REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation of the Union in the European Partnership on Metrology jointly undertaken by several Member States

20.7.2021 - (COM(2021)0089 – C9‑0083/2021 – 2021/0049(COD)) - ***I

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
Rapporteur: Maria da Graça Carvalho

Amendments

• 001-072 (PDF - 174 KB)
• 001-072 (DOC - 54 KB)
• 073-073 (PDF - 99 KB)
• 073-073 (DOC - 71 KB)
• 074-074 (PDF - 219 KB)
• 074-074 (DOC - 91 KB)

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation of the Union in the European Partnership on Metrology jointly undertaken by several Member States

(COM(2021)0089 – C9‑0083/2021 – 2021/0049(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2021)0089),

– having regard to Article 294(2), Article 185 and the second subparagraph of Article 188 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C9‑0083/2021),

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

– having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee[1],

– having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A9-0242/2021),

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2. Suggests that the act be cited as 'the Decision on the participation of the Union in the European Partnership on Metrology jointly undertaken by several Member States';

3. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

4. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

 

Amendment  1

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) In order to achieve the greatest possible impact of Union funding and the most effective contribution to the Union's policy objectives, Regulation (EU) [XXX] of the European Parliament and of the Council9 established Horizon Europe, the framework programme for research and innovation, that is, the policy and legal framework for European Partnerships with private and/or public sector partners. European Partnerships are a key element of the policy approach of Horizon Europe. They are set up to deliver on Union priorities targeted by Horizon Europe and ensure clear impact for the Union and its people, which can be achieved more effectively in a partnership, through a strategic vision that is shared and committed to by partners, rather than by the Union alone.	(1) In order to achieve the greatest possible impact of Union funding and the most effective contribution to the Union's policy objectives, Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council9 established Horizon Europe, the framework programme for research and innovation, that is, the policy and legal framework for European Partnerships with private and/or public sector partners. European Partnerships are a key element of the policy approach of Horizon Europe. They are set up to deliver on Union commitments and priorities targeted by Horizon Europe and ensure clear impact for the Union, its people and the environment, which can be achieved more effectively in a partnership, through a strategic vision that is shared and committed to by partners, rather than by the Union alone.
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9 Regulation [XXX] of the European Parliament and of the Council [date] establishing Horizon Europe – the framework programme for research and innovation (OJ C , , p. ). [Please insert full reference].	9 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1).

Amendment  2

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) In particular, European Partnerships in the Horizon Europe pillar ’Global challenges and European industrial competitiveness’ are expected to play an important role in achieving the strategic objectives of accelerating the transitions towards sustainable development goals and a green and digital Europe and in contributing to recovery.10 European Partnerships are key to address complex cross-border challenges that require an integrated approach. They make it possible to address the transformational, systematic and market failures by bringing together a broad range of players across the value chains and industrial ecosystems to work towards a common vision and translating it into concrete roadmaps and a coordinated implementation of activities. Furthermore, they allow concentrating efforts and resources on common priorities to solve the complex challenges ahead.	(2) In particular, European Partnerships in the Horizon Europe pillar ’Global challenges and European industrial competitiveness’ are expected to play an important role in achieving the strategic objectives of accelerating the achievement of the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals, the Union’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the transition to a green, digital and strategically autonomous Europe, while contributing to a socially, economically, and environmentally resilient recovery10 and promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. European Partnerships are key to address complex cross-border challenges that require an integrated approach. They make it possible to address the transformational, systematic and market failures by bringing together a broad range of players across the value chains, the research and innovation areas and the industrial ecosystems to work towards a common vision and translating it into concrete roadmaps and a coordinated implementation of activities. Furthermore, they allow concentrating efforts and resources on common priorities to solve the complex challenges ahead, in order to benefit society.
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10 European Commission (2018), Horizon Europe Impact Assessment, SWD(2018) 307	10 European Commission (2018), Horizon Europe Impact Assessment, SWD(2018) 307.

Amendment  3

Proposal for a decision

Recital 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(2a) The Metrology Partnership should implement its mission and objectives in a clear, simple and flexible way in order to increase attractiveness towards industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and all other relevant stakeholders.

Amendment  4

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 2 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(2b) In order to guarantee scientific excellence, and in line with Article 13 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the States participating in the Metrology Partnership should respect academic freedom, in particular the freedom to conduct scientific research, and promote the highest standards of scientific integrity.

Amendment  5

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) To deliver on priorities and impact, European Partnerships should be developed through a broad involvement of relevant stakeholders across Europe, including industry, research organisations, bodies with a public service mission at local, regional, national or international level, and civil society organisations such as foundations that support and/or carry out research and innovation. These European Partnerships should also be one of the measures to strengthen cooperation between private and/or public sector partners at the international level, including by joining up research and innovation programmes and cross-border investment in research and innovation, bringing mutual benefits to people and businesses.	(3) To deliver on priorities and impact, European Partnerships should be developed through a broad involvement of relevant stakeholders across Europe, including industry, universities, research organisations, bodies with a public service mission at local, regional, national or international level, and civil society organisations, including foundations, that support and/or carry out research and innovation. These European Partnerships should also be one of the measures to strengthen cooperation and synergies between private and/or public sector partners at the international level, including by joining up research and innovation programmes and cross-border investment in research and innovation, bringing mutual benefits to people and businesses.

Amendment  6

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5a) Complementarity and synergy with collaborative research work programmes and with the European Research Council is intended to nurture the bottom-up inspired innovation pipeline. Such complementarity and synergy is intended to create opportunities for research in areas that are not currently addressed, promoting applications in other sectors, both upstream and downstream of the pipeline. The Metrology Partnership should ensure appropriate collaboration with the other European Partnerships and other relevant initiatives given the technological development in areas such as digitalisation and artificial intelligence as well as civil society services from smart health to autonomous traffic and circular economy.

