A4-0454/98

Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on 'Preserving the ecosystem' (1998 to 2002)(COM(98)0305 - C4-0436/98 - 98/0180(CNS))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Article 2(1), (2) and (3)

>Original text>

1. In accordance with Annex III to the fifth framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for carrying out the specific programme (hereinafter referred to as the amount) is ECU 2320 million, including a maximum of 6,30% for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

>Text following EP vote>

1.

In accordance with Annex III to the fifth framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for carrying out the specific programme (hereinafter referred to as the amount) is ECU 2 125 million of which 1 083 million for environment and sustainable development and 1 042 million for energy, including a maximum of 6,30% for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

>Original text>

2. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex I.

>Text following EP vote>

2.

An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex I.

>Original text>

3. Of this amount

>Text following EP vote>

3.

Of this amount

>Original text>

- ECU 440 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, and

>Text following EP vote>

-

ECU 223 million for environment and sustainable development and 223 million for energy is for the period 1998 to 1999, and

>Original text>

- ECU 1880 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

>Text following EP vote>

-

ECU 860 million for environment and sustainable development and 819 million for energy is for the period 2000 to 2002.

>Original text>

Where appropriate, the latter figure will be adapted in accordance with Article 3(3) of the fifth framework programme.

>Text following EP vote>

Where appropriate, the latter figure will be adapted in accordance with Article

2 of the fifth framework programme.

(Amendment 2)

Article 2(4)

>Original text>

4. The budgetary authority shall, in compliance with the scientific and technological objectives and priorities laid down in this Decision, set the appropriations for each financial year taking into account the availability of resources within the multiannual financial perspective.

>Text following EP vote>

4.

The budgetary authority shall, in compliance with the scientific and technological objectives laid down in this Decision, set the appropriations for each financial year.

(Amendment 3)

Article 5(1), 2nd subparagraph

>Original text>

The work programme shall be updated where appropriate.

>Text following EP vote>

The work programme shall be updated where appropriate

and shall in any case be reassessed in 2001.

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall publish the work programme and every updated version thereof in paper and electronic form (on the Internet).

(Amendment 4)

Article 5(2a) (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

2a. All calls for tender for RTD will take into account the EU's policies on equal opportunities.

(Amendment 5)

Article 6(3), 3rd indent

>Original text>

- any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex I.

>Text following EP vote>

-

any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex I, if consistent with the allocations laid down annually by the budgetary authority.

(Amendment 6)

Article 7(1)

>Original text>

1. The Programme Committee shall deliver its opinion on the measures referred to in Article 6(3) within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.

>Text following EP vote>

1.

The Programme Committee shall deliver its opinion on the measures referred to in Article 6(3) within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.

The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes: in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes.

>Original text>

The Commission shall adopt the measures envisaged if they are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.

>Original text>

If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commission shall, without delay, submit to the Council a proposal relating to the measures to be taken. The Council shall act by a qualified majority.

If, on expiry of a period of six weeks from the referral of the matter to the Council, the Council has not acted, the proposed measures shall be adopted by the Commission.

>Text following EP vote>

The Committee shall meet as a rule in public, unless a specific duly motivated decision is taken to the contrary and published in good time. It shall publish agendas two weeks in advance of its meetings (also on the Internet). It shall publish minutes of its meetings (also on the Internet). It shall establish a public register of declarations of interest by its members.

These provisions shall be adopted in accordance with the Parliament position on a new act laying down the principles governing European Union committees chaired by the Commission and the implementing powers of the Commission.

(Amendment 7)

Article 7(2)

>Original text>

2. The Commission shall regularly inform the Programme Committee of progress with the implementation of the specific programme, and shall in particular provide it with information about the results of the evaluation and selection of the indirect RTD actions.

>Text following EP vote>

2. Pursuant to Article 5(4) of the Framework Programme the Commission shall regularly inform the Council and the European Parliament as well as the Programme Committee of progress with the implementation of the specific programme, and shall in particular provide them with information about the results of the evaluation and selection of the indirect RTD actions - including the participation of SMEs - and the simplification of administrative procedures.

(Amendment 8)

Article 7a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

Article 7a

The European Communities' financial interests shall be protected in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95(1) on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests.

