Detailed Background Document on Ssp Fourth Call for Proposals

DETAILED BACKGROUND DOCUMENT ON SSP FOURTH CALL FOR PROPOSALS

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.1 MODERNISATION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY, INCLUDING THEIR MULTIFUNCTIONAL ROLE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF RURAL AREAS...... 6 Task 1 - Trade and agricultural policies...... 6 Task 2 - Modelling tools for annual market projections...... 8 Task 3 - Foresight analysis for world agricultural markets (2020)...... 10 Task 4 - Mapping and foresight of the EU agricultural research capacity...... 12 Task 5 - Workshops and conferences on scientific support to policies: ...... 13 Task 6 - Crop specific concerted action – arable crops ...... 13 Task 7- Ex-ante and ex-post evaluation tool...... 14 Task 8 - New methods for calculating premia in the rural development measures...... 16 Task 9 - Analysis of employment effects of the CAP reform...... 18 Task 10 - Provision of research linkages and coordination...... 20 1.2 TOOLS AND ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY MANAGEMENT...... 21 Task 1 - Organic viticulture and wine processing...... 21 Task 2 - Non-food Policy Research...... 22 Task 3- Alternatives for tobacco growers...... 23 Task 4 - Biological Control Agents – Developing balanced systems for registration , including Macroorganisms, Microbial Biopesticides, Plant Extracts and Semiochemicals..24 Task 5 - Harmonise the strategies for fighting Diabrotica virgifera, ...... 25 Task 6 - Methyl Bromide – Co-ordination on Alternatives...... 26 Task 7 - Development of strategic planning elements in the EU Forestry Sector...... 27 1.3 MODERNISATION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF FISHERIES, INCLUDING AQUACULTURE-BASED PRODUCTION SYSTEMS...... 29 Task 1 - The dynamics of fishing capacity...... 29 Task 2 - Understanding the mechanisms of stock recovery ...... 31 Task 3 - Performance evaluation of fisheries management regimes ...... 32 Task 4 - Risk Analysis theory adapted to Fisheries Management...... 33 Task 5 - Coordination of fisheries research activities in West Africa...... 34 Task 6 - Operational management tools based on poor data availability ...... 35 Task 7 - Catch estimation models...... 36 Task 8 - Development of operational indicators of welfare in farmed fish...... 38 Task 9 - Identification of suitable source strains for disease and stress resistance for common carp...... 39 Task 10 - Genetic impact on native populations...... 40 Task 11 - Effects of anthropogenic factors upon exploited resources and their implication on fishery management...... 41 Task 12 - Reducing the impact of fisheries activities on benthic habitats:...... 43 Task 13 - Specific support Actions: ...... 44 1.4. NEW AND MORE ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY PRODUCTION METHODS TO IMPROVE ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE INCLUDING RESEARCH ON ANIMAL DISEASES SUCH AS FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE, SWINE FEVER AND DEVELOPMENT OF MARKER VACCINES...... 47 Task 1 - Avian influenza ...... 47 Task 2 - Swine influenza ...... 48 Task 3 - Epizootic diseases of livestock...... 49 Task - 4 Infectious diseases of livestock...... 50 1.5. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SOIL, WATER, AIR, NOISE, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES) ...... 52 Task 1 - Risks of pesticides use to surface and ground-water...... 52 Task 2 - Assessment of human health effects caused by bathing waters...... 54 Task 3 - Impact assessment of Community policies on biodiversity ...... 56 Task 4 - Use of equivalent resource scaling approaches in the context of biodiversity damage and other environmental damages that can not be fully remediated on site...... 58 2