Amendment  7

Proposal for a decision

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9) The objective of this Decision is the participation of the Union in the Metrology Partnership in order to support its general objectives. The requirements of metrology are of such a scale and complexity that investments are needed that go beyond the core research budgets of the NMIs and DIs. The excellence required for research and the development of cutting-edge metrology solutions is spread across national borders and hence cannot be attained at national level only. Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States, but can be better achieved at Union level by integrating national efforts into a consistent European approach, by bringing together compartmentalised national research programmes, by helping design common research and funding strategies across national borders, and by achieving the critical mass of actors and investments required, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that same Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.	(9) The objective of this Decision is the participation of the Union in the Metrology Partnership in order to support its general objectives. The requirements of metrology are of such a scale and complexity that investments are needed that go beyond the core research budgets of the NMIs and DIs. The excellence required for research and the development of cutting-edge metrology solutions is spread across national borders and hence cannot be attained at national level only. The Metrology Partnership should promote and reward scientific excellence and support the uptake and systematic use of research and innovation results generated within the Union, including by ensuring that state-of-the-art science and fundamental research findings are taken into account in the implementation of its activities. It should also strive to ensure that the results of its actions are taken up and deployed by the industry, innovators and, ultimately, in society. Since the objectives of this Decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States, but can be better achieved at Union level by integrating national efforts into a consistent European approach, by bringing together compartmentalised national research programmes, by helping design common research and funding strategies across national borders, and by achieving the critical mass of actors and investments required, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that same Article, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.

Amendment  8

Proposal for a decision

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10) The Metrology Partnership, aligned with the political priorities of the Commission (including the European Green Deal, an economy that works for people, and a Europe fit for the digital age) should be implemented over a period of ten years (from 2021 to 2031). The programme should include new activities compared to the EMPIR initiative under Horizon 2020, and in particular, the development of European metrology networks, which will respond to pressing societal challenges and metrology needs from emerging technologies. The metrology capacity provided through these networks should be equivalent and comparable to the other world leading metrology systems, demonstrating world class excellence. Calls for proposals under the Metrology Partnership should be launched during the implementation of Horizon Europe.	(10) The Metrology Partnership, aligned with the political priorities of the Commission (including the European Green Deal, an economy that works for people, and a Europe fit for the digital age) should be implemented over a period of ten years (from 2021 to 2031). The programme should include new activities compared to the EMPIR initiative under Horizon 2020, and in particular, the development of European metrology networks, which should be established in an open and transparent manner and will respond to pressing societal, environmental challenges and metrology needs from emerging technologies and innovations. The metrology capacity provided through these networks should be equivalent and comparable to the other world leading metrology systems, demonstrating world class excellence. Calls for proposals under the Metrology Partnership should be launched during the implementation of Horizon Europe and should be open, transparent and competitive. The Metrology Partnership should strive for talent circulation as a balanced circular movement of researchers can actively tackle the problem of the “brain drain”. The Metrology Partnership should actively collaborate with academic institutions to fill the skills gap, establish skilling and re-skilling training opportunities and prepare the next generation of workers to meet the needs of the labour market that arise from the green and digital transitions.

Amendment  9

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11) The Metrology Partnership’s activities should be in line with the objectives and research and innovation priorities of Horizon Europe and with the general principles and conditions laid down in Article XXX of Regulation (EU) [Horizon Europe Regulation].	(11) The Metrology Partnership’s activities should be in line with the objectives and research and innovation priorities of Horizon Europe and with the general principles and conditions laid down in Article 8 of and Annex III to Regulation (EU) 2021/695, in particular with regard to the development and promotion of scientific excellence, fostering innovation and facilitating technological development and supporting the access to and uptake of innovative solutions in European industry, in particular by SMEs and ultimately in society.
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Amendment  10

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 13

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(13) In accordance with Article XX of Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe Regulation], the general objective of Horizon Europe is to deliver scientific, economic and societal impact from the Union’s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the Union and foster its competitiveness, including in its industry, deliver on the Union strategic priorities, and contribute to tackling global challenges, including the Sustainable Development Goals by following the principles of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.	(13) In accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, the general objective of Horizon Europe is to deliver scientific, economic, ecological and societal impact from the Union’s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the Union and foster its competitiveness, including in its industry, deliver on the Union strategic priorities, and contribute to tackling global challenges, including the Sustainable Development Goals by following the principles of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Amendment  11

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 14 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14a) The Metrology Partnership should ensure the effective promotion of equal opportunities for all and, in particular,, to the extent possible, gender balance in all bodies of the Metrology Partnership as well as evaluation panels and in other relevant advisory bodies.

Amendment  12

Proposal for a decision

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15) In order to achieve the objectives of the Metrology Partnership, EURAMET should provide financial support mainly in the form of grants to participants in actions selected at the level of EURAMET. Those actions should be selected following calls for proposals under the responsibility of EURAMET. The ranking list should be binding for the selection of proposals and the allocation of funding from the Union’s financial contribution and from the financial contributions from Participating States for the research projects and related activities. For the activities funded by the Participating States’ contributions to European metrology networks, the actions funded should also be under the responsibility of EURAMET.	(15) In order to achieve the objectives of the Metrology Partnership, EURAMET should provide financial support mainly in the form of grants to participants in actions selected at the level of EURAMET. Those actions should be selected following open, transparent and competitive calls for proposals under the responsibility of EURAMET. The Metrology Partnership should use best efforts to increase the visibility of the calls for proposals, to publish the calls in the Horizon database in a timely manner, and to promote and advertise the calls widely, with a view to increasing participation, geographical diversity and the involvement of newcomers on the market, such as start-ups and SMEs. The ranking list should be binding for the selection of proposals and the allocation of funding from the Union’s financial contribution and from the financial contributions from Participating States for excellence-based research projects and related activities. In accordance with Article 28 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, it is possible to include criteria concerning the involvement of SMEs, gender and geographical diversity in the conditions for dealing with ex-aequo proposals. For the activities funded by the Participating States’ contributions to European metrology networks, the actions funded should also be under the responsibility of EURAMET.

