Joint Undertaking to develop the new generation European air traffic management system (SESAR): extension of the Joint Undertaking until 2024

The European Parliament adopted by 613 votes to 45, with 8 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 219/2007 on establishment of a Joint Undertaking to develop the new generation European air traffic management system (SESAR) as regards the extension of the Joint Undertaking until 2024.

Parliament approved the Commission proposal subject to the following amendments:

Joint Undertaking: the Joint Undertaking shall cease to exist on 31 December 2024. In order to take into account the duration of the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, calls for proposals under the Joint Undertaking shall be launched at the latest by 31 December 2020. In duly justified cases calls for proposals may be launched until 31 December 2021.

The ECSEL Joint Undertaking should seek to develop close interactions with the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

Financial contributions: the Union contribution under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020, including EFTA contributions, paid from the budget appropriations allocated to the Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) should be EUR 585 million (indicative amount in current prices).

The arrangements for the Union contribution should be established by means of a general agreement and annual financial implementation agreements, which should be concluded between the Commission, on behalf of the Union, and the Joint Undertaking. The arrangements shall include:

• provision of data necessary to ensure that the Commission is able to meet its dissemination and reporting obligations; including on the single portal for participants as well as through other Horizon 2020 electronic means of dissemination managed by the Commission;
• provisions for the publication of calls for proposals of the SESAR Joint Undertaking also on the single portal for participants as well as through other Horizon 2020 electronic means of dissemination managed by the Commission.

Evaluation: by 30 June 2017, the Commission should carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, an interim evaluation of the Joint Undertaking, and send a report to the European Parliament and to the Council by 31 December 2017. The results of the interim evaluation of the Joint Undertaking shall be taken into account in the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020.