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Task 5 - Development of (Q)SAR methodologies ...... 59 Task 6 - Common criteria and indicators for characterisation of soils...... 61 Task 7 - Assessment of the monetary values of environmental and resource costs for water services ...... 63 Task 8 - European analytical quality control scheme for water, sediment and soil analysis65 Task 9 - Assessment of interactions between environmental stressors and effects on human health...... 67 1.6. ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUPPORT OF POLICY DECISIONS, IN PARTICULAR CONCERNING EFFECTIVE BUT LOW-COST TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF FULFILLING ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION ...... 70 Task 1 - Comparison and assessment of funding schemes for the development of environmental technologies in the framework of ETAP:...... 70 Task 2 - Methodology for analysing the impact of environmental technologies on industrial competitiveness, trade and employment in the enlarged Union (EU-25)...... 72 2.1. HEALTH DETERMINANTS AND THE PROVISION OF HIGH QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND PENSION SYSTEMS (IN PARTICULAR IN THE CONTEXT OF AGEING AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE) ...... 74 2.2. PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES, INCLUDING EPIDEMIOLOGY CONTRIBUTING TO DISEASE PREVENTION AND RESPONSES TO EMERGING RARE AND COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, ALLERGIES, PROCEDURES FOR SECURE BLOOD AND ORGAN DONATIONS, NON-ANIMAL TEST METHODS...... 75 2.3. THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ON HEALTH (INCLUDING SAFETY AT WORK AND METHODS FOR RISK ASSESSMENT AND THE MITIGATION OF RISKS OF NATURAL DISASTERS TO PEOPLE)...... 76 Task 1 - Develop a coherent approach to human biomonitoring in Europe ...... 76 Task 2 - Promote co-ordination on environment and health exposure reduction initiatives at regional level ...... 77 Task 3 - Estimating the European disease burden related to environmental exposures ...... 79 2.4. QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES RELATING TO HANDICAPPED/DISABLED PEOPLE (INCLUDING EQUAL ACCESS FACILITIES) ...... 81 2.5. COMPARATIVE RESEARCH OF FACTORS UNDERLYING MIGRATION AND REFUGEE FLOWS, INCLUDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN BEINGS...... 82 Task 1 - Legal and illegal immigration towards the EU...... 82 Task 2 - Comparative examination of different immigration policies with regard to their impact in the integration of immigrants...... 83 Task 3 - Integration of Female Immigrants in their Host Societies ...... 84 Task 4 - Migration Policy and Neighbourhood Policy ...... 85 2.6. IMPROVED MEANS TO ANTICIPATE CRIME TRENDS AND CAUSES, AND TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CRIME PREVENTION POLICIES; ASSESSMENT OF NEW CHALLENGES RELATED TO ILLICIT DRUG USE...... 87 Task 1 – Measurement issues – development of methods and instruments necessary for obtaining comparable information on crime across 25 EU Member States ...... 87 Task 2 – Evaluation of existing and development of innovative crime and terrorism reduction strategies...... 88 Task 3. Review of existing data sources on synthetic drug and on cannabis use, analysis of the social factors affecting use and evaluation of the effectiveness of different preventive measures...... 89 2.7. ISSUES RELATED TO CIVIL PROTECTION (INCLUDING BIOSECURITY AND PROTECTION AGAINST RISKS ARISING FROM TERRORIST ATTACKS), AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT ...... 91

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Task 1- Long-term health and ecological implications (and side-effects) of prophylactic or curative mass treatment of populations with, for example, antibiotics, anti-virals, vaccines and other relevant chemical substances...... 91 Task 2- Exchanging best practices between laboratories. Risk containment...... 92 Task 3- Exchanging best practices between laboratories. Laboratory protocols and practices...... 93 Task 4- Strengthening the co-ordination of research in the field of the biology of pathogens posing a possible bioterrorist threat...... 94 Task 5- Strengthening the co-ordination of research in the field of the virulence factors of pathogens posing a possible bioterrorist threat...... 95 Task 6- Enhanced collaboration between the societal players in the field of biosecurity. ....96 Task 7- The Science-Security Dilemma (SSD) and its implications for research on or with possible spin-offs to bioterrorism...... 97 3.1. UNDERPINNING EUROPEAN INTEGRATION, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, COMPETITIVENESS AND TRADE POLICIES (INCLUDING IMPROVED MEANS TO ASSESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COHESION) ...... 99 3.2. THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOOLS, INDICATORS AND OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS FOR ASSESSING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT AND ENERGY SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE (ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL)...... 100 Task 1 -Quality of transport services and infrastructure in the framework of the common transport policy:...... 100 Task 2 - Sustainability indicators and policy targets for transport: ...... 101 Task 3 - European best practise regarding national and regional transport modelling:....102 Task 4 - Decision-aid methods and tools for policy-makers:...... 103 Task 5 - Evaluation of the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in electricity production by using the international Kyoto mechanisms...... 103 Task 6 - Identification of industrial RTD priorities in the field of electricity:...... 104 Task 7- International energy initiatives data development, validation and scientific monitoring: ...... 105 Task 8 - Scientific consensus building conference related to the national allowances in the framework of the European greenhouse gas Emission Trading Scheme ...... 106 Task 9 – Social, economic, legal and regulatory implications of implementing CO2 capture and storage technology in the EU and at the world level ...... 107 3.3. GLOBAL SECURITY ANALYSIS AND VALIDATION SYSTEMS FOR TRANSPORT AND RESEARCH RELATING TO ACCIDENT RISKS AND SAFETY IN MOBILITY SYSTEMS ...... 109 3.4. FORECASTING AND DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE POLICIES FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN THE MEDIUM AND LONG TERM ...... 113 Task 1- Modelling air and climate change policies and scenarios for the EU and the world (including South and South-East Asia): ...... 113 Task2: Development of a forecasting framework based on robust and scientifically sound scenarios to support the EU Sustainable Development Strategy : ...... 114 Task 3 : Provide local authorities and other urban stakeholders with access to good practice, knowledge, research results and training resources on urban environment issues: ...... 116 Task 4 : Development of a methodology to assess the overall sustainability of new and renovated buildings: with the objective to raise...... 118 Task 5 : Development of a set of guidelines and tools for signatories to the Aalborg+10 commitments agreed in June 2004: ...... 121 Task 6 : Development of macro and sectoral economic models aiming to evaluate the role of public health externalities on society :...... 123 Sectoral analysis of the impact of health measures taken at the level of industries and households. Sustainability and competitiveness aspects will have to be quantified in order to provide cost effectiveness and cost benefit analysis of the measures...... 123

