A4-0322/98

Proposal for a Council Regulation adopting a multiannual programme to promote international cooperation in the energy sector (SYNERGY programme)(1998-2002) (COM(97)0550/Ann. III - C4-0073/98 - 97/0369(CNS))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Article 3(2a) (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

2a. In accordance with the general apportionment of annual and multiannual appropriations among the various programmes making up the framework programme for energy, the SYNERGY programme shall each year be allotted approximately 18% of the total amount earmarked for the framework programme for energy.

(Amendment 2)

Article 5(2)

>Original text>

2. SYNERGY programme funding shall be granted only after verification that the activities cannot qualify for financing from other programmes.

>Text following EP vote>

2.

SYNERGY programme funding shall be granted only after verification that the activities cannot qualify for financing from other Community programmes, in order to avoid duplication.

(Amendment 3)

Article 7(2), subparagraph 5

>Original text>

Participation by natural and legal persons from other countries may be authorised by the Commission on a case-by-case basis if the programmes or projects concerned required specific forms of assistance specifically available in these countries

>Text following EP vote>

Participation by natural and legal persons from other countries

for the duration of the projects, funded from the appropriations earmarked for these activities, may be authorised by the Commission on a case-by-case basis if the programmes or projects concerned required specific forms of assistance specifically available in these countries

(Amendment 4)

Article 8(3)

>Original text>

3. The Commission shall examine ways of promoting co-financing by the SYNERGY programme, bilateral cooperation from the Member States, the programmes of other international organisations. and other Community programmes. It shall, in particular, contribute to closer coordination and complementarity between the contributions made by SYNERGY and the other Community instruments for international energy cooperation in order to avoid duplication. It shall also ensure that duplication is avoided between the SYNERGY programme and any other programme or action of other international organisations in the field of energy.

>Text following EP vote>

3.

The Commission shall examine ways of promoting co-financing by the SYNERGY programme, bilateral cooperation from the Member States and the programmes of other international organisations. It shall ensure that duplication is avoided between the SYNERGY programme and any other programme or action of other international organisations in the field of energy. It shall also contribute to closer coordination and complementarity between SYNERGY and the other Community instruments for international energy cooperation required to carry forward actions begun by SYNERGY, thus avoiding duplication.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation adopting a multiannual programme to promote international cooperation in the energy sector (SYNERGY programme)(1998-2002) (COM(97)0550 - C4-0073/98 - 97/0369(CNS))(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(97)0550 - 97/0369(CNS),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 235 of the EC Treaty (C4-0073/98),

- 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 opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A4-0322/98),

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. Calls on the Council to notify Parliament should it intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

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

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