European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the draft Council regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014–2020 (11791/2013 – C7-0238/2013 – 2011/0177(APP))

P7_TA(2013)0455 A7-0389/2013

(Consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the proposal for a Council regulation (COM(2011)0398) amended by (COM(2012)0388),

–  having regard to the draft Council regulation (11791/2013), and Council’s corrigendum of 14 November 2013 thereon (11791/2013 COR 1),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 312 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (C7‑0238/2013),

–  having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2012 in the interest of achieving a positive outcome of the Multiannual Financial Framework approval procedure(1),

–  having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2013 on the European Council conclusions of 7-8 February 2013 concerning the Multiannual Financial Framework(2),

–  having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2013 on the political agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020(3),

–  having regard to Rules 75 and 81(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Budgets, the opinion of the Committee on Regional Development and the letter of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (A7-0389/2013),

1.  Consents to the draft Council regulation laying down the Multiannual Financial Framework for the years 2014-2020 as set out in annex to this resolution;

2.  Approves the joint declarations by Parliament, the Council and the Commission annexed to this resolution;

3.  Takes note of the Commission declarations annexed to this resolution;

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

ANNEX 1

DRAFT COUNCIL REGULATION LAYING DOWN THE MULTIANNUAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE YEARS 2014-2020

(The text of this annex is not reproduced here since it corresponds to the final act, Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013.)

ANNEX 2

DECLARATIONS

Joint Declaration on Own Resources

1.  According to Article 311 of the TFEU the Union shall provide itself with the means necessary to attain its objectives and carry through its policies; it also stipulates that , without prejudice to other revenue, the budget shall be financed wholly from own resources. Article 311 al. 3 indicates that the Council, acting in accordance with a special legislative procedure, shall unanimously and after consulting the European Parliament adopt a decision on the system of own resources and that, in that context, the Council may establish new categories of own resources or abolish an existing category.

2.  On this basis, the Commission presented in June 2011 a set of proposals to reform the Own Resources system of the Union. At its meeting of 7/8 February, the European Council agreed that Own Resources arrangements should be guided by the overall objectives of simplicity, transparency and equity. In addition, the European Council called on the Council to continue working on the proposal of the Commission for a new own resource based on value added tax (VAT). It also invited the Member States participating in the enhanced cooperation in the area of financial transaction tax (FTT) to examine if it could become the base for a new own resource for the EU budget.

3.  The question of own resources requires further work. To this end, a high-level Group will be convened, composed of members appointed by the three institutions. It will take into account all existing or forthcoming input which may be brought by the three European institutions and by National Parliaments. It should draw on appropriate expertise, including from national budgetary and fiscal authorities as well as independent experts.

4.  The Group will undertake a general review of the Own Resources system guided by the overall objectives of simplicity, transparency, equity and democratic accountability. A first assessment will be available at the end of 2014. Progress of the work will be assessed at political level by regular meetings, at least once every six months.

5.  National Parliaments will be invited to an inter-institutional conference during 2016 to assess the outcome of this work.

6.  On the basis of the results of this work, the Commission will assess if new Own Resource initiatives are appropriate. This assessment will be done in parallel to the review referred to in Article 1a of the MFF Regulation with a view to possible reforms to be considered for the period covered by the next multiannual financial framework.

Joint Declaration on improving effectiveness of public spending in matters subject to EU's action

The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission agree to work together with the objective of cost savings and better synergies at national and European levels in order to improve the effectiveness of public spending in matters subject to EU's action. To this end, the institutions will, as they consider most appropriate, draw on, inter alia, knowledge of best practices, information sharing as well as available independent assessment. The results should be available and serve as one basis for the proposal of the Commission for the next multiannual financial framework.

Joint Declaration

The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission agree that the annual budgetary procedures applied for the MFF 2014-2020 will integrate, as appropriate, gender-responsive elements, taking into account the ways in which the overall financial framework of the Union contributes to increased gender equality (and ensures gender mainstreaming).

Joint Declaration on Article 15 of the Council Regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020

The Institutions agree to use the amount referred to in Article 15 of the Council Regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 as follows: EUR 2143 million for Youth Employment, EUR 200 million for Horizon 2020, EUR 150 million for Erasmus and EUR 50 million for COSME.

Declaration by the European Commission on national management declarations

In its discharge resolution of 17 April 2013, the European Parliament requested to establish a template for national management declarations to be issued by Member States at the appropriate political level. The Commission is prepared to examine this request and is willing to invite the European Parliament and the Council to participate in a working group with a view to issue recommendations by the end of this year.

Declaration by the European Commission on the review/revision

With regard to the provisions of Article 1A MFFR, taking into account the result of the Review, the Commission confirms its intention to submit legislative proposals for a revision of the MFF Regulation. In this context, it will pay particular attention to the functioning of the global margin for payments in order to ensure that the overall payments ceiling remains available throughout the period. It will also examine the evolution of the global margin for commitments. The Commission will also take into account the particular requirements of the Horizon 2020 programme. The Commission will also examine aligning its proposals for the next MFF with the political cycles of the Institutions.

(1) Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0360. (2) Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0078. (3) Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0304.

European Parliament decision of 19 November 2013 on conclusion of an interinstitutional agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (2011/2152(ACI))

P7_TA(2013)0456 A7-0337/2013

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft interinstitutional agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management,

–  having regard to Articles 310, 311, 312 and 323 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

–  having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2012 in the interests of achieving a positive outcome of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 approval procedure(1),

–  having regard to the conclusions of the European Council adopted on 8 February 2013,

–  having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2013 on the European Council conclusions of 7‑8 February concerning the Multiannual Financial Framework(2),

–  having regard to the conclusions of the European Council adopted on 28 June 2013,

–  having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2013 on the political agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020(3),

–  having regard to Rule 127(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A7-0337/2013),

A.  Whereas a political agreement was reached on 27 June 2013 at the highest political level between the European Parliament, the Irish Presidency of the Council and the Commission on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2014-2020 and on a new interinstitutional agreement;

B.  Whereas new provisions relating to the MFF as introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon, in particular with regard to the greater role and prerogatives granted by them to the European Parliament, were used for the first time;

C.  Whereas it is appropriate to adopt, in the context of the MFF, an interinstitutional agreement for implementing budgetary discipline and for improving the functioning of the annual budgetary procedure and cooperation between the institutions on budgetary matters;

1.  Accepts the political agreement reached on the MFF for 2014-2020 and on a new interinstitutional agreement; is determined to make full use, in the course of forthcoming budgetary procedures, of the new instruments established, notably as regards flexibility;

2.   Highlights that the long and laborious process of negotiations, both within Council and at interinstitutional level, together with its outcome constitute an unsatisfactory implementation of the new provisions relating to the MFF as introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon, in particular with regard to the greater role and prerogatives granted by them to the European Parliament;

3.   Denounces the negotiating strategy of the Council, in which its negotiators were bound by conclusions of the European Council of 8 February 2013 in matters falling under the ordinary legislative procedure, such as detailed allocation criteria, envelopes by programmes or beneficiary, and discretionary financial allocations adjusting the level of national returns from the Union budget, thus preventing both legislative arms from conducting proper negotiations;

4.  Regrets, moreover, that the numerous contacts and meetings held over the past few years between its delegation and the successive presidencies of the Council had no impact on the spirit, calendar or content of the negotiations or on the Council’s position, including the need to distinguish the legislative from the budgetary aspects of the agreement on the MFF;

5.  Concludes that, in line with Article 312(5) TFEU, alternative working arrangements should be defined in the future to facilitate the adoption of the MFF, ensuring that Parliament’s legislative and budgetary powers, as granted by the TFEU, are fully respected, that the Council actually negotiates any so-called ‘MFF-related’ parts of the legal bases for the programmes also, and that the European Council refrains from acting as a legislator, in breach of the TFEU;

6.  Calls for its Committee responsible for budgets, in cooperation with its Committee responsible for constitutional affairs, to draw the necessary conclusions and come forward with new proposals, in due time ahead of the 2016 post-electoral revision, on the modalities of MFF negotiations, so as to ensure the democratic and transparent nature of the whole budget-setting process;

7.  Approves conclusion of the agreement below;

8.  Instructs its President to sign the agreement with the President of the Council and the President of the Commission and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

9.  Instructs its President to forward this decision, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission for information.

ANNEX

Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management

(The text of this annex is not reproduced here since it corresponds to the interinstitutional agreement as published in OJ C 373 of 20 December 2013, p. 1.)

(1) Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0360. (2) Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0078. (3) Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0304.

European Parliament resolution of 19 November 2013 on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 7/2013 of the European Union for the financial year 2013, Section III – Commission (14180/2013 – C7-0350/2013 – 2013/2160(BUD))

P7_TA(2013)0457 A7-0367/2013

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty,

–  having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002(1),

–  having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2013, as definitively adopted on 12 December 2012(2),

–  having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management(3),

–  having regard to Council Decision 2007/436/EC, Euratom of 7 June 2007 on the system of the European Communities' own resources(4),

–  having regard to Draft amending budget No 7/2013, which the Commission adopted on 25 July 2013 (COM(2013)0557),

–  having regard to the position on Draft amending budget No 7/2013 which the Council adopted on 7 October and forwarded to Parliament on 14 October 2013 (14180/2013 – C7–0350/2013),

–  having regard to Rule 75b and 75e of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A7-0367/2013),

A.  whereas Draft amending budget No 7 for the year 2013 (DAB 7/2013) covers an increase of commitment appropriations of EUR 150 million in heading 1b of the multiannual financial framework (MFF), with the aim of addressing “certain issues” resulting from the final outcome of the negotiations of the MFF for the years 2014-2020, affecting France, Italy and Spain,

B.  whereas this additional allocations should contribute to tackling specific situations of unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, poverty and social exclusion in those Member States,

C.  whereas the Commission considers that the most appropriate way to assist those Member States is by increasing the European Social Fund (ESF),

D.  whereas the reinforcement of EUR 150 million in commitment appropriations will be covered by the margin under the expenditure ceiling of heading 1b (EUR 16 million) and by the mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument (EUR 134 million) targeted to this specific action,

1.  Takes note of DAB 7/2013, presented by the Commission on 25 July 2013, which covers an increase of commitment appropriations of EUR 150 million in heading 1b of the MFF, with the aim of addressing “certain issues” resulting from the final outcome of the negotiations within the European Council of the MFF 2014-2020 affecting France, Italy and Spain;

2.  Endorses the Commission’s proposal to dedicate this additional allocation to existing ESF programmes in the affected Member States in order to address the specific situation of unemployment, in particular youth unemployment and social exclusion; expects that the Commission will report back to Parliament in due time on the concrete measures and actions financed by this allocation;

3.  Notes, moreover, that the additional EUR 150 million will be mostly financed through the mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument;

4.  Approves the Council position on Draft amending budget No 7/2013;

5.  Instructs its President to declare that Amending budget No 7/2013 has been definitively adopted and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

6.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

(1) OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1. (2) OJ L 66, 8.3.2013. (3) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. (4) OJ L 163, 23.6.2007, p. 17.

European Parliament resolution of 19 November 2013 on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 8/2013 of the European Union for the financial year 2013, Section III – Commission (14871/2013 – C7-0387/2013 – 2013/2227(BUD))

P7_TA(2013)0458 A7-0371/2013

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty,

–  having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002(1),

–  having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2013, as definitively adopted on 12 December 2012(2),

–  having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management(3),

–  having regard to Council Decision 2007/436/EC, Euratom of 7 June 2007 on the system of the European Communities' own resources(4),

–  having regard to Draft amending budget No 8/2013, which the Commission adopted on 25 September 2013 (COM(2013)0669),

–  having regard to the position on Draft amending budget No 8/2013 which the Council adopted on 30 October and forwarded to Parliament on 31 October 2013 (14871/2013 – C7–0387/2013),

–  having regard to Rule 75b and 75e of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A7-0371/2013),

A.  whereas Draft amending budget No 8 for the year 2013 (DAB 8/2013) concerns the increase of payment appropriations of EUR 3,9 billion across headings 1a, 1b, 2, 3a, 3b and 4 of the multiannual financial framework (MFF), with the aim of meeting the outstanding needs to the end of the year so that legal obligations stemming from past and current commitments can be honoured, financial penalties can be avoided, and beneficiaries can receive the funds envisaged by the agreed Union policies, for which Parliament and Council authorised the related commitment appropriations in previous annual budgets,

B.  whereas the requested additional payment appropriations will reduce the level of outstanding commitments (‘reste à liquider’, RAL), as well as the risk of rolling over onto 2014 abnormally high levels of unpaid bills,

C.  whereas DAB 8/2013, which updates DAB 2/2013, was presented by the Commission in March 2013 for an amount of EUR 11,2 billion and only partially approved by the budgetary authority in September 2013 for an amount of EUR 7,3 billion,

D.  whereas the overall amount of payment claims pending at the end of 2012 for cohesion policy (2007-2013), amounting to EUR 16,2 billion, had to be rolled over to 2013, consequently reducing the level of payments available in the budget 2013 to cover the payment needs of this year; whereas that amount should reach EUR 20 billion at the end of 2013, under the assumption that DAB 8/2013 is adopted in its entirety,

E.  whereas the political agreement reached on 27 June 2013 at the highest political level between Parliament, the Council Presidency and the Commission on the MFF for the period 2014-2020 included a political commitment from the Council to take all necessary steps to ensure that the Union's obligations of 2013 are fully honoured, to formally adopt DAB 2/2013 for EUR 7,3 billion, as well as to adopt without delay a further draft amending budget to be proposed by the Commission in early autumn to avoid any shortfall in justified payment appropriations,

F.  whereas, in accordance with Article 41(2) of the Financial Regulation, the Commission has examined the scope for internal redeployment within an overall review of year-end payment needs and proposed the redeployment of EUR 509,8 million in the so-called 'global transfer',

G.  whereas Parliament in its resolution of 3 July 2013 links the adoption by the Council of the further draft amending budget in early autumn with the adoption of the MFF Regulation or budget 2014,

1.  Welcomes the presentation of DAB 8/2013 by the Commission on 25 September 2013, which concerns the increase of payment appropriations by EUR 3,9 billion across headings 1a, 1b, 2, 3a, 3b and 4 of the MFF to the overall level proposed already in DAB 2/2013; stresses that with the full adoption of DAB 8/2013, the 2013 payments ceiling will be reached;

2.  Recalls that DAB 8/2013 constitutes, in line with past commitments of all three institutions, the second tranche of DAB 2/2013, as the minimum necessary to honour the Union's legal obligations and past commitments by the end of year 2013, in order to avoid financial penalties and reduce the level of outstanding commitments (“RAL”);

3.  Considers that, as repeatedly stated by the Commission, the full adoption of DAB 8/2013 will enable the Union to cover entirely its legal obligations until the end of 2013; is concerned, however, that despite an overall increase in payments of EUR 11,2 billion (DAB 2 and DAB 8/2013), it is still estimated that an important carry-over to the next year of around EUR 20 billion of payment claims related to 2007-2013 Cohesion programmes will still have to take place, as acknowledged by the Commission during the last interinstitutional meeting on payments on 26 September 2013; stresses that the situation is also critical for other programmes outside heading 1b;

4.  Recalls that the adoption by Council of DAB 8/2013 was part of the political agreement on the MFF 2014-2020 and, therefore, fulfils only one of the three conditions for Parliament to give its consent to the MFF Regulation, as set out in its resolution of 3 July 2013;

5.  Accepts the reduction of EUR 14,8 million introduced by Council, only because this amount would be additional to the original EUR 11,2 billion of DAB 2/2013; stresses, in this context, that it maintains its position of principle that the financing of special instruments, like the EU Solidarity Fund, should be financed through fresh appropriations, both in commitments and payments, over and above the MFF ceilings;

6.  Recalls that a Council position under Article 314(3) TFEU is a preparatory act and is valid as from its date of adoption; signals that it considers the Council position on DAB 8/2013, which was transmitted to it by the President-in-office of the Council on 31 October 2013, to be valid for the purposes of Articles 314(3) and 314(4) TFEU as from the date of its adoption on 30 October 2013; rejects and ignores the clause in the accompanying "decision" by which the Council purports to make the validity of its position on DAB 8/2013 conditional on Parliament's approval of the agreement on the MFF for 2014-2020 and of the Council's position on Draft amending budget No 9/2013;

7.  Approves the Council position on Draft amending budget No 8/2013;

8.  Instructs its President to declare that Amending budget No 8/2013 has been definitively adopted and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

(1) OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1. (2) OJ L 66, 8.3.2013. (3) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. (4) OJ L 163, 23.6.2007, p. 17.

