Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative in aeronautics

The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted the report by Christian EHLER (EPP, DE) on the proposal for a Council regulation on the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking.

Joint undertaking in the field of aeronautics: it is specified that the Joint Undertaking Clean Sky 2 should continue to support the research programme Clean Sky by implementing the remaining activities scheduled in the Clean Sky research programme under the rules of the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking. 

In order to take account of the duration of the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020), all calls for proposals shall be launched by 31 December 2020.

Scope of activities: Members wanted to clarify the scope of activities of the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking, in particular with respect to the relevant Technology Readiness Levels covered by its research programme. The Horizon 2020 Rules for Participation also called for a greater consideration of the TRL-concept to stipulate funding levels, which is taken up in this article with a view to the funding rates used in indirect actions.

Financial contribution: the maximum Union contribution, including contributions from countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), to the clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking to cover administrative costs and operational costs should be EUR 1.71 billion (rather than EUR 1.8 billion in the Commission proposal).

The value of the additional activities should not be a substitute for the contributions to Clean Sky 2 and should not be matched by Union contributions. Members other than the Union who committed to additional activities should communicate updates on the fulfilment of their respective commitments and l report annually on their additional activities to the general public.

Evaluation: by 30 June 2017 the Commission shall organise an independent interim evaluation of the Joint Undertaking. The results of the independent interim evaluation of the Joint Undertaking should 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 review the budget of the Joint Undertaking within the annual budgetary procedure.

Duty to divulge information: the report contains a new provision stating that Members of the staff of the Joint Undertaking, the Executive Director, and members of the Governing Board shall, without delay, report such fraud as might have come to their knowledge in the performance of their duties or office in OLAF.

Participation: in accordance with the principles of transparency and non-discrimination, calls for proposals organised by the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking should be published on the web-based Horizon 2020 Participant Portal.