Europe and International Panel

Transcription

1 Europe and International Panel Date: 30 January 2015 Item: 9 Subject: EIP Action Plan and European Commission Work Programme 2015 Report by: Panita Ball Contact: panita.ball@east-of-england.eu Recommendation 1. It is recommended that EIP members note this Action Plan for Background 1.1 Every year, the European Commission adopts a plan of action which communicates how it will turn its political priorities into concrete action. The 2015 Work Programme consists of new initiatives, pending proposals and withdrawals of legislation all with the aim of achieving President Juncker s ten-point plan for Europe. 1.2 The overall focus of the 2015 Work Programme is the creation of jobs and economic growth, through establishing a greener, more digital and more unified European economy. The Work Programme stands out from past ones by its emphasis on discarding a total of 80 proposals that have either not progressed or that are not aligned with the objectives of the new Commission. Amongst the most notable proposals to be withdrawn are in the environmental field: the Circular Economy package (on waste, packaging waste, etc.) and the National Emissions Ceiling directive (the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants) as well as the 2005 proposal on passenger car-related taxes which aims to reduce CO2 emissions from cars. 1.3 The table highlights the most relevant new initiatives to the East of England and which will be incorporated into the East of England European Partnership Action Plan for

2 European and International Forum Action Plan 2015 (V.1.1) European Commission Work Programme Strategic Issues European Fund for Strategic Investments [not in Work Programme] To be informed about the proposals and to monitor their legislative process. To monitor the legislative proposals ensuring that potential East of England beneficiaries to the Fund are informed. Orientation proposals published November Legislative proposals published 13/01/2015. Paper for EIP 30/01/2015 It is anticipated that the legislation will be fast tracked and agreed by summer Open Days 2015 [not in Work Programme] To be informed of the annual EU Open Days 2015 taking place in Brussels during week of October To organise, on behalf of partners and/or in cooperation with other EU regions, successful Open Days workshop(s) in Brussels and local event(s) in the East of England. / Panita Ball Open Days Week October 2015 EU Sustainable Energy Week [not in Work Programme] Mid-term review of Europe 2020 To be informed of the annual EUSEW in influence. To promote the opportunity to partners to participate in the EUSEW and to co-organise an event in Brussels, To report on the focus of the mid-term review and its outcomes and propose suitable action by EIP where necessary. Panita Ball / 2

3 Structural Funds / EU Growth Programme EU Structural and Investment Funds (ERDF, ESF, EAFRD) [not in Work Programme] To be regularly updated on the implementation of the EU Growth Programme in England. To arrange updates from relevant ministries at EIP meetings and also arrange stakeholder round tables and/or other bespoke briefings at LEP geography level to support local partners identify potential interest and prepare bids. Partnership Agreement published in Oct ESF, ERDF and EARDF Operational Programmes under discussion between HMG and EC. Amendment to the Multiannual Financial Framework to be published Jan/Feb 2015 to allow shift in financial resources from 14 to 15. Update from DCLG scheduled for 30/01/15 EIP. OPs to be approved by mid Transport / TEN-T Implementation of the TEN-T Regulation and monitoring draw down from Connecting Europe Facility [not in Work Programme] To be informed of all TEN-T calls and, where appropriate, lobby DfT and European Commission to provide funding for eligible East of England projects. Brussels Office will communicate all developments on TEN-T and CEF. Call for proposals opened 11 th September 2014, deadline 26 th February Next call expected September

4 Energy / Climate Change / Environment Strategy Framework for an Energy Union (legislative and non-legislative) will focus on: energy supply security; integration of national energy markets; reduction in European energy demand; decarbonising the energy mix and promoting research and innovation in the energy field. It will include: To remain informed and influence future aims and objectives in the field of energy use. To report for information. Ad hoc as and when key news arises. Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System as part of the legislative framework post legislative proposals to implement the 2030 climate and energy package, (decarbonising the economy timing tbc). Communication on the Road to Paris multilateral response to climate change: (Non-legislative) outline EU vision and expectations for the 2015 agreement. To remain informed and influence future aims and objectives. To report as and when the EU vision is published and propose suitable action by EIP where necessary. Waste Policy (to be replaced by new proposals to promote circular economy and will include policies on the following: packaging waste; landfill; end-of-life vehicles; batteries and accumulators; electrical and electronic equipment) contribute to the debate against its withdrawal. To report as and when proposals are published and propose suitable action by EIP where necessary. Ad hoc as and when key news arises. National Emissions Ceiling directive (reduction of emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants).the legislation is To report as and when proposals are published and propose suitable action by EIP Ad hoc as and when key news arises. 4