Amendment  13

Proposal for a decision

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16) Participation in indirect actions funded by the Metrology Partnership is subject to Council Regulation (EU) No XXX14 [RfP Horizon Europe]. However, due to specific operating needs of the Metrology Partnership, in particular to build and manage future European Metrology Networks and to facilitate adequate financial participation of the Participating States, it should be possible to provide for a limitation of the coordinator role in a proposal to NMIs and DIs of the Participating States, where necessary.	(16) Participation in indirect actions funded by the Metrology Partnership is subject to Council Regulation (EU) No XXX14 [RfP Horizon Europe]. However, due to specific operating needs of the Metrology Partnership, in particular to build and manage future European Metrology Networks and to facilitate adequate financial participation of the Participating States, it should be possible to provide for a limitation of the coordinator role in a proposal to NMIs and DIs of the Participating States, where necessary, after consulting the Steering Group.
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14 Council Regulation (EU) XXX of …(OJ …).	14 Council Regulation (EU) XXX of …(OJ …).

Amendment  14

Proposal for a decision

Recital 18

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(18) In order to ensure transparency and accessibility for the programme, calls for proposals by the Metrology Partnership should also be published on the single portal for participants as well as through other Horizon Europe electronic means of dissemination managed by the Commission.	(18) In order to ensure openness and transparency and accessibility for the programme, calls for proposals by the Metrology Partnership should also be published in a user-friendly manner on the single portal for participants as well as through other Horizon Europe electronic means of dissemination managed by the Commission. Calls for proposals should be attractive and accessible to a wide range of research and industry stakeholders, including SMEs. The Metrology Partnership should enhance its dialogue with society, engage in awareness-raising campaigns and promote educational and dissemination activities with the involvement of academic, scientific and knowledge networks, social and economic partners, the media, industry, SME organisations and other stakeholders.

Amendment  15

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 24

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(24) The Commission should conduct an interim evaluation not later than 2025, assessing in particular the quality and efficiency of the Metrology Partnership, the progress made towards achieving the objectives set and a final evaluation not later than 2030 and should prepare a report on those evaluations,	(24) The Commission should conduct an interim evaluation not later than 2025, assessing in particular the quality and efficiency of the Metrology Partnership, the progress made towards achieving the objectives set and a final evaluation not later than 2030 and make publicly available a report on those evaluations.

Amendment  16

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 24 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(24a) The European Parliament should have the possibility to invite the Commission to present the evaluation reports and other relevant information on the activities of the Metrology Partnership to the Committee responsible,

Amendment  17

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Any Member State other than those specified in paragraph 1 and any other country associated to Horizon Europe may participate in the Metrology Partnership, provided it fulfils the condition laid down in Article 4(1), point (c). It shall be regarded as a Participating State for the purposes of this Decision.	2. Any Member State other than those specified in paragraph 1 and any other country associated to Horizon Europe may participate in the Metrology Partnership, provided it fulfils the condition laid down in Article 4(1), point (c) and provided that it ensures the freedom of scientific research. It shall be regarded as a Participating State for the purposes of this Decision.

Amendment  18

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. Any third country not associated to Horizon Europe may participate in the Metrology Partnership, provided they conclude an international agreement for scientific and technological cooperation with the Union setting out the terms and conditions of its participation in the Metrology Partnership and provided they obtain the approval by the Metrology Partnership Committee referred to in Article 13(3), point (f). If it fulfils those conditions, it shall be regarded as a Participating State for the purposes of this Decision.	3. Any third country not associated to Horizon Europe may participate in the Metrology Partnership, provided they conclude an international agreement for scientific and technological cooperation with the Union setting out the terms and conditions of its participation in the Metrology Partnership, provided that it fulfils the condition laid down in Article 4(1), point (c) and ensures the freedom of scientific research and that they obtain the approval by the Metrology Partnership Committee referred to in Article 13(3), point (f). If it fulfils those conditions, it shall be regarded as a Participating State for the purposes of this Decision.

Amendment  19

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) to develop a sustainable coordinated metrology system on a European level;	(a) to develop a sustainable, excellent and coordinated metrology system on a European level to help bridge the investment gap between Europe and its global competitors;

Amendment  20

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) to ensure that state-of-the-art metrology capabilities are taken up directly by innovators in their ecosystems;	(b) to ensure that state-of-the-art metrology capabilities are widely taken up by innovators in their ecosystems and beyond;

Amendment  21

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) to increase the impact of metrology on societal challenges in relation to the implementation of policies, standards and regulations to make them fit for purpose.	(c) to increase the impact of metrology on societal challenges in relation to the implementation of digital, economic, industrial and environmental policies, standards and regulations to make them fit for purpose.

Amendment  22

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 3 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) to develop by 2030 new research capabilities which are built within the framework of new European Metrology Networks and which perform in terms of calibration and measurement capabilities at least equal to the leading metrology institutes outside the Participating States ;	(a) to contribute to developing by 2030 new research capabilities which are built within the framework of new European Metrology Networks and which perform in terms of calibration and measurement capabilities at least equal to the leading metrology institutes outside the Participating States;

Amendment  23

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 3 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) to support, by 2030, sales of new innovative products and services through the use and adoption of the new metrology capabilities in key emerging technologies;	(b) to support, by 2030, sales of new innovative products and services through the use and adoption of the new metrology capabilities in key emerging and enabling technologies;

Amendment  24

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba) to contribute to reducing the specific skills gap across the Union, to assist in the building of new knowledge, in the context of lifelong learning and the promotion of skills for human resources, and to accompany the societal transformation, including by enhancing competencies and capability for innovation;

Amendment  25

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 3 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) to contribute fully and effectively, by 2030, to the design and implementation of specific standards and regulations that underpin public policies addressing societal challenges.	(c) to contribute fully and effectively, by 2030, to the design and implementation of specific standards and regulations that underpin public policies addressing societal, economic and environmental challenges.

Amendment  26

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) to unleash the potential of metrology among end-users, including SMEs and industrial stakeholders, as an instrument contributing to achieving the Union goals for the digital and green transitions.