__________________

(1)OJ L 312, 23.12.1995

(Amendment 9)

ANNEX I

>Original text>

(a) Key Actions 89.7%

(i) sustainable management and

quality of water 15.1%

(ii) global change, climate and

biodiversity 17.2%

(iii) sustainable marine ecosystems 6.5%

(iv) the city of tomorrow and

cultural heritage 8.6%

(v) cleaner energy systems,

including renewables 19.4%

(vi) economic and efficient energy

for a competitive Europe 22.9%

(b) Research and technological

development activities of a generic

nature 6.0%

(c) Support for research

infrastructures 4.3%

Total ECU 2 320 million

>Text following EP vote>

(a) Key Actions 89.7%

(i) sustainable management and

quality of water 15.1%

(ii) global change, climate and

biodiversity 17.2%

(iii) sustainable marine ecosystems 6.5%

(iv) the city of tomorrow and

cultural heritage 8.6%

(v) cleaner energy systems,

including renewables 19.4% *

(vi) economic and efficient energy

for a competitive Europe 22.9% *

(b) Research and technological

development activities of a generic

nature 6.0%

(c) Support for research

infrastructures 4.3%

Total ECU 2 125**/*** million

* Of these amounts, 60% shall be for renewable energies, and of that 75% for demonstration

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

** The Commission shall undertake continuous monitoring of the level of participation of SMEs in research actions and shall take the necessary initiatives in support of SMEs' participation on a suitable and effective basis. Those initiatives may entail, where there are obstacles to SMEs participating in the key actions, the strengthening of specific pro-SME measures (e.g. CRAFT or exploratory awards).

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

*** of which on average 10% for SMEs

(Amendment 10)

ANNEX II, Introduction, Strategic objective of the programme, 3rd paragraph

>Original text>

Europe has established a leading RTD role in many areas - this must be sustained and remain at the cutting edge. In other areas improvements are needed for the future benefit of society, as well as the business and industrial sectors. The RTD and demonstration projects will concentrate through six key actions on tackling the issues of water scarcity and water quality; global change, climate and biodiversity; sustainable integrated management of marine resources, city of tomorrow and cultural heritage, cleaner energy systems including renewable energies and economical and efficient energy for a competitive Europe as well as generic activities concerning the fight against major hazards, the development of earth observation technologies, and socio-economic aspects of environment and energy within the perspective of sustainable development (the impact on society, the economy and employment). Specific attention will also be given to maintaining, improving and providing greater access to European RTD infrastructure and facilities essential for performing cutting-edge research in environmental activities.

>Text following EP vote>

Europe has established a leading RTD role in many areas - this must be sustained and remain at the cutting edge. In other areas improvements are needed for the future benefit of society, as well as the business and industrial sectors. The RTD and demonstration projects will concentrate through six key actions on tackling the issues of

consumption and better use of water and water quality; global change, climate and biodiversity; sustainable integrated management of marine resources, city of tomorrow and cultural heritage, cleaner energy systems including renewable energies and more efficient and cheaper energy for a competitive Europe as well as generic activities concerning the fight against major hazards, the development of earth observation technologies, and socio-economic aspects of environment and energy within the perspective of sustainable development (the impact on society, the economy and employment). Specific attention will also be given to maintaining, improving and providing greater access to European RTD infrastructure and facilities essential for performing cutting-edge research in environmental activities.

(Amendment 11)

ANNEX II, Introduction, Strategic objective of the programme, 4th paragraph

>Original text>

Socio-economic needs:

Society is making increasing demands for better living conditions, better safety, and better use of scarce resources including secure and economic energy supplies and services. Availability of clean energy is of importance in terms of comfort and a high quality environment. Water is of economic and strategic value. Rising population and per-capita use of resources, globalisation of economic markets and natural variability in earth systems are causing or exacerbating major environmental problems. The sea is a highway for Europe's trade and a major resource for tourism, but it is also the ultimate repository for many by-products of human activity. Cities together with their cultural heritage are the centre of social, cultural and economic life for 80% of Europe's citizens. These key societal issues will only be solved if in addition to developing technologies the socio-economic context is appropriately analysed and taken into account.

