Tag Archives: Programme

Radio spectrum policy programme

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Radio spectrum policy programme

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Information society > Radiofrequencies

Radio spectrum policy programme (Proposal)

8a of Directive 2002/21/EC invites the European Commission to implement a five-year radio spectrum policy programme in order to manage it better.

Proposal

Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 September 2010 establishing the first radio spectrum policy programme [COM(2010) 471 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This Proposal aims to put in place a five-year radio spectrum policy programme. This Proposal forms part of a package of measures presented by the European Commission in September 2010 which includes a Communication on broadband and a Recommendation on Next Generation Access networks. This programme sets the parameters of the spectrum required for the functioning of the internal market, both in electronic communications and in other fields such as transport, research and energy.

Programme policy objectives

The objectives of the radio spectrum policy programme are to:

make sufficient spectrum available to satisfy growing needs;
maximise flexibility in the use of spectrum;
enhance the efficient use of spectrum;
promote competition between electronic communications services in particular;
harmonise the internal market and develop transnational services;
avoid interference and disturbances;
protect human health.

Enhancing the efficient and flexible use of spectrum

Member States are required to:

adopt by 1 January 2013 authorisation and allocation measures appropriate for the development of broadband services, such as allowing, for example, relevant operators direct or indirect access to contiguous blocks of spectrum of at least 10 MHz;
foster the collective use of spectrum as well as shared use of spectrum;
cooperate to develop harmonised standards for radio equipment and terminals;
adopt selection conditions and procedures which promote investment and efficient use of spectrum.

The European Commission shall develop guidelines on authorisation conditions and procedures for spectrum bands concerning infrastructure sharing and coverage conditions in order to avoid over-fragmentation of the internal market.

Promoting competition

In order to ensure fair competition in the market, Member States may adopt the following measures:

limiting the amount of spectrum for which rights of use are granted to any economic operator;
limiting the granting of new rights of use in certain bands in order to prevent certain economic operators from accumulating too many spectrum frequencies and harming competition;
prohibiting transfers of spectrum usage rights;
amending the existing rights of certain operators in cases of excessive accumulation, in accordance with Article 14 of Directive 2002/20/EC.

Defining spectrum for wireless broadband communications

Member States shall allocate a sufficient portion of spectrum for all European citizens to have access to broadband by 2020.

Member States shall authorise the use of harmonised bands by 2012 in order to allow consumers easy access to wireless broadband services.

Member States shall make the 800 MHz band (the digital dividend) available for electronic communications services by 2013, allowing for exceptions.

The Commission is invited to adopt measures to ensure that Member States allow trading within the EU of spectrum usage rights in the harmonised bands.

The Commission may ensure the availability of additional spectrum bands for the provision of harmonised satellite services for broadband access.

Responding to specific spectrum needs

In addition to communications, spectrum must be available for the following specific needs:

monitoring the Earth’s atmosphere and surface;
developing and exploiting space applications;
improving transport systems, for example through GALILEO;
services related to civil protection;
the results of research and development projects.

In order to save energy in spectrum use, the Commission shall conduct studies on creating a low-carbon policy and developing energy-saving technologies.

Creating an inventory of existing uses of and emerging needs for spectrum

The Commission, along with Member States, shall create an inventory of existing spectrum use and of future needs for spectrum with regard to the bands between 300 MHz to 3 GHz. This inventory should provide more transparency and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of spectrum use.

Participating in international negotiations and cooperating with different bodies

The Union shall participate in international negotiations relating to spectrum matters, in accordance with the rules of the Treaty, to defend its interests. In international negotiations, Member States shall ensure that the spectrum required for the development of EU policies is available.

Member States are required to ensure that the international agreements they sign up to are in accordance with EU legislation.

If required, the EU may provide political and technical support to Member States during bilateral negotiations with third countries.

The Commission and Member States must work closely with the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (ECPT), standardisation bodies and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) on technical issues in order to ensure the best use of spectrum outside the EU.

