2011/0428(COD)
Programme for the Environment and Climate Action, LIFE 2014-2020
Programme for the Environment and Climate Action, LIFE 2014-2020 2011/0428(COD)
Lead committee dossier: ENVI/7/08207
| BUDG | ENVI | ITRE | REGI | |
| Lead Rapporteur | HAUG Jutta (S&D) | |||
| Opinion Rapporteur(s) | TRÜPEL Helga (Verts/ALE) | FRANCO Gaston (EPP) | TIROLIEN Patrice (S&D) |
Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stage
2011/0428(COD) Programme for the Environment and Climate Action, LIFE 2014-2020
Lead committee dossier: ENVI/7/08207
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opinion | BUDG | TRÜPEL Helga (Verts/ALE) | |
| Lead | ENVI | HAUG Jutta (S&D) | JORDAN Romana (EPP), GERBRANDY Gerben-Jan (ALDE), AUKEN Margrete (Verts/ALE), BÉLIER Sandrine (Verts/ALE), GIRLING Julie (ECR), FERREIRA João (GUE/NGL) |
| Opinion | ITRE | FRANCO Gaston (EPP) | |
| Opinion | REGI | TIROLIEN Patrice (S&D) |
Subjects
Activites
- #3211
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2012/12/17
Council Meeting
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2012/09/28
Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
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A7-0294/2012
summary
The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted the report by Jutta HAUG (S&D, DE) on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE). The committee recommends that the position of the European Parliament adopted in first reading following the ordinary legislative procedure should amend the Commission proposal as follows: General aims of the LIFE Programme: these aims must include: (i) supporting the management of areas that form part of the Natura 2000 network and the conservation of the natural values included in that network, in particular the species and habitats considered priorities in accordance with Union legislation; (ii) supporting the implementation of the Union Environmental Action Programme. Furthermore, the LIFE Programme shall contribute to the Union biodiversity strategy to 2020, the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe, the Roadmap 2050 and the Energy Roadmap until 2050. Members want the Programme to be open to the participation of the overseas countries and territories referred to in Decision 2001/822/EC. Budget: in line with the EP's overall approach to the Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations, Members abstained from making any precise proposals as to the amount of the LIFE budget. However, they recall that in its resolution on the EU Biodiversity strategy, Parliament expresses disappointment in relation to the proposed allocation for the new LIFE programme and takes the view that the challenges addressed in the biodiversity and nature conservation plan call for a substantial increase in the funds allocated to the LIFE programme. In this context, the report recommends that approximately 75 % of the overall financial envelope be allocated to the sub-programme for Environment and that approximately 25 % of the overall financial envelope be allocated to the sub-programme for Climate Action. At least 80 % of the budgetary resources for LIFE Programme shall be allocated to innovative financial instruments and projects supported by means of action grants. Members want at least 75 % of the budgetary resources allocated to projects supported by way of action grants under the sub-programme for Environment to be dedicated to projects supporting the conservation of nature and biodiversity. Integrated projects: the report introduces a new article dedicated to integrated projects and providing mechanisms to assist Member States to put this new approach into practice. These Projects shall focus primarily on the areas of nature, water, waste, air, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Integrated Projects shall serve as concrete instruments for mainstreaming environment and climate objectives into overall Union expenditure, promoting coordination with and mobilisation of other Union funding sources as well as national and private funding. Members stress that the Commission and Member States shall actively support and facilitate the development of Integrated Projects. Eligibility criteria, geographical balance and technical assistance: where possible, projects financed by the LIFE Programme shall promote the use of green public procurement and synergies between different objectives. The selection of funding for all projects other than Integrated Projects shall be based on merit and quality. Members ask that a Member State that has been awarded fewer than two projects in two subsequent years, or has received far less than its indicative national allocations under the programming period 2007-2013, be entitled to receive special technical assistance to support the preparation of high quality projects for the following year might apply for a capacity building project. Given the novelty and the specific planning approach required for Integrated Projects it is crucial that all Member States gain experience with this type of project during the next LIFE programming period. It is therefore suggested that each Member State be entitled to funding for at least two integrated projects, provided that these cover different areas. Rates of co-financing: Members consider that a general increase in the cofinancing rate (as proposed by the Commission) would only be possible at the expense of the total number of projects and the leverage effect of the LIFE instrument. They propose that the maximum co-financing rate be 50 % of eligible costs and 60 % of eligible costs for integrated projects. Member States with temporary budgetary difficulties may apply for an increased rate of up to 75 % of eligible costs. The maximum co-financing rate under the priority area "Nature and Biodiversity" for seriously threatened habitats and species shall be 75 %. Admissible costs: the report states that VAT shall be deemed an eligible cost in the case of project beneficiaries who cannot recover VAT costs in the relevant Member State, except in the case of non-taxable persons as defined in Council Directive 2006/112/EC (VAT Directive). Staff costs for all beneficiaries, including salary costs of the personnel of national administrations, shall be considered an eligible cost for projects to the extent that they relate to the cost of activities that the beneficiary would not have carried out if the project concerned had not been undertaken. Multiannual work programmes: an amendments states that each multiannual work programme shall have a duration of at least three years and be renewable, provided that the thematic priorities laid down in that multiannual work programme remain valid. Furthermore, the Commission shall regularly make available the most meaningful results of the projects funded under the LIFE Programme in order to facilitate feedback and exchange of good practices across the Union. Visibility of the LIFE Programme: Members want the LIFE logo, which has been very successful in ensuring the visibility of the Union's funding, to be used for all communication activities and to appear on notice boards at strategic places visible to the public.
- BUDG TRÜPEL Helga Verts/ALE
- ENVI ENVI/7/08207 HAUG Jutta S&D
- ITRE FRANCO Gaston EPP
- REGI TIROLIEN Patrice S&D
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A7-0294/2012
summary
- 2012/09/19 Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
- 2012/07/10 Amendments tabled in committee
- #3173
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2012/06/11
Council Meeting
- 2012/06/01 Committee draft report
- 2012/04/25 Economic and Social Committee: opinion, report
- #3152
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2012/03/09
Council Meeting
- #3139
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2011/12/19
Council Meeting
- 2011/12/15 Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
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2011/12/12
Legislative proposal
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COM(2011)0874
summary
PURPOSE: to establish a programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE programme) covering the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020. PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council. . BACKGROUND: in its Communication entitled A Budget for Europe 2020 (the MFF Communication), in which it recognised the climate change challenge, the Commission stated that it intends to increase the climate related proportion of the Union budget to at least 20% with contribution from different policies. The proposed Regulation should contribute to that goal. The Commission has decided to address environment and climate action as an integral part of all the main instruments and interventions. This 'mainstreaming' approach implies that environmental and climate objectives need to be reflected in all main instruments to ensure that they contribute to building a low-carbon, resource efficient and climate resilient economy. However, the main Union funding instruments do not address all environmental and climate specific needs. Furthermore, implementation of environmental and climate legislation remains uneven and inadequate across the Union. This situation requires new and more efficient ways of implementing legislation, as well as development and dissemination of best practices across the Union. For this reason, and in addition to mainstreaming, the Commission proposes to continue the LIFE Programme currently regulated by the LIFE+ Regulation, and define a more strategic approach with a clearer focus on activities and sectors where LIFE could make a difference. IMPACT ASSESSMENT: the impact assessment focused on the recommendations from the evaluations and the Court of Auditors aiming to increase the effectiveness and added value of LIFE, while incorporating stakeholders' main concerns and suggestions. The options to establish priorities analysed in the Impact Assessment try to strike a balance between the need for stability for potential applicants and the need to better focus on Union