Amendment  27

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 3 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The Union’s financial contribution to the Metrology Partnership, including the European Free Trade Association appropriations and third country appropriations, shall not exceed the Participating States' contributions to the Metrology Partnership. The Union financial contribution shall be up to EUR 300 million to match the contributions of the Participating States specified in Article 1 (1).	1. The Union’s financial contribution to the Metrology Partnership, including the European Free Trade Association appropriations and third country appropriations, shall not exceed the Participating States' contributions to the Metrology Partnership. The Union financial contribution shall be up to EUR 300 million to match the contributions of the Participating States specified in Article 1 (1). The Union’s contribution shall be appropriately balanced with contributions from further associated third countries participating in the Metrology Partnership in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, provided that that amount is at least matched by the contribution of the Participating States.

Amendment  28

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 3 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5. The Union's financial contribution shall not be used to cover the administrative costs of the Metrology Partnership.	5. The Union's financial contribution shall be used to cover the administrative costs of the Metrology Partnership, up to a maximum of 5 % of the Union’s financial contribution referred to in paragraph 1.

Amendment  29

Proposal for a decision

Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	5a. Financial contributions under programmes co-financed by the ERDF, the ESF+, the EMFAF and the EAFRD, as well as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, may be considered to be a contribution of the participating Member State to the Metrology Partnership, provided that the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a and Regulations ... [the fund-specific regulations] are complied with. The Commission shall develop simple and practical guidelines to that end in order to clarify what constitutes a financial contribution of a Participating State to the Metrology Partnership.
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	1a. Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159).

Amendment  30

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4. The financial or in-kind contributions referred to in paragraph 2, point (b), shall cover the costs incurred by the Participating States in relation to the administrative costs of EURAMET for the implementation of the Partnership.	4. The financial or in-kind contributions referred to in paragraph 2, point (b), shall cover the costs incurred by the Participating States in relation to the administrative costs of EURAMET for the implementation of the Partnership. Those administrative costs of EURAMET shall not exceed 5 % of the total budget of the Metrology Partnership.

Amendment  31

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
5. For the purpose of valuing the in-kind contributions referred to in paragraph 2, points (a) and (b), the costs shall be determined in accordance with the usual accounting practices of the Participating States or the national funding bodies concerned, the applicable accounting standards of the Participating State where the national funding bodies concerned are established and the applicable International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards. The costs shall be certified by an independent auditor appointed by the Participating States or the national funding bodies concerned. Should there be any uncertainty arising from the certification, the valuation method may be verified by EURAMET. In the event of remaining uncertainties, the valuation method may be audited by EURAMET.	5. For the purpose of valuing the in-kind contributions referred to in paragraph 2, points (a) and (b), of this Article the costs shall be determined in accordance with a harmonised approach, with criteria and processes to be established by the Metrology Partnership Committee in accordance with Article 14 of this Regulation. To the extent possible, the reporting of costs shall comply with the reporting procedures laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/695, while taking into account the usual accounting practices of the Participating States or the national funding bodies concerned, the applicable accounting standards of the Participating State where the national funding bodies concerned are established and the applicable International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards. The costs shall be certified by an independent auditor appointed by the Participating States or the national funding bodies concerned.

Amendment  32

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) indirect actions within the meaning of Article 2, point 25 of Regulation (EU) [XXX] [Horizon Europe Regulation] and that in accordance with Article 7 of this Decision are funded by EURAMET mainly in the form of grants following transnational open and competitive calls for proposals organised by EURAMET, and that include:	(a) indirect actions within the meaning of Article 2, point 25 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695 and that in accordance with Article 7 of this Decision are funded by EURAMET mainly in the form of grants following transnational open, transparent and competitive calls for proposals organised by EURAMET, and that include:

Amendment  33

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a – indent 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
— (ii) metrology research to provide solutions for societal challenges focusing on contributions to energy, health and climate and to develop projects in specific European metrology networks addressing these challenges;	— (ii) metrology research to provide solutions for societal, economic and environmental challenges focusing on contributions to sustainable technologies and innovations in energy and digital sectors, health, the environment and climate and to develop projects in specific European metrology networks addressing these challenges;

Amendment  34

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a – indent 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
— (iii) research to develop novel measurement instrumentation aiming at industrial take-up of metrological technologies to stimulate innovation in industry;	— (iii) research to develop novel measurement instrumentation aiming at European industrial and commercial take-up of metrological technologies to stimulate innovation in industry;

Amendment  35

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a – indent 4

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
— (iv) pre-normative and co-normative metrology research and development in support of policy implementation, regulations and accelerate faster marketing of market introduction of innovative products and services;	— (iv) pre-normative and co-normative metrology research and development in support of policy implementation, regulations and accelerate the market introduction and societal uptake of sustainable innovative products and services;

Amendment  36

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a – indent 4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	- (iva) exchange of best practices on metrology research carried out at the national level;

Amendment  37

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) activities funded by the Participating States without the Union’s financial contribution referred to in Article 3 which consist of metrology capacity-building activities on different technological levels whose aim is to achieve a balanced and integrated metrology system in the Participating States enabling them to develop their scientific and technical capabilities in metrology, and which include activities not selected from the calls for proposals described in point (a), and outlined in the annual work programmes, including any of the following:	(b) activities funded by the Participating States without the Union’s financial contribution referred to in Article 3 which consist of metrology capacity-building activities on different technological levels whose aim is to achieve the widest possible, balanced and integrated metrology system in the Participating States enabling them to develop their scientific and technical capabilities in metrology, and which include activities not selected from the calls for proposals described in point (a), and outlined in the annual work programmes, including any of the following:

Amendment  38

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
— (ii) actions for the dissemination and exploitation of results of metrology research;	— (ii) actions for the dissemination and exploitation of results, including in industry and by SMEs, of metrology research as widely as possible in Europe, aiming to increase the visibility of the EURAMET activities to the public in a user-friendly manner;

Amendment  39

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	- (iia) activities to raise awareness and promote educational and dissemination activities and campaigns, provide appropriate information on its website and publish relevant documentation;

Amendment  40

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – indent 4

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
— (iv) the organisation of external dissemination and knowledge transfer activities to promote the Metrology Partnership and maximise its impact.	— (iv) the organisation of external dissemination and knowledge transfer activities to promote the Metrology Partnership as widely as possible in Europe and beyond, in order to maximise its impact.

