens be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives,

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Establishment of the programme

A programme of Community action in the field of consumer policy covering the period from ... (7) to 31 December 2013, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Programme’, is hereby established.

Article 2

Aim and objectives

1.   The aim of the Programme shall be to complement, support and monitor the policies of the Member States and to contribute to protecting the health, safety and economic and legal interests of consumers, as well as to promoting their rights to information, to education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests.

2.   The aim referred to in paragraph 1 shall be pursued through the following objectives:

| (a) | to ensure a high level of consumer protection, notably through improved evidence, better consultation and better representation of consumers' interests; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

to ensure a high level of consumer protection, notably through improved evidence, better consultation and better representation of consumers' interests;

| (b) | to ensure the effective application of consumer protection rules, in particular through enforcement cooperation, information, education and redress. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

to ensure the effective application of consumer protection rules, in particular through enforcement cooperation, information, education and redress.

These objectives shall be achieved through a combination of actions and instruments drawn from the list set out in Annex I according to the priorities set out in the annual work plan referred to in Article 7(2)(a).

Article 3

Funding

1.   The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period from ... (7) to 31 December 2013 is hereby set at EUR 156 800 000 (8).

2.   Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial framework.

Article 4

Financial contributions

1.   Financial contributions by the Community shall not exceed the following levels:

| (a) | 50 % of the costs of actions jointly financed by the Community and one or more Member States, or by the Community and the competent authorities of the third countries participating pursuant to Article 8; except in the case of actions of exceptional utility, the Community contribution to the costs of which shall not exceed 70 %; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

50 % of the costs of actions jointly financed by the Community and one or more Member States, or by the Community and the competent authorities of the third countries participating pursuant to Article 8; except in the case of actions of exceptional utility, the Community contribution to the costs of which shall not exceed 70 %;

| (b) | 85 % of the costs of actions intended to develop integrated European Master Degree courses in consumer issues; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

85 % of the costs of actions intended to develop integrated European Master Degree courses in consumer issues;

| (c) | 50 % of expenditure for the functioning of European consumer organisations; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

50 % of expenditure for the functioning of European consumer organisations;

| (d) | 95 % of expenditure for the functioning of European consumer organisations representing consumer interests in the development of standards for products and services at Community level. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

95 % of expenditure for the functioning of European consumer organisations representing consumer interests in the development of standards for products and services at Community level.

2.   Financial contributions by the Community may take the form of:

| (a) | scholarship grants for individual mobility of teachers and students in the framework of integrated European Master Degree courses in consumer issues. The management of these grants may be entrusted to the Erasmus National Agencies of the Life Long Learning programme; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

scholarship grants for individual mobility of teachers and students in the framework of integrated European Master Degree courses in consumer issues. The management of these grants may be entrusted to the Erasmus National Agencies of the Life Long Learning programme;

| (b) | travel and subsistence allowances for the exchange of enforcement officials. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

travel and subsistence allowances for the exchange of enforcement officials.

3.   The criteria for assessing whether actions exhibit exceptional utility within the meaning of paragraph 1(a) shall be established in advance in the annual work plan. Actions of exceptional utility shall benefit, in particular, consumers from Member States which acceded to the European Union on or after 1 May 2004.

4.   The renewal of financial contributions set out in paragraphs 1(c) and 1(d) shall be exempted from the principle of gradual decrease.

5.   For the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 2, financial contributions by the Community may also be given in the form of flat-rate or lump sum financing where this is suited to the nature of the actions concerned as defined in the annual work plan. In the case of flat-rate or lump sum financing, the percentage limits provided for in paragraph 1 shall not apply, although co-financing is still required.

Article 5

Beneficiaries

The classes of beneficiaries eligible for the financial contributions established in Article 4 are set out in Annex II.

Article 6

Administrative and technical assistance

1.   The financial allocation for the Programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required directly for the management of the Programme and the achievement of its objectives; in particular, studies, meetings, information and publication actions, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the Programme.