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 3.5 INFORMATION SOCIETY ISSUES (SUCH AS MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION OF DIGITAL ASSETS, AND INCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION SOCIETY)...... 126 Task 1 - Benchmarking the development of the knowledge society in EU Regions...... 126 Task 2 - New collaborative working environments ...... 128 Task 3 - e-Inclusion and accessibility...... 129 3.6. THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ASSOCIATED CONSERVATION STRATEGIES...... 131 Task 1- Analyse and detect frauds or copies to verify the authenticity of cultural heritage materials through improvement and further development of non-destructive and analytical methods including the use of nanotechnologies and molecular biology...... 132 Task 2- Develop effective methods and tools for identification and traceability of movable cultural goods...... 132 Analysis of feasibility and acceptance of the techniques to identify specific movable cultural goods, in particular in case of thefts and applicable to public collections...... 132 Task 3- Prevent cultural heritage from damages due to climate change and pollution such as increased rainfalls and as well as floods, increased background environmental air pollution, including particles ...... 133 Task 4- Sustainable impact assessment of protection and conservation treatments and their reversibility / retreatability for movable cultural heritage assets ...... 133 Task 5- Consolidation and impact assessment of results achieved in EU research projects related to the movable & immovable cultural heritage in the context of a large European conference:...... 134 3.7. IMPROVED QUALITY, ACCESSIBILITY AND DISSEMINATION OF EUROPEAN STATISTICS ...... 135

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 DISCLAIMER: THE BUDGETARY INDICATIONS GIVEN BELOW FOR ALL TASKS ARE PURELY INDICATIVE. THEY DO NOT ENGAGE THE COMMISSION BY ANY MEANS, IN ITS FINAL SELECTION DECISION FOR FUNDING PROJECTS.

I. SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF EUROPE’S NATURAL RESOURCES

1.1 Modernisation and sustainability of agriculture and forestry, including their multifunctional role in order to ensure the sustainable development and promotion of rural areas

In supporting the goals of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) the EU, among other constructive efforts to this end, is preparing to adjust or refine its approach in a number of specific areas of trade and “Non Trade Concerns” (NTCs). Alternatives have to be explored and policy options developed concerning the approach to trade, as well as NTCs such as rural development, environment and geographical indications, aimed at improving understanding of the international dimension of these issues and reducing reticence to negotiations in these areas. In particular, given the acceleration of international trade and globalisation, together with the reform of EU agricultural policy, research is needed into issues surrounding major emerging trade partners (e.g. Mercosur, India, China) which are able to compete with the EU and other important traditional traders from the developed world (US, Australia, etc.). The potential for

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 smaller and more fragile countries in the developing world needs exploring, as well as the risks to which they could be exposed.

For instance, following an examination of the impact of liberalisation in agriculture in the context of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, recommendations were made implying reciprocal liberalisation, with a progressive opening of domestic markets in the partner countries, coupled with a strengthening of rural development actions and institutional and policy reforms.

Objectives Research should concentrate on a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the impact of different internal and external policies, including trade agreements (WTO, bi-regional, bilateral) on world markets and on socio-economic and development patterns, in particular in developing countries. The analysis should, notably, facilitate the comparison of the agricultural trade and trade policies of the EU and high income countries like the United States, Canada and Australia with those of the emerging Asian trading area (China, India, ASEAN Group).

The internal and external agricultural policies implemented by the EU should be analysed, with regard to liberalisation with the Asian trading area (China, India, ASEAN Group). The aim is to evaluate the potential impact that bi/multilateral trade agreements with these countries may have on the EU agricultural sector, on world markets and on the development patterns of the Asian countries themselves and on those of other developing countries. In addition, the research should take into consideration the potential impact of the internal and external agricultural policies of other high income countries (the United States, Canada, Australia etc) on the Asian trading area. A systematic quantitative and qualitative analysis should be carried out of the agriculture of the main Asian countries, their production potential and their cost/benefit positions vis-à-vis a liberalisation with the EU and other high income countries. The focus should be on the agricultural products for which these regions have a comparative production advantage or considerable production potential (e.g. cereals, oilseeds, beef, sugar, poultry meat, fruit and vegetables, as well as dairy products). In analysing the potential of these regions, consider economic variables like production costs (e.g. labour), product quality, capacity to provide services to retailers, and domestic/international price gaps, as well as structural elements (land availability, climate, etc). The analysis should take into account the impact of liberalisation on world markets, on the economy of rural areas, on the environment and on socio-economic and development patterns of the Asian countries themselves and on those of other developing countries (e.g. problems linked to the erosion of existing preferences granted by the EU and other high income countries, impact on current Asian intra- regional agricultural trade, etc).

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Carry out an in-depth assessment of the likely impact of liberalising trade with these countries on Community markets and budget, focussing on sensitive products and taking into consideration both medium and long-term perspectives. Expected output Assessment of the macroeconomic environment of the regions under examination. A comparison between agriculture in the EU and other high income countries and the Asian countries, with respect to the following elements: natural endowment (land, climate, water resources), farm structures, employment, farm capital and investment, rural infrastructure, transportation and marketing systems, key characteristics of the food processing sector, production and consumption levels and trends, yields and intermediate input use, and price levels. Commodity-specific analysis of the consequences of trade liberalisation as described in the previous section (impact on markets, budgets, etc). A general assessment of the potential impact of liberalisation, including on the environment, rural areas, social fabric, development patterns, etc. as outlined in the previous section. Type of instrument A specific targeted research project. Overall potential EC contribution: between 1.5 and 2 M €. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, public and private research institutes and government agencies as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines. Organisation of the work and duration Three-year research project, starting in 2005.