Amendment  41

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Before identifying the topics of each call for proposals referred to in paragraph 1, point (a), EURAMET shall invite individuals or organisations from the metrology research community and the general metrology value chain to suggest potential research topics.	2. Before identifying the topics of each call for proposals referred to in paragraph 1, point (a), EURAMET shall publicly invite individuals or organisations including SMEs, and the general metrology value chain to suggest potential research topics in a transparent manner. The agenda, list of participants and minutes shall be published in a timely manner on its website.

Amendment  42

Proposal for a decision

Article 7 – paragraph 7

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
7. EURAMET shall monitor and report annually to the Commission on the implementation of all activities included in the annual work programme.	7. EURAMET shall monitor and report annually to the Commission on the implementation of all activities included in the annual work programme without increasing the administrative burden of the beneficiaries. The annual report shall be made publicly available on EURAMET’s website in a timely manner.

Amendment  43

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 8 – title

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Rules for participation and dissemination	Rules for participation, open science and dissemination

Amendment  44

Proposal for a decision

Article 8 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. In accordance with the Article 13 (1) of the HE Regulation, in duly justified cases, the annual work programme may provide for a limitation of the coordinator role in indirect actions to NMIs and DIs of the Participating States in order to ensure that the objectives and Participating States’ contribution targets are met.	2. All the activities referred to in Article 6(1), point (a), shall be subject to the rules for the participation, open science and dissemination of Horizon Europe, as laid down in Regulation (EU) 2021/695. In addition, in accordance with the Article 13(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, in duly justified cases and after consulting the Steering Group, the annual work programme may provide for a limitation of the coordinator role in indirect actions to NMIs and DIs of the Participating States in order to ensure that the objectives and Participating States’ contribution targets are met.

Amendment  45

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 8 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
3. EURAMET shall ensure appropriate interactions with NMIs and DIs in the indirect actions referred to in Article 6(1), point (a), according to the designation by the appropriate national authority. EURAMET shall also encourage and support the participation of other entities in all calls.	3. EURAMET shall ensure appropriate interactions with NMIs and DIs in the indirect actions referred to in Article 6(1), point (a), according to the designation by the appropriate national authority. EURAMET shall also encourage and support the participation of other entities, including SMEs, in all calls.

Amendment  46

Proposal for a decision

Article 10 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. If the Participating States do not contribute to the financing of the Metrology Partnership, contribute only partially or do not respect the time frames for the contributions referred to in Article 5, the Commission may terminate, proportionally reduce or suspend the Union’s financial contribution referred to in Article 3. The Commission’s decision shall not hinder the reimbursement of eligible costs already incurred by the Participating States before the decision to terminate, proportionally reduce or suspend the Union’s financial contribution is notified to the Metrology Partnership.	2. If the Participating States do not contribute to the financing of the Metrology Partnership, contribute only partially or do not respect the time frames for the contributions referred to in Article 5, the Commission may terminate, proportionally reduce or, as a last resort, suspend the Union’s financial contribution referred to in Article 3. The Commission’s decision shall not hinder the reimbursement of eligible costs already incurred by the Participating States before the decision to terminate, proportionally reduce or suspend the Union’s financial contribution is notified to the Metrology Partnership.

Amendment  47

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 11 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The ex post audits of expenditure on indirect actions referred to in Article 6(1), point (a), shall be carried out by EURAMET in accordance with Article 48 of Regulation …[Horizon Europe](EU) [XXX] [].	1. The ex post audits of expenditure on indirect actions referred to in Article 6(1), points (a) and (b), shall be carried out by EURAMET in accordance with Article 48 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695.

Amendment  48

Proposal for a decision

Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a. With the purpose of administrative simplification for the beneficiaries, double audits shall be avoided and audit rules shall be clear, consistent and coherent.

Amendment  49

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1a. The composition of the bodies governing the Metrology Partnership shall respect the principle of gender balance.

Amendment  50

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 14 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The Metrology Partnership Committee shall manage the Metrology Partnership in order to ensure that the Metrology Partnership as executed meets its objectives.	1. The Metrology Partnership Committee shall manage the Metrology Partnership in a transparent way while ensuring that the Metrology Partnership as executed meets its objectives.

Amendment  51

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) take decisions on the strategic research and innovation agenda;	(a) take decisions on the strategic research and innovation agenda and make them publicly available;

Amendment  52

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) adopt the annual work programme after obtaining the Commission’s approval and after consulting the Steering Group referred to in Article 15;	(c) adopt and make publicly available the annual work programme after obtaining the Commission’s approval and after consulting the Steering Group referred to in Article 15;

Amendment  53

Proposal for a decision

Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) take decisions on the selection of the projects to be funded according to the ranking lists following the evaluations of the call of proposals referred to in Article 6(1) point (a).	(d) take decisions on the selection of the projects to be funded according to the ranking lists following the evaluations of the call of proposals referred to in Article 6(1) point (a), that value respect for gender and geographical diversity as well as the participation of SMEs, in accordance with Article 28 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695.

Amendment  54

Proposal for a decision

Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(da) adopt measures to attract newcomers, in particular SMEs, universities and research organisations and civil society organisations to participate in the activities and actions of the Metrology Partnership;

Amendment  55

Proposal for a decision

Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point f

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) approve the participation in the Metrology Partnership of any third country not associated to Horizon Europe, provided that third country has concluded an international agreement with the Union, referred to in Article 1(3).	(f) approve the participation in the Metrology Partnership of any third country not associated to Horizon Europe, provided that third country fulfils the conditions referred to in Article 1(3).