2.   The financial allocation for the Programme may also cover technical and administrative assistance expenses necessary to ensure the transition between the Programme and the measures adopted under Decision No 20/2004/EC. If necessary, appropriations may be entered in the budget beyond 2013 to cover these expenses, to enable the management of actions not completed by 31 December 2013.

Article 7

Implementation

1.   The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the Programme.

Actions in pursuit of the aim and objectives set out in Article 2 shall make full use of appropriate available methods of implementation including, in particular, direct or indirect implementation by the Commission on a centralised basis.

2.   The procedure referred to in Article 10(2) shall apply to the adoption of:

| (a) | the annual work plan for the implementation of the Programme, setting out;






  — | priorities and actions to be undertaken, including the allocation of financial resources, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

the annual work plan for the implementation of the Programme, setting out;

—

priorities and actions to be undertaken, including the allocation of financial resources,

| — | selection and award criteria and criteria for the percentage of Community financial contributions, |
| --- | --- |

—

selection and award criteria and criteria for the percentage of Community financial contributions,

| — | use made of flat rate and lump sum financing, and |
| --- | --- |

—

use made of flat rate and lump sum financing, and

| — | the planned timing of calls for tenders, joint actions and calls for proposals; |
| --- | --- |

—

the planned timing of calls for tenders, joint actions and calls for proposals;

| (b) | the arrangements, including selection and award criteria, for the implementation of the actions referred to in Article 4(1)(a). |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the arrangements, including selection and award criteria, for the implementation of the actions referred to in Article 4(1)(a).

3.   The Commission shall inform the Committee referred to in Article 10 of the actions undertaken in the implementation of the Programme.

Article 8

Participation of third countries

The Programme shall be open to the participation of:

| (a) | the EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with the conditions established in the EEA Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the EFTA/EEA countries, in accordance with the conditions established in the EEA Agreement;

| (b) | third countries, in particular countries to which the European Neighbourhood Policy applies, countries that are applying for, are candidates for, or are acceding to, membership of the European Union, and the western Balkan countries included in the stabilisation and association process, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the respective bilateral or multilateral agreements with those countries establishing the general principles for their participation in Community programmes. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

third countries, in particular countries to which the European Neighbourhood Policy applies, countries that are applying for, are candidates for, or are acceding to, membership of the European Union, and the western Balkan countries included in the stabilisation and association process, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the respective bilateral or multilateral agreements with those countries establishing the general principles for their participation in Community programmes.

Article 9

Monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of results

1.   The Commission, in close cooperation with the Member States, shall monitor the implementation of the actions of the Programme in the light of its objectives. It shall report thereon to the Committee referred to in Article 10, and shall keep the European Parliament and the Council informed thereof.

2.   At the request of the Commission, Member States shall submit to it information on the implementation and impact of the Programme.

3.   The Commission shall ensure that the Programme is evaluated three years after its start, and following its end. The Commission shall communicate the results of those evaluations, accompanied by its comments, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

The Commission shall make the results of actions undertaken pursuant to this Decision publicly available.

Article 10

Committee procedure

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee.

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

3.   The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

Article 11

Repeal

Decision No 20/2004/EC is hereby repealed.

Article 12

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at ...,

For the European Parliament

The President

...

For the Council

The President

...

---

(1)  OJ C 88, 11.4.2006, p. 1.

1

(2)  OJ C 192, 16.8.2006, p. 8.

2

(3)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 23 March 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal), Common Position of the Council of 14 November 2006 and Position of the European Parliament of ... (not yet published in the Official Journal).

3

(4)  OJ L 5, 9.1.2004, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision No 786/2004/EC (OJ L 138, 30.4.2004, p. 7).

4

(5)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

5

(6)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision No 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

6

(7)  The date of entry into force of this Decision.

7

(8)  This amount is based on 2004 figures and shall be subject to technical adjustment to take account of inflation.

