CO.T.IR

4.10.2017

Question for written answer P-006238-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Daniela Aiuto (EFDD)

The consortium for the dissemination and experimentation of irrigation techniques (CO.T.IR) is (in principle) a non-profit limited liability consortium of exclusively public undertakings established by Regional Law 31/1982. The Abruzzo Region holds 62% of the share capital, exercising control analogous to that exercised over its own departments[1].

The CO.T.IR. is primarily engaged in applied research and experimentation, of which, on average, 93% is subsidised by EU and other public funds. The CO.T.IR. statutes and activities are similar to those of the principal Italian public research bodies (CNR, ENEA and CREA).

Over 80% of its research activities relate to the Abruzzo region alone (Directives 2014/23/EU and 2014/24/EU). It carries out independent pure and industrial research and experimental development and ensures that its findings are widely disseminated through training courses, publications and other open result-sharing instruments.

In view of this:

Can the Commission say whether it consider the CO.T.IR. to fulfil the requirements relating to ‘a body governed by public law’ as set out in Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 on the European system of national and regional accounts in the European Union?

• [1] CO.T.IR evaluation report attached.