European Parliament resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (application of EGF/2013/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana building materials from Spain) (COM(2013)0635 – C7-0269/2013 – 2013/2192(BUD))

P7_TA(2013)0459 A7-0341/2013

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2013)0635 – C7‑0269/2013),

–  having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (IIA of 17 May 2006)(1), and in particular point 28 thereof,

–  having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund(2), (EGF Regulation)

–  having regard to trilogue procedure provided for in point 28 of the IIA of 17 May 2006,

–  having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A7-0341/2013),

A.  whereas the European Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market,

B.  whereas the scope of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was temporarily broadened for applications submitted from 1 May 2009 to 31 December 2011 to include support for workers made redundant as a direct result of the global financial and economic crisis,

C.  whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard for the IIA of 17 May 2006 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the EGF,

D.  whereas Spain submitted application EGF/2013/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 630 redundancies in 140 enterprises operating in the NUTS II region of Comunidad Valenciana with 300 workers targeted for EFG co-funded measures, during the reference period from 14 June 2012 to 14 March 2013,

E.  whereas the application fulfils the eligibility criteria laid down by the EGF Regulation,

1.  Agrees with the Commission that the conditions set out in Article 2(b) of the EGF Regulation are met and that, therefore, Spain is entitled to a financial contribution under that Regulation;

2.  Notes that the Spanish authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 22 May 2013, and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 16 September 2013; welcomes the speedy evaluation period of four months;

3.  Notes that Comunidad Valenciana has been severely affected by the crisis with unemployment rate reaching 29,19 % in the first quarter of 2013; welcomes the fact that the region avails itself yet again of EGF aid to address high unemployment;

4.  Congratulates Comunidad Valenciana on the capacity to apply for and use EGF to address problems of its labour market characterised by a high percentage of small and medium-sized enterprises; in this context recalls that Comunidad Valenciana region has already applied for the EGF support on four instances for the textile, ceramic and natural stone as well as construction sector(3);

5.  Considers that the redundancies in the 140 enterprises involved in manufacturing activities in the NUTS II region of Comunidad Valenciana (ES52) are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns, which have led to an increase in imports into the Union of other non-metallic mineral products and to a reduction in the Union's share of production of other non-metallic mineral products at worldwide level;

6.  Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the Spanish authorities decided to initiate the implementation of the personalised services to the affected workers on 22 August 2013, well ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package;

7.  Notes that the Spanish authorities inform that in their assessment based on the experience with previous EGF applications, only 300 of the workers targeted for the EGF support will choose to participate in the measures; calls on the Spanish authorities to use the EGF support to its full potential, in particular for upskilling the workers with basic education, who make up 74,4 % of targeted workers;

8.  Notes that the coordinated package of personalised services to be co-funded includes measures for the reintegration of 300 redundant workers into employment such as profiling, occupational guidance, counselling, training, intensive job-search assistance, support towards entrepreneurship, incentives such as job search incentives, contribution to commuting expenses, outplacement incentives and support for setting up a business;

9.  Notes that the coordinated package foresees financial incentives for job-search (lump sum of EUR 300), mobility allowance (up to EUR 400), outplacement incentive (up to EUR 700); welcomes the fact that the overall amount of financial incentives is limited leaving the majority of the contribution to be spent on training, counselling, job search assistance and support towards entrepreneurship;

10.  Welcomes the fact that the social partners, and in particular the trade unions at local level (UGT-PV, CCOO-PV) and the non-profit organisation FESMAC, were consulted on the design of the measures of the coordinated EGF package, and that a policy of equality of women and men as well as the principle non-discrimination will be applied during the various stages of the implementation of and in access to the EGF;

11.  Recalls the importance of improving the employability of all workers by means of adapted training and the recognition of skills and competences gained throughout a worker's professional career; expects the training on offer in the coordinated package to be adapted not only to the needs of the dismissed workers but also to the actual business environment;

12.  Welcomes the fact that the coordinated package includes vocational training focusing on sectors where opportunities exist or are likely to arise as well as contains up-skilling designed to the future needs of manufacturers in the sector concerned by redundancies;

13.  Notes that the information provided on the coordinated package of personalised services to be funded from the EGF includes information on complementarity with actions funded by the Structural Funds; stresses that the Spanish authorities confirm that the eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union financial instruments; reiterates its call to the Commission to present a comparative evaluation of those data in its annual reports in order to ensure full respect of the existing regulations and that no duplication of Union-funded services can occur;

14.  Requests the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to improve procedural arrangements in order to accelerate the mobilisation of the EGF; appreciates the improved procedure put in place by the Commission, following Parliament's request for the accelerated release of grants, aimed at presenting to the budgetary authority the Commission's assessment on the eligibility of an EGF application together with the proposal to mobilise the EGF; hopes that further improvements in the procedure will be integrated in the new Regulation on European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and that greater efficiency, transparency and visibility of the EGF will be achieved;

15.  Stresses that, in accordance with Article 6 of the EGF Regulation, it shall be ensured that the EGF supports the reintegration of individual redundant workers into stable employment; stresses, furthermore, that EGF assistance can co-finance only active labour market measures which lead to durable, long-term employment; reiterates that assistance from the EGF must not replace actions which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements nor measures restructuring companies or sectors;

16.  Welcomes the agreement reached in the Council on reintroducing in the EGF Regulation, for the period 2014-2020, the crisis mobilisation criterion, which allows for the provision of financial assistance to workers made redundant as a result of the current financial and economic crisis in addition to those losing their job because of changes in global trade patterns.

17.  Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;

18.  Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

19.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.

ANNEX

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (application EGF/2013/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana building materials from Spain)

(The text of this annex is not reproduced here since it corresponds to the final act, Decision 2013/708/EU.)

(1) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. (2) OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 1. (3) Applications EGF/2009/0014 ES/Comunidad Valenciana; EGF/2010/005 ES/Comunidad Valenciana and EGF/2010/009 ES/Comunidad Valenciana, EGF/2011/006 ES/Comunidad Valenciana Construction of buildings.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing "ERASMUS FOR ALL" The Union Programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport (COM(2011)0788 – C7-0436/2011 – 2011/0371(COD))

P7_TA(2013)0460 A7-0405/2012

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2011)0788),

–  having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 165(4) and 166(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7‑0436/2011),

–  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 of 29 March 2012(1),

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 4 May 2012(2),

–  having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 24 October 2013 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinions of the Committee on Development, the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A7-0405/2012),

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

2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

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

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 19 November 2013 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No .../2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing "Erasmus+": the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport and repealing Decisions No 1719/2006/EC, No 1720/2006/EC and No 1298/2008/EC

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013.)

(1) OJ C 181, 21.6.2012, p. 154. (2) OJ C 225, 27.7.2012, p. 200.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the Creative Europe Programme (COM(2011)0785 – C7-0435/2011 – 2011/0370(COD))

P7_TA(2013)0461 A7-0011/2013

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2011)0785),

–  having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 166(4), 167(5) and 173(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7–0435/2011),

–  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 of 28 March 2012(1),

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 18 July 2012(2),

–  having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 16 October 2013 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A7-0011/2013),

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

2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

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

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 19 November 2013 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No .../2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Creative Europe Programme (2014 to 2020) and repealing Decisions No 1718/2006/EC, No 1855/2006/EC and No 1041/2009/EC

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013.)

(1) OJ C 181, 21.6.2012, p. 35. (2) OJ C 277, 13.9.2012, p. 156.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the draft Council regulation establishing for the period 2014-2020 the programme "Europe for Citizens" (12557/2013 – C7-0307/2013 – 2011/0436(APP))

P7_TA(2013)0462 A7-0424/2012

(Special legislative procedure – consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft Council regulation (12557/2013),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 352 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C7-0307/2013),

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Legal Affairs on the proposed legal basis,

–  having regard to Rules 81(1) and 37 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A7-0424/2012),

1.  Consents to the draft Council regulation;

2.  Approves the statement annexed to this resolution;

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

ANNEX

Statement of the European Parliament

The European Parliament reaffirms its conviction that this Regulation pursues also the objectives linked to culture and history as enshrined in Article 167 TFEU. Therefore a dual legal basis entailing the ordinary legislative procedure should have been applied to this dossier. The only reason why the European Parliament gave up its position on the dual legal basis and hence its claim on codecision and accepted the consent procedure - in accordance with the Commission's proposal based on Article 352 TFEU - was its desire to avoid a complete procedural deadlock and a consequent delay in the entry into force of the Programme. The European Parliament draws attention to its determination not to allow such a situation to arise again.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (COM(2011)0665/3 – C7-0374/2011 – 2011/0302(COD))

P7_TA(2013)0463 A7-0021/2013

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2011)0665/3),

–  having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 172 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7–0374/2011),

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Legal Affairs on the proposed legal basis,

–  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 Social Committee of 22 February 2012(1),

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 19 July 2012(2),

–  having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 10 July 2013 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to Rules 55 and 37 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the joint deliberations of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Transport and Tourism under Rule 51 of the Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets and of the Committee on Regional Development (A7-0021/2013),

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

2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

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

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 19 November 2013 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No .../2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility, amending Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 680/2007 and (EC) No 67/2010

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013.)

(1) OJ C 143, 22.5.2012, p. 116. (2) OJ C 277, 13.9.2012, p. 125.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (COM(2011)0650/3 – C7-0375/2012 – 2011/0294(COD))

P7_TA(2013)0464 A7-0012/2013

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2011)0650/3),

–  having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 172 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7–0375/2012),

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

–  having regard to the reasoned opinion submitted, within the framework of Protocol No 2 on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, by the French Senate, asserting that the draft legislative act does not comply with the principle of subsidiarity,

–  having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 22 February 2012,(1)

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 3 May 2012(2),

–  having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 12 June 2013 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the opinions of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Regional Development (A7-0012/2013),

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

2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

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

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 19 November 2013 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No .../2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013.)

(1) OJ C 143, 22.5.2012, p. 130. (2) OJ C 225, 27.7.2012, p. 150.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending certain legislative acts in the domain of agricultural and fishery statistics (COM(2012)0724 – C7-0397/2012 – 2012/0343(COD))

P7_TA(2013)0465 A7-0148/2013

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2012)0724),

–  having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 338(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7–0397/2012),

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

–  having regard to the reasoned opinion submitted, within the framework of Protocol No 2 on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, by the Spanish Congress of Deputies and the Spanish Senate, asserting that the draft legislative act does not comply with the principle of subsidiarity,

–  having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 6 September 2013 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

–  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A7-0148/2013),

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

2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

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

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 19 November 2013 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No .../2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending certain legislative acts in the field of agricultural and fishery statistics

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) No 1350/2013.)

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol Amending the Agreement on Government Procurement (07917/2013 – C7-0180/2013 – 2013/0086(NLE))

P7_TA(2013)0466 A7-0339/2013

(Consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft Council decision (07917/2013),

–  having regard to the draft Protocol Amending the Agreement on Government Procurement (07918/2013),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C7–0180/2013),

–  having regard to Rules 81 and 90(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A7-0339/2013),

1.  Consents to conclusion of the Protocol;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the draft Council decision on the acceptance on behalf of the European Union of the Amendment to Articles 25 and 26 of the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (12713/2013 – C7-0304/2013 – 2013/0127(NLE))

P7_TA(2013)0467 A7-0356/2013

(Consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft Council decision (12713/2013),

–  having regard to the Amendment to Articles 25 and 26 of the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (12713/2013),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 192(1) and point (a) of the second subparagraph of Article 218(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C7–0304/2013),

–  having regard to Rules 81 and 90(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A7-0356/2013),

1.  Consents to the acceptance of the Amendment to Articles 25 and 26 of the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes on behalf of the European Union;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a Council decision on the adoption of a Supplementary Research Programme for the ITER project (2014-2018) (COM(2011)0931 – C7-0032/2012 – 2011/0460(NLE))

P7_TA(2013)0468 A7-0211/2013

(Consultation)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2011)0931),

–  having regard to Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty,

–  having regard to the request for an opinion received from the Council (C7–0032/2012),

–  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A7-0211/2013),

A.  Whereas the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community still does not entitle the European Parliament to be a co-legislator,

1.  Gives a favourable opinion on the Commission proposal as amended;

2.  Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty;

3.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

4.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal;