8

---

ANNEX I

ACTIONS AND INSTRUMENTS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2

Objective I

To ensure a high level of consumer protection, notably through improved evidence, better consultation and better representation of consumers' interests.

Action 1

The collection, exchange, and analysis of data and information that provide an evidence base for the development of consumer policy and for the integration of consumer interests in other Community policies, including:

| 1.1. | Monitoring and assessment of market developments with an impact on the economic and other interests of consumers, including studies, price surveys, surveys of changes in the structure of markets, surveys of consumers and business, collection and analysis of consumer complaints, collection and analysis of data on cross-border business-to-consumer trade and markets. |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

Monitoring and assessment of market developments with an impact on the economic and other interests of consumers, including studies, price surveys, surveys of changes in the structure of markets, surveys of consumers and business, collection and analysis of consumer complaints, collection and analysis of data on cross-border business-to-consumer trade and markets.

| 1.2. | Development and maintenance of databases. |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

Development and maintenance of databases.

| 1.3. | Collection and analysis of statistical and other relevant evidence, the statistical element of which will be developed using as appropriate the Community Statistical Programme. |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

Collection and analysis of statistical and other relevant evidence, the statistical element of which will be developed using as appropriate the Community Statistical Programme.

Action 2

The collection, exchange, analysis of data and information, and development of assessment tools that provide an evidence base on the safety of consumer goods and services, including consumer exposure to chemicals released from products, risks and injuries in relation to specific consumer products and services, and technical analysis of alert notifications.

Action 3

Support for scientific advice and risk evaluation, including the tasks of the independent scientific committees established by Commission Decision 2004/210/EC of 3 March 2004 setting up Scientific Committees in the field of consumer safety, public health and the environment (1).

Action 4

Preparation of legislative and other regulatory initiatives and promotion of co-regulatory and self-regulatory initiatives, including:

| 4.1. | Legal and technical expertise, including studies, in relation to regulation and its impact. |
| --- | --- |

4.1.

Legal and technical expertise, including studies, in relation to regulation and its impact.

| 4.2. | Legal and technical expertise, including studies, in relation to policy development on the safety of products and services and the economic and legal interests of consumers. |
| --- | --- |

4.2.

Legal and technical expertise, including studies, in relation to policy development on the safety of products and services and the economic and legal interests of consumers.

| 4.3. | Legal and technical expertise, including studies, in relation to assessment of the need for product safety standards and the drafting of standardisation mandates for products and services. |
| --- | --- |

4.3.

Legal and technical expertise, including studies, in relation to assessment of the need for product safety standards and the drafting of standardisation mandates for products and services.

| 4.4. | Seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings of stakeholders and experts. |
| --- | --- |

4.4.

Seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings of stakeholders and experts.

Action 5

Financial contributions to the functioning of European consumer organisations.

Action 6

Financial contributions to the functioning of European consumer organisations representing consumer interests in the development of standards for products and services at Community level.

Action 7

Capacity building for regional, national and European consumer organisations, notably through training and exchange of best practice and expertise for staff members, in particular for consumer organisations in Member States which acceded to the European Union on or after 1 May 2004.

Objective II

To ensure the effective application of consumer protection rules, in particular through enforcement cooperation, information, education and redress.

Action 8

Actions to improve the effective application of Community consumer protection legislation, in particular Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 December 2001 on general product safety (2) and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws (3), including:

| 8.1. | Actions to improve the coordination of monitoring and enforcement and to improve cooperation between competent authorities, including the development and maintenance of IT tools (e.g. databases, information and communication systems) and the organisation of seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings of stakeholders and experts on enforcement, exchanges of enforcement officials and training, also for members of the judiciary. |
| --- | --- |

8.1.

