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

PURPOSE: to prolong the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking in the field of aeronautics (Clean Sky 2) in order to strengthen industrial research and innovation across the Union.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Regulation (EU) n° 558/2014 establishing the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking.

CONTENT: the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020, supports public-private partnerships in research and innovation in order that the Union might tackle certain key challenges.

This Regulation aims to establish a new Joint Undertaking (JU) for the implementation of the Joint Technology Initiative in aeronautics, for a period up to 31 December 2024. 

Clean Sky 2 replaces the previous joint undertaking Clean Sky, set up under the Seventh Framework Programme.

The Clean Sky Joint Undertaking achieved its objectives of stimulating new research within the framework of a public-private partnership, which enables long-term cooperation to take place among European aeronautical stakeholders.

The Clean Sky 2 JU is a body entrusted with the implementation of a public-private partnership. Its seat will be located in Brussels, Belgium.

In order to take into account the duration of Horizon 2020, calls for proposals under the Joint Undertaking must be launched at the latest by 31 December 2020 (in duly justified cases, by 31 December 2021). Calls for proposals will be published on the single portal for participants as well as through other Horizon 2020 electronic means of dissemination managed by the Commission. 

The rules for participation and dissemination of the Horizon 2020 programme will apply to the JU.

Objectives of the JU: the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking was set up for a period up to 31 December 2017. The Clean Sky 2 JU will provide continued support to the Clean Sky research programme by implementing the remaining actions. The JU will contribute to: (i) the implementation of Horizon 2020 and in particular the Smart, Green and Integrated Transport Challenge; (ii) improving the environmental impact of aeronautical technologies, including those relating to small aviation; (iii) developing a strong and globally competitive aeronautical industry and supply chain in Europe.

This can be realised through speeding up the development of cleaner air transport technologies for earliest possible deployment, and in particular the integration, demonstration and validation of technologies capable of:

·        increasing aircraft fuel efficiency, thus reducing CO2 emissions by 20 to 30 % compared to ‘state-of-the-art’ aircraft entering into service as from 2014;

·        reducing aircraft NOx and noise emissions by 20 to 30 % compared to ‘state-of-the-art’ aircraft entering into service as from 2014.

Clean Sky 2 JU should seek to develop close interactions with the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

Funding: the Union financial contribution to the JU shall come from Horizon 2020 and amount up to EUR 1 755 000 000. The members of the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking other than the Union shall make a total contribution of at least EUR 2 193 750 000 of which in kind contributions will be at least EUR 965 250 000.

The Commission may terminate, proportionally reduce or suspend the Union’s financial contribution to the JU or trigger the winding-up procedure if members other than the Union, including their constituent entities and affiliated entities, do not provide contributions.

The Regulation contains provisions that aim to ensure the protection of the financial interests of the Members.

The discharge for the implementation of the budget of the JU shall be given by the European Parliament, upon recommendation of the Council in accordance with the procedure provided for in the financial rules of the Clean Sky 2 JU.

Evaluation: by 30 June 2017 the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of independent experts, an interim evaluation of the JU. It shall send that report to the European Parliament and to the Council by 31 December 2017. The results of the interim evaluation shall be taken into account in the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020.

Clean Sky 2 JU’s mandate will end on 31 December 2024 and the JU will be wound up.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 27.06.2014.