5.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

Text proposed by the Commission   Amendment Amendment 1 Proposal for a decision Recital - 1 (new) (-1) The Union's commitment to the Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project1 (the "ITER Agreement") is reaffirmed. __________________ 1 OJ L 358, 16.12.2006, p. 62 Amendment 2 Proposal for a decision Recital 1 (1)  The Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organization for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project (hereinafter the "ITER Agreement") was signed on 21 November 2006 by the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), the People's Republic of China, the Republic of India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States of America. The ITER Agreement establishes the ITER International Fusion Energy Organization (hereinafter the "ITER Organization"), which has full responsibility for constructing, operating, exploiting and de-activating the ITER facilities. (1)  The ITER Agreement was signed on 21 November 2006 by the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), the People's Republic of China, the Republic of India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States of America. The ITER Agreement establishes the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation (hereinafter the "ITER Organisation"), which has full responsibility for constructing, operating, exploiting and de-activating the ITER facilities. Amendment 3 Proposal for a decision Recital 3 (3)  In the framework of the negotiations to obtain the support of the other ITER parties to fix the site for ITER in Europe, the Agreement between the European Atomic Energy Community and the Government of Japan for the Joint Implementation of the Broader Approach Activities in the Field of Fusion Energy Research was concluded in 2007 setting out complementary joint fusion research activities in the territory of Japan to ensure the rapid start-up of high performance operation of ITER. The Broader Approach activities and other ITER related activities are channelled through the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy. The funding of the Broader Approach activities is mainly ensured by in kind contributions from some members of the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy, while the remaining part of the Euratom contribution is covered by the Euratom budget. (3)  In the framework of the negotiations to obtain the support of the other ITER parties to fix the site for ITER in Europe, the Agreement between the European Atomic Energy Community and the Government of Japan for the Joint Implementation of the Broader Approach Activities in the Field of Fusion Energy Research was concluded in 2007 setting out complementary joint fusion research activities in the territory of Japan to ensure the rapid start-up of high performance operation of ITER. The Broader Approach activities and other ITER related activities are channelled through the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy. The funding of the Broader Approach activities is mainly ensured by in kind contributions from some members of the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy, while the remaining part of the Euratom contribution is covered by the Euratom budget. The 2012 European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) document entitled "Fusion Electricity – Roadmap to the Realisation of Fusion Energy" (the "2012 EFDA fusion roadmap") identifies the need for the continuous financial support for key projects, and for research and development activities in key domains, until the start date of ITER's functioning, in order to meet the scientific and technological challenges leading to the realisation of fusion energy. Amendment 4 Proposal for a decision Recital 5 (5)  For the period after 2013 the Commission in its communication ‘A Budget for Europe 2020’ proposed to fund the ITER project outside the MFF. Therefore a Supplementary Research Programme for the ITER project should be established for the period of 2014 to 2018. (5)  The ITER project should consolidate Union leadership in the field of fusion by a timely completion of the stated construction and exploitation goals. Amendment 5 Proposal for a decision Recital 6 (6)  The Supplementary Research Programme for the ITER project should be funded by contributions from the Member States based on a call rate applied to each Member State's Gross National Income (GNI) as defined for the purpose of calculating the GNI own resource contribution to the General Budget of the European Union. Those contributions shall be made to the General Budget of the European Union, and shall be assigned to that Programme. Third countries which have concluded a cooperation agreement with Euratom in the field of controlled nuclear fusion that associates their respective research programmes with the Euratom programmes should also be able to contribute to that Programme. (6)  Despite cost containment measures which should continue to be implemented, the ITER project may continue to incur cost overruns due to its scientific nature, and to its extensive scale and technological risk. Any cost overruns above the maximum amount laid down in Article 2 should not have any impact on other projects financed by the Union budget in particular those under Heading 1A research budget (Horizon 2020), and should be financed through additional resources over and above the ceilings as appropriate. Third countries which have concluded a cooperation agreement with Euratom in the field of controlled nuclear fusion that associates their respective research programmes with the Euratom programmes should also be able to contribute to the Supplementary Research Programme. Amendment 6 Proposal for a decision Recital 7 a (new) (7a)  The European Parliament and the Council should agree that any postponement or rolling over of unmet payment appropriations relating to the ITER project should be avoided and should commit to working together in order to avoid such a situation. Amendment 7 Proposal for a decision Recital 8 a (new) (8a)  As called for in the priorities proposed in the 2012 EFDA fusion roadmap, the Joint European Torus (JET) project should play a key role in the energy transition. Amendment 8 Proposal for a decision Article 2 – paragraph 1 The Programme shall be financed through a maximum contribution of EUR 2,573 million (in current values) according to Article 3. The Programme shall be financed through a maximum contribution of EUR 2,573 million (in current values) over and above the ceilings of the MFF, namely outside Heading 1A, and in addition to the budget for the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, the Euratom Framework Programme or other Union programmes, while maintaining the full powers of the European Parliament and the Council. Therefore, the funding for the Programme should have sufficient financial resources to enable the Union to implement the Programme while also setting in the MFF a ring-fenced maximum amount for contributions from the Union budget for the years 2014-2018. Any cost overruns above this maximum amount shall not have any impact on the budgetary allocations for other projects and shall be financed through additional resources over and above the ceilings as appropriate. Amendment 9 Proposal for a decision Article 3 The Programme shall be funded by contributions of the Member States, based on a call rate applied to each Member State's Gross National Income (GNI) as defined for the purposes of calculating GNI own resource contribution to the General Budget of the European Union. Those contributions shall be considered as external assigned revenue for the Programme in accordance with [Article XX of Regulation (EU) No XX/2012 of the European Parliament and the Council [New Financial Regulation]. The Programme shall be funded through the Union's own resources. Amendment 10 Proposal for a decision Article 4 – paragraph 1 Third countries which have concluded a cooperation agreement with Euratom in the field of controlled nuclear fusion that associates their respective research programmes with the Euratom programmes (hereinafter "associated countries") may also contribute to the Programme. Third countries which have concluded a cooperation agreement with Euratom in the field of controlled nuclear fusion that associates their respective research programmes with the Euratom programmes (hereinafter "associated countries") may contribute to the Programme. Amendment 11 Proposal for a decision Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new) The Commission shall submit a mid-term review of the progress of the Programme to the European Parliament and the Council for their opinion before 30 June 2016. Amendment 12 Proposal for a decision Article 6 – paragraph 1 1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Decision are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, where irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate and deterrent penalties. 1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Decision are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, where irregularities or errors are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate and deterrent penalties. The Commission shall also put in place appropriate measures ensuring adequate risk control and the avoidance of cost overruns. Amendment 13 Proposal for a decision Article 6 – paragraph 2 2.  The Commission or its representatives and the Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and on-the-spot checks and inspections, over all grant beneficiaries, contractors, subcontractors and other third parties who have received Union funds under this Decision. 2.   The European Parliament, the Commission or its representatives and the Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and on-the-spot checks and inspections, over all grant beneficiaries, contractors, subcontractors and other third parties who have received Union funds under this Decision. Given the magnitude and the past considerable shortcomings of the ITER project, close scrutiny by the European Parliament will be required in its capacity as budgetary authority and discharge authority, and the Commission shall inform the European Parliament of the development of the Programme, in particular in terms of costs and schedule, on a regular basis. Amendment 14 Proposal for a decision Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 Without prejudice to the first and second subparagraphs, cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations, grant agreements, grant decisions and contracts resulting from the implementation of this Decision shall expressly empower the Commission, the Court of Auditors and the OLAF to conduct audits, on-the-spot checks and inspections. Without prejudice to the first and second subparagraphs, cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations, grant agreements, grant decisions and contracts resulting from the implementation of this Decision shall expressly empower the Commission, the Court of Auditors and the OLAF to conduct audits, on-the-spot checks and inspections. The results of such audits, on-the-spot checks and inspections shall be forwarded to the European Parliament. Amendment 15 Proposal for a decision Annex – Scientific and technological objective – paragraph 2 The first priority of the strategy to achieve the objective shall be the construction of ITER (a major experimental facility which demonstrates the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power), followed by the construction of a demonstration fusion power plant. The first priority of the strategy to achieve the objective shall be the construction of ITER (a major experimental facility which demonstrates the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power), followed by the construction of a demonstration fusion power plant. The priorities proposed in the 2012 EFDA fusion roadmap should be taken into account in order to ensure that ITER will play a key role in the energy transition. Amendment 16 Proposal for a decision Annex – Scientific and technological Objective – paragraph 2 a (new) The demonstration of competitive electricity production by 2050 must be ensured. In response to that target, the Commission shall review the Programme regularly and produce a progress report on an annual basis in response to physics, technological, budgetary and safety challenges. In its report, the Commission must provide an analysis of potential impacts on the three main phases, in addition to a contingency plan specifying the priorities according to the benefits, risks and costs to achieve the commercial fusion objectives. The Commission must consider implementing an early warning system to identify risks and to accelerate the mitigation process. Amendment 17 Proposal for a decision Annex – Rationale – paragraph 1 Fusion has the potential to make a major contribution to the realisation of a sustainable and secure energy supply for the Union a few decades from now. Its successful development would provide energy which is safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly. Fusion has the potential to make a major contribution to the realisation of a sustainable and secure energy supply for the Union a few decades from now. Its successful development would provide energy which is safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly. Harnessing fusion energy is a very promising goal but also a significant challenge, as there are still remaining physics and engineering issues in order to make progress in demonstrating the feasibility of fusion energy. In order to best meet some of these challenges, it is essential that the Union makes every effort to support and exploit the efforts of the JET facility in order to help bridge any knowledge or experience gap. Amendment 18 Proposal for a decision Annex – Activities – paragraph 2 – point a (a)  To provide the Euratom contribution to the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation, including those R&D activities necessary for developing the basis for the procurement of the ITER components and the procurement of the ITER Test Blanket Modules; (a)  To provide the Euratom contribution to the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation, including those R&D activities necessary for developing the basis for the procurement of the ITER components and the procurement of the ITER Test Blanket Modules and to suggest potential improvements in the governance of the Programme. Amendment 19 Proposal for a decision Annex – Activities – paragraph 2 – point c (c)  As appropriate, other activities in order to prepare the basis for the design of a demonstration reactor and related facilities. (c)  As appropriate, other activities in order to prepare the basis for the design of a demonstration reactor and related facilities, mainly those required to properly solve the remaining issues concerning DEMO construction and operation. This will include ensuring the continuance of the JET exploitation until the start date of ITER's full functioning. Standard solutions must be promoted in order to be reused as far as possible when building commercial power plants. Amendment 20 Proposal for a decision Annex – Activities – paragraph 2 – point c a (new) (ca)  To implement an industrial policy suitable for involving industry, including small and medium-sized enterprises, in order to foster competition and to prepare the European system for the fusion era. Amendment 21 Proposal for a decision Annex – Activities – paragraph 2 – point c b (new) (cb)  To involve industry, including specialised small and medium-sized enterprises, as widely and as early as possible in order to develop and to validate standard reliable solutions and equipment. This will be helpful in achieving the Programme within the budget. Amendment 22 Proposal for a decision Annex – Activities – paragraph 2 – point c c (new) (cc)  To promote the availability of a skilled and experienced workforce and scientists as a key to the success of fusion. The ramping-up of ITER should be associated with specific measures in support of training and education in fusion science and technology. Amendment 23 Proposal for a decision Annex – Activities – paragraph 2 – point c d (new) (cd)  To develop a communication programme for Union citizens to keep them fully informed of and consulted about nuclear fusion challenges, risks and safety. Amendment 24 Proposal for a decision Annex – Activities – paragraph 4 The detailed work programmes implementing the above activities will be decided, on an annual basis, by the Fusion for Energy Governing Board. The detailed work programmes implementing the above activities will be decided and communicated to the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on an annual basis, by the Fusion for Energy Governing Board.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a Council regulation on the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2014-2018) complementing Horizon 2020 – The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (COM(2011)0812 – C7-0009/2012 – 2011/0400(NLE))

P7_TA(2013)0469 A7-0407/2012

(Consultation)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2011)0812),

–  having regard to Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty,

–  having regard to the request for an opinion received from the Council (C7–0009/2012),

–  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets and of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A7-0407/2012),

1.  Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.  Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty;

3.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

4.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal;

