Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) Horizon 2020 – The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) established by Regulation (EU) No …/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of … 201320 (hereinafter ‘Horizon 2020 Framework Programme’) aims at achieving a greater impact on research and innovation by contributing to the strengthening of public-public partnerships, including through Union participation in programmes undertaken by several Member States in accordance with Article 185 of the Treaty.

(2) Horizon 2020 – The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) established by Regulation (EU) No .../2013 of the European Parliament and the Council of ... 201320 (hereinafter 'Horizon 2020 Framework Programme') aims at achieving a greater impact on research and innovation by developing closer synergies, increasing coordination and avoiding unnecessary duplication with international, national and regional research programmes. Public-public partnerships, including through Union participation in programmes undertaken by several Member States in accordance with Article 185 of the Treaty, should achieve those aims, meet the conditions specified in that Regulation, in particular in Article 20 and be in full compliance with the General Principles applying to Horizon 2020.

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20 OJ … [H2020 FP]

20 OJ … [H2020 FP]

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) In April 2012, the Commission communicated to the European Parliament and the Council a report on the Interim evaluation of Eurostars Joint Programme22 carried out by a Group of Independent Experts two years after the beginning of the programme. The overall opinion of the experts was that the Eurostars programme meets its objectives, adds value to European research-performing small and medium-sized enterprises (hereinafter ‘SMEs’) and should be continued after 2013. A number of recommendations for improvement were made, mainly addressing the need of further integration of national programmes and improvements in the operational performance in order to reach shorter time to contract and more transparency in the procedures.

(4) In April 2012, the Commission communicated to the European Parliament and the Council a report on the Interim evaluation of Eurostars Joint Programme22 carried out by a Group of Independent Experts two years after the beginning of the programme. The overall opinion of the experts was that the Eurostars programme meets its objectives, adds value to European research-performing small and medium-sized enterprises (hereinafter ‘SMEs’) and should be continued after 2013. The programme is also considered to meet a number of genuine needs of SMEs engaged in research and development; it has attracted a large number of applications, with the number of eligible projects exceeding the initial budget. A number of recommendations for improvement were made, mainly addressing the need of further integration of national programmes and improvements in the operational performance in order to reach shorter time to contract and more transparency in the procedures.

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22 COM(2011) 186 , 8 April 2011.

22 COM(2011) 186 , 8 April 2011.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) According to Council Decision 2013/…/EU of … 2013 establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)24 , support may be provided to an action building on the Eurostars Joint programme and reorienting it along the lines stated in its interim evaluation.

(6) According to Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council23a and Council Decision 2013/…/EU of … 2013 establishing the Specific Programme implementing Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)24 , support may be provided to an action building on the Eurostars Joint programme and reorienting it along the lines stated in its interim evaluation.

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23a Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 104).

24 OJ … [H2020 SP]

24 OJ … [H2020 SP]

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7) The Eurostars-2 Programme (hereinafter ‘Eurostars-2’), aligned with the Europe 2020 strategy, the related Flagship initiative ‘Innovation Union’25 and ‘A Reinforced European Research Area Partnership for Excellence and Growth’26 will aim at supporting research performing SMEs by co-financing their market oriented research projects in any field. As such, and in combination with the activities under the ‘Leading and Enabling Technology’ objective set out in the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, it will contribute to the goals of the Industrial Leadership part of that programme to speed-up development of the technologies and innovations that will underpin tomorrow's businesses and help innovative European SMEs to grow into world-leading companies. As part of the improvements from the previous Eurostars programme, Eurostars-2 should head towards shorter time to grant, stronger integration and lean, transparent and more efficient administration to the ultimate benefit of research performing SMEs.

(7) The Eurostars-2 Programme (hereinafter ‘Eurostars-2’), aligned with the Europe 2020 strategy, the related Flagship initiative ‘Innovation Union’25 and ‘A Reinforced European Research Area Partnership for Excellence and Growth’26 will aim at supporting research and development performing SMEs by co-financing their market oriented research projects in any field. As such, and in combination with the activities under the ‘Leading and Enabling Technology’ objective set out in the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, it will contribute to the goals of the Industrial Leadership part of that programme to speed-up development of the technologies and innovations that will underpin tomorrow's businesses and help innovative European SMEs to grow into world-leading companies. As part of the improvements from the previous Eurostars programme, Eurostars-2 should head towards shorter time to grant, stronger integration and lean, transparent and more efficient administration to the ultimate benefit of research performing SMEs. Keeping the bottom-up nature and the business-driven agenda with its main focus on market potential from the previous Eurostars programme is key to the success of Eurostars-2.