policy needs. Three scenarios were analysed: (i) status quo, with a pure bottom-up approach partially corrected by the concentration of earmarked resources on climate action; (ii) a flexible top-down approach for all types of projects; (iii) combining the top-down approach for integrated projects and the bottom-up approach for all other types of projects. The preferred option is the flexible top-down approach. The Impact Assessment analysed options for areas on which Integrated Projects should focus, concluding that Natura 2000, water, waste and air were the sectors with the highest potential for success and where more environmental benefits could be obtained. Lastly, a strong emphasis was put on simplification to build on the changes undertaken by LIFE+, such as the use of e-proposals. As part of the simplification measures, options for externalisation of most of the management tasks to an existing Executive Agency were also analysed, including full externalisation and a hybrid option. LEGAL BASIS: Article 192 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. CONTENT: this proposal for a new regulation aims to establish the LIFE programme with two sub-programmes, one on the environment and the other on climate action. The objective of the LIFE Programme is to be a catalyst for promoting implementation and integration of environmental and climate objectives in other policies and Member State practice. Special emphasis is placed on better governance, as it is inextricably linked to improving implementation. The proposal discusses the main points of the new programme. (1) Shift from a pure bottom-up approach to a flexible top-down approach: work programmes valid for at least two years will be drawn up by the Commission in consultation with the Member States. These will cover, for example, priorities, allocation of resources between types of funding, and targets for the period. The priorities will not be exhaustive in order to allow applicants to submit proposals in other areas as well and to incorporate new ideas and react to new challenges. The Commission will be assisted by the Committee for the LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action, which will have a dual nature with different chairs and different compositions depending on whether the issues dealt with are related to the sub-programme for Environment or the sub-programme for Climate Action. (2) Creation of a new type of projects, Integrated Projects: these aim to improve the implementation of environmental and climate policy and their integration into other policies, especially by ensuring a coordinated mobilisation of other Union, national and private funds towards environmental or climate objectives. Integrated Projects will operate on a large territorial scale (in particular regional, multi- regional, or national, and in a cross-sectoral manner). · Integrated Projects for the sub-programme for Environment will primarily focus on the implementation of plans and programmes related to the Birds and Habitats Directives, the Water Framework Directive, and waste and air quality legislation. · For the sub-programme for Climate Action, Integrated Projects may focus on the implementation of mitigation and adaptation strategies and action plans. (3) Clearer definition of the activities funded for each priority area. · The sub-programme for Environment consists of three priority areas: (i) the priority area Biodiversity extends its support to developing best practices for wider biodiversity challenges while keeping its focus on Natura2000; (ii) the priority area of Environment and Resource Efficiency shifts its focus towards implementation of Union environmental policy and legislation; (iii) the priority area Governance and Information replaces the former LIFE+ Information and Communication component and will more actively promote the dissemination of knowledge for decision-making and the development of best practices. · In accordance with the Roadmap for moving to a low-carbon economy in 2050, the sub-programme for Climate Action should support efforts contributing to three specific priority areas: (i) Climate Change Mitigation, (ii) Climate Change Adaptation and (iii) Climate Governance and Information. The Commission will ensure synergies between the LIFE Programme and other Union instruments, e.g. it may exploit research and innovation results produced by Horizon 2020. (4) Types of funding: the LIFE Programme should cover all types of funding required to address its objectives and priorities: (i) action grants to finance projects; (ii) operating grants for NGOs and other entities of Union interest which are primarily active in the area of environment or climate; (iii) option of using financial instruments; (iv) encouraging the use of green public procurement when implementing action grants. (5) Enlarged territorial scope: the LIFE Programme (i) allows activities outside the Union in exceptional cases and under specific conditions as well as in countries participating in the programme from outside the Union; (ii) provides a legal basis for cooperation with international organisations of interest to environmental and climate policy that do not necessarily fall within the scope of Union external action. (6) Simplification: the LIFE Programme will continue improving IT systems to accelerate and facilitate the electronic submission of applications. In order to further facilitate the participation of small stakeholders, such as SMEs or NGOs, special attention will be paid to clear, easily readable and unified application forms, deadlines to allow enough time for submission of applications, assistance with the preparation of applications, and publicly available deadlines to reject or award the project proposal accompanied with clear reasons for rejection. The proposal also increases the use of flat rates and lump-sums to ease the application and reporting processes, and will lighten reporting requirements for Integrated Projects. Certain costs will no longer be considered eligible (e.g., VAT), and the eligibility of other costs, such as personnel costs related to permanent staff not specifically recruited for the project, might be limited or excluded. In order to maintain similar levels of support for projects financed by way of action grants as in the LIFE+ Regulation, the co-financing rates should be increased from presently 50% to 70% and in specific cases to 80%, while still ensuring the same leverage effect as today. The higher rate of 80% would apply to Integrated Projects. (7) Central management: the LIFE Programme should remain centrally managed to maximise policy links, quality of interventions, sound financial management and stable resources, and to ensure that findings of LIFE projects are taken up in shaping Union policy. This is considered as an essential asset by the European Parliament, Member States and stakeholders. The Commission will explore the possibility of delegating the selection and monitoring tasks to the European Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation, while keeping the governance of the LIFE Programme within the Commission. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS: the total financial envelope for the LIFE Programme for the period 2014-2020 expressed in current prices is EUR 3 618 million. Of this amount: · EUR 2 713.5 million is allocated to the sub-programme for Environment (half of the resources dedicated to projects financed by way of action grants shall be allocated to support the conservation of nature and biodiversity); · EUR 904.5 million is allocated to the sub-programme for Climate Action. DELEGATED ACTS: the proposal contains provisions empowering the Commission to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
- SEC(2011)1541
- SEC(2011)1542
- SEC(2011)1543
- DG [{u'url': u'http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/environment/', u'title': u'Environment'}, {u'url': u'http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/clima/mission/index_en.htm', u'title': u'Climate Action'}],
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COM(2011)0874
summary
Documents
- Legislative proposal published: COM(2011)0874
- Document attached to the procedure: SEC(2011)1541
- Document attached to the procedure: SEC(2011)1542
- Document attached to the procedure: SEC(2011)1543
- Economic and Social Committee: opinion, report: CES1053/2012
- Committee draft report: PE489.483
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE492.686
- Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading: A7-0294/2012
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 234 |
2011/0428(COD) Programme for the Environment and Climate Action, LIFE 2014-2020
2012/03/05
ITRE
24 amendments...
Amendment 20 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 (10) Environmental and climate requirements should be integrated into Union's policies and activities. The LIFE Programme should therefore be complementary to other Union funding programmes, including the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agriculture Guarantee Fund,the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, and Horizon 2020. The Commission and Member States should ensure such complementarity at all levels. At Union level, complementarity should be ensured by establishing a structured cooperation between the LIFE Programme and the shared-management Union funding programmes in the Common Strategic Framework, in particular to promote funding of activities that complement Integrated Projects or support the use of solutions, methods and approaches developed under the LIFE Programme. The LIFE Programme should also encourage the uptake of environmental and climate- related research and innovation results of Horizon 2020. Within this context it should offer co-funding opportunities for projects with clear environmental and climate benefits in order to ensure synergies. Coordination is required to prevent double funding and also to ensure that the net financial investment in attainment of the objectives formulated in this regulation does not decline.