5.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

Text proposed by the Commission   Amendment Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 (3)  By supporting nuclear research the Research and Training Programme of the Community (hereinafter the ‘Euratom Programme’) will contribute to achieving objectives of the ‘Horizon 2020’ Framework Programme for Research and Innovation established by Regulation (EU XX/XXXX of [….] (hereinafter ‘Horizon 2020 Framework Programme’) and facilitate implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy and the creation and operation of the European Research Area. (3)  By supporting nuclear research and innovation excellence the Research and Training Programme of the Community (hereinafter the ‘Euratom Programme’) will contribute to achieving objectives of the ‘Horizon 2020’ Framework Programme for Research and Innovation established by Regulation (EU) No.../..... of [….] (hereinafter ‘Horizon 2020 Framework Programme’) and facilitate implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy and the creation and operation of the European Research Area and help to implement the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (the "SET-Plan"). In addition, the Euratom Programme should seek to make further use of Structural Funds for nuclear research and ensure alignment of the funds with Community research priorities without compromising the principle of excellence. Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 a (new) (3a)  Three major European cooperative initiatives in nuclear science and technology were launched under the Seventh Euratom Framework Programme (2007 to 2011). They are the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP), the Implementing Geological Disposal Technology Platform (IGDTP) and the Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative (MELODI). Both SNETP and IGDTP correspond with SET-Plan objectives. Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 (4)  Notwithstanding the potential impact of nuclear energy on energy supply and economic development, severe nuclear accidents may have the potential to endanger human health. Therefore, nuclear safety and, where appropriate, security aspects should be given the greatest possible attention in the Euratom Research and Training Programme. (4)  Notwithstanding the potential impact of nuclear energy on energy supply and economic development, severe nuclear accidents nuclear proliferation and malevolent acts including nuclear terrorism may have the potential to endanger human health. Therefore, nuclear safety and, where appropriate – as part of the work of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) – security aspects should be given the greatest possible attention in the Euratom Programme. Attention should also be paid to third countries that border the Union and cross-border aspects of nuclear safety that underline the Union's added value. Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 a (new) (4a)  The European Sustainable Nuclear Industrial Initiative (ESNII) targets the deployment of Gen-IV Fast Neutron Reactors with closed fuel cycle by 2040. It includes three major projects: the ASTRID prototype (sodium cooled), the ALLEGRO demonstrator (gas cooled) and the MYRRHA technology pilot plant (lead cooled). Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 (5)  As all Member States have nuclear installations or make use of radioactive materials particularly for medical purposes, the Council has recognised in its conclusions of 2 December 2008 the continuing need for skills in the nuclear field, in particular through appropriate education and training linked with research and coordinated at Community level. (5)  As all Member States have nuclear installations or make use of radioactive materials particularly for medical purposes, the Council has recognised in its conclusions of 2 December 2008 the continuing need for skills in the nuclear field, in particular through appropriate education and training linked with research as well as improved working conditions which are coordinated at Community level. Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 (6)  By signing the Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project , the Community has undertaken to participate in ITER construction and its future exploitation. The Community contribution is managed through the ‘European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy’ (hereinafter ‘Fusion for Energy’), established by Council Decision of 27 March 2007. The activities of Fusion for Energy, including ITER, are to be regulated by a separate legislative act. (6)  By signing the Agreement on the Establishment of the ITER International Fusion Energy Organisation for the Joint Implementation of the ITER Project, the Community has undertaken to participate in ITER construction and its future exploitation. The Community contribution is managed through the 'European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy' (hereinafter 'Fusion for Energy'), established by Council Decision of 27 March 2007. The activities of Fusion for Energy, including ITER, are to be regulated by a separate legislative act, which, will ensure that the funding for ITER comes from within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) while also setting a ring-fenced maximum amount for contribution from the Union's budget for the years 2014-2018. Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 a (new) (6a)  In order to compliment other Union priorities for the coming decades, the framework for nuclear fission research under the Euratom Programme should support the Union's existing objectives and proposals, such as the SET- Plan and the 'Energy Roadmap 2050'. This framework should also support ESNII. The framework should also, as far as possible, complement broader Union proposals in terms of co-operation with third countries. Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 (7)  For fusion to become a credible option for commercial energy production, it is, firstly, necessary to successfully and timely complete the construction of ITER and start its operation. Secondly it is necessary to establish an ambitious, yet realistic roadmap towards the production of electricity by 2050. Reaching those goals requires the European fusion programme to be redirected. A stronger focus should be placed on the activities in support to ITER. Such rationalisation should be achieved without jeopardising the European leadership of the fusion scientific community. (7)  For fusion to become a credible option for commercial energy production, it is, firstly, necessary to successfully and timely complete the construction of ITER and start its operation, and continue to support the activities of existing allied and ancillary projects such as the Joint European Torus (JET). Secondly it is necessary to establish an ambitious, yet realistic roadmap towards the production of electricity by 2050. Reaching those goals requires the European fusion programme to be redirected. A stronger focus should be placed on the activities in support to ITER, including ensuring its funding within the MFF in a complete and transparent way. Guaranteeing funding within the MFF will guarantee the Community's commitment to the long-term success of the project and prevent costs from mounting exponentially thereafter. Maintaining European leadership of the fusion scientific community is an essential aim of the Euratom Programme. Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 (8)  The Joint Research Centre (JRC) should continue to provide independent customer-driven scientific and technological support for the formulation, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies, in particular in the field of nuclear safety and security research and training. (8)  The JRC should continue to provide independent customer-driven scientific and technological support for the formulation, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies and, where appropriate, international policies, in particular in the field of nuclear safety and security research and training. It should make this contribution subject to guidelines to be adopted by the Union institutions, particularly in the light of the stress tests on nuclear power plants. Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 (10)  While it is for each Member State to choose whether or not to make use of nuclear power, the role of the Union is to develop, in the interest of all its Member States, a framework to support joint cutting-edge research, knowledge creation and knowledge preservation on nuclear fission technologies, with special emphasis on safety, security, radiation protection and non-proliferation. That requires independent scientific evidence, to which the JRC can make a key contribution. That has been recognised in the Commission Communication ‘Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative Innovation Union’, in which the Commission stated its intention to strengthen scientific evidence for policy making through the JRC. The JRC proposes to respond to that challenge by focusing its nuclear safety and security research on the Union's policy priorities. (10)  While it is for each Member State to choose whether or not to make use of nuclear power, the role of the Union is to develop, in the interest of all its Member States, a framework to support joint cutting-edge research, knowledge creation and knowledge preservation on nuclear fission technologies, in particular new generation fission reactors, with special emphasis on safety, security, radiation protection, including improved working conditions for those engaged in working directly with nuclear materials, nuclear decommissioning and non-proliferation. That requires independent scientific evidence, to which the JRC can make a key contribution. That has been recognised in the Commission Communication ‘Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative Innovation Union’, in which the Commission stated its intention to strengthen scientific evidence for policy making through the JRC. The JRC proposes to respond to that challenge by focusing its nuclear safety and security research on the Union's policy priorities. The precise nature of this research should be determined subject to guidelines to be adopted by the Union institutions, particularly in the light of the stress tests on nuclear power plants. Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 a (new) (10a)  Since Europe’s citizens must remain at the core of discussions at Union level, the European Parliament should be more broadly involved in the deliberations and the decisions taken about the Euratom Programme. Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11 (11)  With the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science, the Euratom Programme should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education, by making scientific knowledge more accessible, by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens‘ and civil society's concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in the Euratom programme activities. (11)  With the aim of deepening the relationship between science and society and reinforcing public confidence in science, the Euratom Programme should favour an informed engagement of citizens and civil society on research and innovation matters by promoting science education, by making scientific knowledge more accessible, by developing responsible research and innovation agendas that meet citizens‘ and civil society's concerns and expectations and by facilitating their participation in the Euratom Programme activities. This should include making scientific and research careers attractive to the next generation of researchers, in particular if they are from groups under-represented in research. This informed engagement by citizens on matters connected with the Euratom Programme implies closer involvement of the European Parliament, which represents Europe’s citizens. Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 (13)  The Euratom Programme should contribute to the attractiveness of the research profession in the Union. Adequate attention should be paid to the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, together with other relevant reference frameworks defined in the context of the European Research Area, while respecting their voluntary nature. (13)  The Euratom Programme should seek to promote the attractiveness of the research profession in the Union with the general aim of increasing the visibility of science in society but also with the aim of preventing any skills shortage in the Union or 'brain- drain' from the Union to third countries. While much expertise currently exists within the Union, it is vitally important that a new generation of nuclear researchers be trained in all aspects of nuclear research. The Euratom Programme should also at all levels seek to give European added value for all those seeking to participate in nuclear research. Adequate attention should be paid to the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, together with other relevant reference frameworks defined in the context of the European Research Area, while respecting their voluntary nature. Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 (15)  Research and innovation activities supported by the Euratom Programme should respect fundamental ethical principles. The opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies should be taken into account. Research activities should also take into account Article 13 of the TFEU and reduce the use of animals in research and testing, with a view to ultimately replacing animal use. All activities should be carried out ensuring a high level of human health protection. (15)  Research and innovation activities supported by the Euratom Programme have to respect ethical principles. The opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies should be taken into account. Research activities should also take into account Article 13 TFEU and replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research and testing. All activities should be carried out ensuring a high level of human health protection. Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 16 (16)  A greater impact should also be achieved by combining the Euratom Programme and private sector funds within public-private partnerships in key areas where research and innovation could contribute to Union's wider competitiveness goals. Particular attention should be given to the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises. (16)  A greater impact should also be achieved by combining the Euratom Programme and private sector funds within public-private partnerships in key areas where research and innovation could contribute to Union's wider competitiveness goals. Particular attention should be given to the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The need to increase the uptake of available community funding by SMEs should apply to those working in nuclear research as it does in other fields. The Euratom Programme should support SMEs at all stages in the innovation chain, especially activities closer to the market inter alia through the use of innovative financial instruments. Such support should include the dedicated SME instrument and all the revised financial instruments which should provide for appropriate measures to unleash the full innovation potential of SMEs and which will become available through the Horizon 2020 FrameworkProgramme as well as similar programmes such as the Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (2014 - 2020) (COSME). Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 17 (17)  The Euratom Programme should promote cooperation, in particular in the field of safety, with third countries based on common interest and mutual benefit. (17)  The Euratom Programme should, in particular, take account of all nuclear installations in third countries which border the Union, especially if they are located in an area susceptible to natural disasters. International cooperation on nuclear energy should contain appropriate instruments for securing mutual financial obligations. This must include cooperative contracts and reciprocal financial obligations Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 19 (19)  The need for a new approach to control and risk management in Union research funding was recognised by the European Council of 4 February 2011, asking for a new balance between trust and control and between risk-taking and risk avoidance. The European Parliament, in its Resolution of 11 November 2010 on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes , called for a pragmatic shift towards administrative and financial simplification and stated that the management of Union research funding should be more trust-based and risk-tolerant towards participants. (19)  The need for a new approach to control and risk management in Union research funding was recognised by the European Council of 4 February 2011, asking for a new balance between trust and control and between risk-taking and risk avoidance. The European Parliament has called for a radical simplification of Union research and innovation funding and has made numerous calls for a shift towards much greater administrative and financial simplification. In its resolution of 11 November 20101 on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes the European Parliament called for a pragmatic shift towards administrative and financial simplification and stated that the management of Union research funding should be more trust-based and risk-tolerant towards participants. In its resolution 8 June 2011 on Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe2 the European Parliament reiterated its call for a shift towards administrative and financial simplification and also emphasised that any increase of funds should be coupled with a radical simplification of funding procedures. The Euratom Programme should also duly consider the concerns and recommendations from the researchers' community as expressed in the final report of the Expert Group 'Interim Evaluation of the 7th Framework Programme' of 12 November 2010 as well as in the Commission's Green Paper of 9 February 2011 entitled 'From Challenges to Opportunities towards a Common Strategic Framework for EU Research and Innovative Funding'. _____________ 1 OJ C 74E, 13.3.2012, p. 34. 2 OJ C 380 E, 11.12.2012, p. 89. Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Recital 20 (20)  The financial interests of the Union should be protected through proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, penalties. A revised control strategy, shifting focus from minimisation of error rates towards risk-based control and fraud detection, should reduce the control burden for participants. (20)  The financial interests of the Union should be protected through necessary, proportionate and efficient measures throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, penalties. A revised control strategy, shifting focus from minimisation of error rates towards risk-based control and fraud detection, should reduce the control burden for participants. Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25 (25)  Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty entrusts the Commission with the responsibility of carrying out the Euratom Programme. For the purposes of implementing the Euratom Programme, except its direct actions, the Commission should be assisted by a consultative committee of Member States to ensure appropriate coordination with national policies in the areas covered by this research and training programme. (25)  Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty entrusts the Commission with the responsibility of carrying out the Euratom Programme. For the purposes of implementing the Euratom Programme, except its direct actions, the Commission should be assisted by a consultative committee of Member States to ensure appropriate coordination with national policies in the areas covered by this research and training programme and to foster strong synergies and complementarities between European, national and regional funds. The European Parliament should be involved in the Commission’s implementation of the Euratom Programme. Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Recital 25a (new) (25a)  The spending of Union and Member States’ funds on research and innovation should be better coordinated in order to assure complementarity, better efficiency and visibility, as well as to achieve better budgetary synergies. Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Recital 29 a (new) (29a)  Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the enhanced role granted to the European Parliament in terms of budgetary procedure, the current legal framework should be discussed. Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – point e a (new) (ea)  "small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)" means a legal entity fulfilling the criteria laid down in the Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises 1. _________ 1 OJ L 124, 30.5.2003, p.36. Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 1.  The general objective of the Euratom Programme is to improve nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, and to contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of the energy system in a safe, efficient and secure way. The general objective shall be implemented through the activities specified in Annex I in the form of direct and indirect actions which pursue the specific objectives set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article. 1.  The general objective of the Euratom Programme is to improve nuclear safety, security and radiation protection, and to contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of the energy system in a safe, efficient and secure way, to contribute to other areas of research related to nuclear research such as medical research and to guarantee the long-term future of European nuclear research. The general objective shall be implemented through the activities specified in Annex I in the form of direct and indirect actions which pursue the specific objectives set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article. Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a (a)  support safe operation of nuclear systems; (a)  support safe operation of all existing and future civilian nuclear systems; Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point c (c)  support the development and sustainability of nuclear competences at Union level; (c)  support the measures necessary to ensure suitably trained human resources and the development and sustainability of nuclear competences at Union level; Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d (d)  foster radiation protection; (d)  support R&D in the field of radiation protection; and seek to maintain the highest level of working conditions for those working directly with nuclear materials; Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new) (da)  contribute to the R&D agenda resulting from the recommendations listed in the conclusions of the Union stress-tests (e.g. seismic modelling, core melt behaviour,...); Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d b (new) (db)  support the long-term sustainability of nuclear fission through improvements in the field of reactor time extension or in the design of new reactor types; Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point f (f)  lay the foundations for future fusion power plants by developing materials, technologies and conceptual design; (f)  lay the foundations for future fusion and fission power plants by developing materials, technologies and conceptual design; Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g (g)  promote innovation and industrial competitiveness; (g)  promote innovation and European industrial leadership in fission and fusion; Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new) (ga)  support the three priorities of Horizon 2020: excellent science, industrial leadership and societal challenges; Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point (h) (h)  ensure availability and use of research infrastructures of pan-European relevance; (h)  ensure availability and use, and promote the development, of new research infrastructures of pan-European relevance; Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point a (a)  improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning, and emergency preparedness; (a)  improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning, emergency preparedness, working conditions for those working directly with nuclear materials and dealing with the direct consequences of nuclear safety incidents, however unlikely they may be; Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point d (d)  foster knowledge management, education and training; (d)  foster knowledge management, education and training, including increasing the uptake of nuclear research among European scientists as well as attracting those from outside the Union; Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e (e)  support the policy of the Union on nuclear safety and security and the related evolving Union legislation. (e)  support the policy of the Union on nuclear safety and security and the related evolving Union legislation, including working towards the development of internationally recognised standards of nuclear safety for fission reactors; Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new) (ea)  address any skills shortage in relation to nuclear expertise and prevent any future skills leakage or 'brain drain' of nuclear scientists from the Union; Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e b (new) (eb)  complement all required safety improvements suggested following the results of the stress tests carried out on all nuclear reactors in the Union and third countries that border the Union. This should focus on contributing to the R & D agenda resulting from their recommendations; Amendment 38 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 – point e c (new) (ec)  support the simplification agenda of Horizon 2020, reducing the administrative burdens of previous framework programmes, in particular on SMEs, universities and smaller research institutes. Amendment 39 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 4 4.  The Euratom Programme shall be implemented in such a way as to ensure that the priorities and activities supported are relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science, technology, innovation, policy making, markets and society. 4.  The Euratom Programme shall be implemented in such a way as to ensure that the priorities and activities supported are relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science, technology, innovation, policy making, markets and society, as well as the direct consequences of nuclear safety incidents, however unlikely they may be. Amendment 40 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new) 5a.  The Euratom Programme shall contribute to implementing the SET-plan. Its indirect and direct actions shall be aligned with the Strategic Research Agenda of the three existing European technology platforms on nuclear energy: SNETP, IGDTP and MELODI. Amendment 101/rev2 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Euratom Programme shall be EUR 1 788,889 million. That amount shall be distributed as follows: 1.  