Actions to improve the coordination of monitoring and enforcement and to improve cooperation between competent authorities, including the development and maintenance of IT tools (e.g. databases, information and communication systems) and the organisation of seminars, conferences, workshops and meetings of stakeholders and experts on enforcement, exchanges of enforcement officials and training, also for members of the judiciary.

| 8.2. | Monitoring and assessment of the safety of non-food products and services, including the reinforcement and extension of the scope and operation of the RAPEX alert system, taking developments in market surveillance information exchange into account, and the further development of the consumer product safety network as provided for in Directive 2001/95/EC. |
| --- | --- |

8.2.

Monitoring and assessment of the safety of non-food products and services, including the reinforcement and extension of the scope and operation of the RAPEX alert system, taking developments in market surveillance information exchange into account, and the further development of the consumer product safety network as provided for in Directive 2001/95/EC.

| 8.3. | Joint monitoring and enforcement actions and other actions in the context of administrative and enforcement cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

8.3.

Joint monitoring and enforcement actions and other actions in the context of administrative and enforcement cooperation.

| 8.4. | Actions for administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries which are not participating in the programme. |
| --- | --- |

8.4.

Actions for administrative and enforcement cooperation with third countries which are not participating in the programme.

Action 9

Legal and technical expertise, including studies, for the monitoring and assessment of the transposition, implementation and enforcement of consumer protection legislation by Member States, notably Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market (4) and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004. This also includes the development and maintenance of easily and publicly accessible databases covering the implementation of Community consumer protection legislation.

Action 10

Actions on information, advice and redress, including:

| 10.1. | Monitoring the functioning of alternative dispute resolution schemes and assessing their impact. |
| --- | --- |

10.1.

Monitoring the functioning of alternative dispute resolution schemes and assessing their impact.

| 10.2. | Financial contributions for joint actions with public or non-profit bodies constituting Community networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution (the European Consumer Centres Network). |
| --- | --- |

10.2.

Financial contributions for joint actions with public or non-profit bodies constituting Community networks which provide information and assistance to consumers to help them exercise their rights and obtain access to appropriate dispute resolution (the European Consumer Centres Network).

| 10.3. | Actions improving communication with EU citizens on consumer issues, especially in Member States which acceded to the European Union on or after 1 May 2004, including publications on issues of interest for consumer policy, provision of information on-line, and actions providing information about consumer protection measures and consumer rights. |
| --- | --- |

10.3.

Actions improving communication with EU citizens on consumer issues, especially in Member States which acceded to the European Union on or after 1 May 2004, including publications on issues of interest for consumer policy, provision of information on-line, and actions providing information about consumer protection measures and consumer rights.

Action 11

Actions on consumer education, including:

| 11.1. | Specific actions targeted at young consumers, old consumers and vulnerable groups of consumers who are clearly less able to defend their interests, and the development of interactive tools for consumer education. |
| --- | --- |

11.1.

Specific actions targeted at young consumers, old consumers and vulnerable groups of consumers who are clearly less able to defend their interests, and the development of interactive tools for consumer education.

| 11.2. | Financial contributions to the development of integrated European Master Degree courses in consumer issues, including a scheme of scholarships enabling students to spend up to six months in a different country. |
| --- | --- |

11.2.

Financial contributions to the development of integrated European Master Degree courses in consumer issues, including a scheme of scholarships enabling students to spend up to six months in a different country.

---

(1)  OJ L 66, 4.3.2004, p. 45.

(2)  OJ L 11, 15.1.2002, p. 4.

(3)  OJ L 364, 9.12.2004, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Directive 2005/29/EC (OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22).

(4)  OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22.

---

ANNEX II

BENEFICIARIES ELIGIBLE FOR THE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ESTABLISHED IN ARTICLE 4

| 1. | The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(1)(a) may be awarded to a public body or a non-profit-making body designated through a transparent procedure by the Member State or the competent authority concerned and agreed by the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(1)(a) may be awarded to a public body or a non-profit-making body designated through a transparent procedure by the Member State or the competent authority concerned and agreed by the Commission.

| 2. | The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(1)(b) may be awarded to higher education institutions of the Member States or third countries participating pursuant to Article 8, as defined in Article 2 of Decision No 2317/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 December 2003 establishing a programme for the enhancement of quality in higher education and the promotion of intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries (Erasmus Mundus) (2004-2008) (1). |
| --- | --- |

2.

