Horizon 2020 and the payments crisis

8.9.2016

Question for written answer E-006772-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Miguel Viegas (GUE/NGL)

The Horizon 2020 programme is currently under budgetary pressure as a ramification of the payments crisis that is also affecting other budget headings. In particular, the level of pre-financing of new projects under the Horizon 2020 programme was reduced by 60% to 35% (level set in the FP7, the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development). According to information published by Parliament’s Research Service, the payments crisis has seriously slowed the fulfilment of Budget Heading 1a (Competitiveness for growth and jobs). It reports that a total of EUR 2.3 million has had to be paid out in interest on late payments owed under the previous framework programme. Lastly, there is talk of postponing deadlines for calls for proposals for Horizon 2020 in an attempt to avoid worsening the European Union’s deficit.

Can the Commission confirm whether this is true? What is its assessment of the situation? What measures is it planning to put in place to prevent this financial crisis from jeopardising the Horizon 2020 programme?