Task 2 - Modelling tools for annual market projections. Policy context and objectives The reduction of market support and protection, along with the introduction of the single farm payment, will enable the farming community to react to market signals instead of incentives from subsidies. These changes require solid models for internal (EU 25) and world market analysis, including research on marketing and the food chain. Building capacities and instruments for forecasting market developments will be essential for policy makers, as well as for the agri-food industry.

To develop modelling tools in order to provide solid economic analyses, to carry out annual market projections over a medium-term perspective and to simulate the impact of alternative policy scenarios on EU agricultural markets and sector income (and world markets when appropriate).

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 To develop individual country as well as EU state of the art modelling tools in combination with a network of experts and institutions in order to provide solid and reliable economic analyses, to carry out annual market projections over a medium- term perspective and to simulate the impact of alternative policy scenarios on EU agricultural markets and sector income (and world markets when appropriate).

The models should be developed with the help or by national experts from appropriate national research institutions, which are familiar with the specificities of the agricultural sectors of the individual countries in order to adapt model structure, parameter and assumptions as closely as possible to the reality in the individual countries.

The models as well as their results should undergo regular review processes on a national and on the EU level in order to establish reliable and realistic baseline scenarios. The review process should include modelling experts from academic and public institutions. Furthermore national as well as EU market experts and appropriate government agencies should be involved.

Modelling tools are needed to cover the individual old and new Member States, the present and future candidate countries including Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Croatia and the other individual Western Balkan countries, as well as countries from the Black Sea Region (including Russia) with regards to their specificities (transition economies, farm and production structure, subsistence sector, adaptation of food industries, price formation in an enlarged EU) for market and policy analysis.

This modelling tool should cover the main market variables (at least area, herd size, yield, production, human consumption and industrial demand, feed use, exports, imports, stocks and market prices) for the main varieties of cereals (incl. common wheat, barley, maize, durum wheat, rye, oats, triticale), rice, oilseeds (soybean, rape seed, sunflower seed, as well as their respective vegetable oils and meals), energy oilseeds, sugar, isoglucose, milk and milk products (butter, skimmed milk powder, cheese, whole milk powder, fresh dairy products, casein, drinking milk), eggs, meat (beef and veal, pork, poultry, sheep and goat), wine, cotton, tobacco, olive oil and fruit and vegetables (at least tomatoes, citrus fruits and apples).

The model should capture all relevant policy instruments (income support policies, market and trade policies) for the individual countries as well as for the EU. Apart from these standard features, the models need to include explicit land markets, in order to analyse land price developments as a response to decoupling, area payment systems and profitability of agriculture.

The models should simulate endogenous price formation in the individual countries as well as for the EU when integrated. Moreover, the model should be able to generate accession effects for an EU of various country compositions, for the individual countries simulated to join the EU under different policy scenarios and for the individual EU countries.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Expected outputs Development of a modelling tool including the database, a complete description of the model, a user manual, the basic assumptions and parameters, a policy status quo simulation (continuation of the current and/or already decided policy) and a limited number of policy simulations to be defined at a later stage. The modelling tool and the database should be made available for use and further development by Commission’s services. Type of instrument Specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 2.0 – 2.5 M €. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, public or private research institutes and government agencies as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines Organisation of the work and duration 24-or 36 month research project, starting in 2005, with the provision of the first reliable results after 18 months.

Task 3 - Foresight analysis for world agricultural markets (2020). Policy context and objectives Given the acceleration of international trade liberalisation, the globalisation process, technological change, urbanisation and the growing concern over public/common goods, a foresight analysis is needed to understand the consequences for the European production base and the future of European rural areas, in the light of the recent CAP reform. “Non trade” influencing factors should also be taken into account: environmental issues and related international agreements, technological developments, the evolution of consumer expectations etc.

Final objectives are: · To identify trends and factors likely to lead to changes, with the aim of analysing them and exploring the range of possible future developments for EU and world agriculture. · To explore and develop policy scenarios, taking into account both EU and world dimensions and looking at issues such as production systems, sustainability, environment, trade patterns, food safety and quality issues, with the aim of improving understanding of and sensitivity to these developments.

The foresight analysis should put forward scenarios, supported by either quantitative or qualitative analysis as well as extensive consultations (via questionnaires,

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 meetings, workshops etc), that take into account the major challenges and constraints faced by agriculture in the coming decades:

1. Trade and market measures and policies

Ø Trade liberalisation is at the core of the WTO agenda. The impact of trade liberalisation, through a reduction in the support granted to the farm sector, is of great significance for the evolution of world agricultural markets, where sustainability becomes a central issue. International competition provides a powerful incentive for countries to lift their economic performance by adopting cost-saving innovations or undertaking research and development to enhance the quality of their products. Ø The CAP reform process will encourage EU farmers to be more competitive and market orientated, better adapted to the new international environment and the EU’s obligations, and more responsive to society’s demands.