Amendment  56

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 14 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
4. The Commission shall have observer status in the meetings of the Metrology Partnership Committee. However, the adoption of the annual work programme by the Metrology Partnership Committee shall require the Commission’s prior consent. The Metrology Partnership Committee shall invite the Commission to its meetings and shall send the Commission all relevant documents. The Commission may take part in the Metrology Partnership Committee’s discussions.	4. The Commission shall have observer status in the meetings of the Metrology Partnership Committee. However, the adoption of the annual work programme by the Metrology Partnership Committee shall require the Commission’s prior consent. The Metrology Partnership Committee shall invite the Commission to its meetings and shall send the Commission all relevant documents. The Commission may take part in the Metrology Partnership Committee’s discussions. The draft agenda, participants and minutes of meetings of the Metrology Partnership Committee shall be made publicly available in a timely manner on EURAMET’s website.

Amendment  57

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The Commission shall set up a Steering Group. The Steering Group shall be an advisory body of the Metrology Partnership and it shall give advice to the Metrology Partnership on the emerging priorities for metrology research at European level. It shall in particular:	1. The Commission shall set up a Steering Group ensuring geographical and gender balanced representation as well as a balanced covering of the necessary competence and expertise. The Steering Group shall be an advisory body of the Metrology Partnership and it shall give advice to the Metrology Partnership on the emerging priorities for metrology research at European level and on how to increase the impact of its research on European industry, economy and society. It shall in particular:

Amendment  58

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) identify emerging technologies and markets where metrology research could become relevant in the future;	(a) identify emerging technologies, innovations and markets and industrial applications where metrology research and innovation could become relevant in the future;

Amendment  59

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) identify research areas contributing to the smooth functioning of the single market, including to relevant regulations and standards;	(b) identify research areas contributing to the smooth functioning of the single market and to the Union’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest, including to relevant regulations and standards;

Amendment  60

Proposal for a decision

Article 15 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The Steering Group shall be composed of 12 members:	2. The Steering Group shall be composed of 18 members:

Amendment  61

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) 5 representatives from different European partnerships set up in accordance with Regulation [(EU) [XXX][Horizon Europe] with private partners representing the industry. The Commission shall designate the representatives in an open and transparent manner;	(b) five representatives from different European partnerships set up in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/695. The Commission shall designate the representatives in an open and transparent manner, ensuring diversity of expertise and background;

Amendment  62

Proposal for a decision

Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba) six representatives from the European scientific community, appointed by the Commission following an open and transparent process, based on a call for an expression of interest, ensuring geographical and gender balanced representation, covering the necessary competences and expertise with regard to the relevant technical domains and aiming to make independent science-based recommendations;

Amendment  63

Proposal for a decision

Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a. The representatives from the European scientific community, including from civil society organisations, shall advise on the scientific priorities to be addressed in the work programme, provide independent advice and analysis on specific issues as requested by the Metrology Partnership Committee, evaluate the results from technology and innovation actions that are funded by the Metrology Partnership and monitor scientific achievements in adjacent sectors.

Amendment  64

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 15 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	4a. All recommendations made by the Steering Group shall be made publicly available.

Amendment  65

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 17 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	3a. The European Parliament may invite the Commission to present the evaluation reports and other relevant information on the activities of the Metrology Partnership to the Committee responsible.

Amendment  66

Proposal for a decision

Article 18 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The Commission shall conduct an interim evaluation and a final evaluation of the Metrology Partnership in the framework of the Horizon Europe evaluations, as specified in Article 47 of Regulation (EU) …. [Horizon Europe].	1. The Commission shall conduct an interim evaluation and a final evaluation of the Metrology Partnership in the framework of the Horizon Europe evaluations, as specified in Article 47 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695, with the assistance of external independent experts selected on the basis of an open and transparent process.

Amendment  67

Proposal for a decision

Article 18 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. The evaluations shall examine how the Metrology Partnership fulfils its mission and objectives, cover all its activities and evaluate its European added value, effectiveness, efficiency, including its openness and transparency, the relevance of the activities pursued and their coherence and/or complementarity with relevant regional, national and Union policies, including synergies with other parts of Horizon Europe (such as missions, clusters or thematic/specific programmes). The evaluations shall take into account the views of stakeholders, at both European and national level and shall, where relevant, also include an assessment of the long-term scientific, societal, economic, technological impacts of the preceding initiatives. They shall include, where relevant, an assessment of the most effective policy intervention mode for any future action, as well as the relevance and coherence of any possible renewal of the Metrology Partnership, given the overall policy priorities and the research and innovation support landscape, including the positioning against other initiatives supported through the Horizon Europe framework programme.	2. The evaluations shall examine how the Metrology Partnership fulfils its mission and objectives, cover all its activities and evaluate its European added value, effectiveness, efficiency, including its openness and transparency, the relevance of the activities pursued, including in industry and by SMEs, and their coherence and/or complementarity with relevant regional, national and Union policies, including synergies with other parts of Horizon Europe (such as other partnerships, missions, clusters or thematic/specific programmes). To that end, the Commission shall develop clear, simple and concrete guidelines to enact the different types of synergies (namely with regard to the transfer of resources, alternative funding, cumulative funding and integrated funding). The evaluations shall take into account the views of stakeholders, at both European and national level and shall, where relevant, also include an assessment of the long-term scientific, societal, economic, environmental and technological impacts of the preceding initiatives. They shall include, where relevant, an assessment of the most effective policy intervention mode for any future action, as well as the relevance and coherence of any possible renewal of the Metrology Partnership, given the overall policy priorities and the research and innovation support landscape, including the positioning against other initiatives supported through the Horizon Europe framework programme. By carrying out those evaluations, the Commission shall fully consider the administrative impact on the Metrology Partnership and shall make best efforts to reduce the administrative burden and to ensure that the evaluation process is kept simple and fully transparent.

Amendment  68

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 18 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a. The Commission shall publish and disseminate the results and conclusions of the evaluations and shall present them to the European Parliament.

Amendment  69

Proposal for a decision

Article 19 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1 a. EURAMET shall insert information on submitted and funded proposals of the Metrology Partnership in the single database for Horizon Europe established pursuant to Article 50 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695.

