NGO coalition for a sustainable use of the EU funds

www.coalition-on-eufunds.org

1. EU regulations

2. EU strategic guidelines

3. National programming

European Network of Environmental Authorities 12 September 2005, Brussels

Martin Konecny, EU Funds Project Coordinator, CEE Bankwatch Network / Friends of the Earth Europe

1) Regulations - EP Resolutions of 6 July:

For the General Regulation:

Maintain a strong partnership principle

Affirm protection and improvement of the environment throughout implementation

Strengthen the link to the SDS and ensure financing of urgent environmental needs (e.g. Natura 2000, WFD, Kyoto)

Prevent conflicts between infrastructure and environment (SEA and EIA)

Maintain the Community Performance Reserve to reward progress

1) Regulations - EP Resolutions of 6 July:

For ERDF and CF:

Enable investment in housing for energy efficiency

Enable investment in regional transport infrastructure from the Cohesion Fund (first pillar)

Maintain the proposed third pillar of the Cohesion Fund for sustainable energy and transport

further recommendations greening the ERDF

2) Community Strategic Guidelines

• adopted by the Commission on 6 July

• some improvements since the 1st draft (May)

• environmental integration insufficient: both horizontal (principles applying to all areas) and vertical (direct environmental investments)

• public consultation till 30 September

• then Parliament and Council

Placing Gothenburg and Lisbon agenda’s on an equal footing

Encourage complementarity and coherence between cohesion policy and rural development spending

Emphasising the role of Strategic Environmental Assessment in the preparation of operational programmes

Recommending that operational programmes should contribute to the objectives of the EU’s 6EAP

Recommending inclusion of environmental authorities and NGOs in the programming, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the operational programmes

Promoting the precautionary principle and the principle of preventive action; internalisation of external environmental costs

2) CSG - Horizontal integration:

Investment in public transport networks, energy efficiency, renewable energy, eco-innovation

Investment in environmental infrastructure in the Convergence regions, focusing on waste prevention, recycling, and biodegradation of waste

Ensuring attractive conditions for business and highly qualified staff by promoting land-use planning which reduces urban sprawl, and by rehabilitating the physical environment, including natural and cultural assets

Ensuring responsible management of natural resources by supporting the management of Natura 2000 sites

Ensuring responsible management of natural resources by promoting implementation of the Water Framework Directive

2) CSG - Vertical integration:

National NGO coalitions

monitoring EU funds in the new member states

BulgariaCoalition for structural funds and rural development (2007-2013) Contact person: Petko Kovatchevpetkok@bankwatch.org

Czech RepublicCenter for Community Organizing www.cpkp.czContact person (for NGOs): Roman Haken, roman.haken@cpkp.czContact person (for eNGOs): Zuzana Drhova, zuzana.drhova@ecn.cz

EstoniaCouncil of Environmental NGOswww.eko.org.eeContact person: Peep Mardistepepe@ut.ee

HungaryNational Society of Conservationistswww.mtvsz.hu/terfejlContact person: Teodora Dönszddori@zpok.hu

LithuaniaAtgaja CommunityContact person: Linas Vainiuslinas@atgaja.lt

PolandPolish Ecological NGOs Coalition for European Union FundsContact person: Marta Smigrowskamsmigrowska@zielonasiec.pl

SlovakiaIndependent NGO Monitoring CommitteeContact person: Juraj Zamkovskyzamkovsky@changenet.sk

3) Programming challenges: example of Poland

Draft National Development Plan 2007-13 (total €134 bn; EU contribution €81 bn)

• insufficient analysis of environmental situation and needs

• SEA published on 2 August, 20 days for public comments

• SEA does not meet requirements of both EU and national SEA law on both scope and procedure

• SEA prepared for outdated first draft of NDP

Poland: draft NDPCohesion Fund 2007-13 (€ 21bn)

Conclusion and next steps

1) Regulations

• promote EP recommendations in the Council/Member States

2) Strategic guidelines

• response to EC consultation

3) Programming

• NGO participation in programming WGs, commenting documents

• EC needs to seriously look at programming and SEA implementation