Environment in Cohesion framework for 2014-2020 2020 Meeting of the European Network of Environmental Authorities Managing Authorities 6 June 2013 1
Introduction 1.The framework of 2014-2020 Cohesion 2. New tool: ex-ante conditionalities 3. Role of DG ENV in the negotiations of PAs / OPs 2
1. The framework of 2014-2020 Cohesion 3
Cohesion 2014-2020 Objectives of cohesion policy: strengthen the EU s economic, social and territorial cohesion Alignment with Europe 2020 and its focus on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth Increased thematic focus & performance orientation (ex-ante conditionality; performance reserve ) 4
A fair system for all EU regions (eligibility simulation) GDP/capita* *index EU27=100 < 75 % of EU average 75-90 % > 90 % 3 categories of regions Less developed regions Transition regions More developed regions Former Convergence regions will retain 2/3 of their previous financial allocation GDP figures: 2006-07-08 EuroGeographics Association for the administrative boundaries 5
Proposed legislative package 2014-2020 -Common provisions on the European Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (CPR): 1.Part One: Subject-matter and definitions (Art. 1-2) Part Two: Common provisions applicable to all ESI Funds (Art. 3-80) Part Three: General provisions applicable to the ERDF, ESF and CF (Art. 81-111) Part Four: General provisions applicable to the ERDF, ESF, CF and EMFF (Art. 112-140) Part Five: Delegations of power, implementing, transitional and final provisions (Art 141-147) - European Development Fund - Cohesion Fund - European Social Fund - European Territorial Cooperation - European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation 6
Partnership Agreement An overarching strategy at national level which: Covers the 5 European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds In line with the CSF sets out the planned use of the Funds consistent with the Europe 2020 strategy taking account of territorial challenges coordinated to ensure an integrated approach Core elements: strategic choices: selected thematic objectives, allocations, main results list of programmes coordination between Funds and with other policies commitments on administrative capacity and reduction of administrative burden 7
Operational programme The main role of the operational programme is to set out a coherent intervention strategy for the territory/sectors Core elements: Selection of thematic objectives, investment priorities, allocations and justification intervention logic Financing plan and list of major projects Integrated approach to territorial development; specific needs and demographic challenges Ex ante conditionalities Performance framework Short, concise programmes with a clear focus on results. Main platform for ex ante conditionalities. 8
The Common Strategic Framework (CSF) Annex to CPR therefore binding Link to Europe 2020 and European semester Integrated use of the ESI Funds Provides more detail on how to promote integration and coordination between the ESI Funds and with other Union instruments and policies Horizontal principles and cross-cutting policy objectives Key territorial challenges Cooperation To be considered during the programming processand reflected in the PA and programmes-provides more detail on many of the requirements set out in the CPR 9
A menu of 11 thematic objectives 1. Research & innovation 2. Information and communication technologies (ICT) 3. Competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) 4. Shift towards a low-carbon economy 5. Climate change adaptation & risk prevention and management 6. Environmental protection & resource efficiency 7. Sustainable transport & removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures 8. Employment & supporting labour mobility 9. Social inclusion & combating poverty 10.Education, skills & lifelong learning 11.Institutional capacity building & efficient public administrations Translated into investment priorities set out in the Fund-specific rules 10
Thematic concentration to maximise impact Concentration of ERDF investments TO1 Research & innovation TO3 Competitiveness of SMEs TO4 Shift towards a low-carbon economy 6% 10-12% 20-22% 60% 20% 44% More developed & transitional regions Transition regions: 60 % concentration (incl. 15%- 20% for energy/renewables) Less developed regions 11 Flexibility different regions have different needs Special arrangements for ex-convergence regions
Investment priorities relating to environment (Art.5(6) ERDF and Art. 3(c) CF) 12
Investment priorities relating to environment (Art.5(6) ERDF) ERDF only: conserving, protecting, promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage promoting innovative technologies to improve environmental protection and resource efficiency in the waste sector, water sector, soil protection or to reduce air pollution;" supporting industrial transition towards a resource-efficient economy, [ ] promoting green growth, eco-innovation and environmental performance management in the public and private sectors 13