Reference

Proposal	Official Journal	Procedure
COM(2010) 471	–	2010/252/COD

Security Research

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Security Research

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Security Research

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Research and innovation > Research in support of other policies

Security Research

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Security Research: The Next Steps [COM(2004) 590 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

A coherent security research programme at EU level can add significant value to the optimal use of a highly competent industry. Such research should be targeted at the development of interoperable systems, products and services useful for the protection of European citizens, territory and critical infrastructures as well as for peacekeeping activities.

The high-level Group of Personalities set up to advise on a long-term strategy for security research in the EU has given rise to a report which contains the following recommendations:

the establishment of a European Security Research Programme (ESRP), focusing in particular on issues of internal security from 2007 onwards, with funding of at least EUR 1 billion per year. This programme should aim to boost the competitiveness of the European security industries and stimulate the development of the (public and private) market for security products and systems;
the creation of a European Security Research Advisory Board to define strategic lines of action. The Board should consist of high-level experts representing public and private customers, the industry, research organizations and any other relevant stakeholders;
the need for cooperation between European institutions as well as all other stakeholders involved.

THE NEXT STEPS

This Communication sets out the next steps to be taken in terms of security research, namely:

Developing a European security research programme under the EU’s 7th Research Framework Programme (2007-2010)

The Commission will initiate an inter-institutional debate for consensus on the ESRP building on the work of the Preparatory Action on security research, which will continue until the end of 2006. This programme should complement both Community programmes and security and defence research activities conducted at national or intergovernmental level.

Consultation and cooperation with stakeholders

The Commission will establish a European Security Research Advisory Board to advise on the content of the ESRP and its implementation. The Commission will ensure the ESRP is coordinated effectively with international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO, and with European organisations such as the European Space Agency (ESA).

Creating an effective institutional framework

The Commission will ensure that the requirements of the European Security Strategy, the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) are fully taken into account in the development of security research. At the same time it will develop cooperation with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and other important Commission policies relating to internal security will be fully taken into account when developing security research.

Awarding contracts and funding relating to security research

The Commission must put in place effective and flexible mechanisms governing contracts, participation and funding, for example to allow co-funding of new technologies by public authorities so as to ensure a high degree of synergy.

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission: Science and technology, the key to Europe’s future – Guidelines for future European Union policy to support research [COM(2004) 353 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Building our common Future – Policy challenges and budgetary means of the Enlarged Union 2007-2013 [COM(2004) 101 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Commission Communication on the implementation of the Preparatory Action on the enhancement of the European industrial potential in the field of security research. Towards a programme to advance European security through research and technology [COM(2004) 72 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Commission Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: European defence – industrial and market issues: Towards an EU defence equipment policy [COM(2003) 113 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Programme LIFE+

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Programme LIFE+

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Programme LIFE+

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Agriculture > Environment

Programme LIFE+

Document or Iniciative

Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 May 2007 concerning the Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE+).

Summary

As its name suggests the LIFE+ programme succeeds the LIFE programme launched in 1992. Like its predecessor LIFE+ co-finances environmental projects in the European Union (EU) and in certain third countries (EU candidate counties, EFTA countries that are members of the European Environmental Agency, and the Western Balkan countries that are part of the Stabilisation and Association Process). Either private or public bodies and institutions may submit projects for funding.

The three thematic components

The LIFE+ programme is divided into three thematic components:

LIFE+ “Nature and biodiversity”;
LIFE+ “Environment Policy & Governance”; and
LIFE+ “Information & Communication”.

The multi-annual strategic programme set out in Annex II to this Regulation details the priority areas of action.

Duration and budgetary resources

The financial framework for LIFE+ is 2 143 409 000 for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.

Project selection

Each year, the Commission issues a call for proposals, taking into account the multi-annual strategic programme set out in Annex II and any national priorities it is aware of. The Commission decides which out of the submitted projects qualify for financial support under LIFE+ and regularly publishes the list of these projects.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for funding, projects must:

be of Community interest by contributing to the development, implementation and updating of Community environmental policy and environmental legislation;
be technically and financially coherent and feasible and provide value for money;
satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
1. be best-practice or demonstration projects concerning the protection of wild birds or habitats;
2. be innovative or demonstration projects at Community level concerning the objectives of environmental policy;
3. consist of awareness-raising and training campaigns on forest fire prevention;
4. relate to the broad-based, harmonised, comprehensive and long-term monitoring of forests and environmental interactions.