2. Non market policy factors liable to have a significant influence on the development of agriculture.

Ø Environmental issues and climate change. At EU and international level, environmental questions have become the subject of a growing number of conferences and treaties (EU strategy for sustainable development, Rio declaration, world conference on biodiversity, Kyoto protocol). Renewable energy may play a major role in this context. Ø Product safety and quality. A growing issue is product safety incidents, which could affect consumer confidence at world level and spread extremely quickly. Plant pests and animal diseases will become more and more difficult to control with the growth of international trade and may hamper the liberalisation process when triggering non tariff barriers to trade. On the other hand, an ever- growing number of agricultural products are marketed under official quality labels, or else accompanied by assurances of the product’s traceability, guaranteeing its safety and quality. Ø Pressure on natural resources and the food supply from a growing and richer world population. Agriculture is the activity that, more than any other, is most likely to be disrupted by climate change: water shortages, an increase in extreme weather conditions, changes in climate zones and seasons, a proliferation of pests and harmful organisms, changes to the agronomic quality of cultivable land. In this context world reserves of additional land that could be brought into agricultural production should be looked at. Ø Technological progress. Research and developments in genetics, biology, chemistry, communications etc can contribute to innovations in agricultural techniques and practices. The emergence of agricultural techniques that make farming more competitive and environmentally friendly is an undeniable element of sustainable development. In this context, and taking into account that many genetic resources are held by developing countries, intellectual property becomes a fundamental issue.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004

3. The role of stakeholders. Farmers, industries (upstream and downstream), marketing networks and distribution chains, researchers, public bodies (regulatory and training), civil society and consumers all play a key role in respect of factors that influence the development of world agriculture. Their various roles should be analysed. Expected output 1. Assessment of the main trends and of the influence of each element on the evolution of EU and world agricultural sectors (separate reports). 2. A general assessment of alternative policy scenarios, a sensitivity analysis of the trends identified and the potential impact of all these factors (final report) Type of instrument A specific targeted research project. Overall potential EC contribution: between € 1.5 and 2 M. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, public and private research institutes and government agencies, as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines, e.g. biologists, agronomists, zoologists, political scientists, economists. Organisation of the work and duration Three-year research project, starting in 2005.

Task 4 - Mapping and foresight of the EU agricultural research capacity. Policy Context and objectives This Specific Support Action should provide data on and an analysis of the European agricultural research capacity, involving expert panels. It should include information on the national organisation of agricultural research, an overall picture of developments in agricultural research and a foresight study of developments that would be desirable in agricultural research in Europe at regional and country level and in the coordination of that research at EU level, including reference to the aims of the Common Agricultural Policy. Expected outputs Reports describing the research capacity and perspectives for each EU member state and an analysis of common European grounds. The reports and the analysis should be validated by expert meetings. Type of instrument A specific support action. Indicative Commission contribution 0.3 – 0.5 Million € Nature of the partnership

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The partnership should be based on a multidisciplinary team. Organisation and duration of the work An 18 – 24 month specific support action, starting in 2005.

Task 5 - Workshops and conferences on scientific support to policies: Policy Context and objectives The aim of the task is to organise workshops / conferences gathering scientists, policy makers, producers, consumers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss achievements as well as future needs related to scientific support to agricultural policies in Europe. Type of instrument Specific Support Action Indicative EC contribution: up to 0.4 M €. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, research institutes and government agencies as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines. Organisation of the work and duration Starting in 2005 up to 2006.

Task 6 - Crop specific concerted action – arable crops Policy Context and objectives The removal of the link between subsidy and production will allow the EU farmers to be more competitive and more market-orientated in their activities. This opens the way to diversification and the introduction of more competitive crops. Research is needed to reinforce the competitiveness of crops now cultivated, as well as for the development and promotion of alternative crops. The work should be completed by developing cost analysis tools. In order to increase competitiveness research networks are essential to analyse weak points of the European research base and address new research issues. To identify critical research issues for increasing competitiveness. The concerted action or specific support action should address arable crops like cereals, oilseeds, fibre crops, sugar beet and maize. It should include scientists and users of research (from the consumer to the farmer) and identify research bottlenecks for increasing competitiveness. Type of instrument Concerted Action or Specific Support Action Indicative EC contribution 0.4 – 0.6 M €. 13

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, research institutes and government agencies as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines. Organisation of the work and duration 24 or 36 months, starting in 2005.