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25 COM(2010) 546 final of 6 October 2010.

25 COM(2010) 546 final of 6 October 2010.

26 COM(2012) 392 final of 17 July 2012.

26 COM(2012) 392 final of 17 July 2012.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7a) With a view to the overall aim of Horizon 2020 to achieve greater simplification and harmonisation of the research and innovation funding landscape at European level, the duration of all public-public partnerships financed under Horizon 2020 should be aligned with the duration of the Framework Programme, to avoid different sets of rules running in parallel and related additional administrative burdens for participants in the future.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8) The Eureka Ministerial Conference on 22 June 2012 in Budapest endorsed a strategic vision for Eurostars-2 (hereafter ‘Budapest Document’). The ministers committed to support the continuation of the Eurostars Joint programme after its termination in 2013 for the period covered by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. This will consist of a reinforced partnership addressing the recommendations of the interim evaluation of the Eurostars Joint Programme. The Budapest Document sets out two main objectives for Eurostars-2. Firstly, a structural-oriented objective to deepen the synchronisation and alignment of the national research programmes in the field of funding, which is a central element towards the realisation of the European Research Area by the member countries. Secondly a content-related objective to support research performing SMEs engaging in transnational research and innovation projects. The Budapest Document invites the Union to participate in the programme.

(8) The EUREKA Ministerial Conference on 22 June 2012 in Budapest endorsed a strategic vision for Eurostars-2 (hereafter "Budapest Document"). The ministers committed to support the continuation of the Eurostars Joint programme after its termination in 2013 for the period covered by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. This will consist of a reinforced partnership addressing the recommendations of the interim evaluation of the Eurostars Joint Programme. The Budapest Document sets out two main objectives for Eurostars-2. Firstly, a structural-oriented objective to deepen the synchronisation and alignment of the national research programmes in the field of funding, which is a central element towards the realisation of the European Research Area by the EUREKA member countries. Secondly a content-related objective to support research and development performing SMEs engaging in transnational research and innovation projects. The Budapest Document invites the Union to participate in Eurostars-2.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8a) In accordance with the aim of simplification, administrative and bureaucratic burdens should be reduced for all parties. Double audits and excessive documentation and reports should be avoided.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9) The participating states intend to contribute to the implementation of Eurostars-2 during the period covered by Eurostars-2 (2014-2024).

(9) The participating states intend to contribute to the implementation of Eurostars-2 during the period covered by Eurostars-2 (2014-2024, with calls for proposals to be launched until 31 December 2020).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11a) Any Eureka Members or Associated country that is not associated with Horizon 2020 may become a Eurostars-2 partner country.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22) The Commission should conduct an interim evaluation assessing in particular the quality and efficiency of Eurostars-2 and progress towards the objectives set, as well as a final evaluation and prepare a report on those evaluations.

(22) The Commission and the Member States should jointly conduct an interim evaluation assessing in particular the quality and efficiency of Eurostars-2 and progress towards the objectives set, as well as a final evaluation and prepare a report on those evaluations.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

This Decision lays down rules on the participation of the Union in the second Research and Development Programme jointly undertaken by several Member States aimed at supporting research performing small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) (hereinafter ‘Eurostars-2’) and the conditions for its participation.

This Decision lays down rules on the participation of the Union in the second Research and Development Programme jointly undertaken by several Member States aimed at supporting research and development performing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (hereinafter "Eurostars-2") and the conditions for its participation.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) ‘research performing SME’ is an SME which reinvests at least 10% of its turnover to research and development activities or dedicates at least 10% full-time equivalents to research and development activities.

