The European Parliament adopted the report by Marie-Anne ISLER BÉGUIN (Greens/EFA, FR) with 520 votes in favour, 52 against and 15 abstentions. (Please refer to the summary dated 26/04/2005).
Moreover, the European Parliament included several new provisions stating that :
- Community grants for Natura 2000 sites will be co-financed. The co-financing of costs relating to site management will be at a rate starting at 50%, up to a maximum of 75%. The specific criteria for sites eligible for a financial contribution higher than 50% will be set out in the multi-annual programmes;
- the financial framework for the implementation of this instrument is set at EUR 2 190 million, increased by a minimum of 35 % of the Natura 2000 network needs as evaluated by the Member States and the Commission, that means a total of EUR 9 540 million for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013 (seven years), bearing in mind that with other Funds the total Natura 2000 needs, evaluated to be EUR 21 000 million for the programming period, shall be covered;
- in addition to the general rules established under Articles 7 and 8 of Decision 1999/468/EC, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament the proposals relating to the measures to be taken by the Committee and in particular any measures related to the planning of the distribution and allocation of the annual LIFE+ budget (either concerning the LIFE+ Regulation itself or the annual work programmes).