Amendment 21 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 (10) Environmental and climate requirements should be integrated into Union's policies and activities. The LIFE Programme should therefore be complementary to other Union funding programmes, including the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agriculture Guarantee Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, and Horizon 2020. The Commission and Member States should ensure such complementarity at all levels. At Union level, complementarity should be ensured by establishing a structured cooperation between the LIFE Programme and the shared-management Union funding programmes in the Common Strategic Framework, in particular to promote funding of activities that complement Integrated Projects or support the use of solutions, methods and approaches developed under the LIFE Programme. To ensure legal clarity and the practical feasibility of Integrated Projects, cooperation between other Union funds and Integrated Projects should be explicitly provided for in Regulation (EU) No .../.... of the European Parliament and of the Council of ../../.... [laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund covered by the Common Strategic Framework and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006]1 . Concrete arrangements should be put in place to establish cooperation at an early stage, so that the advantages of Integrated Projects are taken into account during the drawing-up of partnership contracts and operational programmes. The LIFE Programme should also encourage the uptake of environmental and climate- related research and innovation results of Horizon 2020. Within this context it should offer co-funding opportunities for projects with clear environmental and climate benefits in order to ensure synergies. Coordination is required to prevent double funding. ____________ 1 COM(2011)0615
Amendment 22 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 (13) The Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020’ (hereinafter the ‘Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020’) has set up targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. These targets include, among others, the full implementation of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, as well as maintaining and restoring ecosystems and their services. The LIFE Programme should contribute to achieving those targets. Therefore, the priority area Biodiversity should focus on the implementation and management of the Natura2000 network set up by Council Directive 92/43/EEC, in particular in relation to the Prioritised Action Frameworks foreseen in Article 8 of the same Directive, on the development and dissemination of best practices in relation to biodiversity and Directives 2009/147/EC and 92/43/EEC, as well as on the wider biodiversity challenges identified by the Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020
Amendment 23 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 16 (16) The priority area Climate Change Mitigation should contribute to the development and implementation of Union climate-related policy and legislation, in particular with regard to greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting, policies related to land use, land use change and forestry, emissions trading system, Member States’ effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
Amendment 24 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 16 (16) The priority area Climate Change Mitigation should contribute to the development and implementation of Union climate-related policy and legislation, in particular with regard to greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting, policies related to land use, land use change and forestry, emissions trading system, Member States' effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy, energy efficiency
Amendment 25 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 16 (16) The priority area Climate Change Mitigation should contribute to the development and implementation of Union climate-related policy and legislation, in particular with regard to greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting, policies related to land use, land use change and forestry, emissions trading system, Member States' effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, c
Amendment 26 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 (26) With a view to simplifying the LIFE Programme and reducing administrative burden for applicants and beneficiaries, more use should be made of flat rates and lump-sums, and funding should focus on more specific categories of costs. By way of compensation for ineligible costs and in order to maintain the effective level of support provided by the LIFE Programme, the co-funding rates should be
Amendment 27 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a (a) to contribute to the shift towards a resource-efficient
Amendment 28 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new) (ca) to contribute to information, awareness and guidance for the benefit of the public, civil society and the business community regarding the need to attenuate the causes and effects of climate change and the ways in which each of them can contribute to achieving this;
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 Amendment 30 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 1. The financial envelope for implementing the LIFE Programme shall be EUR
Amendment 31 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – point a a (new) (aa) the overseas countries and territories referred to in Decision 2001/822/EC;
Amendment 32 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 3. In accordance with their respective responsibilities, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure coordination between the LIFE Programme and the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, in order to create synergies, particularly in the context of Integrated Projects referred to in Article 18 point (d)
Amendment 33 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – point a (a) to develop, test and demonstrate policy or management approaches, best practices, and solutions to environmental challenges, suitable for being replicated, transferred or mainstreamed, against a backdrop of volatile world energy prices and growing supply shortages, including with respect to the link between environment and health, and in support of resource efficiency-
Amendment 34 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new) In the case of projects which form part of the sub-programme for Climate Action, an effort should be made to attain the maximum synergy with other environmental objectives, particularly as regards simultaneous action on climate and biodiversity.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 Amendment 36 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 Integrated Projects referred to in Article 18 point (d) shall involve
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 1. The maximum co-financing rate for the projects referred to in Article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs. By way of exception, the maximum co-financing rate for projects referred to in Article 18 points (d) and (f) shall be 80% of eligible costs, and the co- financing rate for projects in the field referred to in Article 9(1), second indent, shall be 75% of eligible costs.
Amendment 38 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 1. The maximum co-financing rate for the projects referred to in Article 18 shall be
Amendment 39 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 2. VAT shall not be considered an eligible cost for projects referred to in Article 18, except where it is not recoverable under national VAT legislation and is paid by a beneficiary other than a non-taxable person as defined in the first subparagraph of Article 13(1) of Directive 2006/112/EC.
Amendment 41 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) Staff costs shall be considered eligible costs for projects referred to in Article 18 to the extent that they relate to the cost of activities which the beneficiary would not have carried out if the project concerned had not been undertaken. The staff in question shall be specifically seconded to the project concerned. Civil servants' salary costs shall not be considered eligible.
Amendment 42 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 1 1. The Commission shall
Amendment 43 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 30 – paragraph 2 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article
source: PE-487.977
2012/06/25
REGI
47 amendments...
Amendment 26 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 a (new) (8a) Given that harmful effects on the environment and climate frequently arise from the activities of countries in the vicinity of the EU, particular attention should be given to its external border and outermost regions so as to ensure the necessary strategic guarantees and prevent damage to the environment;
Amendment 27 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 (10) Environmental and climate requirements should be integrated into Union's policies and activities. The LIFE Programme should therefore be complementary to other Union funding programmes, including the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agriculture Guarantee Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, and Horizon 2020. The Commission and Member States should ensure such complementarity at all levels. At Union level, complementarity should be ensured by establishing a structured cooperation between the LIFE Programme and the shared-management Union funding programmes in the Common Strategic Framework, in particular to promote funding of activities that complement Integrated Projects or support the use of solutions, methods and approaches developed under the LIFE Programme. To ensure legal clarity and practical feasibility of LIFE Integrated Projects, cooperation between other Union funds and Integrated Projects should be explicitly provided for in Regulation (EU) No .../... [CPR]. Specific arrangements should be put in place to establish cooperation at an early stage, so that the advantages of Integrated Projects are taken into account during the drawing up of partnership contracts and operational or rural development programmes. The LIFE Programme should also encourage the uptake of environmental and climate- related research and innovation results of Horizon 2020. Within this context it should offer co-funding opportunities for projects with clear environmental and climate benefits in order to ensure synergies. Coordination is required to prevent double funding.
Amendment 28 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 11 (11) Halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity and improving resource efficiency, together with addressing environment and health related concerns, remain key challenges for the Union. These challenges require increased efforts at Union level to provide solutions and best practices that help achieving the targets of the Communication from the Commission ‘Europe 2020: a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’ (hereinafter the ‘Europe 2020 Strategy’). In addition, improved governance, in particular through awareness raising and stakeholders
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 (13) The Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020’ (hereinafter the ‘Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020’) has set up targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. These targets include, among others, the full implementation of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds , as well as maintaining and restoring ecosystems and their services. The LIFE Programme should contribute to achieving those targets. Therefore, the priority area Biodiversity should focus on the implementation and management of the Natura2000 network set up by Council Directive 92/43/EEC, in particular in relation to the Prioritised Action Frameworks foreseen in Article 8 of the same Directive, on the development and dissemination of best practices in relation to biodiversity and Directives 2009/147/EC and 92/43/EEC, as well as on the wider biodiversity challenges identified by the Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. The contribution of LIFE to the annual funding needs for the Natura 2000 network should be seen and determined in the context of secured biodiversity expenses from other Union funds. In its resolution of 20 April 2012 on our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020, the European Parliament called on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that at least EUR 5 800 million per year is provided through Union and Member State funding and that appropriate funding is made available through various Union funds (for example the CAP funds, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the Cohesion Funds and a strengthened LIFE+ fund), with better coordination and coherence between those funds, amongst others through the concept of Integrated Projects, thereby improving transparency for the different regions in receipt of Union funding;
Amendment 30 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 a (new) (14a) The outermost regions of the Union constitute a unique reserve for a range of species and ecosystems of prime importance in terms of biodiversity conservation at European level and worldwide. The outermost regions, along with the overseas countries and territories, are home to more native animal and plant species than the entire continent of Europe. Given, moreover, that the French outermost regions are excluded from Natura 2000 because Directives 92/43/EC and 2009/147/EC do not take into account, or list, their fauna, flora or habitats; taking into account the ‘Message from Reunion Island’ of July 2008; and in accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 December 2011 encouraging the Commission and the Member States to promote a joint approach to nature conservation throughout the Union, including in the Member States’ outermost regions and overseas countries and territories, as well as the Commission Communication entitled ‘Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020’, in which the Commission undertook to expand and encourage the BEST initiative, this Regulation should, as part of its sub-programme for Environment, make biodiversity and ecosystem services in the outermost regions referred to in Article 349 TFEU a specific ongoing area of priority, thus consolidating the BEST preparatory action, which was launched in 2011 and is proving very successful.