>Text following EP vote>

Socio-economic needs:

Society is making increasing demands for better living conditions, better safety, and better use of scarce resources including secure and economic energy supplies and services. Availability of clean energy in sufficient quantities is of importance in terms of comfort and a high quality environment. Water is of economic, environmental and social strategic value. Rising population and per-capita use of resources, globalisation of economic markets and natural variability in earth systems are causing or exacerbating major environmental problems. The sea is essential for transport in Europe, a source of numerous resources (water, gas, oil and fisheries and aquaculture products), and a major resource for tourism, but it is also the ultimate repository for many by-products of human activity. Cities together with their cultural heritage are the centre of social, cultural and economic life for 80% of Europe's citizens. These key societal issues will only be solved if in addition to developing technologies the socio-economic context is appropriately analysed and taken into account.

(Amendment 12)

ANNEX II. Introduction, European competitiveness

>Original text>

The promotion of sustainable development will not be possible unless economic objectives relating to technological development, competitiveness and growth are reconciled with societal goals such as quality of life, employment, security, health and a high quality environment. This challenge must be met in the context of significant structural and demographic changes, and globalisation of the economy. Improving our quality of life and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation will contribute to European competitiveness and employment. Secure and economic energy supplies and services are vital for all aspects of economic activity. The need for energy equipment suppliers and operators to be competitive in the global market is vital for employment. Enormous potential will exist for global exploitation from several areas of the programme, strengthening economic competitiveness and creating new jobs such as in the water industry, renewable energy technologies and rational use of energy.

>Text following EP vote>

The promotion of sustainable development will not be possible unless economic objectives relating to technological development, competitiveness and growth are reconciled with societal goals such as quality of life, employment, security, health and a high quality environment. This challenge must be met in the context of significant structural and demographic changes, and globalisation of the economy. Improving our quality of life and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation will contribute to European competitiveness and employment. Secure and economic energy supplies and services are vital for all aspects of economic activity. The need for energy equipment suppliers and operators to be competitive in the global market is vital for employment. Enormous potential will exist for global exploitation from several areas of the programme, strengthening economic competitiveness and creating new jobs such as in the water industry, renewable energy technologies and rational use of energy

and reuse of waste, as well as technologies to improve energy efficiency and the water/energy industries (desalination of sea water with production of electricity and drinking water).

(Amendment 13)

ANNEX II (a)(i) 1st indent

>Original text>

- Development of integrated approaches for the management of water resources and wetlands as well as the development of treatment and purification technologies

>Text following EP vote>

- Development of integrated approaches for the management of water resources and wetlands as well as the development of treatment, disinfection and purification technologies

>Original text>

The aim is to develop the knowledge and the technologies needed for the rational management of water resources; to match water supply with demand and achieve cost-efficiency and sustainability; to improve the science base, methodologies and management tools to provide a better understanding of the phenomena and allow integrated management and sustainable use of water and wetlands at catchment scale, within constraints of availability, environmental quality and socio-economic costs-benefits; to develop technologies to prevent and treat pollution of water bodies, to purify water and to use and/or re-use water rationally (including closed loop approaches and reliability of collection and distribution networks).

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to develop the knowledge and the technologies needed for the rational management of water resources; to match water supply with demand and achieve cost-efficiency and sustainability; to improve the science base, methodologies and management tools to provide a better understanding of the phenomena and allow integrated management and sustainable use of water and wetlands at catchment scale, within constraints of availability, environmental quality and socio-economic costs-benefits; to develop technologies to prevent and treat pollution and the bacterial and pathogen content of water bodies, to recover nutrients, to purify water and to use and/or re-use water rationally (including closed loop approaches and reliability of collection and distribution networks).

>Original text>

RTD priorities: tools and methodologies for cost-effective and sustainable integrated water resources and wetlands management; effective transfer of knowledge and skills to water users; development of real scale applications across Europe with a view to supporting EU policy; optimisation of technologies to treat and purify drinking water and to minimise use and pollution of water; process-integrated treatment of waste water at source; rational re-use of water; application of closed loop technologies.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: tools and methodologies for cost-effective and sustainable integrated water resources and wetlands management; effective transfer of knowledge and skills to water users; development of real scale applications across Europe with a view to supporting EU policy; optimisation of technologies to treat and purify drinking water and to minimise use and pollution of water; process-integrated treatment of waste water at source; rational re-use of water and nutrients; application of closed loop technologies.