Within the meaning of point 18 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of... between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management1 ("the IIA"), the financial envelope for the implementation of the Euratom Programme shall be EUR 1 603,329 million. That amount shall constitute the prime reference for the European Parliament and the Council during the annual budgetary procedure. It shall be distributed as follows: (a)  indirect actions for the fusion research and development programme, EUR 709,713 million; (a)  indirect actions for the fusion research and development programme, EUR 636,095 million; (b)  indirect actions for nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection, EUR 354,857 million; (b)  indirect actions for nuclear fission, safety and radiation protection, EUR 318,048 million; (c)  direct actions, EUR 724,319 million. (c)  direct actions, EUR 649,186 million. _________________ 1 OJ C … Amendment 45 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 For the implementation of indirect actions of the Euratom Programme, no more than 13.5 % shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure. For the implementation of indirect actions of the Euratom Programme, no more than 7% shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure. Amendment 46 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new) 1a.  The ITER project shall be included within the Euratom Programme and funded from within the MFF in a complete and transparent way. Aspects of the project not directly related to research and training need not be included in the Euratom Programme funding. Amendment 47 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 1 b (new) 1b.  The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the European Parliament and the Council without prejudice to the provisions of the Regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 and the IIA. Amendment 48 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new) 4a.  The Community shall work towards the wider and more frequent use of structural funds for nuclear research and shall ensure that funds are implemented in line with the Community's priorities in the area of research. Amendment 49 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 3.  The ‘Participant guarantee fund’ established pursuant to Regulation (EU) No XX/2012 [Rules for participation and dissemination] shall replace and succeed the Participant guarantee funds established pursuant to Regulation (Euratom) No 1908/2006 and Regulation (Euratom) No XX/XX [Euratom Rules for participation 2012-2013]. 3.  The 'Participant guarantee fund' established pursuant to Regulation (EU) No XX/2012 [Rules for participation and dissemination] shall replace and succeed the Participant guarantee funds established pursuant to Regulation (Euratom) No 1908/2006 and Regulation (Euratom) No 139/2012. Amendment 50 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 Any sums from the Participant guarantee funds established pursuant to Regulations (Euratom) No 1908/2006 and (Euratom) No XX/XX [Euratom Rules for participation (2012-2013)] shall be transferred to the Participant guarantee fund as of 31 December 2013. The participants in actions under Decision XX/XX [Euratom Programme 2012-2013] signing grant agreements after 31 December 2013 shall make their contribution to the Participant guarantee fund. Any sums from the Participant guarantee funds established pursuant to Regulations (Euratom) No 1908/2006 and (Euratom) No 139/2012 shall be transferred to the Participant guarantee fund as of 31 December 2013. The participants in actions under Decision 2012/94/Euratom signing grant agreements after 31 December 2013 shall make their contribution to the Participant guarantee fund. Amendment 51 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a.  Programmes aimed at increasing both current and planned innovative research should be opened up to allow nuclear research as part of their list of applicable research categories. The Eureka Eurostars Programme and the Marie Curie Actions should widen their rules of participation to allow SMEs involved in nuclear research to participate. Amendment 52 Proposal for a regulation Article 9 The Euratom Programme shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension in research and innovation content. The Euratom Programme shall ensure the effective promotion of gender equality and the gender dimension and support the aim of Horizon 2020 to address gender as a cross-cutting issue in order to rectify imbalances between men and women. Amendment 53 Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 Particular attention shall be paid to the principle of proportionality, the right to privacy, the right to the protection of personal data, the right to the physical and mental integrity of a person, the right to non-discrimination and the need to ensure high levels of human health protection. Particular attention shall be paid to the principle of proportionality, the protection of human dignity, the principle of the primacy of the human being, the right to privacy, the right to the protection of personal data, the right to the physical and mental integrity of human beings, the right to non-discrimination and the need to ensure high levels of human health protection. Amendment 54 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 That multi-annual work programme shall also take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations. They shall be updated as and where appropriate. That multi-annual work programme shall be submitted to the JRC Board of Governors and presented to the European Parliament and the Council. It shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations, so as to avoid any waste of research effort in Europe and to make the best use of the financial resources. It shall be updated as and where appropriate. Amendment 55 Proposal for a regulation Article 11 – paragraph 3 3.  The work programmes shall take account of the state of science, technology and innovation at national, Union and international level and of relevant policy, market and societal developments. They shall be updated as and where appropriate. 3.  The work programmes shall take account of the state of science, technology and innovation at national, Union and international level and of relevant policy, market and societal developments. They shall be updated as and where appropriate, keeping in mind the aims and objectives of Horizon 2020. Amendment 56 Proposal for a regulation Article 14 Particular attention shall be paid to ensuring the adequate participation of, and innovation impact on, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the Euratom Programme. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of SME participation shall be undertaken as part of the evaluation and monitoring arrangements. 1.   Particular attention shall be paid to ensuring the adequate participation of, and innovation impact on, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the Euratom Programme. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of SME participation shall be undertaken as part of the evaluation and monitoring arrangements. 2.  Given the importance of the SME sector to the European economy and the current under-representation of SMEs in the nuclear industry, the Euratom Programme shall, in line with the objectives of Horizon 2020, support all efforts to ease the administrative burden placed on SMEs. Amendment 57 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new) (ca)  combat all forms of nuclear proliferation and trafficking; Amendment 58 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c b (new) (cb)  support international efforts in respect of developing common international safety standards; Amendment 59 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c c (new) (cc)  contribute to the improvement of knowledge exchange. Amendment 60 Proposal for a regulation Article 16 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 a (new) Particular attention shall be paid to all reactors and nuclear installations located in third countries but which are geographically very close to Member State territory, especially when such reactors and installations are located close to hazardous geographical or geological locations. Amendment 61 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point a (a)  initiatives aimed at widening awareness and facilitating access to funding under the Euratom Programme, in particular for those regions or types of participant that are underrepresented; (a)  initiatives aimed at widening awareness and facilitating access to funding under the Euratom Programme, in particular for those regions or types of participant that are underrepresented and in particular for SMEs to increase their uptake of available funding and participation in appropriate programmes. Amendment 62 Proposal for a regulation Article 17 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) The attempts at increased simplification in terms of participation shall be communicated to all participants, including SMEs and academic institutions. Amendment 63 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 1 1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, where irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate and deterrent penalties. 1.  The Commission shall take appropriate measures ensuring that, when actions financed under this Regulation are implemented, the financial interests of the Union are protected by the application of preventive measures against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities, by effective checks and, where irregularities are detected, by the recovery of the amounts wrongly paid and, where appropriate, by effective, proportionate and deterrent penalties. The European Parliament shall be informed of such measures. Amendment 64 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 2.  The Commission or its representatives and the Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and on-the-spot checks and inspections, over all grant beneficiaries, contractors, subcontractors and other third parties who have received Union funds under this Regulation. 2.  The European Parliament, the Commission or its representatives and the Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and on-the-spot checks and inspections, over all grant beneficiaries, contractors, subcontractors and other third parties who have received Union funds under this Regulation. Amendment 65 Proposal for a regulation Article 19 – paragraph 4 4.  Without prejudice to the paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations, grant agreements, grant decisions and contracts resulting from the implementation of this Regulation shall expressly empower the Commission, the Court of Auditors and the OLAF to conduct audits, on-the-spot checks and inspections. 4.  Without prejudice to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations, grant agreements, grant decisions and contracts resulting from the implementation of this Regulation shall expressly empower the Commission, the Court of Auditors and the OLAF to conduct audits, on-the-spot checks and inspections. The European Parliament shall be informed of the result of such audits without delay. Amendment 66 Proposal for a regulation Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 By 31 May 2017, and taking into account the ex-post evaluation of the Euratom 7 Framework Programme established by Decision 2006/970/Euratom and of the Euratom Programme (2012-2013) established by Decision 20XX/XX/Euratom to be completed by the end of 2015, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, an interim evaluation of the Euratom Programme on the achievements, at the level of results and progress towards impacts, of the objectives and continued relevance of all the measures, the efficiency and use of resources, the scope for further simplification, and European added value. The evaluation shall additionally take into account the contribution of the measures to the Union priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and results on the long-term impact of the predecessor measures. By 31 May 2016, and taking into account the ex-post evaluation of the Euratom Seventh Framework Programme established by Decision 2006/970/Euratom and of the Euratom Programme (2012-2013) established by Decision 2012/93/Euratom to be completed by the end of 2015, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, an interim evaluation of the Euratom Programme on the achievements, at the level of results and progress towards impacts, of the objectives and continued relevance of all the measures, the efficiency and use of resources, the scope for further simplification, and European added value. This evaluation shall also take into consideration aspects relating to access to funding opportunities for extending the excellence of the Union’s science and innovation base for SMEs and for promoting gender balance. The evaluation shall additionally take into account the contribution of the measures to the Union priorities of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and results on the long-term impact of the predecessor measures. Amendment 67 Proposal for a regulation Article 21 – paragraph 4 4.  Member States shall provide the Commission with data and information necessary for the monitoring and evaluation of the measures concerned. 4.  Member States shall provide the European Parliament and the Commission with data and information necessary for the monitoring and evaluation of the measures concerned. Amendment 68 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 2 The Euratom Programme shall strengthen the research and innovation framework in the nuclear field and coordinate Member States‘ research efforts, thereby avoiding duplication, retaining critical mass in key areas and ensuring that public funding is used in an optimal way. The Euratom Programme shall strengthen the research and innovation framework in the nuclear field and coordinate Member States' research efforts, thereby avoiding duplication, providing Union added value, retaining key skills and critical mass in key areas and ensuring that public funding is used in an optimal way. Amendment 69 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 3 The strategy to develop fusion as a credible option for commercial carbon-free energy production shall follow a roadmap with milestones towards the goal of electricity production by 2050. To implement that strategy, a radical restructuring of fusion-related work in the Union, including governance, funding and management, shall be carried out to ensure a shift of emphasis from pure research to designing, building and operating future facilities such as ITER, DEMO and beyond. That shall require a close cooperation between the entire Union fusion community, the Commission and the national funding agencies. The strategy to develop fusion as a credible option for commercial carbon-free energy production shall follow a roadmap with milestones towards the goal of electricity production by 2050. To implement that strategy, a restructuring of fusion-related work in the Union, including governance and management, shall be carried out to ensure a shift of emphasis from pure research to designing, building and operating future facilities such as ITER, DEMO and beyond. That shall require a close cooperation between the entire Union fusion community, the Commission and Member States. Amendment 70 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.1 – point d – heading (d)  Foster radiation protection (Excellent science; Societal challenges) (d)  Support R&D in the field of radiation protection (Excellent science; Societal challenges) Amendment 71 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.1 – point e – paragraph -1 (new) Support activities for the joint realisation of ITER as an international research infrastructure. The Community will have a special responsibility within the ITER Organisation as the host of the project and will assume a leading role, in particular regarding site preparation, establishing the ITER Organisation, management and staffing, plus general technical and administrative support. Support activities agreed upon in Council Decision XXXX/XXX/EU [on the adoption of a Supplementary Research Programme for the ITER project (2014-2018)] to manage the project. Amendment 72 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.1 – point i – paragraph 1 a (new) The legal entity shall support all efforts to continue the work of JET beyond its 2015 end of experimental phase, and support where possible all efforts aimed at attracting international partners to help provide additional funding. Such efforts should include reciprocal agreements for future Union involvement in DEMO and other planned fusion reactors. Amendment 73 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – paragraph 1 The nuclear activities of the JRC shall aim to support the implementation of Council Directives 2009/71/Euratom and 2011/70/Euratom, as well as Council Conclusions giving priority to the highest standards for nuclear safety and security in the Union and internationally. The JRC shall notably mobilise the necessary capacity and expertise in order to contribute to assess and improve the safety of nuclear installations and the peaceful use of nuclear energy and other non fission applications, to provide a scientific basis to relevant Union legisation and, where necessary, to react within the limits of its mission and competence to nuclear incidents and accidents. To that effect, the JRC shall carry out research and assessments, provide references and standards and deliver dedicated training and education. Synergies with the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP) and other cross-cutting initiatives will be sought as appropriate. The nuclear activities of the JRC shall aim to support the implementation of Council Directives 2009/71/Euratom and 2011/70/Euratom, as well as Council Conclusions giving priority to the highest standards for nuclear safety and security in the Union and internationally. The JRC shall notably mobilise the necessary capacity and expertise in order to contribute to R&D in the field of nuclear installation safety and the peaceful use of nuclear energy and other non fission applications, to provide a scientific basis to relevant Union legislation and, where necessary, to react within the limits of its mission and competence to nuclear incidents and accidents. To that effect, the JRC shall carry out research and assessments, provide references and standards and deliver dedicated training and education. Synergies with the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP) and other cross-cutting initiatives will be sought as a matter of necessity, in order to optimise the human and financial resources for nuclear R&D in Europe. The JRC shall keep in mind the published results of the 'stress tests' carried out in 2011 on all existing nuclear reactors in line with Union regulations. Amendment 74 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point a – heading (a)  Improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning, and emergency preparedness (a)  Improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning, improve working conditions of those working with nuclear materials and emergency preparedness Amendment 77 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point a – paragraph -1 (new) Decommissioning and dismantling are promising market areas, given the relevant scientific advances and safety imperatives. The Union must acquire the best possible technologies for this work, which will involve increasingly sophisticated techniques (such as underwater cutting, laser cutting and state-of-the-art robots to eliminate human intervention). Amendment 75 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point a – paragraph 1 – introductory part The JRC shall contribute to the development of tools and methods to achieve high safety standards for nuclear power reactors and fuel cycles relevant to Europe. Those tools and methods shall include: The JRC shall, in close cooperation with the relevant research bodies in the Union, contribute to the development of tools and methods to achieve high safety standards for nuclear power reactors and fuel cycles relevant to Europe. Those tools and methods shall include: Amendment 76 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point a – paragraph 1 – point 1 (1)  severe accident analyses modelling and methodologies for assessment of nuclear installations operational safety margins; support to the establishment of a common European approach to the evaluation of advanced fuel cycles and designs; and investigation and dissemination of the lessons learnt from the operational experience. The JRC shall further reinforce its 'European Clearinghouse on NPP Operational Experience Feedback' to respond to the emerging post-Fukushima nuclear safety challenges. (1)  severe accident analyses modelling and methodologies for assessment of nuclear installations operational safety margins; support to the establishment of a common European approach to the evaluation of advanced fuel cycles and designs; and investigation and dissemination of the lessons learnt from the operational experience. The JRC shall pursue the work of the 'European Clearinghouse on NPP Operational Experience Feedback' to respond to the emerging post-Fukushima nuclear safety challenges, continuing to draw on relevant expertise in the Member States. Amendment 78 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point c – paragraph 1 The JRC shall further develop the scientific basis for nuclear safety and security. Emphasis shall be given to research on fundamental properties and behaviour of actinides, structural and nuclear materials. In support to Union standardisation, the JRC shall provide state-of-the-art nuclear standards, reference data and measurements, including the development and implementation of relevant databases and assessment tools. The JRC shall support the further development of medical applications, namely new cancer therapies based on alpha irradiation. The JRC shall further develop the scientific basis for nuclear safety and security. Emphasis shall be given to research on fundamental properties and behaviour of actinides, structural and nuclear materials. In support to Union standardisation, the JRC shall provide state-of-the-art nuclear standards, reference data and measurements, including the development and implementation of relevant databases and assessment tools. The JRC shall support the further development of medical applications, namely new cancer therapies based on alpha irradiation. The JRC shall keep in mind the aims of Horizon 2020 as well as the need to avoid a European skills gap or 'brain drain'. Amendment 79 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 2 – point 2.2 – point e – paragraph 1 JRC shall foster its competence in order to provide the independent scientific and technical evidence necessary to support the evolving Union legislation on nuclear safety and security. JRC shall foster its competence in order to provide the independent scientific and technical evidence necessary to support the evolving Union legislation on nuclear safety and security and support higher standards internationally. The precise nature of this research must be determined subject to guidelines to be adopted by the Union institutions, particularly in the light of the stress tests on nuclear power plants. Amendment 80 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 3 – paragraph 1 In order to achieve its general objectives, the Euratom Programme shall support complementary activities (direct and indirect, coordination and stimulating joint programming) that ensure synergy of research efforts in solving common challenges (such as materials, coolant technology, reference nuclear data, modelling and simulation, remote handling, waste management, radiation protection). In order to achieve its general objectives, the Euratom Programme shall support complementary activities (direct and indirect, worker protection, coordination and stimulating joint programming) that ensure synergy of research efforts in solving common challenges (such as materials, coolant technology, reference nuclear data, modelling and simulation, remote handling, waste management, radiation protection). Amendment 81 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 4 – paragraph 2 The Euratom Programme may contribute to the Debt facility and Equity facility developed under the ‘Horizon 2020’ Framework Programme that shall be widened to cover the objectives referred to in Article 3. The Euratom Programme may contribute to the Debt facility and Equity facility developed under the ‘Horizon 2020’ Framework Programme that shall be widened to cover the objectives referred to in Article 3 as well as increasing the visibility and participation of SMEs. Amendment 82 Proposal for a regulation Annex I – part 4 – paragraph 2 a (new) Basic research that is potentially applicable not only in nuclear-related fields but also in other research sectors covered by Horizon 2020 will be eligible for European Research Council (ERC) programme funding. Amendment 83 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 1 – point d a (new) (da)  Contribute to the R&D agenda resulting from the recommendations listed in the conclusions of the Union stress tests such as those related to seismic modelling or core melt simulation —  Percentage of funded projects likely to facilitate the application of these recommendations. Amendment 84 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 1 – point d b (new) (db)  Support the long-term sustainability of nuclear fission through improvements in the field of reactor time extension or in the design of new reactor types —  Percentage of funded projects likely to have a demonstrable impact in the field of reactor time extension or in the design of new reactors types. Amendment 85 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 1 – point e (e)   Move toward demonstration of feasibility of fusion as a power source by exploiting existing and future fusion facilities (e)   Move toward demonstration of feasibility of fusion as a power source by exploiting existing and future fusion facilities and developing materials, technologies and conceptual design Amendment 86 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 2 – paragraph 2 – bullet point 1 Improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommission; and emergency preparedness; Improve nuclear safety including: fuel and reactor safety, waste management and decommissioning; worker protection and emergency preparedness; Amendment 87 Proposal for a regulation Annex II – part 2 – paragraph 1 – bullet point 5 a (new) —  Prevent skills shortage in key scientific and engineering fields.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a Council regulation establishing an Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (COM(2011)0841 – C7-0014/2012 – 2011/0414(CNS))