5 under review and results are expected in contribute to the debate against its withdrawal. where necessary. Promotion of renewable energy (the legislation is under review and results are expected in 2015). To remain informed and influence future aims and objectives in the field of energy use. To report for information. Evaluation results expected 2015 Reduction of CO2 emissions from light duty vehicles (the regulation is under review and results are expected in 2015). To remain informed and influence future aims and objectives on the reduction of CO2 vehicles in light vehicles. To report for information. Evaluation results expected 2015 Fuel quality (evaluation of fuel quality legislation is to be initiated in 2015). influence. To report on the focus of the evaluation and its outcomes and propose suitable action by EIP where necessary. Evaluation starts 2015 Health No new legislative or policy initiatives relevant to public health are foreseen in the 2015 Work Programme. The focus in 2015 is on implementing and progressing existing actions. Health is highlighted as relevant across all policy domains, and in particular for jobs and enterprise. The Commissioner s summary is Prevention; Protection: Promotion. The Commission s priority activities identified for 2015 include: Cross-border health directive: developments regarding EU policy in relation to public health and related funding. Where relevant to assess opportunities to influence and participate. To report as and when proposals are published or action taken and propose suitable action by EIP where necessary. To inform stakeholders of opportunities to influence and/or participate. Jackie Eveleigh European Innovation Partnership Active and Healthy Ageing Summit in March 2015 (to attend). European Reference Networks: first call for submission anticipated end Main tranche of Horizon 5

6 implementation and compliance Tobacco Products Directive: implementation ehealth Action Plan (to 2020); including ehealth network; standardisation, good practice exchange. Relevant also to Digital Single Market. European Reference Networks: pilot approach and first call to be published late 2015 Health Systems Performance Assessment: to establish expert group with national representatives with aim to develop methodologies and guidance (voluntary). Emergency preparedness: information exchange; possibly joint procurement of vaccine development? Prevention: under consideration re. possible role in mutual learning (chronic diseases, alcohol, nutrition?) European Innovation Partnership Active and Healthy Ageing: ongoing Funding: Horizon 2020 calls for proposals and new funding work programme for 2016/17; Third Health Programme Calls for Proposals under Health anticipated July Digital Agenda Digital Single Market (DSM) package (legislative) to ensure: cross-border access to digital services a level-playing field for companies To be informed, and where appropriate to influence future EU actions relevant to establishing a connected To report on the focus of the DSM and its outcomes and propose suitable action by EIP where necessary. Jackie Eveleigh 6

7 the conditions for a vibrant digital economy and society. Digital Single Market. Employment and Social Affairs / Home Affairs / Justice Promoting integration and employability in the labour market package (legislative and non-legislative) to support Member States in getting people, especially the longer term unemployed and younger people, into work and developing a skilled workforce. This includes measures to implement the Youth Employment Initiative and to promote skills development. influence. To report on the focus of the package and its outcomes and propose suitable action by EIP where necessary. Jackie Eveleigh The European Accessibility Act - the purpose of which is to improve the availability of accessible goods and services for persons with disabilities and older people. [ongoing] To be informed of progress and publication of the proposal by the Commission. To track and update on developments. Jackie Eveleigh Was in the 2014 work programme and the Commission continued with preparatory work during the year. Education / Lifelong Learning / Culture / Youth / Sport Communication on job creation in the 'green economy' To be informed of its publication. No action required. For information only. Not known Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Industrial Policy Package To be informed of its publication and if Brussels Office will monitor the development of the package To be announced 7

8 necessary influence its contents. and provide timely briefings to EIF on its contents and provide advice, where necessary, on strategies to influence the final package. 8