Amendment 31 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 16 (16) The priority area Climate Change Mitigation should contribute to the development and implementation of Union climate-related policy and legislation, in particular
Amendment 32 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 17 (17) The first consequences of climate change can already be seen in Europe and worldwide, such as extreme weather conditions leading to floods and droughts, and rising temperatures and sea levels. The priority area Climate Change Adaptation should therefore contribute to adapt to such impacts across populations, economic sectors and regions to ensure a more resilient
Amendment 33 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 21 (21) In order to improve the implementation of environmental and climate policy and enhance the integration of environmental and climate objectives in other policies, the LIFE Programme should promote projects that support integrated approaches to the implementation of environmental and climate legislation and policy. For the sub-programme for Environment, those projects should focus primarily on the implementation of the Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, with particular regard to the effective management and consolidation of the Natura2000 network set up by Council Directive 92/43/EEC through the implementation of Prioritised Action Frameworks foreseen in Article 8 of the same Directive, of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy, and of the Waste and Air legislation. Those projects, while focusing on the themes identified, will be multi-purpose delivery mechanism (e.g. aiming at environmental benefits and capacity building) allowing to reach results in other policy areas, in particular Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive). Those types of projects could be envisaged in other environmental areas. For the sub-programme for Climate Action, those projects should in particular concern climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and action plans. Those types of projects should support only a series of specific activities and measures, while other activities that complement those included in the project should be sourced from other Union funding programmes, as well as from national, regional and private sector funds. Funding through the LIFE Programme should exploit synergies and ensure consistency between different Union funding sources by providing a strategic environmental and climate focus. Integrated Projects will benefit other funds by increasing their absorption capacity for environment-related and climate-related expenditure. Given the novelty and the lack of broad experience with the 'Integrated Project' approach, stakeholders should, when needed, be supported through an increased co- funding rate and technical assistance for the preparation phase. In addition, a two- step selection procedure should alleviate the application phase. Exchanges concerning successful integrated approaches should be facilitated, involving all relevant sectors of administration and stakeholders. Based on experience of the first programming years, the factors determining the smooth functioning and success of Integrated Projects should be analysed. Based on that analysis and depending on funding available, additional areas might be added to the scope of Integrated Projects.
Amendment 34 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 a (new) (26a) VAT compensation is important as a means of ensuring that entities with relatively limited financial resources, such as NGOs and local and regional bodies, should also be able to implement LIFE projects.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 30 (30) In order to secure the best possible use of Union funds and to ensure European added value, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of eligibility criteria for project selection, criteria for the application of geographical balance to
Amendment 36 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a (a) ‘pilot projects’ mean projects that apply a technique or method that has not been applied or tested before, or elsewhere, and that offer potential environmental or climate advantages compared to current best practice and which can subsequently be applied on a larger scale to similar situations;
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d (d) ‘integrated projects’ mean projects implementing in a sustainable manner, on a large territorial scale, in particular, regional, multi-regional or national scale, environmental or climate strategies or action plans required by specific environmental or climate Union legislation, pursuant to other Union acts or developed by Member States' authorities. They aim at integrating environmental and climate policy into other policies, especially by promoting a coordinated mobilisation of other Union, national and private funds towards environmental or climate objectives and towards major implementation challenges;
Amendment 38 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – title Participation of overseas countries and territories and third countries in the LIFE Programme
Amendment 39 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part The LIFE Programme shall be open to the participation of the following countries and territories:
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point -a (new) (-a) the overseas countries and territories referred to in Council Decision 2001/822/EC of 27 November 2001 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Community, as amended by Council Decision 2007/249/EC of 19 March 2007; (Mr Ponga would like his amendment to become the new point (a)).
Amendment 41 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 2 Such participation shall be done in accordance with the conditions laid down in Decision 2001/822/EC and the respective bilateral or multilateral agreements establishing the general principles for their participation in Union programmes.
Amendment 42 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 3. In accordance with their respective responsibilities, the Commission and the Member States, in an active and concerted effort, shall ensure coordination between the LIFE Programme and the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, in order to create synergies and harmonise procedures, particularly in the context of Integrated Projects referred to in Article 18 point (d) and also through the establishment of Prioritised Action Frameworks referred to in Article 8 of Directive 92/43/EEC, and to support the use of solutions, methods and approaches developed under the LIFE Programme. At Union level, coordination shall take place within the Common Strategic Framework referred to in Article 10 of Regulation (EU) No…. (CSF Regulation).
Amendment 43 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part 1. The sub-programme for Environment shall have
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 1 – indent 3 a (new) - Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Outermost Regions of the Union
Amendment 45 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a (a) to
Amendment 46 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b (b) to support communication, management, and dissemination of information in the field of environment, and to facilitate knowledge sharing on successful environmental solutions and practice, including by developing cooperation platforms between stakeholders and training, intended for all age groups brackets and economic and social categories;
Amendment 47 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b (b) to support communication, management, and dissemination of information in the field of environment, and to facilitate knowledge sharing on successful environmental solutions and practice, including by developing regional cooperation platforms between stakeholders and training
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point c (c) to promote and contribute to a more effective compliance with and enforcement of Union environmental legislation, in particular by promoting the development and dissemination of best practices
Amendment 49 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d (d) to promote better environmental governance
Amendment 50 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 a (new) Amendment 51 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point a (a) to contribute to the implementation and development of Union policy and legislation on mitigation, including mainstreaming across policy areas, in particular by supporting synergies with other environmental objectives, such as biodiversity, and by developing, testing and demonstrating policy or management approaches, best practices and solutions for climate change mitigation;
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a (a) to contribute to the development and implementation of Union policy and legislation on adaptation, including mainstreaming across policy areas, in particular by supporting synergies with other environmental objectives, such as biodiversity, and by developing, testing and demonstrating ecosystem based policy or management approaches, best practices, and solutions, for climate change adaptation;
Amendment 53 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b (b) to improve the knowledge base for the development, assessment, monitoring, evaluation and implementation of effective ecosystem based adaptation actions and measures and to enhance the capacity to apply that knowledge in practice;
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c (c) to facilitate the development and implementation of ecosystem based integrated approaches, such as for adaptation strategies and action plans, at local, regional or national level;
Amendment 55 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d (d) to contribute to the development and demonstration of innovative adaptation technologies, systems, methods and instruments that are suitable for being replicated, transferred or mainstreamed and that focus on ecosystem based approaches.
Amendment 56 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point a (a) to
Amendment 57 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point a (a) to promote critical awareness
Amendment 58 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point b (b) to support communication, management, and dissemination of information in the field of climate and to facilitate knowledge sharing on successful climate solutions and practice, including by developing cooperation platforms between stakeholders and training, intended for all age groups and economic and social categories;
Amendment 59 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point c (c) to promote and contribute to a more effective compliance with and enforcement of Union climate legislation, in particular by promoting the development and dissemination of best practices
Amendment 60 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point d (d) to promote better climate governance
Amendment 61 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new) (ca) being politically neutral
Amendment 62 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 Integrated Projects referred to in Article 18 point (d) shall
Amendment 63 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. The Commission shall ensure that the annual allocations to projects carried out in Member States and referred to in Article 18, points a, b, c and g ("bottom- up projects") shall not be decreased, but gradually increased compared to the corresponding level in 2013.
Amendment 64 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 1. The maximum co-financing rate for the projects referred to in Article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs. By way of exception, the maximum co-financing rate for projects referred to in Article 18 points (d) and (f) shall be 80% of eligible costs. For projects referred to in Article 12a the maximum co-financing rate shall be 95%.
Amendment 65 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 VAT shall
Amendment 66 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 VAT shall
Amendment 67 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 23 The LIFE Programme may fund public
Amendment 69 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 1 1. The Commission shall
Amendment 70 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point b (b) the allocation of funds between each priority area and between different types of funding within each sub-programme while gradually increasing the annual funds available for projects referred to in Article 18, points a, b, c and g;
Amendment 71 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point b (b) the allocation of funds between each priority area and between different types of funding with a special ‘overseas’ section for the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories within each sub-programme;
Amendment 72 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point e (e) selection and award criteria for grants – paying particular attention to the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories so as to ensure that they participate fully;
source: PE-492.633
2012/07/16
BUDG
11 amendments...
Amendment 14 #
Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Recalls its resolution of 8 June 2011 on "Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe"1; reiterates that, regardless of realisable savings and reallocations, sufficient additional resources are needed in the next MFF in order to enable the Union to fulfil its existing policy priorities and the new tasks provided for by the Treaty of Lisbon, as well as to respond to unforeseen events; challenges the Council, if it does not share this approach, to clearly identify which of its political priorities or projects could be dropped altogether, despite their proven European added value; ______________ 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0266.