The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(1)(b) may be awarded to higher education institutions of the Member States or third countries participating pursuant to Article 8, as defined in Article 2 of Decision No 2317/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 December 2003 establishing a programme for the enhancement of quality in higher education and the promotion of intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries (Erasmus Mundus) (2004-2008) (1).

| 3. | The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(2)(a) may be awarded to students and teachers participating in the integrated European Master Degree courses in consumer issues benefiting from co-financing under Article 4(1)(b). |
| --- | --- |

3.

The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(2)(a) may be awarded to students and teachers participating in the integrated European Master Degree courses in consumer issues benefiting from co-financing under Article 4(1)(b).

| 4. | The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(2)(b) may be awarded to the consumer protection enforcement officials referred to in Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2001/95/EC. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(2)(b) may be awarded to the consumer protection enforcement officials referred to in Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2001/95/EC.

| 5. | The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(1)(c) may be awarded to European consumer organisations which:






  (a) | are non-governmental, non-profit making, independent of industry, commercial and business or other conflicting interests, and have as their primary objectives and activities the promotion and protection of the health, safety and economic and legal interests of consumers in the Community; |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(1)(c) may be awarded to European consumer organisations which:

(a)

are non-governmental, non-profit making, independent of industry, commercial and business or other conflicting interests, and have as their primary objectives and activities the promotion and protection of the health, safety and economic and legal interests of consumers in the Community;

| (b) | have been mandated to represent the interests of consumers at Community level by national consumer organisations in at least half of the Member States that are representative, in accordance with national rules or practice, of consumers and are active at regional or national level; and |
| --- | --- |

(b)

have been mandated to represent the interests of consumers at Community level by national consumer organisations in at least half of the Member States that are representative, in accordance with national rules or practice, of consumers and are active at regional or national level; and

| (c) | have provided to the Commission satisfactory accounts of their membership, internal rules and sources of funding. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

have provided to the Commission satisfactory accounts of their membership, internal rules and sources of funding.

| 6. | The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(1)(d) may be awarded to European consumer organisations which:






  (a) | are non-governmental, non-profit-making, independent of industry, commercial and business or other conflicting interests, and have as their primary objectives and activities to represent consumer interests in the standardisation process at Community level; |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

The financial contributions for actions referred to in Article 4(1)(d) may be awarded to European consumer organisations which:

(a)

are non-governmental, non-profit-making, independent of industry, commercial and business or other conflicting interests, and have as their primary objectives and activities to represent consumer interests in the standardisation process at Community level;

| (b) | have been mandated in at least two thirds of the Member States to represent the interests of consumers at Community level:






  — | by bodies representative, in accordance with national rules or practice, of national consumer organisations in the Member States, or |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

have been mandated in at least two thirds of the Member States to represent the interests of consumers at Community level:

—

by bodies representative, in accordance with national rules or practice, of national consumer organisations in the Member States, or

| — | in the absence of the bodies, referred to in the first indent, by national consumer organisations in the Member States that are representative, in accordance with national rules or practice, of consumers and are active at national level; |
| --- | --- |

—

in the absence of the bodies, referred to in the first indent, by national consumer organisations in the Member States that are representative, in accordance with national rules or practice, of consumers and are active at national level;

| (c) | have provided to the Commission satisfactory accounts of their membership, internal rules and sources of funding. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

have provided to the Commission satisfactory accounts of their membership, internal rules and sources of funding.

---

(1)  OJ L 345, 31.12.2003, p. 1.