P7_TA(2013)0470 A7-0327/2012

(Special legislative procedure – consultation)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2011)0841),

–  having regard to Article 203 of the Euratom Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C7‑0014/2012),

–  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A7-0327/2012),

1.  Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.  Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty;

3.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

4.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal;

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

Text proposed by the Commission   Amendment Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1 a (new) (1a)  A financial reference amount for the instrument, within the meaning of Point 18 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of ... 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management*, is included in this Regulation, without the budgetary powers of the European Parliament and the Council, as set out in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, being affected hereby. ____________________ * OJ ... Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1 b (new) (1b)  Improving implementation and quality of spending should constitute guiding principles for achieving the objectives of the instrument while ensuring optimal use of financial resources. Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1 c (new) (1c)  It is important to ensure the sound financial management of the instrument and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while also ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the instrument to all participants. Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 (3)  The Chernobyl accident in 1986 highlighted the global importance of nuclear safety. The Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011 confirmed the need to continue the efforts to improve nuclear safety to the highest standards. To create the conditions of safety necessary to eliminate hazards to the life and health of the public, the European Atomic Energy Community (the ‘Community’) should be able to support nuclear safety in third countries. (3)  The Chernobyl accident in 1986 highlighted the global importance of nuclear safety. The Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011 confirmed that nuclear risks are inherent in every reactor and that it is therefore necessary to continue the efforts to improve nuclear safety to achieve the highest standards that reflect state of the art practices, in particular in terms of governance and regulatory independence. As long as existing nuclear power stations remain in operation and new ones are being built, this instrument should aim to ensure that the level of nuclear safety in assisted countries reflects European safety standards, that such standards are upheld and that support for independent supervisory authorities is made a main priority. To create the conditions of safety necessary to eliminate hazards to the life and health of the public, the European Atomic Energy Community (the 'Community') should be able to support nuclear safety in third countries. Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 (4)  By acting within common policies and strategies with its Member States, the European Union alone has the critical mass to respond to global challenges and is also best placed to coordinate the cooperation with third countries. (4)  A number of countries around the world are considering or planning to build nuclear power plants, which brings about a wide range of challenges and the need for creating adequate nuclear safety cultures and governance systems. It is necessary to find ways of improving the safety and security of nuclear power plants being developed close to the Union's borders, in particular where there is a lack of political cooperation with the Union. In this regard, stress tests should be carried out in all Member States and third countries concerned in order to detect potential safety hazards and the necessary measures to correct them should be implemented immediately. By acting within common policies and strategies with its Member States and by cooperating with international and regional organisations, the European Union is well placed to respond to global challenges and to coordinate cooperation with third countries. Priority should be given to ensuring support from independent supervisory authorities and to supporting their regulators, as well as multilateral regional and international structures which can strengthen confidence and the application of standards through peer review mechanisms. In this regard, the European Parliament should be regularly informed by the Commission of the plans of third countries in the area of nuclear safety in accordance with this Directive . Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 (6)  In order to maintain and promote the continuous improvement of nuclear safety and its regulation, the Council adopted Directive 2009/71/Euratom of 25 June 2009 establishing a Community framework for nuclear safety of nuclear installations. The Council also adopted Directive 2011/70/Euratom of 19 July 2011 establishing a Community framework for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. These Directives and the high standards of nuclear safety and radioactive waste and spent fuel management implemented in the Union are examples that can be used to encourage third countries to adopt similar high standards. (6)  In order to maintain and promote the continuous improvement of nuclear safety and its regulation, the Council adopted Directive 2009/71/Euratom of 25 June 2009 establishing a Community framework for nuclear safety of nuclear installations. The Commission Communication of 4 October 2012 on the comprehensive risk and safety assessments ("stress tests") of nuclear power plants in the European Union and related activities highlights the need to strengthen this framework. The Council also adopted Directive 2011/70/Euratom of 19 July 2011 establishing a Community framework for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. These Directives and the high standards of nuclear safety and radioactive waste and spent fuel management implemented in the Union are examples that can be used to encourage third countries to adopt similar high standards. Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 (10)  There is a particular need for the Community to continue its efforts in support of the application of effective safeguards of nuclear material in third countries, building on its own safeguard activities within the Union. (10)  There is a particular need for the Community to continue its efforts in support of the application of effective safeguards of nuclear material in third countries, building on its own safeguard activities within the Union. The use of Union experts to assist third countries in the nuclear field is also important for maintaining a high level of expertise within the Union. Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 a (new) (12a)  Horizon 2020 – the new Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) (‘Horizon 2020’)1 and the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2014-2018) complementing Horizon 20202 pay particular attention to international cooperation and Union relations with third countries. In this regard, particular attention should be paid to the development of human resources. ____________________ 1 Regulation (EU) No ..../2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... establishing Horizon 2020 – The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014 to 2020) and repealing Decision 1982/2006/EC (OJ L...). ____________________ 2 Council Regulation (Euratom) No …/… of … on the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2014-2018) complementing Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (OJ …). Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 b (new) (12b)  Coherence, coordination and complementarity of Union assistance in the field of nuclear safety should be ensured by means of the individual efforts of Member States, as well as other international, regional and local organisations in order to avoid overlaps and double financing. Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 Article 1 Article 1 Subject matter and scope Subject matter and scope The European Union shall finance measures to support the promotion of a high level of nuclear safety, radiation protection and the application of efficient and effective safeguards of nuclear material in third countries, in line with the provisions of this Regulation. The European Union shall finance measures to support the promotion of a high level of nuclear safety, radiation protection and the application of efficient and effective safeguards of nuclear material in third countries, in line with the provisions of this Regulation. This will ensure that nuclear material is used only for the civilian purposes for which it is intended. 1.  The following specific objectives shall be pursued: 1.  The following specific objectives shall be pursued: (a)  promotion of an effective nuclear safety culture and implementation of the highest nuclear safety standards and radiation protection; (a)   promotion of an effective nuclear safety culture and governance and implementation of the highest nuclear safety standards and radiation protection (b)responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, decommissioning and remediation of former nuclear sites and installations; (b)responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, decommissioning and remediation of former nuclear sites and installations in third countries; (c)  establishment of frameworks and methodologies for the application of efficient and effective safeguards for nuclear material in third countries. (c)  establishment of frameworks and methodologies for the application of efficient and effective safeguards for nuclear material in third countries. 2.  The overall progress in achieving the above specific objectives shall be assessed, respectively, through the following performance indicators: 2.  The overall progress in achieving the above specific objectives shall be assessed, respectively, through the following performance indicators: (a)number and importance of issues identified during relevant IAEA peer review missions; (a)number and importance of issues identified during relevant IAEA peer review missions; (aa)  the degree to which the assisted countries develop the highest nuclear safety standards which are similar to the levels required in the Union regarding technical, regulatory and operational respects; (b)status of development of the spent fuel, nuclear waste and decommissioning strategies, the respective legislative and regulatory framework and implementation of projects; (b)status of development of the spent fuel, nuclear waste and decommissioning strategies, the number of and the scale of the remediation required in former nuclear sites and installations, the respective legislative and regulatory framework and implementation of projects; (c)  number and importance of issues identified in relevant IAEA nuclear safeguards reports. (c)  number and importance of issues identified in relevant IAEA nuclear safeguards reports. (ca)  long-term impact on the environment; 3.  The Commission shall ensure that the measures adopted are consistent with the Union's overall strategic policy framework for the partner country and in particular with the objectives of its development and economic cooperation policies and programmes. 3.  The Commission shall ensure that the measures adopted are consistent with the Union's overall strategic policy framework for the partner country and in particular with the objectives of its development and economic cooperation policies and programmes. 3a.  The objectives set out in paragraph 1 above shall be achieved primarily through the following measures: (a)  support for regulatory bodies to ensure their independence, competence and development and for investment in human resources; (b)  support for measures to strengthen and implement the legislative framework; (c)  support for the design and implementation of safety assessment systems based on standards similar to those applied in the European Union; (d)  cooperation in the following areas: expertise, experience and skills development, accident management procedures and accident prevention, strategies for responsible and safe management of spent fuel and decommissioning strategies. The measures shall include a substantial element of knowledge transfer (expertise sharing, support for both existing or new education and training programmes in the area of nuclear safety) in order to reinforce sustainability of the results achieved. 4.  Specific measures supported by this Regulation and criteria applying to nuclear safety cooperation are detailed in the Annex. 4.  Specific measures supported by this Regulation and criteria applying to nuclear safety cooperation are detailed in the Annex. 5.  The financial, economic and technical cooperation provided under this Regulation shall be complementary to that provided by the Union under other development cooperation instruments. 5.  The financial, economic and technical cooperation provided under this Regulation shall be complementary to that provided by the Union under other development cooperation instruments, ´Horizon 2020` and the Research and Training programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2014 - 2018) complementing Horizon 2020. 5a.  In providing aid under this instrument priority shall be given to countries beneficiaries under Regulation (EU) No .../...1 and Regulation (EU) No .../...2 of the European Parliament and of the Council . __________________ 1 Regulation (EU) No ..../2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II) (OJ L...) __________________ 2 Regulation (EU) No ..../2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument (OJ L...) Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 3.  Strategy papers will aim at providing a coherent framework for cooperation between the Union and the partner countries or regions concerned, consistent with the overall purpose and scope, objectives, principles and policy of the Union. 3.  Strategy papers will aim at providing a coherent framework for cooperation between the Union, the Member States, and the partner countries or regions concerned, consistent with the overall purpose and scope, objectives, principles and external and internal policies of the Union. Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 5 5.  The strategy paper shall be approved by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 15(3) of the Common Implementing Regulation. Strategy papers may be reviewed at mid-term or whenever necessary in accordance with the same procedure. However, that procedure shall not be required for updates of the strategy which do not affect the initial priority areas and objectives set out in the paper. 5.  The strategy paper shall be approved by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 15(3) of the Common Implementing Regulation. Strategy papers must be reviewed at mid-term or whenever necessary in accordance with the same procedure. However, that procedure shall not be required for updates of the strategy which do not affect the initial priority areas and objectives set out in the paper, unless they have a financial impact above the thresholds defined in Article 2(2) of the Common Implementing Regulation. The strategy paper must be presented to the European Parliament, which shall give its assessment at the mid-term review. Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 2.  Multiannual indicative programmes shall set out the priority areas selected for financing, the specific objectives, the expected results, the performance indicators and the indicative financial allocations, both overall and per priority area, and including a reasonable reserve of unallocated funds; this may be given in the form of a range or a minimum, where appropriate. 2.  Multiannual indicative programmes shall set out the priority areas selected for financing, the specific objectives, the expected results, clear, specific and transparent performance indicators and indicative financial allocations, both overall and per priority area, and including a reasonable reserve of unallocated funds but without prejudice to the powers of the budgetary authority; this may be given in the form of either a range or a minimum, where appropriate. Multiannual indicative programmes shall set out rules to avoid duplication and to ensure the proper use of available funds. Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 3.  Multiannual indicative programmes shall, in principle, be based on a dialogue with the partner countries or region(s) which involves the stakeholders, so as to ensure that the country or region concerned takes sufficient ownership of the process and to encourage support for national development strategies. 3.  Multiannual indicative programmes shall, as far as possible, be based on a dialogue with the partner countries or region(s) which involves the stakeholders, so as to ensure that the country or region concerned takes sufficient ownership of the process and to encourage support for national development strategies. These multiannual indicative programmes shall take into account the IAEA work programme in the field of nuclear safety and waste management. Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 5 5.  The multi annual indicative programmes shall be revised as necessary, taking into account any review of the relevant strategy papers, in accordance with the same procedure. However, the examination procedure shall not be required for modifications to multiannual indicative programmes, which make technical adjustments, reassign funds within the allocations per priority area, or increase or decrease the size of the initial indicative allocation by less than 20%, provided that these modifications do not affect the initial priority areas and objectives set out in the document. Any such technical adjustments shall be communicated within one month to the European Parliament and to the Council. 5.  The multi annual indicative programmes shall be revised as necessary, taking into account any review of the relevant strategy papers, in accordance with the same procedure. However, the examination procedure shall not be required for modifications to multiannual indicative programmes, which make technical adjustments, reassign funds within the allocations per priority area, or increase or decrease the size of the initial indicative allocation within the relevant percentage limit set out in Article 2(2) of the Common Implementing Regulation, provided that these modifications do not affect the initial priority areas and objectives set out in the document. Any such technical adjustments shall be communicated within one month to the European Parliament and to the Council. If the total amount of non-substantial amendments or their budgetary impact exceeds the thresholds for small-scale financing, as stipulated in Article 2(2) of the Common Implementing Regulation, the procedure referred to in Article 15(3) of that Regulation shall apply. Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 a (new) Article 4a Reporting 1.  The Commission shall review the progress achieved in implementing the measures taken pursuant to this Regulation and shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a biannual report on the implementation of the cooperation assistance. 2.  The report shall contain information relating to the previous two years on the measures financed, information on the results of monitoring and evaluation exercises and the implementation of budget commitments and payments, broken down by country, region and type of cooperation, as well as the plans of third countries in the area of nuclear safety. Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Article 5 a (new) Article 5a Coherence and complementarity of Union assistance 1.  In implementing this Regulation, coherence shall be ensured with other areas and instruments of the Union external action, as well as other relevant Union policies. 2.  The Union and the Member States shall coordinate their respective support programmes with the aim of increasing effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of support and policy dialogue in accordance with the established principles for strengthening operational coordination in the field of external support, and for harmonising policies and procedures. Coordination shall involve regular consultations and frequent exchanges of relevant information during the different phases of the support cycle. 3.  The Union shall, in liaison with the Member States, take the necessary steps to ensure proper coordination and cooperation with multilateral and regional organisations and entities, including, but not limited to, European financial institutions, international financial institutions, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, private and political foundations and non-Union donors. Amendment 33/rev Proposal for a regulation Article 8 - paragraph 1 1.  The financial reference amount for the implementation of this Regulation over the period 2014 to 2020 is EUR 631 100 000. 1.  The financial reference amount for the implementation of this Regulation over the period 2014 to 2020 is EUR 225 321 000. Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 – paragraph 2 2.  Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the multi-annual financial framework. 2.  Annual appropriations shall be authorised by the European Parliament and the Council within the limits of the multiannual financial framework. Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Annex – Specific supported measures Specific supported measures Specific supported measures The following measures may be supported to fulfil the objectives set out in article 1 of this Regulation. The following measures may be supported to fulfil the objectives set out in article 1 of this Regulation. (a)  The promotion of an effective nuclear safety culture and implementation of the highest nuclear safety standards and radiation protection at all levels, in particular through: (a)  The establishment and promotion of an effective nuclear safety culture and governance and implementation of the highest nuclear safety standards that reflect state of the art pratices and radiation protection at all levels, in particular through: –  continuous support for regulatory bodies, technical support organisations, and the reinforcement of the regulatory framework, notably concerning licensing activities, including the review and follow up of effective and comprehensive risk and safety assessments (‘stress tests’); –  continuous support for regulatory bodies, technical support organisations, and the reinforcement of the regulatory framework, notably concerning licensing activities, including the review and the implementation of the necessary measures to ensure the highest level of safety in nuclear installations to a standard that reflects state of the art practices in the EU in technical, regulatory and operational respects; –  the promotion of effective regulatory frameworks, procedures and systems to ensure adequate protection against ionising radiations from radioactive materials, in particular from high activity radioactive sources, and their safe disposal; –  the promotion of effective and transparent regulatory frameworks, procedures and systems to ensure adequate protection against ionising radiations from radioactive materials, in particular from high activity radioactive sources, and their safe disposal; –  promotion of effective nuclear safety governance systems, which guarantee the independence, responsibility and authority of the regulatory bodies as well as regional and international cooperation structures between such bodies; –  the establishment of effective arrangements for the prevention of accidents with radiological consequences as well as the mitigation of such consequences should they occur (for example, monitoring the environment in case of radioactive releases, design and implementation of mitigation and remediation activities), and for emergency-planning, preparedness and response, civil protection and rehabilitation measures. –  the establishment of effective arrangements for the prevention of accidents with radiological consequences as well as the mitigation of such consequences should they occur (for example, monitoring the environment in case of radioactive releases, design and implementation of mitigation and remediation activities), and for emergency-planning, preparedness and response, civil protection and rehabilitation measures. –  support to nuclear operators, in exceptional cases, under specific and well justified circumstances in the framework of follow-up measures of the comprehensive safety and risk assessments (‘stress tests’); –  cooperation with nuclear operators, in exceptional cases, under specific and well justified circumstances in the framework of follow-up measures of the comprehensive safety and risk assessments (‘stress tests’); –  promotion of information, education and professional training policies in the field of nuclear power and relating to the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear waste management and radiation protection. (b)  Responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, decommission and remediation of former nuclear sites and installations, in particular through: (b)  Responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, decommission and remediation of former nuclear sites and installations, in particular through: –  cooperation with third countries in the domain of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management (i.e. transport, pre-treatment, treatment, processing, storage and disposal), including the development of specific strategies and frameworks for the responsible management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste; –  cooperation with third countries in the domain of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management (i.e. transport, pre-treatment, treatment, processing, storage and disposal), including the development of specific strategies and frameworks for the responsible management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste; –  the development and implementation of strategies and frameworks for decommissioning existing installations, for the remediation of former nuclear sites and legacy sites related to uranium mining, and for the recovery and management of sunken radioactive objects and material at sea; –  the development and implementation of strategies and frameworks for decommissioning existing installations, for the remediation of former nuclear sites and legacy sites related to uranium mining, and for the recovery and management of sunken radioactive objects and material at sea; –  The establishment of the necessary regulatory framework and methodologies (including nuclear forensics methods) for the implementation of nuclear safeguards, including for the proper accounting and control of fissile materials at State and operators' level; –  The establishment of the necessary regulatory framework and methodologies (including nuclear forensics methods) for the implementation of nuclear safeguards, including for the proper accounting and control of fissile materials at State and operators' level; –  Measures to promote international cooperation (including in the framework of relevant international organisations, notably IAEA) in the above fields, including the implemen­tation and monitoring of international Conventions and Treaties, exchange of information, capacity building and training in the area of nuclear safety and research. –  Measures to promote international cooperation (including in the framework of relevant regional and international organisations, notably IAEA) in the above fields, including the implemen­tation and monitoring of international Conventions and Treaties, exchange of information, capacity building and training in the area of nuclear safety and research. (ba)  Assistance for ensuring a high level of competence and expertise of regulators, technical support organisations and operators (without distortion of competition) in the fields covered by this Regulation, in particular through : –  continuous support for the education and training of the staff of regulatory bodies, technical support organisations and nuclear operators (without distortion of competition); –   promoting the development of adequate training facilities. Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Annex – Criteria – 1. General criteria 1.  General criteria 1.  General criteria –  Cooperation may cover all ‘third countries’ (non-EU Member States) worldwide. –  Cooperation should cover all ‘third countries’ (non-EU Member States) in accordance with the objectives set out in Article 1 of this Regulation. –  Priority will be given to Accession Countries and countries in the European Neighbourhood region. Regional approaches will be favoured. –  Priority will be given to Accession Countries and countries in the European Neighbourhood region. Regional approaches will be favoured. –  High income countries should be included only in order to allow exceptional measures to be undertaken, for example following a major nuclear accident, if necessary and appropriate. –  High income countries should be included only in order to allow exceptional measures to be undertaken, for example following a major nuclear accident, if necessary and appropriate. For the purpose of this Regulation, 'high income countries' means the countries and territories listed in Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1934/20061 –  A common understanding and a reciprocal agreement between the third country and the European Union should be confirmed through a formal request to the Commission, committing the respective Government. –  A common understanding and a reciprocal agreement between the third country and the European Union should be confirmed through a formal request to the Commission, committing the respective Government. –  Third countries wishing to cooperate with the European Union should fully subscribe to the principles of non-proliferation. They should also be parties to the relevant conventions, within the framework of the IAEA, on nuclear safety and security or have taken steps demonstrating a firm undertaking to accede to such conventions. Cooperation with the European Union could be made conditional on accession or the completion of steps towards accession to the relevant conventions. In cases of emergency, flexibility should, exceptionally, be shown in the application of this principle. –  Third countries wishing to cooperate with the European Union should fully subscribe to the principles of non-proliferation. They should also be parties to the relevant conventions, within the framework of the IAEA, on nuclear safety and security or have taken steps demonstrating a firm undertaking to accede to such conventions. Cooperation with the European Union should be made conditional on accession to the relevant conventions and their implementation. In cases of emergency, flexibility should, exceptionally, be shown in the application of this principle, if a failure to take action would be likely to increase the risks for the Union and its citizens. –  In order to ensure and monitor compliance with the cooperation objectives, the third country beneficiary must accept the principle of evaluation of the actions undertaken. Evaluation would make it possible to monitor and verify compliance with the agreed objectives and could be a condition for continued payment of the Community contribution. –  In order to ensure and monitor compliance with the cooperation objectives, the third country beneficiary must accept the principle of evaluation of the actions undertaken. Verifiable and continued compliance with the agreed objectives should be a condition for continued payment of the Community contribution. –  Cooperation in the fields of nuclear safety and safeguards under this Regulation is not aimed at promoting nuclear energy. –  Cooperation in the fields of nuclear safety and safeguards under this Regulation is not aimed at promoting nuclear energy or extending the lifetime of existing nuclear power plants. _______________ 1 Council Regulation (EC) No 1934/2006 of 21 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for cooperation with industrialised and other high-income countries and territories, and with developing countries falling within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, for activities other than official development assistance (OJ L 405, 30.12.2006). Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Annex – Criteria – 2. Countries with installed nuclear generating capacity - paragraph 1 In the case of countries which have already benefited from Community financing, additional cooperation should depend on the evaluation of actions funded by the Community budget and on proper justification of new needs. The evaluation should make it possible to determine more precisely the nature of the cooperation and the amounts to be granted to those countries in the future. In the case of countries which have already benefited from Community financing, additional cooperation should depend on the evaluation of actions funded by the Community budget and on proper justification of new needs. The evaluation should make it possible to determine more precisely the nature of the cooperation and the amounts to be granted to those countries in the future. The Union should encourage regional cooperation and peer review mechanisms. Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Annex – Criteria – 3. Countries without installed nuclear generating capacity – paragraph 2 In the case of countries that wish to develop nuclear generating capacity, whether or not they have research reactors and for which the issue arises of intervention at the appropriate moment to ensure that a nuclear safety and security culture is fostered in parallel with the development of the nuclear generating programme, especially as regards strengthening the regulatory authorities and technical support organisations, cooperation will take into account the credibility of the nuclear power development programme, the existence of a government decision on the use of nuclear energy and the drawing up of a preliminary road map. In the case of countries that wish to develop nuclear generating capacity, whether or not they have research reactors and for which the issue arises of intervention at the appropriate moment to ensure that a nuclear safety and security culture is fostered in parallel with the development of the nuclear generating programme, especially as regards strengthening nuclear safety governance, and the independence and capacity of the regulatory authorities and technical support organisations. Cooperation will take into account the credibility of the nuclear power development programme, the existence of a government decision on the use of nuclear energy and the drawing up of a preliminary road map. Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Annex – Priorities – paragraph 1 In order to create the safety conditions necessary to eliminate hazards to the life and health of the public, and to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted to purposes other than those for which they are intended, cooperation is directed primarily at the nuclear regulators (and their technical support organisations). The objective is to ensure their technical competence and independence and the reinforcement of the regulatory framework, notably concerning licensing activities, including the review and follow up of effective and comprehensive risk and safety assessments (‘stress tests’). Under this instrument, cooperation is directed primarily at the nuclear regulators (and their technical support organisations), with the objective of ensuring their technical competence and independence and the reinforcement of the regulatory framework, notably concerning licensing activities, including the review and follow up of effective and comprehensive risk and safety assessments (‘stress tests’). This should create the safety conditions necessary to eliminate hazards to the life and health of the public, and to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted to purposes other than those for which they are intended. Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Annex – Priorities – paragraph 2 Other priorities of the cooperation programmes to be developed in the context of this Regulation include: Other priorities of the cooperation programmes to be developed in the context of this Regulation include: —  licensing activities; –  the development and implementation of responsible strategies and frameworks for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste; —  the development and implementation of responsible strategies and frameworks for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste; –  decommissioning of existing installations, the remediation of former nuclear sites and legacy sites related to uranium mining, as well as the recovery and management of sunken radioactive objects and material at sea, when these constitute a danger to the public. —  decommissioning of existing installations, the remediation of former nuclear sites and legacy sites related to uranium mining, as well as the recovery and management of sunken radioactive objects and material at sea, when these constitute a danger to the public; —  ensuring that nuclear materials are not diverted to purposes other than those for which they are intended. Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Annex – Priorities – paragraph 3 Cooperation with operators of nuclear installations in third countries will be considered in specific situations in the framework of follow-up measures of the 'stress tests'. Such cooperation with nuclear installations operators will exclude supply of equipment. Cooperation with operators of nuclear installations in third countries will be considered in specific situations in the framework of follow-up measures of the 'stress tests'. Such cooperation with nuclear installations operators will exclude supply of equipment, and other activities or assistance that could and should be purchased on a commercial basis by the operator in order to meet regulatory safety standards.