Amendment 15 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 (3) Those Union funding programmes cannot address all environmental and climate action specific needs. For environment and climate action, specific approaches are required to deal with uneven integration of their objectives into Member States practice, uneven and inadequate implementation of the legislation in the Member States, and insufficient dissemination and promotion of policy goals. It is appropriate to continue the LIFE Programme regulated by Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 May 2007 concerning the Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE+) and adopt a new Regulation. Therefore, this Regulation should establish a dedicated funding Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (the ‘LIFE Programme’). With the aim of achieving substantial impact of Union funding, close synergies and complementarity should be developed between the "LIFE Programme" and Union programmes, in particular Horizon 2020 and the Structural Funds.
Amendment 16 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 (6) This Regulation lays down, for the entire duration of the LIFE Programme, a financial envelope of
Amendment 17 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 21 (21) In order to improve the implementation of environmental and climate policy and enhance the integration of environmental and climate objectives in other policies, the LIFE Programme should promote projects that support integrated approaches to the implementation of environmental and climate legislation and policy. For the sub-programme for Environment, those projects should focus primarily on the implementation of the Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, with particular regard to the effective management and consolidation of the Natura2000 network set up by Council Directive 92/43/EEC through the implementation of Prioritised Action Frameworks foreseen in Article 8 of the same Directive, of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy, and of the Waste and Air legislation. Those projects, while focusing on the themes identified, will be multi-purpose delivery mechanism (e.g. aiming at environmental benefits and capacity building) allowing to reach results in other policy areas, in particular Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive). Those types of projects could be envisaged in other environmental areas. For the sub-programme for Climate Action, those projects should in particular concern climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and action plans. Those types of projects should support only a series of specific activities and measures, while other activities that complement those included in the project should be sourced from other Union funding programmes, as well as from national, regional and private sector funds. Funding through the LIFE Programme should exploit synergies and ensure consistency between different Union funding sources by providing a strategic environmental and climate focus being also important to ensure an effective simplification of procedures.
Amendment 18 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 1. The financial envelope for implementing the LIFE Programme shall be EUR
Amendment 20 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a (a) EUR
Amendment 21 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b (b) EUR
Amendment 22 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 1 1. The Commission and the Member States shall ensure that support from the LIFE Programme is consistent with the policies and priorities of the Union and complementary to other instruments of the Union being of utmost importance the implementation of simplification measures.
Amendment 23 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 3. In accordance with their respective responsibilities, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure coordination between the LIFE Programme and the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development,
Amendment 24 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a (a) no later than 30
source: PE-492.950
2012/10/07
ENVI
152 amendments...
Amendment 61 #
Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) (1a) Points out that the financial envelope specified in the legislative proposal is only an indication to the legislative authority and cannot be fixed until agreement is reached on the proposal for a regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020; notes, however, that budgetary constraint should be a priority and that the financial envelope should therefore be commensurate with the budget provided for in the LIFE+ Regulation1 __________________ 1 Regulation (EC) No 614/2007, OJ L 149, 9.6.2007, p. 1
Amendment 62 #
Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Points out that the financial envelope specified in the legislative proposal constitutes only an indication to the legislative authority and that it can not be fixed until agreement is reached on the regulation on the Multiannual Financial Framework;
Amendment 63 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 (6) This Regulation lays down
Amendment 64 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 (6) This Regulation lays down, for the entire duration of the LIFE Programme, a financial envelope of
Amendment 65 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 (6) The LIFE Programme's financial envelope should correspond to at least 1% of the Union's general budget. This Regulation thus lays down, for the entire duration of the LIFE Programme, a financial envelope
Amendment 66 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 a (new) (6a) In view of the Message from Reunion Island of July 2008, and in accordance with the Council conclusions of 10 December 2011, which encouraged the Commission and the Member States to promote a joint approach to nature conservation throughout the Union, including in the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories of the Member States, as well as with the Commission communication entitled ‘Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020’, in which the Commission undertook to expand and encourage the BEST (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas) initiative, the overseas countries and territories should be able to take part in Union programmes under the terms laid down in the overseas association decision.
Amendment 67 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 a (new) (6a) By virtue of Article 58 of Council Decision 2001/822/EC of 27 November 2001 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Community¹, overseas countries and territories should be eligible to participate in the LIFE Programme. _____________ ¹ OJ L 314, 30.11.2001, p. 1.
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 (12) The Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions "Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe" (hereinafter the "Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe") has set forth the milestones and actions that
Amendment 69 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 16 (16) The priority area Climate Change Mitigation should contribute to the development and implementation of Union climate-related policy and legislation, in particular
Amendment 70 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 17 (17) The first consequences of climate change can already be seen in Europe and worldwide, such as extreme weather conditions leading to floods and droughts, and rising temperatures and sea levels. The priority area Climate Change Adaptation should therefore contribute to adapt to such impacts across populations, economic sectors and regions to ensure a more resilient
Amendment 71 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 17 (17) The first consequences of climate change can already be seen in Europe and worldwide, such as extreme weather conditions leading to floods and droughts, and rising temperatures and sea levels. The priority area Climate Change Adaptation should therefore contribute to adapt to such impacts across populations, economic sectors and regions to ensure a more resilient Union through specific adaptation measures and strategies. Actions in this field should be complementary to actions eligible for funding under the civil protection financial instrument and should aim, where possible, to support cost- efficient use of funds by generating co- benefits with other environmental objectives.
Amendment 72 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 18 (18) Full implementation of environmental and climate legislation and policy is inextricably linked to achieving better governance, improving stakeholder involvement and disseminating information. Therefore, the priority areas Governance and Information should in both sub-programmes support the development of platforms and sharing of best practices for better compliance and enforcement, and to generate support from the public and stakeholders for Union's policy making efforts in the areas of environment and climate. In particular, they should support improvements in the dissemination of knowledge-base and best practices, raising awareness, public participation, access to information and access to justice on environmental matters.
Amendment 73 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 21 (21) In order to improve the implementation of environmental and climate policy and enhance the integration of environmental and climate objectives in other policies, the LIFE Programme should promote projects that support integrated approaches to the implementation of environmental and climate legislation and policy. For the sub-programme for Environment, those projects should focus primarily on the implementation of the Union Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, with particular regard to the effective management and consolidation of the Natura2000 network set up by Council Directive 92/43/EEC through the implementation of Prioritised Action Frameworks foreseen in Article 8 of the same Directive, of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy, and of the Waste and Air legislation. Those projects, while focusing on the themes identified, will be multi-purpose delivery mechanism (e.g. aiming at environmental benefits and capacity building) allowing to reach results in other policy areas, in particular Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive). Those types of projects could be envisaged in other environmental areas. For the sub-programme for Climate Action, those projects should in particular concern climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and action plans. Those types of projects should support only a series of specific activities and measures, while other activities that complement those included in the project should be sourced from other Union funding programmes, as well as from national, regional and private sector funds. Funding through the LIFE Programme should exploit synergies and ensure consistency between different Union funding sources by providing a strategic environmental and climate focus. Integrated Projects should facilitate the 'mainstreaming approach' to environmental funding by improving the absorption capacity of other funds for environment-related and climate-related expenditure. Given the novelty and the lack of broad experience with the 'Integrated Project' approach, stakeholders should, when needed, be supported through an increased co- funding rate of up to 75% and technical assistance for the preparation phase. In addition, a two-step selection procedure should help to simplify the application phase. Exchanges concerning successful integrated approaches should be encouraged, involving all relevant sectors of administration and stakeholders. Based on experience of the first programming years, the factors determining the smooth functioning and success of Integrated Projects should be analysed. Based on that analysis and depending on funding available, additional areas might be added to the scope of Integrated Projects.
Amendment 74 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 21 a (new) (21a) Integrated Projects should serve as a model aimed at supporting Member States in using funds efficiently and in establishing constructive and continuous cooperation between different sectors of administration to address major implementation challenges. Given that those challenges exist throughout the Union, experience with the new project type should be as broad as possible. The Commission should encourage each Member State to submit at least three Integrated Projects in different areas over the programming period.