2. New tool: ex-ante conditionalities 14
Why ex-ante conditionalities? To improve the effectiveness of investment Ensuring that the necessary framework conditions for effective use of Union support are in place
What is an ex ante condionality? "Applicable ex ante conditionality" means a concrete and precisely pre-defined critical factor, which is a necessary prerequisite for and has a direct and genuine link to and direct impact on the effective and efficient achievement of the specific objective for an investment priority or a Union priority." (Art 2 CPR) 16
EAC & Environment 3 ex ante conditionalities relating to environmental issues: Water (6.1) Waste (6.2) General ex ante conditionalities (environmental legislation) 17
6.1 Water sector Ex-ante conditionality(council compromise text) : The existence of a) a water pricing policy which provides adequate incentives for users to use water resources efficiently and b) an adequate contribution of the different water uses to the recovery of the costs of water services at a rate determined in the approved river basin management plan for investment supported by the programmes. Criteria for fulfilment (Council compromise text) : - A Member State has ensured a contribution of the different water uses to the recovery of the costs of water services by sector consistent with Article 9, paragraph 1, first indent, of Directive 2000/60/EC having regard, where appropriate, to the social, environmental and economic effects of the recovery as well as the geographic and climatic conditions of the region or regions affected. - The adoption of a river basin management plan for the river basin district with a justified concentration of investments consistent with Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy 18
6.2 Waste sector Ex-ante conditionality (Council compromise text) : Promoting economically and environmentally sustainable investments in the waste sector particularly by the development of waste management plans consistent with Directive 2008/98/EC on waste, and with the waste hierarchy. Criteria for fulfilment (Council compromise text) : - A report has been submitted to the Commission on progress towards targets of Article 11 of Directive 2008/98/EC and intended actions to meet the targets. - The existence of one or more waste management plans as requiredby Article 28 of Directive 2008/98/EC. - A Member State has established, consistent with Articles 1 and 4 of Directive 2008/98/EC, waste prevention programmes, as required by Article 29 of the Directive. - Necessary measures to achieve the target on re-use and recycling by 2020 consistent with Article 11.2 of Directive 2008/98/EC have been adopted. 19
General EAC 6. EIA / SEA Ex-ante conditionality (Council compromise text) : The existence of arrangements for the effective application of Union environmental legislation related to EAI and SEA. Criteria for fulfilment (Council compromise text): - Arrangements for the effective application of EAI and SEA Directives - Arrangements for training and dissemination of information for staff involved in the implementation of EAI and SEA Directives - Arrangements to ensure sufficient administrative capacity 20
Assessment process During the procedure for adoption of the PA / OPs Self-assessment by Member State on applicability and fulfilment in PA / OPs Commission assessment of adequacy and consistency of the information provided by MS Commission assessment of significant prejudice in case of non-fulfilment and possible suspension of interim payments Resolution of disagreements between COM & MS After adoption of OPs: Assessing the completion of actions
Self-assessment by Member State Applicability The MS has to check whether there is a direct and genuine link between each ex-ante conditionality and the investment priorities it has selected for thematic and general ex-ante conditionalities Applicable ex-ante conditionalities have a direct impact on the effective and efficient achievement of the specific objectives Fulfilment of ex-ante conditionalities The fulfilment of an applicable ex-ante conditionality requires that ALL the corresponding criteria are fulfilled In case where relevant criteria are not fulfilled: MS should provide an action plan to ensure fulfilment by the end of 2016 Early reflection and action will facilitate the process
After adoption of the PA/OPs Reporting by MS on actions to fulfil ex-ante conditionalities Deadline for fulfilment: 31 Dec. 2016 Deadlinefor reporting: Annual implementation report or progress report in 2017 Suspension of interim payments as a result of failure to complete actions as set out in the programme Lifting of suspension of interim payments
3. DG ENV's role in the negotiations of PAs / OPs with Member States Useful input in the preparation of guidance fiches Readiness assessment on the fulfilment of EAC relating to environmental issues Currently, involvement in the informal dialogue Consultation on informal observations for draft PAs / OPs and on formal observations for 24 "official" PAs / OPs (as from the summer)
Thank you for your attention!