(2) 'research and development performing SME' is an SME which reinvests at least 10% of its turnover to research and development activities or dedicates at least 10 % of its full-time equivalents to research and development activities or either has at least 5 full-time equivalents (for SMEs with no more than 100 full-time equivalents) or 10 full-time equivalents (for SMEs with over 100 full-time equivalents).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. Any EUREKA Member or Associated EUREKA country that is not associated with Horizon 2020 may be partner in Eurostars-2 provided that it fulfils the condition set out in point (c) of Article 6(1). Those EUREKA Members or Associated countries that fulfil that condition shall be regarded as partner states for the purposes of this Decision. Those partner states shall however not be eligible for the Union's financial contribution under Eurostars-2.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. The maximum Union's financial contribution, including EFTA appropriations, to Eurostars-2 shall be EUR 287 million30. The contribution shall be paid from the appropriations in the general budget of the Union allocated to the relevant parts of the Specific Programme implementing the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, established by Decision … /2013/EU in accordance with Article 58(1)(c)(vi), and Articles 60 and 61 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

1. The maximum Union financial contribution, including EFTA appropriations, to Eurostars-2, including central administrative costs and operational costs, shall be EUR 287 million30. The contribution shall be paid from appropriations in the general budget of the Union allocated to the relevant parts of the Specific Programme implementing Horizon 2020 Framework Programme and in particular from appropriations under the heading "innovation in SMEs" under pillar II, established by Decision ..../2013/EU in accordance with Article 58(1)(c)(vi), and Articles 60 and 61 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012.

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30 The amount is indicative and will depend on the final agreed amount for DG Research and Innovation for the objective ‘Innovation in SMEs’ under Part2-Industrial Leadership, which will be finally approved by the Budgetary Authority in the final version of the legislative and financial statement.

30 The amount is indicative and will depend on the final agreed amount for DG Research and Innovation for the objective ‘Innovation in SMEs’ under Part2-Industrial Leadership, which will be finally approved by the Budgetary Authority in the final version of the legislative and financial statement.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Without exceeding the maximum amount set out in paragraph 1, the Union's contribution shall be equal to one third of the contributions of the participating states referred to in Article 7 (1)(a). It shall cover administrative and operational costs.

2. Without exceeding the maximum amount set out in paragraph 1, the Union's contribution shall as a rule be equal to one third of the contributions of the participating states referred to in Article 7 (1)(a). It shall cover operational costs, including the costs of the evaluation of proposals, and administrative costs. In the event that during the lifetime of the programme the rate of Union's contribution needs to be adapted, certain flexibility should be given for individual calls. In that case, the Union's contribution could go up to a maximum of half of the contribution of the participating states.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. A maximum of 2% of the Union's financial contribution may be used to contribute to the administrative costs of Eurostars-2. Participating states shall cover any other administrative costs necessary for the implementation of Eurostars-2.

3. A maximum of 6% of the Union's financial contribution may be used to contribute to the administrative and project evaluation costs of Eurostars-2. Participating states shall cover the national administrative costs necessary for the implementation of Eurostars-2.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(aa) assurance by the participating states represented by the EUREKA Secretariat that the programme is set up in accordance with the bottom-up approach of EUREKA, with the general principles governing Horizon 2020 and with the conditions laid down in Article 20 of Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4a. In accordance with the principles of transparency and non-discrimination as laid out in Article 60(1) and 128(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, calls for proposals organised by Eurostars-2 shall be published on the web-based Horizon 2020 Participant Portal.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. In the delegation agreement, a clear allocation of tasks and responsibilities between the Commission, ESE and the Member States shall be prescribed and any duplication shall be avoided.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The Commission may decide to carry out the audits referred to in paragraph 1 itself.

2. The Commission may decide to carry out the audits referred to in paragraph 1 itself. Such audits shall only be carried out in duly justified cases and in consultation with the relevant parties.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. By 31 December 2017 the Commission shall conduct an interim evaluation of Eurostars-2. The Commission shall prepare a report on that evaluation which includes conclusions and observations by the Commission. The Commission shall send that report to the European Parliament and to the Council by 30 June 2018.

1. By 30 June 2017 the Commission and the Member States shall jointly organise an independent interim evaluation of Eurostars-2. The Commission shall prepare a report on that evaluation which includes conclusions and observations by the Commission. The Commission shall send that report to the European Parliament and to the Council by 31 December 2017. The result of the interim evaluation of Eurostars-2 shall be taken into account in the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020.

In order to respond to unforeseen situations or to new developments and needs the Commission may, following the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 as referred to in Article 32(3) of the Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013, review, within the annual budgetary procedure, the budget of Eurostars-2.