Amendment 75 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 21 a (new) (21a) The nature of LIFE projects, including those supporting integrated approaches, as a new type of projects focusing on implementation of Union environmental and climate legislation and policy, require action all over the Union and for all sectors targeted. This calls for the introduction of a distributional element in the selection process to facilitate geographical balance.
Amendment 76 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 23 (23) In order to carry out its role in the initiation of environmental and climate policy development and implementation, the Commission should use resources from the LIFE Programme to support the initiation, implementation and mainstreaming of Union environmental and climate policy and legislation, including the purchase of services and goods.
Amendment 77 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 23 (23) In order to carry out its role in the initiation of environmental and climate policy development and implementation, the Commission should use resources from the LIFE Programme to support the initiation, implementation and mainstreaming of Union environmental and climate policy and legislation, including the purchase of services and goods. Concrete measures should be taken to encourage SME participation in these calls for tender. Financial resources allocated to communication activities under this Regulation shall also cover corporate communication on the political priorities of the Union.
Amendment 78 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 23 (23) In order to carry out its role in the initiation of environmental and climate policy development and implementation, the Commission should use resources from the LIFE Programme to support the initiation, implementation and mainstreaming of Union environmental and climate policy and legislation, including the purchase of services and goods. Financial resources allocated to communication activities under this Regulation shall also cover corporate communication on the political priorities of the Union. In addition, the LIFE Programme should contribute to the implementation of action 3c) under Target 1 of the EU's Biodiversity Strategy according to which the Commission and Member States will facilitate enforcement of the nature directives by providing specific training programmes on Natura 2000 for judges and public prosecutors, and by developing better compliance promotion capacities.
Amendment 79 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 25 (25) The experience of past instruments has highlighted the need to program on a multi-annual basis and to focus efforts on concrete environmental and climate policy priorities and areas for action. Such multiannual work programmes should be flexible to achieve the LIFE Programme targets and objectives, while providing the necessary stability of priority areas for potential applicants to plan, prepare and submit proposals. In this view, those multiannual work programmes should be valid for at least t
Amendment 80 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 (26) With a view to simplifying the LIFE Programme and reducing administrative burden for applicants and beneficiaries, more use should be made of flat rates and lump-sums
Amendment 81 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 (26) With a view to simplifying the LIFE Programme and reducing administrative burden for applicants and beneficiaries, more use should be made of flat rates and lump-sums
Amendment 82 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 (26) With a view to simplifying the LIFE Programme and reducing administrative burden for applicants and beneficiaries, more use should be made of flat rates and lump-sums
Amendment 83 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 (26) With a view to simplifying the LIFE Programme and reducing administrative burden for applicants and beneficiaries, more use should be made of flat rates and lump-sums
Amendment 84 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 26 (26) With a view to simplifying the LIFE Programme and reducing administrative burden for applicants and beneficiaries, more use should be made of flat rates and lump-sums, and funding should focus on more specific categories of costs. By way of compensation for ineligible costs and in order to maintain the effective level of support provided by the LIFE Programme, the co-funding rates should be 70% as a general rule and
Amendment 85 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 30 (30) In order to secure the best possible evaluation of the use of Union funds
Amendment 86 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c (c) “Best practice projects” mean projects that apply appropriate
Amendment 87 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d (d)
Amendment 88 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d (d)
Amendment 89 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new) (ba) to support the management of areas that form part of the Natura 2000 network and the conservation of the natural values included in that network, in particular the species and habitats considered priorities in accordance with Union legislation;
Amendment 90 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 In doing so, the LIFE Programme shall contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the
Amendment 91 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a (a) attributable environmental and climate improvements, as regards the objective referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1. In relation to the objective to contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, attributable environmental improvements shall be measured through the percentage of the Natura2000 network restored or brought to adequate management, surface of ecosystem services restored or re- established, and number and type of habitats and species targeted improving conservation status;
Amendment 92 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d a (new) (da) a biannual assessment of the economic benefit achieved through the LIFE Programme financing by accounting for maintaining or improving ecosystem services and other economic side-benefits of the programme
Amendment 93 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30
Amendment 94 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 1. The financial envelope for implementing the LIFE Programme shall be
Amendment 95 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 1. The financial envelope for implementing the LIFE Programme shall be
Amendment 96 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 1. The financial envelope for implementing the LIFE Programme shall be EUR
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 Amendment 98 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a (a) EUR 2
Amendment 99 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a (a)
Amendment 100 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a (a) EUR
Amendment 101 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b (b) EUR
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b (b)
Amendment 103 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b (b) EUR
Amendment 104 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. At least 85% of the budgetary resources for the LIFE Programme shall be allocated to projects supported by way of action grants.
Amendment 105 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Integrated projects shall receive no more than 30% of the total LIFE Programme budget.
Amendment 106 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – title Participation of overseas countries and territories and third countries in the LIFE Programme
Amendment 107 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – title Participation of overseas countries and territories and third countries in the LIFE Programme
Amendment 108 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part The LIFE Programme shall be open to the participation of the following countries and territories:
Amendment 109 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part The LIFE Programme shall be open to the participation of the following countries and territories:
Amendment 110 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part The LIFE Programme shall be open to the participation of the following countries and territories:
Amendment 111 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point -a (new) (-a) the overseas countries and territories referred to in Council Decision 2001/822/EC of 27 November 2001 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Community;
Amendment 112 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new) (aa) the overseas countries and territories referred to in Decision 2001/822/EC;
Amendment 113 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new) (aa) the overseas countries and territories referred to in Decision 2001/822/EC;
Amendment 114 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new) (aa) overseas countries and territories of the Union which are mentioned in the Council Decision 2001/822/EC;
Amendment 115 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 2 Such participation shall be done in accordance with the conditions laid down in the overseas association decision and the respective bilateral or multilateral agreements establishing the general principles for their participation in Union programmes.
Amendment 116 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 3. In accordance with their respective responsibilities, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure, where appropriate, coordination between the LIFE Programme and the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, in order to create synergies, particularly in the context of Integrated Projects referred to in Article 18 point (d) and also through the establishment of prioritised action frameworks referred to in Article 8 of Directive 92/43/EEC, and to support the use of solutions, methods and approaches developed under the LIFE Programme. At Union level, coordination shall take place within the Common Strategic Framework referred to in Article 10 of Regulation (EU) No
Amendment 117 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 3. In accordance with their respective responsibilities, the Commission and the Member States shall ensure, if possible, coordination between the LIFE Programme and the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, in order to create synergies, particularly in the context of Integrated Projects referred to in Article 18 point (d), and to support the use of solutions, methods and approaches developed under the LIFE Programme. At Union level, coordination shall take place within the Common Strategic Framework referred to in Article 10 of Regulation (EU) No…. (CSF Regulation).
Amendment 118 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 3 3. In accordance with their respective responsibilities, the Commission and the Member States shall
Amendment 119 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 8 a (new) Article 8a Visibility of the LIFE Programme The coordinating beneficiary and associated beneficiaries shall publicise the LIFE Programme project and its results, always mentioning the Union support received. The LIFE logo, depicted in Annex, shall be used for all communication activities and appear on notice boards at strategic places visible to the public. All durable goods acquired in the framework of the LIFE Programme shall bear the LIFE logo unless otherwise specified by the Commission.
Amendment 120 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 8 a (new) Article 8a The areas covered by Integrated Projects Integrated Projects shall focus primarily on the areas of nature, water, waste, air, noise and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Depending on their performance, after the mid-term evaluation referred to in point (a) of Article 27(2), and on funds available, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 concerning the addition of the areas to be covered by Integrated Projects such as soil, marine or urban environment.