(Amendment 14)

Annex II (a)(i) 2nd indent

>Original text>

The aim is to characterise and to assess the state and evolution of the quality and quantity of surface and groundwaters as well as the functioning of aquatic and wetland ecosystems as the basis for more rational management. This will include the development of technologies for assessing and treating pollution originating from contaminated sites and waste disposal sites.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to characterise and to assess the state and evolution of the quality and quantity of surface and groundwaters as well as the functioning of aquatic and wetland ecosystems as the basis for more rational management. This will include the development of technologies for assessing and treating pollution originating from contaminated sites and waste disposal sites.

, including mining and post-mining activities and dumping of effluents in coastal areas.

>Original text>

RTD priorities: improved methods of measuring water quality and quantity and techniques for analysing pollutant flows and development of techniques for integrated assessment of soil pollution treatment methods; predictive models and advanced pollution impact assessment methodologies; updated water quality criteria and indicators for water policies.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: improved methods of measuring water quality and quantity and techniques for analysing pollutant flows and development of techniques for integrated assessment of soil pollution treatment methods; predictive models and dilution models; advanced pollution impact assessment methodologies; updated water quality criteria and indicators used for continental waters in areas of mining and post-mining activities and marine waters in coastal areas for water policies; development of improved technologies for the integrated prevention and monitoring of pollution.

(Amendment 15)

ANNEX II(a)(ii) 2nd indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities: global change scenarios and their impact on terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems and the consequences thereof for food security and resource utilisation; assessment of biodiversity, including losses; assessment of global change and climate change impacts on, and risks to, key sensitive systems or areas; identification and quantification of ecosystem role in biogeochemical cycles; land use modelling, desertification trends.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: global change scenarios and their impact on terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems and the consequences thereof for food security and resource utilisation; assessment of biodiversity, including losses; assessment of global change and climate change impacts on, and risks to, key sensitive systems or areas; identification and quantification of ecosystem role in biogeochemical cycles; land use modelling, desertification trends and the protection of areas at risk from flooding.

(Amendment 16)

ANNEX II(a)(iv) 2nd indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities: products, methodologies and technologies for diagnosis, protection, conservation, restoration and the sustainable exploitation of the European cultural heritage, focusing on promotion of both movable and unmovable cultural assets and the quality of life; measures for protecting cultural heritage against technological and natural hazards; methodologies, including risk assessment, for harmonious and effective integration of cultural heritage into the urban setting.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: products, methodologies and technologies for diagnosis, protection, conservation, restoration and the sustainable use of the European cultural heritage, focusing on promotion of both movable and unmovable cultural assets and the quality of life; measures for protecting cultural heritage against technological and natural hazards; methodologies, including risk assessment, for harmonious and effective integration of cultural heritage into the urban setting; techniques for the rehabilitation and restoration of cultural assets.

(Amendment 17)

ANNEX II (a) (iv) 4th indent, 1st paragraph

>Original text>

The aim is to identify the best innovatory technologies radically reducing pollution levels and urban congestion at affordable prices for users.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to identify the best innovatory technologies

in order to reduce radically pollution levels and urban congestion at affordable prices for users, introducing innovations in the organisation of transport and use of the most appropriate means of transport for urban situations.

(Amendment 18)

ANNEX II (a)(v), 1st paragraph and first indent

>Original text>

The aim of this key action is to develop technologies which will help minimise the environmental impact of the production and use of energy in Europe and be consistent with the energy policy objectives. These will help preserve the ecosystem by reducing emissions at local and global levels and increasing the share of new and renewable energies. Accordingly action will be taken to investigate cleaner, most notably renewable, energy sources as well as to help reduce the environmental impact of existing fossil fuel use. Work will focus in order of priority on:

>Text following EP vote>

The aim of this key action is to develop

and in particular to demonstrate technologies and associated measures which will help minimise the environmental impact of the production and use of energy in Europe and be consistent with the energy policy objectives, including the reduction of EU dependence on imported energy. These will help preserve the ecosystem by reducing emissions at local and global levels and increasing the share of new and renewable energies. Accordingly action will be taken to investigate cleaner, most notably renewable, energy sources as well as to help reduce the environmental impact and scale of existing fossil fuel use. Work will focus in order of priority on:

>Original text>

- Large-scale generation of electricity and/or heat with reduced CO2 emissions from coal, biomass or other fuels, including combined heat and power.