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STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL'S REASONS

I.   INTRODUCTION

| 1. | On 15 April 2005, the Commission forwarded to the Council and to the European Parliament a proposal (1) for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council, based on Article 153 of the Treaty, establishing a Programme of Community action in the field of Health and Consumer protection 2007-2013. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 15 April 2005, the Commission forwarded to the Council and to the European Parliament a proposal (1) for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council, based on Article 153 of the Treaty, establishing a Programme of Community action in the field of Health and Consumer protection 2007-2013.

| 2. | The opinions of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions were adopted respectively on 14-15 February 2006 (2) and 16 February 2006 (3). |
| --- | --- |

2.

The opinions of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions were adopted respectively on 14-15 February 2006 (2) and 16 February 2006 (3).

| 3. | The European Parliament first reading Opinion was adopted on 23 March 2006 (4). |
| --- | --- |

3.

The European Parliament first reading Opinion was adopted on 23 March 2006 (4).

| 4. | Following the adoption on 17 May 2006 by the Council and the European Parliament of the Interinstitutional Agreement on the 2007-2013 Financial Perspective, the Commission submitted on 29 May 2006 an amended proposal (5). |
| --- | --- |

4.

Following the adoption on 17 May 2006 by the Council and the European Parliament of the Interinstitutional Agreement on the 2007-2013 Financial Perspective, the Commission submitted on 29 May 2006 an amended proposal (5).

| 5. | On 14 November 2006, the Council adopted its Common Position in accordance with Article 251(2) of the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

5.

On 14 November 2006, the Council adopted its Common Position in accordance with Article 251(2) of the Treaty.

II.   OBJECTIVE

The new programme for Community action in the field of consumer policy for the period 2007-2013 is to replace the current programme established by the Decision No 20/2004/EC. The two key objectives of the programme are to ensure

| — | a high level of consumer protection, notably through improved evidence, better consultation and better representation of consumers' interests (Objective I ), and |
| --- | --- |

—

a high level of consumer protection, notably through improved evidence, better consultation and better representation of consumers' interests (Objective I ), and

| — | the effective application of consumer protection rules notably through enforcement cooperation, information, education and redress (Objective II). |
| --- | --- |

—

the effective application of consumer protection rules notably through enforcement cooperation, information, education and redress (Objective II).

These objectives will be implemented through a combination of 11 actions listed in Annex I that represent a high degree of continuation with respect to the present programme. Concrete priorities and actions, as well as other aspects of the programme's implementation (e.g. allocation of financial resources, selection and award criteria for the percentage of the Community contribution, the planned timing of calls for tenders, the joint actions and the calls for proposals), will be selected annually in the work programme in consultation with the programme Committee.

The total amount of the budget allocated to the programme stands at EUR 138.8 million in 2004 prices (i.e. EUR 156,8 million in current prices).

III.   ANALYSIS OF THE COMMON POSITION

1.   General remarks

In general, the Council has followed the European Parliament's first reading Opinion that was incorporated to a large extent in the Commission's amended proposal. In particular, the Council agreed to the split of the Commission's original proposal into two separate programmes (one in the field of health and one in the field of consumer protection).

The Council also accepted the budget for the Programme proposed by the Commission as mentioned in section II above.

The Commission has accepted the common position agreed by the Council.

2.   European Parliament Amendments

In its plenary vote on 23 March 2006, the European Parliament adopted 56 Amendments to the Commission's initial proposal. The large majority of these amendments were integrated in the Commission's amended proposal with respect of which the Council has not introduced any important changes.

