The European Parliament insists on more EU funding for environmental research – The European Parliament has recently hinted that any revenues generated from the Emission Trading Scheme (i.e. where companies buy or sell emission allowances) should be invested in environmental research. The EP pointed out that it is thanks to research that EU businesses operating in the renewable energies are global market leaders. It was also pointed out that if the EU is to reach the target set in the Spring 2007 European Council, that at least 20% of the total energy consumed in the EU should come from renewable energy sources, further investment and research is needed.
RD-3 Vaccine is the result of an EU funded project under FP5, that tried to tackle pandemic flu. Initial tests held in 2006 showed that the drug is safe and does not cause serious side effects. One should also note that recently the European Commission approved 11 out of 44 projects related to influenza research, where EUR27 million will be invested in projects selected in this area.
EU contest for young scientists – Three groups of young scientists aged between 14 and 20 years of age, were awarded EUR5,000 each as part of the EU contest for young scientists. The German winning team analysed why and how water droplets reflect light whilst falling; the 2nd classified team from Hungary analysed how plants defend themselves against pests by emitting scents. On the other hand, the project from the third classified team focused on data encryption.
EU funding for environment – The Directorate General at the European Commission responsible for the Environment provides funding through two main EU funded programmes. These are the Life+ and the Civil Protection Financial Instrument. The Civil Protection Financial Instrument, adopted on the 5th March 2007, aims to support and complement the efforts of Member States in any case of man-made and natural disasters. Although priority will be given to protection of human beings, this Instrument can also be used to safeguard property, cultural heritage, acts of terrorism and others. This Instrument will cover prevention, preparedness and response. This fund also aims to strengthen co-operation and communication between the Member States in the field of civil protection1. On the other hand, Life+ provides financial support for projects related to environmental and natural conservation projects, and wide flora and fauna. Life+ is the EU’s main financial instrument that supports the Community’s environmental policy.
An EP delegation visits China – A European Parliament delegation focusing on climate change, visited China between the 5th and 7th November. They noted that although China is ready to fight climate change, and is already working on cutting emissions, she is not yet ready to make up a quantitative commitment and maintains that the current Kyoto Protocol should be maintained. This was the first of a series of visits to non-EU countries made by the Climate Change Committee.
ECS in cars – The European Commission, besides promoting ‘greener’ cars, also seeks to make European roads safer. This is not only tackled by improving standards, but also by improving the cars’ reliability and stability. In fact, the Commission is pressing stakeholders to implement the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) in small and medium-sized cars. This means cars will have speed sensors and separate braking for each wheel, making the car more stable and controllable. The Commission is estimating that 4,000 lives can be saved and 100,000 crashes can be avoided following the implementation of the ESC.
Synergy between FP7 and structural funds – In September, the European Commission proposed a stronger link and a better management plan by bringing the Structural Funds, FP7 and CIP closer. Not only would such a move imply better use of Europe’s investment, but it would also promote a concerted effort for better results through research and innovation. Similarly CREST (Comitè de la recherché scientifique et technique) published a set of 14 recommendations to help EU’s regions better exploit the synergies between Structural Funds and FP7 in order to improve research and development.
Structural and cohesion funds and Malta – A number of Maltese organisations and entities have already benefitted from, or participated in EU-funded projects related to Science and the Environment. One should also point out that the Operational Programme I (2007-2013)2 – Investing in Competitiveness for a Better Quality of Life3 – highlights a total of 6 Priority Axis, which will be Malta’s main areas of concentration through the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund. At least three of these priorities have a direct relation to science, environment, and research.
“Safeguarding the Environment” is highlighted as one of this document’s Priority Axis and it will be financed by the Cohesion Fund with a total of EUR140,462,500.00 of Community funding for the period 2007-2013. Malta will be investing these funds in major environmental projects related to solid waste treatment, landfill rehabilitation and storm water treatment. The fourth Priority Axis of this document refers to the upgrading of services of general economic interest, with the main objectives being the reduction of airborne emissions, the promotion of energy efficient measures and better use of renewable energy sources. This will also be financed through the Cohesion Fund.
“Enhancing Knowledge and Innovation” is another Priority Axis under OPI, with the main areas of intervention being investment in RTDi and RTDi-related infrastructure and ICT. This priority is co-financed by the ERDF.
Joseph Lynn Micallef is Funding Support Officer at Forum Malta fl-Ewropa
1 For further information, one can consult the following link: – http://ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/prote/finance.htm.
2 The OP1 is a document presented by the Government of Malta setting out the framework of how Malta will make use of the funds under the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) and the Cohesion Fund during the 2007-2013 budgetary period.
3 A copy of the OP1 may be downloaded from www.doi. gov.mt