Amendment 122 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 Amendment 123 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 2. At least 75
Amendment 124 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 2. At least 75
Amendment 125 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 2. At least
Amendment 126 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 9 – paragraph 2 2. At least
Amendment 127 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b (b) to support the application, development, testing and demonstration of integrated approaches for the implementation of plans and programmes pursuant to Union environmental policy and legislation, primarily in the areas of water, waste, air and
Amendment 128 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b (b) to support the application, development, testing and demonstration of integrated approaches for the implementation of plans and programmes pursuant to Union environmental policy and legislation, primarily in the areas of water, waste
Amendment 129 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point c (c) to promote and contribute to a more effective compliance with and enforcement of existing Union environmental legislation in all Member States, in particular by promoting the development and dissemination of best practices and policy approaches;
Amendment 130 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point c (c) to promote and contribute to a more effective compliance with and enforcement of Union environmental legislation, in particular by promoting the development and dissemination of best practices
Amendment 131 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d (d) to promote better environmental governance
Amendment 132 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d (d) to promote better environmental governance by broadening stakeholder involvement, including NGOs, in policy consultation and implementation, and to promote awareness of the citizens' rights arising from the Aarhus Convention.
Amendment 133 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new) (da) to promote targeted dissemination of project results to interested stakeholders and potential future applicants; dissemination should be to those regions most appropriate for the particular subject area which are most likely to benefit from the sharing of positive experiences.
Amendment 134 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 13 – paragraph 1 – indent 1 Amendment 135 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 14 – paragraph 1 – introductory part In view of contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the priority area Climate Change Mitigation, while supporting, where possible, synergies with other environmental objectives, such as biodiversity, shall in particular have the following specific objectives:
Amendment 136 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part In view of contributing to supporting efforts leading to increased resilience to climate change, the priority area Climate Change Adaptation, while supporting, where possible, synergies with other environmental objectives, such as biodiversity, shall in particular have the following specific objectives:
Amendment 137 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a (a) to contribute to the development and implementation of Union policy and legislation on adaptation, including mainstreaming across policy areas, in particular by supporting synergies with other environmental objectives, such as biodiversity, and by developing, testing and demonstrating ecosystem-based policy or management approaches, best practices, and solutions, for climate change adaptation;
Amendment 138 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point a (a) to promote critical awareness
Amendment 139 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point c (c) to promote and contribute to a more effective compliance with and enforcement of Union climate legislation, in particular by promoting the development and dissemination of best practices
Amendment 140 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point d (d) to promote better climate governance
Amendment 141 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new) (da) to promote targeted dissemination of project results to interested stakeholders and potential future applicants; dissemination should be to those regions most appropriate for the particular subject area which are most likely to benefit from the sharing of positive experiences.
Amendment 142 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point a (a) being of Union interest by making
Amendment 143 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b (b) ensuring a cost-effective approach and being technically and financially coherent, reaching at least minimum quality criteria;
Amendment 144 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new) (ca) being politically neutral.
Amendment 145 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 Amendment 146 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 2 2. Where possible, projects financed by the LIFE Programme shall promote
Amendment 147 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. The Commission shall ensure the balanced distribution of LIFE programme funding among the Member States, establishing indicative national allocations for each Member State for the current programming period. If necessary, taking account of the needs and specific characteristics of each Member State and in cooperation with the national and/or regional authorities, the Commission shall provide special technical assistance to support the drawing-up of projects for Member States where the funding allocated to those States during the 2007-2013 programming period fell below the respective indicative national allocation.
Amendment 148 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. The Commission shall ensure a proportionate distribution of all projects referred to in Article 18 by establishing indicative annual national allocations for the periods 2014-2017 and 2018-2020, based on the following criteria: (a) population: (i) the total population of each Member State. A weighting of 50 % shall be applied to this criterion; and (ii) the population density of each Member State, up to a limit of twice the Union's average population density. A weighting of 5 % shall be applied to this criterion; (b) nature and biodiversity: (i) the total area of sites of Community importance for each Member State, expressed as a proportion of the total area of sites of Community importance. A weighting of 25 % shall be applied to this criterion; and (ii) the proportion of a Member State's territory covered by sites of Community importance in relation to the proportion of Community territory covered by sites of Community importance. A weighting of 20 % shall be applied to this criterion.
Amendment 149 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 Integrated Projects referred to in Article 18 point (d) shall
Amendment 150 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 Integrated Projects referred to in Article 18 point (d) shall involve, where appropriate, stakeholders and promote, when possible, the coordination with and mobilisation of other Union funding sources. From the amount dedicated to action grants, no more than 20% shall be allocated to Integrated Projects.
Amendment 151 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 Amendment 152 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 Amendment 153 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 Amendment 154 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 Amendment 155 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 The Commission shall ensure geographical balance in line with the principles of solidarity and effort sharing in the selection and award process for Integrated Projects
Amendment 156 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 The Commission shall ensure geographical balance in line with the principles of solidarity and effort sharing in the award process for
Amendment 157 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 The Commission in the award process for Integrated Projects only shall ensure geographical balance in line with the principles of solidarity and effort sharing
Amendment 158 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 The Commission shall ensure geographical balance based on the extent of the Natura 2000 network and in line with the principles of solidarity and effort sharing in the award process for Integrated Projects. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 concerning criteria for the application of geographical balance in each thematic area referred to in Article 18 point (d).
Amendment 159 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 (new) A proportionate distribution of all types of projects shall be ensured by establishing indicative annual national allocations, based on the following criteria: (1) Environment sub-programme: (a) Population: (i) the total population of each Member State. A weighting of 45 % shall be applied to this criterion; (ii) the population density of each Member State, up to a limit of twice the EU´s average population density. A weighting of 5% shall be applied to this criterion. (b) Nature and Biodiversity: (i) the total area of sites of Community importance of each Member State, expressed in the proportion of the total area of sites of Community importance. A weighting of 25 % shall be applied to this criterion; (ii) the total area of sites of Community importance designated for priority species and habitat types for each Member State, expressed as proportion of the total area of sites of Community importance. A weighting of 25% shall be applied to this criterion; (2) Climate Action sub-programme: (a) Impacts of climate pressures. A weighting of 50% shall be applied to this criterion. (b) Natural carbon sinks coverage expressed as a proportion of Community territory of each Member State. A weighting of 30% shall be applied to this criterion. (c) Planned increase in the share of renewables in the energy mix. A weighting of 20 % shall be applied to this criterion.
Amendment 160 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. The Commission shall ensure geographical balance in the award process for all projects according to the criteria set out in Annex I to facilitate the distribution of projects referred to in Article 18 among all Member States.
Amendment 161 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. In line with the principles of solidarity and effort sharing, the Commission shall ensure a proportional distribution of projects under the sub-programme on Environment among all Member States by allocating funds to them for the entire programme period for all projects in accordance with the following criteria: (a) Population criteria (air and waste): (i) The total population of each Member State (50% weighting). (ii) Population density of each Member State, up to a limit of twice the EU average population density (5% weighting). (b) Nature and biodiversity criteria: (i) The total area of Natura 2000 sites for each Member State expressed as a proportion of the total area of Natura 2000 (20% weighting). (ii) The proportion of the territory of a Member State covered by Natura 2000 sites (15% weighting). (c) Water criteria: (i) The total area of river basin districts in each Member State expressed as a proportion of the total river basin districts in the EU (10% weighting).
Amendment 162 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 c (new) 3c. In line with the principles of solidarity and effort sharing, the Commission shall ensure a proportional distribution of projects under the sub-programme for Climate Action among all Member States by allocating funds to them for the entire programme period for all projects in accordance with the following criteria of population: (i) The total population of each Member State as a proportion of the total EU population (50% weighting). (ii) Reverse GDP per capita to reflect solidarity with less prosperous Member States (50% weighting).
Amendment 163 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 d (new) 3d. If the total amount of funds used by a Member State is less than the allocation for that Member State, the Commission shall use the remaining funds to co- finance the projects submitted by other Member States that make the greatest contribution to the achievement of the objectives set out in Article 3.
Amendment 164 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 3 e (new) 3e. When proposing the list of projects to be co-financed to the Committee referred to in Article 29, the Commission shall provide it with a written explanation of how the allocation criteria in paragraphs 3c or 3d were taken into account.
Amendment 165 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4 Amendment 166 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4 4. The Commission shall have special regard to trans
Amendment 167 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. The Commission shall have special regard to projects in the Union's overseas countries and territories and shall adapt the guidelines for applicants to reflect the capacities, environmental protection and climate objectives of these territories and ensure their participation in the LIFE Programme, and shall endeavour to ensure that at least 5%, up to a maximum of 10%, of the budgetary resources dedicated to biodiversity projects are allocated to projects in these territories.