The Council:

| (a) | Introduced in the common position 18 Amendments related to the split of the Commission's original proposal into two separate programmes, as follows:






  (i) | Amendments accepted in full:
  Amendment 2 (on Citation 1);
  Amendment 5 (on Recital 3);
  Amendment 6 (on Recital 4);
  Amendment 7 (on Recital 5): this Recital is now Recital 3;
  Amendment 11 (on Recital 9);
  Amendment 31 (on Annex 1);
  Amendment 32 (on Annex 2); |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

Introduced in the common position 18 Amendments related to the split of the Commission's original proposal into two separate programmes, as follows:

(i)

Amendments accepted in full:

Amendment 2 (on Citation 1);

Amendment 5 (on Recital 3);

Amendment 6 (on Recital 4);

Amendment 7 (on Recital 5): this Recital is now Recital 3;

Amendment 11 (on Recital 9);

Amendment 31 (on Annex 1);

Amendment 32 (on Annex 2);

| (ii) | Amendments reworded or accepted in part:
  Amendment 1 (on Title): the new Title;
  Amendment 3 (on Recital 1): the new wording of Recital 1;
  Amendment 4 (on Recital 2): the new wording of Recital 2;
  Amendment 9 (on Recital 7): the new wording of Recital 1;
  Amendment 15 (on Recital 13): the new wording of Recital 12;
  Amendment 18 (on Article 1): the new wording of Article 1;
  Amendment 19 (on Article 2(1)): partly taken into consideration, with drafting modifications, in the new wording of Article 2(1);
  Amendments 20 and 55 (on Article 2(2)): the thrust of these amendments has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 2(2);
  Amendment 29 (on Article 11): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 11;
  Amendment 40 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 7, new point 7.3a)): the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 3;
  The 7 other Amendments related to the split (27, 30, 46, 45, 51, 52 and 53) were rejected by the Council as a result of the reduced number of objectives in the Commission's amended proposal and the Interinstitutional Agreement on the 2007-2013 Financial Perspective. |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Amendments reworded or accepted in part:

Amendment 1 (on Title): the new Title;

Amendment 3 (on Recital 1): the new wording of Recital 1;

Amendment 4 (on Recital 2): the new wording of Recital 2;

Amendment 9 (on Recital 7): the new wording of Recital 1;

Amendment 15 (on Recital 13): the new wording of Recital 12;

Amendment 18 (on Article 1): the new wording of Article 1;

Amendment 19 (on Article 2(1)): partly taken into consideration, with drafting modifications, in the new wording of Article 2(1);

Amendments 20 and 55 (on Article 2(2)): the thrust of these amendments has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 2(2);

Amendment 29 (on Article 11): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 11;

Amendment 40 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 7, new point 7.3a)): the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 3;

The 7 other Amendments related to the split (27, 30, 46, 45, 51, 52 and 53) were rejected by the Council as a result of the reduced number of objectives in the Commission's amended proposal and the Interinstitutional Agreement on the 2007-2013 Financial Perspective.

| (b) | Introduced in the common position 20 Amendments which were not related to the split of the proposal, as follows:






  (i) | Amendments accepted in full:
  Amendment 34 (on Annex 3, title) this Annex is now Annex I. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

Introduced in the common position 20 Amendments which were not related to the split of the proposal, as follows:

(i)

Amendments accepted in full:

Amendment 34 (on Annex 3, title) this Annex is now Annex I.

| (ii) | Amendments reworded or accepted in part:
  Amendment 8 (on Recital 6): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Recital 5;
  Amendment 10 (on a new Recital 8a)): the new wording of Recital 8;
  Amendment 13 (on Recital 12): the new wording of Recital 11;
  Amendment 16 (on Recital 14): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Recital 6;
  Articles:
  Amendment 21 (on Article 3(2a)): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 4(1a);
  Amendment 22 (on Article 3(2b)): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 4(1c);
  Amendment 23 (on Article 3(2, new point ba)): the new wording of Article 4(1d);
  Amendment 24 (on Article 3, new paragraph 2a): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 4(4);
  Amendment 26 (on Article 3(new paragraph 4a): the new wording of Article 4(3);
  Amendment 28 (on Article 7(1a)): the new wording of Article 7(2a, second indent);
  Annexes:
  Amendment 35 (on Annex III, Objective I, Action 3): the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 2;
  Amendment 41 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 7, new point 7.4a)): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 2;
  Amendment 42 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 7, new point 7.4b)): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 1.1;
  Amendment 43 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 9): the new wording of Annex I, Objective II, Action 9;
  Amendment 44 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 10): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 7;
  Amendment 47 (on Annex III, Objective IV, Action 12): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective II, Action 11.1;
  Amendment 48 (on Annex III, Objective IV, Action 13): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective II, Action 11.1;
  Amendment 50 (on Annex III, Objective IV, new Action 18a)): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 7;
  Amendment 33 (on new Annex IIIa): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the wording of new Annex II. |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

