European metrology programme for innovation and research (EMPIR): participation of the Union

The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted the report by Niki TZAVELA (EFD, EL) on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation of the Union in a European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research jointly undertaken by several Member States.

The parliamentary committee recommended that the position adopted by the European Parliament at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure should amend the Commission’s proposal as follows:

Union's financial contribution: the maximum Union's financial contribution, including EFTA appropriations, to EMPIR shall be EUR 285 million (as opposed to EUR 300 million in the Commission’s proposal). This contribution shall be paid from appropriations allocated to the relevant parts of the Specific Programme, implementing Horizon 2020, and in particular appropriations allocated to the following challenges and themes:

·        leadership in nanotechnologies, advanced materials, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing and processing;

·        improving lifelong health and wellbeing;

·        improving food security, developing sustainable agriculture, marine and maritime research and the bio-economy;

·        making the transition to a reliable, sustainable and competitive energy system;

·        achieving a European transport system that is resource-efficient, environmentally friendly, safe and seamless; and moving towards a resource-efficient and climate-change resilient economy and a sustainable supply of raw materials.

The programme shall support metrology capacity-building activities on different technological levels aiming to achieve a balanced and integrated metrology system in the participating states and enabling them to develop their scientific and technical capabilities in metrology.

Conditions applicable to the Union’s financial contribution: Members stressed the need to ensure there be a strong coherence between the activities of the private-public partnerships and the research priorities defined in the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, such as open access, equality between men and women and non-discrimination.

Rules of participation: with a view to guaranteeing simple and accessible information for applicants, Members called for proposals organised by EMPIR to be published on the web-based Horizon 2020 Participant Portal.

Evaluation: the Commission shall organise an independent interim evaluation of EMPIR by 30 June 2017.

The Commission shall prepare a report on that evaluation which includes conclusions of the independent evaluation and observations by the Commission. The result of the independent interim evaluation of EMPIR shall be taken into account in the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020.

In order to respond to unforeseen situations or to new developments and needs the Commission may, following the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020, within the annual budgetary procedure, review the budget of EMPIR.