Types of intervention

Community financing may take a number of forms:

be grant agreements (framework partnership agreements, participation in financial mechanisms and funds, or co-funding of operating or action grants);
public procurement contracts (for the purchase of services and goods.

Programming

At least 78 % of LIFE+ resources are used to fund action grants for projects. The maximum rate of co-financing of action grants is 50 % of eligible costs. However, for projects concerning the protection of priority habitats or priority species, LIFE+ may finance up to 75 % of eligible costs. At least 50 % of the funds allocated to action grants for projects are reserved for nature conservation and biodiversity. In addition, at least 15 % of the funds allocated to action grants for projects are reserved for cross-border projects.

Co-financed projects must be distributed proportionately by the Commission. The Commission establishes indicative annual allocations for the periods 2007-2010 and 2010-2013 based on the total population and population density of each Member State, and the area of sites of Community importance in each Member State and the proportion of a Member State’s territory covered by sites of Community importance. Additional funding may be allocated to land-locked Member States.

Complementarity between financial instruments

LIFE+ does not finance measures meeting the criteria for other Community financial instruments or that receive support from them, whether from the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme, the European Fisheries Fund or the Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities.

Monitoring and audits

The Commission carries out audits of funding, monitors project implementation, recovers any sums improperly received, and implements the activities funded.

The Commission will carry out a mid-term review of LIFE+ by 30 September 2010 at the latest.

Background

LIFE+ replaces existing financial programmes (the LIFE programme, the cooperation programme to promote sustainable urban development, the Programme promoting non-governmental organisations and Forest Focus), grouping them under a single set of rules and decision-making procedures and allowing for more consistent targeting, thereby making the Community’s work more effective. Funding committed under these programmes before the entry into force of LIFE+ will remain subject to the same rules until completion.

References

Act	Entry into force – Date of expiry	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 614/2007	12.6.2007 – 31.12.2013	–	OJ L 149, 9.6.2007

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of 30 September 2010 – Mid-term review of the LIFE+ Regulation [COM(2010) 516 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Another Normative about Programme LIFE+

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic

Enterprise > Interaction between enterprise policy and other policies

Programme LIFE+

Document or Iniciative

Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 May 2007 concerning the Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE+).

Summary

The three thematic components

The LIFE+ programme is divided into three thematic components:

LIFE+ “Nature and biodiversity”;
LIFE+ “Environment Policy & Governance”; and
LIFE+ “Information & Communication”.

The multi-annual strategic programme set out in Annex II to this Regulation details the priority areas of action.

Duration and budgetary resources

The financial framework for LIFE+ is 2 143 409 000 for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.

Project selection

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for funding, projects must:

be of Community interest by contributing to the development, implementation and updating of Community environmental policy and environmental legislation;
be technically and financially coherent and feasible and provide value for money;
satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
1. be best-practice or demonstration projects concerning the protection of wild birds or habitats;
2. be innovative or demonstration projects at Community level concerning the objectives of environmental policy;
3. consist of awareness-raising and training campaigns on forest fire prevention;
4. relate to the broad-based, harmonised, comprehensive and long-term monitoring of forests and environmental interactions.

Types of intervention

Community financing may take a number of forms:

be grant agreements (framework partnership agreements, participation in financial mechanisms and funds, or co-funding of operating or action grants);
public procurement contracts (for the purchase of services and goods.

Programming

Complementarity between financial instruments

Monitoring and audits

The Commission carries out audits of funding, monitors project implementation, recovers any sums improperly received, and implements the activities funded.

The Commission will carry out a mid-term review of LIFE+ by 30 September 2010 at the latest.

Background

References

Act	Entry into force – Date of expiry	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 614/2007	12.6.2007 – 31.12.2013	–	OJ L 149, 9.6.2007

Related Acts

Policy plan on legal migration

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Policy plan on legal migration

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Policy plan on legal migration

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Internal market > Living and working in the internal market

Policy plan on legal migration

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission on a policy plan on legal migration [COM (2005) 669 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This document proposes initiatives to develop common EU rules in the field of legal migration. The proposed measures are not exhaustive, and additional proposals may be presented in all four of the areas covered by the action plan.