Amendment  70

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 20 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
Without prejudice to Article 17, EURAMET shall ensure the protection of confidential information whose disclosure beyond Union institutions and other Union bodies, offices or agencies could damage the interests of its members or of participants in the activities of the Metrology Partnership. Such confidential information includes but is not limited to personal, commercial, sensitive non-classified and classified information.	Without prejudice to Article 17, EURAMET shall ensure the protection of confidential information whose disclosure beyond Union institutions and other Union bodies, offices or agencies could damage the interests of its members or of participants in the activities of the Metrology Partnership. Such confidential information includes but is not limited to personal, commercial, sensitive non-classified and classified information. Where EURAMET does not disclose information, it shall state the reason for not doing so.

Amendment  71

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 21 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. EURAMET, its bodies and staff, and the bodies of the Metrology Partnership, shall avoid any conflict of interest in the implementation of their activities.	1. EURAMET, its bodies and staff, and the bodies of the Metrology Partnership, shall avoid any conflict of interest in the implementation of their activities. Where a conflict of interest is identified, Euramet shall make that conflict of interest publicly available and take appropriate and effective measures.

Amendment  72

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a. Members of the Metrology Partnership Committee, the Steering Group and the Secretariat of EURAMET shall make publicly available and keep updated a full declaration of their professional activities, financial interests and potential conflicts of interest. The declarations shall contain, in a simple and transparent manner, the following information:
	(a)  the member’s name and occupation and details of his or her membership of boards and committees of private companies, non-governmental organisations and associations;
	(b)  the member’s holdings in companies and partnerships where there are potential public policy implications or where that holding gives the person significant influence over the affairs of the company or partnership.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Introduction

 

As the level of technological sophistication and the challenges faced by humanity increase, so does the need for accurate measurement. To move forward, and to stay on the right track, we need efficient forms of addressing uncertainty. Metrology, the science that deals with all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement, is therefore an essential tool at the service of every field of knowledge. It makes science work. It makes technology work. It makes societies evolve. It allows us to know where we stand, whether we are addressing a pandemic or implementing disruptive changes, such as the Green and Digital transitions.

 

In its “Proposal on the participation of the Union in the European partnership on Metrology jointly undertaken by several Member States”, the European Commission fully acknowledges the role of Metrology as “an enabler of all scientific and technological fields” and as “a key enabler of all social and economic activity”. The proposed new partnership builds on the successes of the European metrology research programme (EMRP) and the European metrology programme on innovation and research (EMPIR), but it clearly raises the stakes, with the objective of meeting new challenges. Namely, all those that are aligned with other Union priorities, such as the “European Green Deal”, “An Economy that Works for People”, “A Europe fit for the Digital Age”, “Protecting our European way of life”, “A stronger Europe in the world” and “A new push for European democracy”.

 

The European Metrology Partnership arrives with the clear ambition of ensuring that by 2030 metrology solutions in Europe are at least equal to the top global performers, which are the United States, China and India. It also brings a new set of recommendations, resulting from an interim evaluation of EMPIR conducted in 2017 by an independent external expert group.

 

These include strengthening the strategic component of Metrology, with a much higher level of engagement of the national metrology institutes with other stakeholder communities, reinforcing the role of stakeholders such as universities and industry, and proactively developing metrology applications for emerging scientific areas and with a better focus on key societal challenges.

 

This rapporteur agrees with the Commission’s diagnosis and ambitions. Therefore, the set of amendments included in this report follows the same lines, adding specific recommendations with the hope of improving what was already a good proposal.

 

 

Principles

 

This report is guided by the principle that, because Metrology is a science that benefits all fields of knowledge and affects the society and the economy, it should be more open, transparent and accessible to all stakeholders. A public-public partnership should not limit its scope to centralized national projects. On the contrary, the national metrology institutes shall actively seek cooperation with other stakeholders, especially with universities and the industry, notably through open calls for projects and a policy of proactive disclosure of relevant information. The partnership should also boost the dialogue with society, its actors and its citizens and to this end it should increase activities awareness campaigns and communication activities, but also the activities meant to strengthen the skills and the competences. An alignment between the projects and the European Union Priorities is equally important, especially with the Green and Digital transitions. The establishment of synergies and complementarities with Union’s objectives, policies and programmes, notably with regional funds, Invest EU and the Recovery and Resilience funds will have to be possible in a simple and effective manner. The partnership should promote and reward scientific excellence and support the uptake and systematic use of research and innovation results. To this end, the new steering group shall include representatives of relevant stakeholders and shall ensure a reinforced link with science of the Metrology Partnership’s activities. This interaction shall be promoted downstream, as suggested by the Commission, through the development of relevant Metrology applications, but also upstream, making good use of enhanced scientific advice of the Steering Group to provide input to the Metrology Partnership Committee.

 

 

Key measures:

 

In order to fulfil the mentioned priorities, we have established five main lines of action: Openness and Transparency, Enhanced dialogue with Society, Simplification, Alignment and Synergies, Reinforced link with Science.

 

--------

 

1) Openness and Transparency:

- all actions and activities shall be selected following open, transparent and competitive calls for proposals; the same criteria should apply to the selection of the European metrology networks;

- newcomers, in particular SMEs, universities and research organisations, should be better included into the activities;

- the conditions for dealing with ex-aequo proposals may include further criteria to award involvement of SMEs, the respect of gender balance, and the widest geographical diversity;

 

2) Enhanced dialogue with Society:

- the visibility of the calls for proposals shall be increased, and the Metrology Partnership should publish them in the appropriate databases as all the other Horizon Europe’s initiatives;

- the activities of the partnership and the results of its projects should be promoted in a way to increase participation and geographical diversity, and to this end theres hould be a focus on specific activities to raise awareness and promote educational and dissemination activities and campaigns;

- the Partnership is well positioned to contribute to reduce the specific skills gap across the Union and to this end should actively engage with the relevant stakeholders to establish skilling and re-skilling training opportunities and prepare the green and digital transitions;

 