>Text following EP vote>

-

Large-scale generation of electricity and/or heat with reduced emissions of CO2 and other gases from coal, biomass or other fuels, including combined heat and power.

>Original text>

The aim is to obtain substantial improvements in efficiency with reduction of the cost and environmental impact of energy conversion processes, whether based on fossil fuels or renewable energy sources.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to obtain substantial improvements in efficiency with reduction of the cost, external dependence and environmental impact of energy conversion processes, whether based on fossil fuels or renewable energy sources.

>Original text>

RTD priorities: combustion and other thermochemical conversion processes (e.g. gasification, pyrolysis); generation of electricity and/or heat with reduced CO2 emissions from coal, biomass, waste or other fuels; improving the efficiency of gas turbines, gas motors and diesel engines; combined heat and power.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: combustion and other thermochemical conversion processes (e.g. gasification, pyrolysis); generation of electricity and/or heat with reduced emissions of CO2 and other gases from coal, biomass, waste or other fuels, specifically the development of fuels to replace fossil fuels; improving the efficiency of gas turbines, gas motors and diesel engines; combined heat and power demonstration and integration into the Internal Electricity Market.

(Amendment 19)

ANNEX II (a) (v) 2nd indent

>Original text>

- Development and demonstration, including for decentralised generation, of conversion technologies for the main new and renewable energy sources, in particular biomass, fuel cells, wind and solar technologies.

>Text following EP vote>

-

Development and demonstration, including for decentralised generation, of conversion technologies for the main new and renewable energy sources, in particular biomass, fuel cells, wind, wave, geothermal, tidal and solar technologies.

>Original text>

The aim is to enable the deployment of new and renewable energies in grid connected and 'stand alone¨ applications where there are prospects of a substantial contribution to energy supplies.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to enable, primarily via demonstration, the deployment of new and renewable energies in grid connected and 'stand alone¨ applications where there are prospects of a substantial contribution to energy supplies.

>Original text>

RTD Priorities: fuels cells, for both stationery and transport applications; clean conversion and cost effective use of biomass in the context of integrated energy generation systems; wind energy, in both on-shore and off-shore applications; solar technologies, photovoltaics and solar thermal technologies; other renewable energy options that can contribute significantly to programme objectives.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD Priorities: fuels cells and liqefied hydrogen, for both stationery and transport applications; clean conversion and cost effective use of biomass in the context of integrated energy generation systems for heat, power and fuel generation; wind energy, in both on-shore and off-shore applications; solar technologies, photovoltaics and solar thermal technologies; wave, geothermal and tidal power systems; other renewable energy options that can contribute significantly to programme objectives.

(Amendment 20)

ANNEX II (a)(v) 3rd indent

>Original text>

The aim is to overcome the problems associated with integrating new energy sources into established energy systems, develop new applications and overcome barriers to the greater uptake of renewable energies.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to overcome the problems associated with integrating new energy sources into established energy systems, and in particular the Internal Electricity Market, develop new applications and overcome barriers to the greater uptake of renewable energies.

>Original text>

RTD priorities: overcoming the technical problems associated with the integration of renewable energy sources into energy grids and processes; hybrid systems, combining different renewables or renewables with conventional systems; improving acceptability of renewables e.g. reducing visual intrusion and noise; identifying, and seeking ways to remove, non - technical barriers to integration of renewables.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: overcoming the technical problems associated with the integration of renewable energy sources into energy grids and processes, and the Internal Electricity Market; hybrid systems, combining different renewables or renewables with conventional systems; improving acceptability of renewables e.g. reducing visual intrusion and noise; identifying, and seeking ways to remove, non - technical barriers to integration of renewables; applicability of In-feed and Full Cost Rate systems, derogations from distribution costs due to local nature of renewables and the use of Building Regulations to overcome barriers for the use of renewable energies in construction.