European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 November 2013 on the proposal for a Council regulation on Union support for the nuclear decommissioning assistance programmes in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia (COM(2011)0783 – C7-0514/2011 – 2011/0363(NLE))

P7_TA(2013)0471 A7-0119/2013

(Consultation)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2011)0783),

–  having regard to Article 203 of the Euratom Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C7-0514/2011),

–  having regard to Article 56 of the Act of Accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and Protocol No 4 thereto,

–  having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Legal Affairs on the proposed legal basis,

–  having regard to Rules 55 and 37 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A7-0119/2013),

1.  Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.  Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty;

3.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

4.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal;

5.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

Text proposed by the Commission   Amendment Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 (4)  In line with the Accession Treaty obligations and with the support of Community assistance, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia have closed the nuclear power plants and made significant progress towards their decommissioning. Further work is necessary in order to continue the progress with the actual dismantling operations until an irreversible state within the safe decommissioning process is reached, whilst ensuring that the highest safety standards are applied. Based on the available estimates, completion of decommissioning work will require substantial additional financial resources. (4)  In line with the Accession Treaty obligations and with the support of Community assistance, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia have closed the nuclear power plants, or relevant units, and made significant progress towards their decommissioning. Further work is necessary in order to continue the progress with the actual demolition, decontamination, dismantling and management of spent fuel and radioactive waste operations and to implement the steady process towards the irreversible decommissioning end state, whilst ensuring that the highest safety standards are applied. Based on the available estimates, completion of decommissioning work will require substantial additional financial resources, while taking into account the shared financial responsibility of the Union and those Member States. Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 a (new) (4a)  The premature shutdown and consequent decommissioning of the Ignalina nuclear power plant with two 1500 MW reactor units, four units of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant with an overall capacity of 1760 MW and the V1 Bohunice nuclear power plant with two units with a capacity of 880 MW has imposed a heavy long term burden on the citizens of the three countries in terms of energy, financial, economic, environmental and social implications. Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 b (new) (4b)  The decommissioning of the Ignalina nuclear power plant is a long-term operation and represents for Lithuania an exceptional financial burden not commensurate with its size or economic strength. Protocol No 4 to the 2003 Act of Accession states that "The Ignalina Programme will be, for this purpose seamlessly continued and extended beyond 2006.", adding that "For the period of the next Financial Perspectives, the overall average appropriations under the extended Ignalina Programme shall be appropriate." Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 c (new) (4c)  In the case of Bulgaria, Article 30 of the 2005 Act of Accession refers only to the period 2007-2009, and in the case of Slovakia the 2003 Act of Accession refers only to the period 2004-2006. Therefore, in relation to further assistance for Bulgaria and Slovakia, Article 203 of the Euratom Treaty should be applied, and Protocol No 4 and Article 56 of the 2003 Act of Accession serve as the legal basis for continued assistance for Lithuania. Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 a (new) (5a)  Under the Programmes established for the period 2007-2013, the Commission's supervision has focussed on budgetary execution of the financial appropriations and project implementation, rather than on the extent of the progress achieved towards the Programmes' objectives as a whole. Insufficient measuring of progress towards the achievement of the Programmes' objectives and inadequate monitoring of the effective use of resources has meant that no one has been truly accountable for the overall performance of the Programmes. Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 b (new) (5b)  Due account should be taken of the Special Report 16/2011 of the Court of Auditors: EU financial assistance for the decommissioning of nuclear power plants in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia: achievements and future challenges, which includes conclusions and recommendations. The Court of Auditors has concluded that the main decommissioning process in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia is still ahead and that its finalisation faces a significant funding shortfall (around EUR 2,5 billion). In particular, major infrastructure projects have faced delays and cost-overruns in the main decommissioning process, and cost estimates are not complete in the absence of key information on radioactive waste and/or the facilities and technologies required for its treatment. Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 c (new) (5c)  Although the shutdown of all the units concerned took place within the respective deadlines, some decommissioning programmes continue to encounter delays that are economically damaging and politically unacceptable. Such delays should be tackled by the revised detailed decommissioning plan. Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 d (new) (5d)  As some programmes have not yet triggered the organisational changes needed for effective decommissioning, the necessary transformation of organisational structures should be performed. Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 (6)  Following the request for further funding from Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia, provision has been made in the Commission proposal for the next Multi-Annual financial framework for the period 2014-2020: ‘'A Budget for Europe 2020’‘ for a sum of EUR 700 million from the general budget of the European Union for nuclear safety and decommissioning. From this the amount EUR 500 million in 2011 prices which is about EUR 553 million in the current prices is foreseen for a new Programme to further support the decommissioning of the Bohunice V1 units 1-2 and the Ignalina units 1-2 over the period from 2014 to 2017 and the Kozloduy units 1-4 nuclear power plants over the period from 2014 to 2020. Funding under this new Programme should be made available in a gradually decreasing manner. (6)  Following the request for further funding from Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia, the financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 should include appropriate financial support from the Union, based on each decommissioning plan. Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 a (new) (6a)  The amount of the appropriations allocated to the Programmes, as well as the programming period and distribution amongst the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes may be reviewed in the light of the results of the interim and the final evaluation report, provided that the highest safety standards and steady process of decommissioning in accordance with respective decommissioning plans are not endangered. Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 (7)  The support covered by this Regulation should ensure seamless continuation of decommissioning and concentrate on measures to reach an irreversible state within the safe decommissioning process, as such bringing the greatest Union added value, while ensuring the transition towards Member State funding for the completion of decommissioning. The ultimate responsibility for nuclear safety remains with the Member States concerned, which also implies the ultimate responsibility for its financing, including the financing of decommissioning. This Regulation does not prejudice the outcome of any future State aid procedures that may be undertaken in accordance with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty. (7)  The support covered by this Regulation should ensure seamless continuation of decommissioning and concentrate on measures to implement steady process towards the irreversible decommissioning end state whilst ensuring that the highest safety standards are applied, as such measures bring the most Union added value. The ultimate responsibility for nuclear safety remains with the Member States concerned, which also implies the ultimate responsibility for its financing, including the financing of decommissioning. Failure to comply with this obligation puts Union citizens at risk. This Regulation does not prejudice the outcome of any future State aid procedures that may be undertaken in accordance with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 (9)  The decommissioning of the nuclear power plants covered by this Regulation should be carried out with recourse to the best available technical expertise, and with due regard to the nature and technological specifications of the units to be shut down, in order to ensure the highest possible efficiency. (9)  The decommissioning of the nuclear power plants covered by this Regulation should be carried out with recourse to the best available technical expertise, with due regard to the nature and technological specifications of the units to be shut down and with comprehensive assessments on the progress of the decommissioning and mitigation processes, in order to ensure the highest possible efficiency. Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 a (new) (10a)  The costs of the decommissioning activities covered by this Regulation should be established according to internationally recognized standards for decommissioning cost estimation, such as for example the International Structure for Decommissioning Costing jointly published by the Nuclear Energy Agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Commission. Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 11 (11)  An effective control of the evolution of the decommissioning process will be ensured by the Commission in order to assure the highest Union added value of the funding allocated within this Regulation, although the final responsibility for the decommissioning rests with the Member States. This includes effective performance measurement and assessment of corrective measures during the programme. (11)  An effective control of the evolution of the decommissioning process will be ensured by the Commission in order to assure the highest Union added value of the funding allocated within this Regulation, although the final responsibility for the decommissioning rests with the Member States. This includes effective performance measurement and assessment of corrective measures during the programme. Such control should be based on the establishment of meaningful qualitative and quantitative performance indicators which can be easily monitored and reported on as necessary. Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 a (new) (12a)  The Commission should ensure the utmost transparency, accountability and democratic scrutiny of Union funds, especially as regards their contribution, both expected and achieved, to reaching the general objectives of the Programme. In particular critical managerial, legal, financial and technical problems should be resolved or measures taken to solve them. Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 a (new) (13a)  Every effort should be made to continue the co-financing practice established as part of pre-accession assistance and the assistance given over the period 2007-2013 for the decommissioning efforts of Lithuania as well as to attract co-financing from other sources as appropriate. Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 This Regulation establishes the multi-annual Nuclear Decommissioning Assistance Programme 2014 - 2020 (‘the Programme’) laying down rules for the implementation of the Union's financial support for measures connected with the decommissioning of the Kozloduy (units 1 to 4; the Kozloduy Programme), Ignalina (units 1 and 2; the Ignalina Programme) and Bohunice V1 (units 1 and 2; the Bohunice Programme) nuclear power plants. This Regulation establishes the multi-annual Nuclear Decommissioning Assistance Programme 2014 - 2020 (‘the Programme’) laying down rules for further implementation of the Union's financial support for measures connected with the irreversible decommissioning of the Kozloduy (units 1 to 4; the Kozloduy Programme), Ignalina (units 1 and 2; the Ignalina Programme) and Bohunice V1 (units 1 and 2; the Bohunice Programme) nuclear power plants. Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 a (new) Article 1a Definition For the purposes of this Regulation, decommissioning covers preparatory activities prior to the final shutdown (such as developing a decommissioning plan, preparing the licensing documentation and waste infrastructure projects) and all the activities taking place after the reactors are shut down, i.e. the removal and the final disposal of spent fuel elements, the decontamination, dismantling and/or demolition of the nuclear installations, the disposal of remaining radioactive waste materials and the environmental restoration of the contaminated site. The decommissioning process ends when the installation is released from any regulatory control and radiological restriction. Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 1.  The general objective of the Programme is to assist the Member States concerned to reach an irreversible state within the decommissioning process of Kozloduy units 1 to 4, Ignalina units 1 and 2 and Bohunice V1 units 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, in accordance with their respective decommissioning plans, while keeping the highest level of safety. 1.  The general objective of the Programme is to assist the Member States concerned to implement a steady process towards the irreversible decommissioning end state of Kozloduy units 1 to 4, Ignalina units 1 and 2 and Bohunice V1 units 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, while maintaining the highest level of safety in accordance with Union law on nuclear safety and in particular Council Directives 96/29/Euratom1, 2009/71/Euratom2 and 2011/70/Euratom3. ___________ 1 Council Directive 96/29/Euratom of 13 May 1996 laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionizing radiation (OJ L 159, 29.6.1996, p. 1). 2 Council Directive 2009/71/Euratom of 25 June 2009 establishing a Community framework for the nuclear safety of nuclear installations (OJ L 172, 2.7.2009, p. 18). 3 Council Directive 2011/70/Euratom of 19 July 2011 establishing a Community framework for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste (OJ L 199, 2.8.2011, p. 48). Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii (iii)  safely managing the decommissioning waste in accordance with a detailed waste management plan, to be measured by the quantity and type of conditioned waste; (iii)  safely managing the long term storage and disposal of decommissioning waste in accordance with a detailed national waste management plan, to be measured by the quantity and type of stored and disposed of waste; Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iii (iii)  performing dismantling in the turbine hall and other auxiliary buildings and safely managing the decommissioning waste in accordance with a detailed waste management plan to be measured by the type and number of auxiliary systems dismantled and the quantity and type of conditioned waste; (iii)  performing dismantling in the turbine hall and other auxiliary buildings and safely managing the long term storage and disposal of decommissioning waste in accordance with a detailed national waste management plan to be measured by the quantity and type of stored and disposed of waste; Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c – point iii (iii)  safely managing the decommissioning waste in accordance with a detailed waste management plan, to be measured by the quantity and type of conditioned waste; (iii)   safely managing the long term storage and disposal of decommissioning waste in accordance with a detailed national waste management plan, to be measured by the quantity and type of stored and disposed of waste; Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a.  Any of the decommissioning programmes referred to in paragraph 2 may also include measures to maintain the requisite high level of shutdown safety at the nuclear power plants. Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 3 3.  Milestones and target end dates shall be defined in the act as referred to under Article 6(2). 3.  The milestones, expected general results, target end dates and performance indicators of the joint annual work programme shall be defined in the act as referred to under Article 6(2). Amendment 42 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 shall be EUR 552 947 000 in current prices. 1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 shall be EUR 969 260 000 in current prices. That amount shall be distributed among the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes as follows: That amount shall be distributed among the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes as follows: (a)  EUR 208 503 000 for the Kozloduy Programme for the period 2014 to 2020; (a)  EUR 293 032 000 for the Kozloduy Programme for the period 2014 to 2020; (b)  EUR 229 629 000 for the Ignalina Programme for the period 2014 to 2017; (b)  EUR 450 818 000 for the Ignalina Programme for the period 2014 to 2020; (c)  EUR 114 815 000 for the Bohunice Programme for the period 2014 to 2017. (c)  EUR 225 410 000 for the Bohunice Programme for the period 2014 to 2020. 1a.  The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the European Parliament and the Council within the limits of the multiannual financial framework and without prejudice to the provisions of the Interinstitutional Agreement of ... 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management1. ____________________ 1 OJ ... Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 2.  The Commission will review the performance of the Programme and assess the progress of the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes against the milestones and target dates referred to in Art 2.3 by the end of 2015 within the framework of the interim evaluation referred to in Art. 8. Based on the results of this assessment, the Commission may review the amount of the appropriations allocated to the Programme, as well as the programming period and distribution amongst the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes. 2.  On the basis of the programmes referred to in Article 6(1) and (2), the Commission will review the performance of the Programme and assess the progress of the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes against the milestones and target dates referred to in Article 2(3) by the end of 2017 within the framework of the interim evaluation referred to in Article 8. Based on the results of this assessment and to take account of the progress achieved and to ensure that resources continue to be allocated on the basis of actual needs, the Commission shall if appropriate review the amount of the appropriations allocated to the Programme, as well as the programming period and distribution amongst the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes. Any adjustment of the appropriations shall not jeopardise safety standards at the nuclear power plants referred to in Article 1. Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 3.  The financial allocation for the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives; in particular, studies, meetings of experts, information and communication actions, including corporate communication of the political priorities of the European Union as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the programme. 3.  The financial allocation for the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives; in particular, studies, meetings of experts, training, information and communication actions, including corporate communication of the political priorities of the European Union as far as they are related to the general objectives of this Regulation. Expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, together with all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the Commission for the management of the programme may also be covered. The financial allocation may also cover the technical and administrative assistance expenses necessary to ensure the transition between the Programme and the measures adopted under Council Regulation (EC) 1990/2006, Regulation (Euratom) No 549/2007 and Council Regulation (Euratom) 647/2010. The financial allocation may also cover the technical and administrative assistance expenses necessary to ensure the transition between the Programme and the measures adopted under Council Regulation (EC) No 1990/2006, Regulation (Euratom) No 549/2007 and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 647/2010. The financial allocation shall not cover any measures other than those referred to in this Article and Article 2 of this Regulation. Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new) 3a.  Every effort shall be made to continue the co-financing practice established as part of pre-accession assistance and the assistance given over the period 2007-2013 for decommissioning efforts of Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia as well as to attract co-financing from other sources as appropriate. Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 b (new) 3b.  Disagreements over the interpretation of the Treaties and the award of contracts shall be subject to judicial review or the latter shall be submitted to an arbitration procedure. Resultant delays in construction may lead to the postponement of payment and reductions in the financial allocation. A report on this issue shall be submitted by the Commission as part of the annual evaluation report referred to in Article 6(1a), to the European Parliament and to the Council. Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Article 4 1.  By 1 January 2014 Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia shall fulfil the following ex ante conditionalities: 1.  By 1 January 2014 Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia shall take the appropriate measures to ensure that they fulfil the following ex ante conditionalities: (a)  Comply with Union's acquis; in particular in the area of nuclear safety the transposition into national law of the Council Directive 2009/71/Euratom on nuclear safety and the Council Directive 2011/70/Euratom on the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. (a)  Comply with the Union's acquis in the area of nuclear safety, in particular regarding the transposition into national law of Council Directive 2009/71/Euratom on nuclear safety and Council Directive 2011/70/Euratom on the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. (b)  Establish a national legal framework to provide adequate provisions for the timely accumulation of national financial resources for the safe completion of decommissioning in accordance with applicable State aid rules. (b)  Establish in a national legal framework an overall financing plan that identifies the full costs required for the safe completion of decommissioning of the nuclear reactor units covered by this Regulation with the clear identification of the funding sources, in accordance with applicable State aid rules. (c)  Submit to the Commission a revised detailed decommissioning plan (c)  Submit to the Commission a revised detailed decommissioning plan, setting out main objectives and tasks broken down to the level of decommissioning activities, anticipated projects, schedule, concrete milestones, cost structure and co-financing proportions including details of how national funding will be secured in the long term. That plan shall pay due regard to the latest Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and Commission guidelines on decommissioning cost estimation. 1a.  By 1 January 2014 Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia shall provide the Commission with the information on their fulfilment of the ex ante conditionalities referred to in paragraph 1. 2.  The Commission shall assess the information provided on the fulfilment of the ex ante conditionalities when preparing the 2014 annual work programme as referred to in Article 6(1). It may decide, when adopting the annual work programme, to suspend all or part of the Union financial assistance pending the satisfactory completion of the ex ante conditionalities. 2.  The Commission shall assess the information provided on the fulfilment of the ex ante conditionalities when preparing the 2014 annual work programme as referred to in Article 6(1), in particular that critical managerial, legal, financial and technical problems have been resolved or measures have been taken to solve them. If there is a reasoned opinion by the Commission in respect of an infringement for non-compliance with the conditionality referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1 of this Article or if the conditionalities referred to in point (b) or (c) of paragraph 1 of this Article are not fulfilled satisfactorily, the Commission may decide to suspend all or part of the Union financial assistance pending the satisfactory completion of the ex ante conditionalities. Such decisions shall be reflected in the adoption of the annual work programme and shall not jeopardise safety standards at the nuclear power plants referred to in Article 1. The amount of suspended assistance shall be established in accordance with criteria set out in the acts referred to in Article 6(2). Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Article 6 1.  The Commission shall adopt one joint annual work programme for Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes specifying the objectives, expected results, related indicators and timeline for the use of funds under each annual financial commitment. 1.  At the beginning of each year of the 2014-2020 period, the Commission shall adopt one joint annual work programme for the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes respectively specifying the objectives, expected results, target end dates, related performance indicators and timeline for the use of funds under each annual financial commitment. 1a.  At the end of each year of the 2014-2020 period, the Commission shall submit an evaluation report on the implementation of the joint annual work programmes to the European Parliament and the Council. That report shall serve as a basis for the adoption of subsequent annual work programmes. 2.  The Commission shall adopt not later than 31 December 2014, detailed implementation procedures for the duration of the Programme. The act setting out the implementation procedures shall also define in more detail for the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes the expected results, activities and the corresponding performance indicators. It will contain the revised detailed decommissioning plans as referred to under Article 4(1)(c) that shall serve as baseline for the monitoring of the progress and the timely achievement of the expected results. 2.  The Commission shall adopt not later than 31 December 2014, detailed implementation procedures for the duration of the Programme. Those implementing acts setting out the implementation procedures shall also define in more detail the elements referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article for the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes. It will contain the revised detailed decommissioning plans as referred to in Article 4(1)(c) that shall serve as baseline for the monitoring of the progress and the timely achievement of the expected results. 2a.  The Commission shall ensure the implementation of this Regulation. It shall carry out an interim evaluation, as provided for in Article 8(1). 3.  The annual work programmes and the acts setting out the implementation procedures referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 9(2). 3.  The annual work programmes and the acts setting out the implementation procedures referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 9(2). Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new) 1a.  By 31 March of the year following each accounting year, the Member States concerned shall report on the use of the financial allocations. Those reports, certified by national audit bodies, shall be sent to the Commission and the Council to be incorporated into the discharge procedure of the annual budget of the Union. Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 2.  The Commission or its representatives and the Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and on-the-spot, over all grant beneficiaries, contractors and subcontractors who have received Union funds. 2.  The Commission or its representatives, the national audit bodies of the Member States in which the nuclear power plants to be decommissioned are situated and the Court of Auditors shall have the power of audit, on the basis of documents and on-the-spot, over all grant beneficiaries, contractors and subcontractors who have received Union funds under the Programme. The results of the audits shall be communicated to the European Parliament. Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 The European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out on-the-spot checks and inspections on economic operators concerned directly or indirectly by such funding in accordance with the procedures laid down in Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the European Union in connection with a grant agreement or grant decision or a contract concerning Union funding. The European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out on-the-spot checks and inspections on economic operators concerned directly or indirectly by such funding in accordance with the procedures laid down in Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the European Union in connection with a grant agreement or grant decision or a contract concerning Union funding. The results of the checks and inspections shall be communicated to the European Parliament. Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 Without prejudice to the first and second sub-paragraphs, cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations and grant agreements and grant decisions and contracts resulting from the implementation of this Regulation shall expressly empower the Commission, the Court of Auditors and OLAF to conduct such audits, on-the-spot checks and inspections. Without prejudice to the first and second sub-paragraphs, cooperation agreements with third countries and international organisations and grant agreements and grant decisions and contracts resulting from the implementation of this Regulation shall expressly empower the Commission, the Court of Auditors and OLAF to conduct audits, on-the-spot checks and inspections and shall ensure that the results thereof are communicated to the European Parliament. Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 Evaluation Interim evaluation 1.  No later than end 2015, an evaluation report shall be established by the Commission on the achievement of the objectives of all the measures, at the level of results and impacts, the efficiency of the use of resources and its Union added value, in view of a decision amending or suspending the measures. The evaluation shall additionally address the scope for simplification, its internal and external coherence, the continued relevance of all objectives. It shall take into account evaluation results on the long-term impact of the predecessor measures. 1.  No later than end 2017, an interim evaluation report shall be established by the Commission, in close cooperation with the Member States concerned and the beneficiaries, on the achievement of the objectives of all the measures, at the level of results and impacts, the efficiency of the use of resources and its Union added value and the effectiveness of the programme management, including management of Union funds, in view of a decision amending or suspending the measures. On the basis of the results of that evaluation, the Commission may review the appropriateness of the appropriations allocated to the Programme and their distribution amongst the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes, in agreement with the Union's budgetary authorities and in accordance with Regulation (EU) No .../2013 [laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020]. The interim evaluation shall additionally address the scope for simplification, its internal and external coherence, the continued relevance of all objectives. It shall take into account evaluation results on the long-term impact of the predecessor measures. 2.  The Commission shall carry out ex-post evaluation in close cooperation with the Member States and beneficiaries. The ex-post evaluation shall examine the effectiveness and efficiency of the Programme and its impact on decommissioning. 3.  Evaluations shall take account of progress against performance indicators as referred to in Article 2(2). 3.  The interim evaluation shall take account of progress against performance indicators as referred to in Article 2(2) and fulfilment of requirements set out in the decommissioning plan referred to in point (c) of Article 4(1). 4.  The Commission shall communicate the conclusions of these evaluations to the European Parliament and the Council. 4.  The Commission shall submit the conclusions of these evaluations to the European Parliament and the Council. Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Article 8 a (new) Article 8a Final Evaluation for the period 2014-2020 1.  The Commission shall carry out an ex-post evaluation in close cooperation with the beneficiaries. The ex-post evaluation shall examine the effectiveness and efficiency of the Programme and its impact on decommissioning. 2.  Before 31 December 2020, the Commission shall establish, in close cooperation with the Member States concerned and the beneficiaries, a final evaluation report on the effectiveness and efficiency of the Programme, as well as the effectiveness of financed measures in terms of impacts, use of resources and Union added value, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative indicators. The evaluation report shall identify whether further Union financial assistance is needed under the next multiannual financial framework. 3.  The final evaluation shall take account of progress against performance indicators as referred to in Article 2(2). 4.  The Commission shall communicate the conclusions of the final evaluation to the European Parliament and the Council. 5.  The Commission shall take into account the various decommissioning expertise and strategies employed by Bulgaria. Lithuania and Slovakia, to explore possible ways of harmonising approaches to decommissioning in the Union in order to ensure timely build-up of the necessary knowledge in order to improve the competiveness of the Union nuclear industry in that domain.