Task 7- Ex-ante and ex-post evaluation tool Policy context The reduction of direct payments (« modulation ») to large holdings in order to finance the new rural development policy will lead farmers to look for ever more efficient techniques to enhance their competitiveness. It will also allow investment in innovation strategies for rural areas. Research support is needed for ex-ante and ex- post analysis to allow for a close targeting of the policy instruments. Agricultural policy, in particular the “second pillar” of rural development policies, is increasingly in need of research input devoted to ex-ante and ex-post policy analysis in order to optimise its impact. Against this background the development of a multiple frequency ex-ante and ex-post regional economic and agricultural policy evaluation tool would be a valuable input. An innovative quantitative policy evaluation tool should be developed, preferably taking into account the following desiderata, based on practical experience. The tool can be used for both high and low frequency analysis. It can be calibrated in a flexible way in a short time on the basis of indicators and variables that can be made available easily. It can be operated at a low regional level. It can be used throughout the European Union. It can show both structure and short time dynamics. It has the possibility of optimising objective functions over a time span to be chosen. Due to the Gothenburg Council requirements agricultural policy, in particular the “second pillar” of rural development policies, is increasingly in need of specialised research input devoted to systematic ex-ante and ex-post policy analysis in order to optimise and compare its total impacts. This research input should result in tackling some of the present weaknesses related to non systematic, ad hoc approaches. Five major shortcomings of these non-systematic approaches are: 1. Evaluation data and indicators are largely ad hoc, depending on their availability and the scope of the evaluation. Therefore there is a danger of occurrence of ‘Goodhart’s law’ from social sciences. The latter means that when data and indicators are largely chosen ad hoc and are strongly related to the evaluation design from the very beginning these data and indicators tend to lose a major part of their information value for making an evaluation. 2. Individual evaluation designs often include a substantial quantitative dimension to cross check qualitative results but due to a lack of available systematic tools the quantitative dimension is in practice often only partly realised.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 3. A non-systematic approach can by definition not offer possibilities of comparing results of different evaluation studies. 4. Only a systematic approach can open a window for combining in an adequate way results of different geographical levels. A non-systematic approach will produce a coat of many local colours that are difficult to add up. 5. Only a systematic approach can open a window for bringing into the analysis the time dimension in an adequate way e.g. by discounting results given a certain time preference. This makes it possible to compare systematically policy measures that produce impacts at different points in time. Against this background the development of a systematic ex-ante and ex-post regional social-economic and agricultural policy evaluation tool would be a valuable policy input. The systematic evaluation tool framework has to be developed on the basis of policy requirements by methodological co-ordination and harmonisation of existing building blocks. Task objectives The task objective is the development of a framework of systematic tools to evaluate the CAP. An innovative quantitative policy evaluation tool should be developed, preferably taking into account the following desiderata, based on practical experience. The tool can be used for both high and low frequency analysis. It can be calibrated in a flexible way in a short time on the basis of indicators and variables that can be made available easily. It can be operated at a low regional level. It can be used throughout the European Union. It can show both structure and short time dynamics. It has the possibility of optimising objective functions over a time span to be chosen and with the possibility of discounting for time preference. Expected output Applicable generalised quantitative model framework for the ex-ante and ex-post evaluation of CAP measures, in particular rural development policies, from the perspective of sustainability. A clear description of the methodology and building blocks that have been co-ordinated or harmonised. Type of instrument Specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 1.0 - 1.5 M €. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, public or private research institutes and government agencies as appropriate. The partnership should furthermore include organisations or associations that are specialised in evaluation in a national, European or international context. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines: evaluation, social sciences, economics, and environmental analysis. Organisation of the work and duration Three-year research project, starting in 2005.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Task 8 - New methods for calculating premia in the rural development measures. Problem description The current set of rural development measure composes a huge range of annual payments to compensate beneficiaries for higher production cost and income losses resulting from natural and other handicaps, from compulsory management restrictions or from voluntary commitments to apply certain production methods going beyond good farming or animal husbandry practices. Among these payments figure e.g. compensatory allowances in less favoured areas, agri-environment or animal welfare payments, payments under the new meeting standards measure, or compensation for maintenance cost and income losses under the measure afforestation of agricultural land. The EAGGF planned expenditure for such payments amount to about 50% of the total for the period 2000-2006. The calculation of the levels of payment under these measures is based on typical and generalised assumptions for cost and income elements. However, the degree of details of these assumptions and calculations, as well as the degree of consideration of regional and local specific situations and conditions, varies among the type of payments. This may lead, in individual situations, to over- or under-compensation. In the current programming period agri-environment and animal welfare premia may include, under justified circumstances, an incentive element normally up to 20 % of the calculated income foregone/cost incurred. For the next programming period the concept of transaction cost is proposed. Decoupling and Cross Compliance, introduced with the 2003 CAP reform, will have an impact on calculations, particularly for agri-environment and animal welfare premia. In addition, the methods for calculation vary among Member States and regions. Thus it is not excluded that e.g. for the same commitment different aid levels are fixed in different Member States. The Commission proposals for rural development 2007- 2013 [COM(2004)490 final] include the continuation of these measures, with some adaptations. The design of the Rural Development programmes 2007-2013 is foreseen essentially for mid 2005 until end 2006. These programmes will include parts or all of the new measures that include payments calculated on a standard cost basis. Task objectives The objectives of this research will be threefold. 1. To carry out an initial brief comparative analysis (representative cross study) of the methods applied by the Member States and their regions for calculating the various aids for their current rural development programmes, grouped by measure (i.e. compensatory allowances, article 16, agri-environment etc.) This stocktaking exercise should include data sources used, assumptions for production techniques, economic calculation applied, or level of aid determined compared to the result of the calculation. However, it should not evaluate the measures as such. This initial analysis should be done in the shortest time possible.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 2. To elaborate and recommend methodological grids that are based on objective and quantifiable criteria. They should be applicable EU-wide and differentiated by the nature of the measure. These grids should include and take into account - natural and agronomic assumptions, - the different production techniques (crops, animal species) also on regional/local level, - comparable data sources, - the different baselines (cross compliance, specific additional minimum requirements under agri-environment, national forestry minimum management requirements). The issue of transaction costs should be properly covered for agri-environment and animal welfare, where they are likely to become important in future. The study should analyse what sort of costs might be included and why. For measures like agri/forest-environment or Natura 2000 payments the application of standard costs may have limits of its own, depending on the type of commitment/obligation. The study should, on the basis of representative examples, identify such limits. The grids should enable taking into account specificities related to site conditions and the economic structure of agriculture in the various regions. It should be efficient and applicable for the authorities in charge of the design and implementation of the rural development plans. Its application should lead to transparent, verifiable and quantifiable calculations. 3. To elaborate, based on the methodological grid, appropriate software tools for applying this grid in the individual measures and cases and recommendations for the assessment of payment calculations. Expected outputs 1. An exhaustive and systematic summary overview and analysis of the currently applied calculation methods for payments under the different measures (e.g. compensatory allowances, afforestation) and within the measures (e.g. agri- environment, extensification of grassland, crop rotation measures, maintenance of biotopes). 2. Methodological grids for all standard cost-based calculations of payments in the framework of the proposal COM(2004)490 final (and taking into account the proposal as finally adopted). These grids should cover all relevant measures and be applicable EU-wide. They should enable specific local and regional conditions and production patterns to be taken into consideration, to enable the determination of differentiated payment levels that avoid over- and under-estimation of cost incurred and/or income foregone, in line with the requirements as proposed under COM(2004)490 final (and taking into account the proposal as finally adopted). 3. These grids should be made operational by appropriate computer tools which can be used by programme managing authorities, the Commission services and