(Amendment 21)

ANNEX II (a)(vi) 1st paragraph

>Original text>

The aim of this key action is to provide Europe with a reliable, clean, efficient, safe and economic energy supply for the benefit of its citizens, the functioning of society and the competitiveness of industry. A more efficient use of energy is required with technologies capable of achieving substantial overall cost reductions and reduction of energy intensity. Action will need to be taken at all stages of the energy cycle - production, distribution and final use - to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Work will focus in order of priority on:

>Text following EP vote>

The aim of this key action is to provide Europe with a reliable, clean, efficient, safe and economic energy supply for the benefit of its citizens, the functioning of society and the competitiveness of industry. A more efficient use of energy is required with technologies capable of achieving substantial overall cost reductions and reduction of energy intensity,

environmental impact and external dependence. Action will need to be taken at all stages of the energy cycle - production, distribution and final use - to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Work will focus on:

(Amendment 22)

ANNEX II (a)(vi) 1st indent

>Original text>

- Technologies for the rational and efficient end use of energy.

>Text following EP vote>

-

Technologies and measures for the rational and efficient end use of energy.

>Original text>

The aim is to make a major step towards a sustainable energy system by substantially reducing the energy intensity of demand and making more effective, sustainable use of energy in the built-up environment, transport and industry (including agriculture). This requires the development and deployment of new technologies, improving existing technologies and dissemination and demonstration aimed at modifying user behaviour. RTD will focus on areas with the greatest potential to deliver sustainable use of energy.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to make a major step towards a sustainable energy system by substantially reducing the energy intensity of demand and making more effective, sustainable use of energy in the built-up environment, transport and industry (including agriculture). This requires the development and deployment of new technologies, improving existing technologies and dissemination and demonstration aimed at modifying user behaviour, in combination with policy measures, such as Integrated Resource Planning, to promote energy saving. RTD will focus on areas with the greatest potential to deliver sustainable use of energy.

>Original text>

RTD priorities: lighting, space heating and cooling and the integration of renewables into buildings; improved energy and environmental performance of vehicles and the corresponding infrastructure, including fuels, energy storage, conversion, combustion and transmission; reduction of energy intensity of industrial processes.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: lighting, space heating and cooling and the integration of renewables into buildings; intelligent metering systems, and net-billing technologies; improved energy and environmental performance of vehicles and the corresponding infrastructure, including fossil and non-fossil fuels, energy storage, conversion, combustion and transmission; reduction of energy intensity of industrial processes; the combination of these technological developments with the implementation of energy saving measures, such as Integrated Resource Planning;

(Amendment 23)

ANNEX II (a)(vi) 2nd indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities:intelligent energy transmission and distribution systems; long distance gas transmission; optimised network management and control systems; optimal system efficiency for electricity, gas, and district heating and cooling systems; superconductivity.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities:intelligent energy transmission and distribution systems; long distance gas and electricity networks; optimised network management and control systems; optimal system efficiency for electricity, gas, and district heating and cooling systems; superconductivity; local distribution of renewable energies.

(Amendment 24)

ANNEX II (a) (vi) 3rd indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities: reliable and cost efficient energy storage technologies, including liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas, H2, advanced batteries, both macro and micro, for stationary and mobile applications.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: reliable and cost efficient energy storage technologies, including liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas storage, H2, advanced batteries, both macro and micro, for stationary and mobile applications.

(Amendment 25)

ANNEX II (a)(vi) 4th indent

>Original text>

The aim is to allow more efficient identification of the energy resources available within the EU and to optimise their exploitation, reducing the costs and environmental impact of their production with the development of technologies which will be more competitive in global markets.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to allow more efficient identification of the energy resources available within the EU and to optimise their exploitation, reducing the costs and environmental impact of their production

and of the cessation of mining with the development of technologies which will be more competitive in global markets.

>Original text>

RTD priorities: improved tools for characterisation and management of fossil fuel reserves; production technologies for hydrocarbons, especially for hostile subsea locations; reduced environmental impact and improved recovery techniques for hydrocarbons, including those of wider application e.g. for geothermal energy; recovery of hydrocarbons from coal beds.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: improved tools for characterisation and management of fossil fuel reserves, including post-mining activity; prospection, exploitation and production technologies for coal and hydrocarbons, especially for hostile, deep and subsea locations; reduced environmental impact and improved recovery techniques for hydrocarbons, including those of wider application e.g. for geothermal energy; recovery of hydrocarbons from coal beds; tertiary recovery of hydrocarbons; liquefaction of natural gas in offshore installations; technologies for reinjection of CO2 and brine in gas, oil and coal deposits; techniques for gasification of coal and non-polluting technologies for combustion of coal.