Amendment 168 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. The Commission shall have special regard to projects in the Union's overseas countries and territories and shall adapt the guidelines for applicants to reflect the capacities and environmental protection and climate objectives of these territories and ensure their participation in the LIFE Programme, and shall endeavour to ensure that at least 5% of the budgetary resources dedicated to biodiversity projects are allocated to projects in these territories.
Amendment 169 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. The Commission shall regularly publish a short description of synergies achieved by the LIFE Programme between various environmental and climate objectives.
Amendment 170 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. To encourage citizens to play their part in attaining environmental protection and climate objectives, the Commission shall place emphasis on projects of local importance by involving NGOs, citizens’ action groups, and communities on as broad a basis as possible.
Amendment 171 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 1. The maximum co-financing rate for the projects referred to in Article 18 shall be
Amendment 172 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 1. The maximum co-financing rate for the projects referred to in Article 18 shall be
Amendment 173 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 1. The maximum co-financing rate for the projects referred to in Article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs. By way of exception, the maximum co-financing rate for projects referred to in Article 18 points (d) and (f) shall be 80% of eligible costs. However, by way of exception, the maximum co- financing rate for LIFE Nature and Biodiversity may be up to 75 % of eligible costs in the case of projects concerning priority habitats or species for the implementation of Directive 92/43/EEC or the species of birds considered as a priority for funding by the committee set up pursuant to Article 16 of Directive 79/409/EEC when this is necessary to achieve the conservation objective.
Amendment 174 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 1. The maximum co-financing rate for the projects referred to in Article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs. By way of exception, the maximum co-financing rate for projects referred to in Article 18 points (d) and (f) shall be 80% of eligible costs. For less developed regions the maximum co- financing rate shall be 90% of eligible costs
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 1. The maximum co-financing rate for the projects referred to in Article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs. By way of exception, the maximum co-financing rate for projects referred to in Article 18 points (d) and (f) shall be 80% of eligible costs. Less developed regions, as defined in Regulation (EU) No …/… [Common Provisions Regulation], shall be entitled to an increased rate of up to 85% of eligible costs.
Amendment 176 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 1. The maximum co-financing rate for the projects referred to in Article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs. By way of exception
Amendment 177 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. VAT and permanent staff costs shall be eligible.
Amendment 178 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 Amendment 179 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 Amendment 180 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 VAT shall
Amendment 181 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 VAT shall
Amendment 182 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 VAT shall, in principle, not be considered an eligible cost for projects referred to in Article 18. VAT amounts shall be eligible where they are not recoverable under national VAT legislation and are paid by a beneficiary other than a non-taxable person within the meaning of the first subparagraph of Article 13(1) of Directive 2006/112/EC.
Amendment 183 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 VAT shall, in principle, not be considered an eligible cost for projects referred to in Article 18. VAT amounts shall be eligible where they are not recoverable under national VAT legislation.
Amendment 184 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) Staff costs shall be considered an eligible cost for projects referred to in Article 18 to the extent that they relate to the cost of activities which the beneficiary would not have carried out if the project concerned had not been undertaken. The respective staff shall be specifically seconded to the project concerned, on hourly, part-time or full-time basis. Salary costs of public officials not specifically recruited for the project concerned shall be considered as own contribution to the project budget.
Amendment 185 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) Staff costs shall be considered an eligible cost for projects referred to in Article 18 to extent that they relate to the cost of activities which the beneficiary would not have carried out if the project concerned had not been undertaken. The respective staff shall be specifically seconded to the project concerned.
Amendment 186 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) Staff costs shall be considered an eligible cost for projects referred to in Article 18 to the extent that they relate to the cost of activities which the beneficiary would not have carried out if the project concerned had not been undertaken. The respective staff shall be specifically seconded to the project concerned.
Amendment 187 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) Staff costs shall be considered an eligible cost for projects referred to in Article 18 to the extent that they relate to the cost of activities which the beneficiary would not have carried out if the project concerned had not been undertaken.
Amendment 188 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – indent 1 – the purchase will contribute to improving, maintaining and restoring the integrity of the Natura2000 network set up in Article 3 of Directive 92/43/EEC, including through improving connectivity through the creation of corridors, stepping stones, or other elements of green infrastructure;
Amendment 189 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – indent 2 Amendment 190 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – indent 5 (new) - the beneficiary should seek when possible, local support in the acquisition of land, after involving local stakeholders, NGOs, civil society groups and interested parties.
Amendment 191 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 20 a (new) Article 20a Maximum co-financing rate for Nature and Biodiversity priority area The maximum co-financing rate for projects referred to in Article 18 for the priority area Nature and Biodiversity referred to in Article 11 b) shall be 75 % of eligible costs.
Amendment 192 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 21 – paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Costs related to the preparation and submission of projects referred to in Article 18 shall be included among the costs eligible for funding under the LIFE Programme in accordance with the previous subparagraph.
Amendment 193 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part The LIFE Programme may finance actions implemented by the Commission in support of the initiation, implementation and mainstreaming of Union environmental and climate policies and legislation for the purpose of achieving the objectives referred to in Article 3. The maximum amount of co-financing for those actions shall be 50% of eligible costs. Such actions may include:
Amendment 194 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part The LIFE Programme may finance actions implemented
Amendment 195 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a Amendment 196 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 1 The LIFE Programme may fund public
Amendment 197 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 23 – paragraph 1 The LIFE Programme may fund public and private bodies. Priority should be given to non-profit organisations, local organisations and civil society, SMEs, NGOs and academic institutions.
Amendment 198 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 1 1. The Commission shall
Amendment 199 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 1 1. The Commission shall adopt multiannual work programmes for the LIFE Programme. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 29(2). The Commission shall ensure stakeholders are consulted adequately when multiannual work programmes are developed.
Amendment 200 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 2 – introductory part 2. Each multiannual work programme shall have a duration of at least t
Amendment 201 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point b Amendment 202 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point b (b) the allocation of funds between each priority area and between different types of funding with a special ‘overseas’ section for the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories within each sub-programme;
Amendment 203 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point e (e) selection and award criteria for grants, paying particular attention to the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories so as to ensure that they participate fully;
Amendment 204 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 24 – paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 205 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new) The Commission shall regularly make available the most meaningful results of the projects funded under the LIFE Programme in order to facilitate feedback and the exchange of good practices across the European Union;
Amendment 206 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a (a) no later than 30 September 2017, an external mid-term evaluation report of the LIFE Programme (and its sub- programmes), including qualitative and quantitative aspects of its implementation, the amount of climate-related expenditure and biodiversity-related expenditure, and its complementarity with other relevant Union programmes, the funding utilised by each Member State and the respective percentage of the indicative national allocation for the whole of the programming period, the achievement of the objectives of all the measures (at the level of results and impacts, when possible), the efficiency of the use of resources and its European added value, in view of a decision on the renewal, modification or suspension of the measures. The evaluation shall additionally address the scope for simplification, its internal and external coherence, the continued relevance of all objectives, the impact and added value of the activities associated with the projects for the communities directly and indirectly involved, as well as the contribution of the measures to the Union priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. It shall take into account evaluation results on the long-term impact of its predecessor. The report shall be accompanied by remarks by the Commission including the manner in which the findings of the mid-
Amendment 207 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point b (b) no later than 31 December 2023, an external and independent ex-post evaluation report covering the implementation and results of the LIFE Programme and its sub-programmes, including the amount of climate related expenditure and biodiversity related expenditure, the funding utilised by each Member State and the respective percentage of the indicative national allocation for the whole of the programming period, the extent to which the LIFE Programme as a whole, and each of its sub-
Amendment 208 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 30 – paragraph 2 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 3(2),
Amendment 209 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 30 – paragraph 3 3. The delegation of power referred to in Articles 3(2),
Amendment 210 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 30 – paragraph 5 5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 3(2),
Amendment 212 #
Proposal for a regulation Annex (new) source: PE-492.686
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History
(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)
| procedure/subject/2 | added | 3.70.18 International and regional environment protection measures and agreements | |