Amendments reworded or accepted in part:

Amendment 8 (on Recital 6): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Recital 5;

Amendment 10 (on a new Recital 8a)): the new wording of Recital 8;

Amendment 13 (on Recital 12): the new wording of Recital 11;

Amendment 16 (on Recital 14): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Recital 6;

Articles:

Amendment 21 (on Article 3(2a)): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 4(1a);

Amendment 22 (on Article 3(2b)): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 4(1c);

Amendment 23 (on Article 3(2, new point ba)): the new wording of Article 4(1d);

Amendment 24 (on Article 3, new paragraph 2a): partly taken into consideration in the new wording of Article 4(4);

Amendment 26 (on Article 3(new paragraph 4a): the new wording of Article 4(3);

Amendment 28 (on Article 7(1a)): the new wording of Article 7(2a, second indent);

Annexes:

Amendment 35 (on Annex III, Objective I, Action 3): the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 2;

Amendment 41 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 7, new point 7.4a)): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 2;

Amendment 42 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 7, new point 7.4b)): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 1.1;

Amendment 43 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 9): the new wording of Annex I, Objective II, Action 9;

Amendment 44 (on Annex III, Objective III, Action 10): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 7;

Amendment 47 (on Annex III, Objective IV, Action 12): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective II, Action 11.1;

Amendment 48 (on Annex III, Objective IV, Action 13): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective II, Action 11.1;

Amendment 50 (on Annex III, Objective IV, new Action 18a)): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the new wording of Annex I, Objective I, Action 7;

Amendment 33 (on new Annex IIIa): the thrust of this amendment has been taken into consideration in the wording of new Annex II.

| (c) | Did not include 18 Amendments (12, 14, 17, 25, 27, 59, 30, 36, 37, 38, 39, 46, 45, 49, 51, 52, 53 and 54) in the common position.
  The Council followed the position expressed by the Commission on these Amendments, except on Amendment 54 which was accepted in full by the Commission but not included in the common position, following the tightening of the definitions of consumer Objectives in the Commission's amended proposal. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Did not include 18 Amendments (12, 14, 17, 25, 27, 59, 30, 36, 37, 38, 39, 46, 45, 49, 51, 52, 53 and 54) in the common position.

The Council followed the position expressed by the Commission on these Amendments, except on Amendment 54 which was accepted in full by the Commission but not included in the common position, following the tightening of the definitions of consumer Objectives in the Commission's amended proposal.

IV.   CONCLUSION

The Council considers that its common position, which incorporates the Amendments mentioned in Sections III.2.(a) and (b), takes good account of the first reading Opinion of the European Parliament.

The common position represents a balance of concerns and interests ensuring that the objectives of the programme could be implemented through a tightened number of actions and instruments as well as more accurate methods and procedures which have been reformulated in line with the European Parliament's first reading Opinion, the Commission's amended proposal and the existing consumer programme (Decision No 20/2004/EC).

It also ensures the protection of the consumer as this Decision will improve the effectiveness of Community actions and make them more visible.

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(1)  8064/05.

(2)  OJ C 88, 11.4.2006, p.1.

(3)  OJ C 192, 16.8.2006, p.8.

(4)  7538/06.

(5)  9909/06.

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