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

PURPOSE: to extend the duration of the SESAR Joint Undertaking until 31 December 2024.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Regulation (EU) No 721/2014 of 16 June 2014 amending Regulation (EC) No 219/2007 on the 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.

CONTENT: the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research and Development project (SESAR project) aims to modernise the air traffic management (ATM) in Europe and represents the technological pillar of the Single European Sky (SES). It aims to provide the Union with a high performance air traffic control infrastructure by 2030 which will enable the safe and environmentally friendly development of air transport.

The main task of the Joint Undertaking is the execution of the ATM Master Plan which is the agreed roadmap to bring ATM research and development to the deployment phase.

In order to continue research and innovation on air traffic management (ATM) beyond 2016, this Regulation extends the duration of the SESAR Joint Undertaking until 2024 which reflects the duration of the Union's 2014-2020 financial framework.

The amendments seek to:

• entitle the SESAR JU to award grants to its Members and other participants, considering Horizon 2020 Rules for Participation;
• terminate by 31 December 2016 the membership of the current members of the JU who do not contribute to activities that will be financed by Horizon 2020 under the 2014-2020 financial framework;
• clarify the procedure for the award of grants, taking into account the Rules for participation laid down in Horizon 2020;
• change the term of office of the Executive Director from 3 years into 5 years, renewable once;
• take into account the standard provision on the protection of the Union financial interests and the 2013 Financial Regulation.

The Union contribution under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020, including EFTA contributions, paid from the budget appropriations allocated to Horizon 2020 Framework Programme shall be EUR 585 million. The arrangements for the Union contribution shall be established by means of a general agreement and annual financial implementation agreements, which shall be concluded between the Commission, on behalf of the Union, and the Joint Undertaking.

In order to take into account the duration of Horizon 2020, 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 calls for proposals launched by the Joint Undertaking should also be published on the single portal for participants as well as through other Horizon 2020 Framework Programme electronic means of dissemination managed by the Commission.

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

By 30 June 2017, the Commission shall carry out an interim evaluation on the implementation of this Regulation and the results obtained by the Joint Undertaking send it 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.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 21.07.2014. It shall apply from 01.01.2014.