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 other parties involved in rural development programmes. This should entail representative samples of calculation with detailed explanations and practical recommendations for the assessment calculations to be made available as guide for the users of the computer tools. Type of instrument Specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 0.5 – 1.0 M €. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, public or private research institutes and government agencies as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines and of all EU Member States. Organisation of the work and duration 24 month research project, starting in 2005 and providing the first analysis 12 months after the starting date.

Task 9 - Analysis of employment effects of the CAP reform Problem description On 26 June 2003, EU farm ministers adopted a fundamental reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The reform will completely change the way the EU supports its farm sector. In future, the vast majority of subsidies will be paid independently from the volume of production. To avoid abandonment of production, Member States may choose to maintain a limited link between subsidy and production under well defined conditions and within clear limits. Severing the link between subsidies and production will make EU farmers more competitive and market orientated, while providing the necessary income stability. More money will be available to farmers for rural development measures like agri-environment, food quality or animal welfare programmes via the transfer of funds from the first to the second pillar of the CAP by reducing direct payments for bigger farms (modulation). The single farm payment will enter into force in 2005. If a Member State needs a transitional period due to its specific agricultural conditions, it may apply the single farm payment from 2007 at the latest. One of the criticisms of this reform was the impact it could have on employment in rural areas caused by removing the link between production (and therefore employment in agriculture) and direct payments. Soon after the CAP reform deal, the Agriculture Council of Ministers in July 2003 approved a series of conclusions asking the Commission to analyse the employment effects of CAP reform in rural areas. In these conclusions, the Council states that “the partial switch from product to producer support under the revised CAP makes it necessary to rethink, in a fresh light, policy to support activities connected with the maintenance and protection of rural areas; there is a need here to support agricultural employment but also to step up measures designed to open up new employment

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 opportunities alongside farming” and asks “to carry out an in-depth assessment, inter alia for the purposes of submitting a report, of employment prospects in rural areas further to reform of the common agricultural policy and the Union's enlargement process, with particular reference to youth employment and the employment of women”. Creation and maintenance of employment in agriculture and in rural areas is also one objective of the EU rural development policy, which has become the second pillar of the CAP. A new proposal for this policy during the period 2007-2013 has been presented recently (COM 2004 490 final) with a menu of measures grouped around three axes: competitiveness of agriculture, land management and environment, and wider rural development (diversification of the rural economy and improvement of the quality of life in rural areas). The design of the Rural Development Programmes 2007-2013 is foreseen for mid 2005 until end 2006. Task objectives: The objective of this research will be three-fold: - To analyse the extent to which CAP reform can have an impact on employment in rural areas of the EU. - Analyse the rural development measures (as included in Regulation 1257/99, modified by Regulation 1783/03) identifying those measures that are most employment efficient - To provide recommendations on how the CAP (first and second pillar) can support agricultural employment and open up new employment opportunities in rural areas. Expected outputs - A summary overview and analysis of the current implementation of CAP reform in the different Member States and its possible impact on employment in rural areas. - Develop methods to measure the employment effects of CAP reform and use the best method on a number of case studies from a sample of Member States / regions representing different employment situations and different CAP reform implementation. (These case studies should not overlap with a study commissioned by DG Agriculture on the wider theme of employment in rural areas that also deals briefly with the effects of CAP reform on employment but without factual information, as the study is expected to be undertaken in 2005 in the very early stages of CAP reform implementation). - Analysis of the rural development measures (as included in Regulation 1257/99, modified by Regulation 1783/2003) from the point of view of employment creation. - Recommendations to policy makers on how to support agricultural employment, taking into account CAP reform, and open up new employment opportunities alongside farming. These recommendations should take into account the proposed 2007-2013 EU rural development policy and should feed into the design and implementation of the rural development programmes of Member States and regions. Type of instrument Specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 0.5 – 1.5 M €.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, public or private research institutes and government agencies as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines. Organisation of the work and duration Two-year research project starting in 2005 and providing the first analysis 12 months after the starting date.