Legislative measures on labour immigration

The Commission proposes the creation of a general framework directive. The directive is intended to guarantee a number of rights to all third-country nationals in legal employment. The rights would be extended to all workers admitted to a Member State but not yet entitled to long-term residence status (Directive 2003/109/EC).

The framework directive will also address the question of recognition of qualifications and introduce a single application for a joint work/residence permit, which would involve biometric identifiers. The validity of such a document would be strictly tied to the existence of a legal work contract.

The Commission also proposes four specific directives. These would concern only salaried workers and would cover entry and residence conditions for:

highly skilled workers;
seasonal workers;
intra-corporate transferees (ICTs);
remunerated trainees.

The directives will establish a rule that admission should be conditional on the existence of a work contract and on the “economic needs test”, although exceptions may be granted for certain sectors or regions.

The Commission suggests a common special procedure to speed the admission of immigrants covered by the proposed highly skilled workers directive. If necessary, the proposal could also include intra-EU mobility, or introduce an EU work permit (EU green card) issued by one Member State but valid throughout the EU.

The proposed directive on the conditions of entry and residence of seasonal workers puts forward a scheme for a joint permit that allows the holder to work for several months each year over four to five years, provided that the entry and residence requirements are respected (including the maximum length of stay per year).

The scheme put forward by the proposed directive on the entry and residence of ICTs notably sets out common procedures in relation to temporary residence in the EU for ICTs. The Commission suggests that the measure should specifically address the intra-EU mobility of ICTs.

The proposed directive on the admission of remunerated trainees is intended to allow them to acquire qualifications and knowledge through a period of training in Europe. The aim is to provide safeguards so that abuses can be avoided.

Knowledge building and information

The Commission will develop tools to substantially improve access to and exchange of information.

By 2007, the Commission intends to create an EU portal to present:

EU policies and the acquis;
news in this area;
links to the national websites, the EURES network, and the future EU integration website;
research results.

Other Commission activities will include:

specific information campaigns about the EU immigration policies;
studies;
targeted EU activities such as identifying issues related to third-country immigrants to be addressed during the European Year of Workers’ Mobility (2006) and the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007).

The Commission also intends to develop services through the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES).

It has also begun a reform of the European Migration Network (EMN) to improve the availability of information about migration and asylum.

Integrating migrants

Given the cross-cutting nature of integration, the Commission intends to ensure that the specific priorities of integration policy (proposed by the Commission and agreed by the Member States) are coherently reflected across a range of policies.

It suggests, in particular, providing integration programmes for newly arrived legal immigrants (including information packs, language courses and civic orientation), and education, training and cultural initiatives. To fund such projects, and others, the Commission proposed the creation of a European fund for the integration of third-country nationals under the financial perspectives 2007-2013.

Cooperation with countries of origin

The Commission proposes to monitor the migration of skilled workers from developing countries to the EU, to identify sectors and countries of origin subject to significant brain drains, and to propose solutions that meet the needs of Member States and the countries concerned.

It suggests improving information in countries of origin about the possibilities for legal immigration to the EU.

The Commission proposes supporting circular migration through feasibility studies covering:

long-term multi-entry visas for returning migrants;
the possibility of former immigrants being given priority and obtaining a new residence permit for further temporary employment in the former host country under a simplified procedure. In this respect, it also recommends considering the case for setting up an EU database of third country nationals who left the EU when their temporary residence/work permit expired.

The Commission will also explore the advisability and the technical feasibility of funding training structures under the responsibility of the local authorities and/or of NGOs in countries of origin, to help immigrants develop their skills and better adapt to the needs of the EU job market.

Background

The Hague Programme underlined the importance of the question of economic immigration, and invited the Commission to “present a policy plan on legal migration including admission procedures capable of responding promptly to fluctuating demands for migrant labour in the labour market before the end of 2005.” This document constitutes the Commission’s response to that request. More detailed measures will be proposed over the coming four years.