3) Simplification

- the administrative impact should always be considered, in particular in the course of the recurrent evaluations which must be kept simple and transparent; the partnership should always aim at reducing the administrative burden;

- the administrative costs should be aligned with Horizon Europe and not exceed 5% of the total budget;

 

4) Alignment and Synergies

- with the Union strategic priorities, especially those related to the European Green and Data Strategies;

- with all relevant programmes and funds, namely regional (ERDF, ESF+, EMFF, EAFRD), but also the ones stemming from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which may also be used to complement the national contributions;

- with the other partnerships and Joint Undertakings, missions and instruments of Horizon Europe;

- to favour effective synergies, the Commission should develop clear, simple and concrete guidelines to favour the creation of different types of synergies (i.e. transfer of resources, alternative funding, cumulative funding and integrated funding);

 

5) Reinforced link with Science:

- scientific excellence must be guaranteed through the respect and promotion of academic freedom and the highest standards of scientific integrity;

- state-of-the-art science and fundamental research findings must be considered in the implementation of all its activities and the partnership shall support the uptake and a more systematic use of research and innovation results generated within the Union;

- the Steering Group of the Metrology Partnership lacks of a scientific active presence and the report proposes to increase number of members to 18, including 6 representatives from the European scientific community;

- the representatives from the European scientific community shall be able to provide independent advice and analysis on the scientific priorities to be addressed in the work programme and monitor scientific progress made in adjacent sectors;

- in order to better link fundamental research with applied one and inspire a proper innovation pipeline, promoting collaborative applications both up and downstream, the Metrology Partnership should seek more systemic synergy with collaborative research work programmes and with the European Research Council;

- ultimately, also the Metrology Partnership should cooperate to the efforts improving talent circulation and help tackle brain drain.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title	The participation of the Union in the European Partnership on Metrology jointly undertaken by several Member States
References	COM(2021)0089 – C9-0083/2021 – 2021/0049(COD)
Date submitted to Parliament	23.2.2021
Committee responsible  Date announced in plenary	ITRE 17.5.2021
Committees asked for opinions  Date announced in plenary	BUDG 17.5.2021
Not delivering opinions  Date of decision	BUDG 4.3.2021
Rapporteurs  Date appointed	Maria da Graça Carvalho 4.1.2021
Discussed in committee	26.5.2021
Date adopted	15.7.2021
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	71 0 1
Members present for the final vote	François Alfonsi, Nicola Beer, François-Xavier Bellamy, Hildegard Bentele, Tom Berendsen, Vasile Blaga, Manuel Bompard, Paolo Borchia, Marc Botenga, Markus Buchheit, Cristian-Silviu Buşoi, Carlo Calenda, Maria da Graça Carvalho, Ignazio Corrao, Ciarán Cuffe, Josianne Cutajar, Nicola Danti, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Martina Dlabajová, Christian Ehler, Valter Flego, Lina Gálvez Muñoz, Claudia Gamon, Nicolás González Casares, Bart Groothuis, Christophe Grudler, Henrike Hahn, Robert Hajšel, Ivo Hristov, Ivars Ijabs, Eva Kaili, Seán Kelly, Izabela-Helena Kloc, Zdzisław Krasnodębski, Andrius Kubilius, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Thierry Mariani, Marisa Matias, Eva Maydell, Georg Mayer, Joëlle Mélin, Iskra Mihaylova, Dan Nica, Angelika Niebler, Ville Niinistö, Aldo Patriciello, Mauri Pekkarinen, Mikuláš Peksa, Tsvetelina Penkova, Markus Pieper, Clara Ponsatí Obiols, Robert Roos, Massimiliano Salini, Sara Skyttedal, Maria Spyraki, Jessica Stegrud, Beata Szydło, Riho Terras, Grzegorz Tobiszowski, Patrizia Toia, Evžen Tošenovský, Marie Toussaint, Isabella Tovaglieri, Henna Virkkunen, Pernille Weiss, Carlos Zorrinho
Substitutes present for the final vote	Marek Paweł Balt, Damian Boeselager, Valérie Hayer, Othmar Karas, Jutta Paulus, Sandra Pereira
Date tabled	21.7.2021

 

 

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

71	+
ECR	Izabela-Helena Kloc, Zdzisław Krasnodębski, Robert Roos, Beata Szydło, Grzegorz Tobiszowski, Evžen Tošenovský
ID	Paolo Borchia, Markus Buchheit, Thierry Mariani, Georg Mayer, Joëlle Mélin, Isabella Tovaglieri
NI	Clara Ponsatí Obiols
PPE	François-Xavier Bellamy, Hildegard Bentele, Tom Berendsen, Vasile Blaga, Cristian-Silviu Buşoi, Maria da Graça Carvalho, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Christian Ehler, Othmar Karas, Seán Kelly, Andrius Kubilius, Eva Maydell, Angelika Niebler, Aldo Patriciello, Markus Pieper, Massimiliano Salini, Sara Skyttedal, Maria Spyraki, Riho Terras, Henna Virkkunen, Pernille Weiss
Renew	Nicola Beer, Nicola Danti, Martina Dlabajová, Valter Flego, Claudia Gamon, Bart Groothuis, Christophe Grudler, Valérie Hayer, Ivars Ijabs, Iskra Mihaylova, Mauri Pekkarinen
S&D	Marek Paweł Balt, Carlo Calenda, Josianne Cutajar, Lina Gálvez Muñoz, Nicolás González Casares, Robert Hajšel, Ivo Hristov, Eva Kaili, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Dan Nica, Tsvetelina Penkova, Patrizia Toia, Carlos Zorrinho
The Left	Manuel Bompard, Marc Botenga, Marisa Matias, Sandra Pereira
Verts/ALE	François Alfonsi, Damian Boeselager, Ignazio Corrao, Ciarán Cuffe, Henrike Hahn, Ville Niinistö, Jutta Paulus, Mikuláš Peksa, Marie Toussaint

 

1	0
ECR	Jessica Stegrud

 

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstention

 

 

• [1] OJ C , , p. .