(Amendment 26)

ANNEX II (a) (vi) 5th indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities: biomass exploitation and management of waste as a fuel resource; improving efficiencies of photovoltaic cells and wind turbines; reducing costs of production of renewables technologies (e.g. turbine blades, PV modules).

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: biomass exploitation and management of urban and industrial waste as a fuel resource; improving efficiencies of photovoltaic cells and wind turbines; reducing costs of production of renewables technologies (e.g. turbine blades, PV modules,biomass combustion).

(Amendment 27)

ANNEX II (a)(vi) 6th indent

>Original text>

- The elaboration of scenarios on supply and demand technologies in economy/environment/ energy systems and their interactions, and the analysis of the cost effectiveness (based on whole life costs) and efficiency of all energy sources.

>Text following EP vote>

-

The elaboration of scenarios and development and demonstration of measures on supply and demand technologies in economy/environment/ energy systems and their interactions, and the analysis of the cost effectiveness (based on whole life costs) and efficiency of all energy sources.

>Original text>

The aim is to develop strategies for the production and use of energy, for the introduction of new energy technologies and for policy development.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to develop strategies and measures for the production and use of energy, for the introduction of new energy technologies and for policy development.

>Original text>

RTD priorities: long- and short-term scenario analysis at the global, Community, and regional level of supply and demand in the context of economic developments, social and environmental needs; modelling and policy impact analysis; overall assessment of energy markets and technology impacts taking into account the operation of liberalised energy markets.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: long- and short-term scenario analysis at the global, Community, and regional level of supply and demand in the context of economic developments, social and environmental needs, and in particular longer-term sustainable scenarios, including the urgent need to reverse the growing external energy dependency of the EU; modelling and policy impact analysis; analysis of real energy costs and the potential impacts of eco/energy taxes; overall assessment of energy markets and technology impacts taking into account the operation of liberalised energy market, including its impact on the development of renewables, energy saving and CHP; development of a Community strategy for the promotion of these technologies and measures in the Internal Electricity Market; measures for the reduction of energy consumption in buildings; national and European requirements and economic interactions; implementation of the Integrated Resource Planning Directive: restructuring of energy supply companies to energy service companies, development of fields of operation for new actors in energy efficiency.

(Amendment 28)

ANNEX II (b)(i), 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities: identification and analysis of factors which increase the level of natural risks; development and improvement of methods, models and tools for hazard vulnerability and risk assessment including quantification of the present and future levels of risk; development of effective tools and methods for information management; development of innovative methods and technologies to combat disasters and alleviate their consequences; improvement of the operational safety of hazardous installations.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: identification and analysis of factors which increase the level of natural risks; development and improvement of methods, models and tools for hazard vulnerability and risk assessment including quantification of the present and future levels of risk; development of effective tools and methods for information management; development of innovative methods and technologies to combat disasters and alleviate their consequences; improvement of the operational safety of hazardous installations, and techniques for the prevention of hazards and major accidents.

(Amendment 30)

Annex II(c), Activities, 1st indent

>Original text>

- Transnational coordination, integrated management of specific aspects of operation, access to and improvement of existing facilities;

>Text following EP vote>

- Transnational coordination, interfacing and coordination with the European High-speed Research Network of the corresponding activity of the programme on the "User-friendly Information Society¨, integrated management of specific aspects of operation, access to and improvement of existing facilities;

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on 'Preserving the ecosystem' (1998 to 2002) (COM(98)0305 - C4-0436/98 - 98/0180(CNS))(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(98)0305 - 98/0180(CNS) ((OJ C 260, 18.8.1998, p. 48.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 130i(4) of the EC Treaty (C4-0436/98),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on External Economic Relations and the Committee on Fisheries (A4-0454/98),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty;

3. Asks to be consulted again should the Council intend to make substantial modifications to the Commission proposal;

4. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.