The European Parliament adopted by 499 votes to 100, with 23 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision (EU) 2017/1324 as regards the continuation of the Union’s participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under Horizon Europe.
The European Parliament's position adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure amends the Commission's proposal as follows:
Participation in PRIMA
The Union should participate in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), an institutionalised European partnership under Horizon Europe, jointly undertaken by Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.
The amended text stated that the thematic scope of PRIMA, namely support for agri-food systems, integrated water provision and water management in the Mediterranean area, is becoming increasingly topical. Research shows that water scarcity is an important contributor to the rise in global migration. Climate change and associated natural disasters have a devastating impact on agricultural production.
Since PRIMA’s initial rationale and objectives remain valid, in particular in light of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, which has further destabilised fragile Southern Mediterranean agriculture markets, making the transition to sustainable food systems an even more urgent priority for Mediterranean societies.
PRIMA should retain its ambition and resources which make it an essential instrument for international cooperation and scientific diplomacy in the Mediterranean area.
Financial contribution
The Union financial contribution to PRIMA, including EEA appropriations, shall be equal to the Participating States’ contributions. The Union financial contribution shall be up to EUR 325 000 000 and should be distributed as follows: (a) up to EUR 220 000 000 from Horizon 2020; (b) up to EUR 105 000 000 from Horizon Europe.
Operating method
PRIMA needs to operate in a simple, agile, open and transparent way. PRIMA-IS needs to make dedicated efforts to strengthen dialogue with society, encourage active participation and ensure that the wider public is sufficiently informed about its activities in a timely manner. To that end, PRIMA-IS needs to strengthen its communication strategy to facilitate the exchange of information, best practices and research outcomes, with the involvement of academic, scientific and knowledge networks, social and economic partners, the media, industry SMEs and other stakeholders.
Secretariat
The Board of Trustees should establish the Secretariat of PRIMA-IS as the executive body of PRIMA.
The Secretariat should:
- implement the annual work programme;
- provide support to the other bodies of PRIMA-IS;
- monitor and report on the implementation of PRIMA;
- manage the Union financial contribution and the Participating States' financial contributions and report on their use;
- increase the visibility of PRIMA by means of advocacy and communication;
- liaise with the Commission in accordance with the financial framework partnership agreement;
- ensure the transparency of PRIMA’s activities.
The Scientific Advisory Committee set up by the Board of Trustees should: (i) advise the Board of Trustees on strategic priorities and needs; (ii) advise the Board of Trustees on the content and scope of the draft annual work programme from a scientific and technical standpoint; (iii) review the scientific and technical aspects of the implementation of PRIMA and deliver an opinion on its annual report.
The Commission should, on a regular basis, assess the fulfilment of the commitments undertaken by the Participating States and, following such assessments, may involve Participating States and PRIMA-IS as necessary and should be able to take appropriate measures.