Task 10 - Provision of research linkages and coordination. Objectives Specific Support Action to provide linkage of research to agricultural practitioners and rural development players, and stepped-up coordination of research activities between the EU, the Member States and regional research institutions. Type of instrument Specific support action. Indicative EC contribution: 0.3 - 0.5 M €. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, public or private research institutes and government agencies as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines. Organisation of the work and duration Two to three years, starting from 2005.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 1.2 Tools and assessment methods for sustainable agriculture and forestry management

For tasks under 1.1 and 1.2 the contact person is Mr Lutzeyer (+32.2.2962186 – Hans- [email protected]). The contact person in DG Agriculture, for policy aspects related to these topics is Mr Bokias (+32.2.2962023 – [email protected]). Task 1 - Organic viticulture and wine processing. Policy context and objectives EU Regulation 2092/91 on Organic Agriculture defines the rules for the production of plants including grapes and viticulture. However Annex 6 excludes wine, that means that the labelling of “organic wine” is not possible. This situation might create competitive disadvantages compared with “organic wines” coming from non- European countries, where the Codex Alimentarius Guidelines for organic food and worldwide private standards allow such a labelling. Besides the need to harmonise labelling rules there are different view points about the processing of wine, in particular the restricted use of sulphites. Approaches to reduce the amount of sulphites in wine processing, while maintaining the high quality of the wines, are of high consumer relevance. Recent research has shown interesting differences in the human health related composition of wine coming from low input viticulture with regard to secondary plant metabolites. These might be interesting from a consumer as well as a producer point of view. Furthermore there is little experience concerning the recognition and quality expectations of consumers regarding wine from organic production. The following objectives would be relevant: To explore the links between different soil management and specific quality parameters of wine and table grapes To reduce the use of sulphites in wine processing from organic viticulture To study the impact of organic viticulture on the environment and in particular on biodiversity and soil fertility To analyse the whole food chain to identify bottlenecks for further development. Guidance and criteria for EU regulation 2092/91, in particular the labelling provisions and Annex 6 on additives and processing aids. Criteria for EU, national and negional policy support of organic viticulture development. Task objective Further integrated development of organic viticulture systems and wine and processing techniques through identification of agronomic bottlenecks and potentials through research and development activities. Better understanding of the buying

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 motives and quality expectations of consumers in particular to health aspects and new more resistant varieties. Support for the further development of regulation 2092/91. Expected output Consumer studies, feasible proposals for improved management practises and choice of more disease resistant varieties with regard to health related quality parameters in wine and table grapes in different climatic areas; strategies to reduce sulphites in wine processing; proposals for Annex 6 of the Regulation 2091/92; studies about impact of organic viticulture on the environment (in particular biodiversity), policy recommendations, proposals for labelling and communication strategies Type of instrument Specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 1-1.5 M €. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include public or private research institutes, government agencies, organic sector associations and professional viticulture unions. Essential stakeholder should be involved. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary approach. Representatives from DG AGRI and from different Member States with important organic viticulture production should be involved. Organisation of the work and duration The work will consider all important EU wine-producing areas and product typology. It will last 3 years starting in 2005.

Task 2 - Non-food Policy Research Policy context and objectives Non-food research and demonstration in all its different forms has been a prominent feature of the first five framework programmes. This has resulted in a large amount of technical data, infrastructure and expertise. As a knowledge based bio-economy becomes more feasible through such technical advances, geopolitical and environmental concerns become more important, as does the refor of the Common Agrilculture Policy. The time has come to fully exploit the opportunities, examine possible markets and to realise the full potential of our renewable resources as sustainable raw materials of economic growth. For example, biotechnology can supply industrial products of high quality, purity, and functionality, but a leading constraint is the cost of the feedstock. Under the reform of the EU sugar regime access to feedstocks at globally competitive prices could become more feasible as marketing conditions are reviewed. . Research is still needed to clearly demonstrate these green and white biotechnology applications. A more flexible set-aside scheme and decoupling of the link between subsidies and production will allow producers to respond better to different market signals. A strong market signal thatthat could arise is an increasing demand for renewable energy and 22

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 non-food crops as industrial feedstocks. Research is needed to overcome scientific and technical barriers to progress and to help identify policies that could actively stimulate markets for non-food crops under the reform process. Along with identifying the policy scenarios, the dissemination of results within this sector is essential to success. A one stop entry point such as the BIOMATNET model for research results and regulatory data and information on an EU national and global level is necessary for both data mining and as a forum for future development and progress. Expected output The action should help identify flag-ship or ice-breaker projects thatthat develop products with tangible consumer/societal benefits. Address the expectations of public and politicians; increase awareness and understanding; apply science-society communication, particularly with the media. Describe the regulatory framework and ways to increase and improve science- regulatory interactions Address technical and commercial feasibility in the light of multi-disciplinarity, intellectual property, life cycle analysis, communications, training, and investment. Type of instrument Specific support action. Indicative EC contribution: 1.0 - 1.5 M €. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, public or private research institutes, SMEs and government agencies as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with other regions of the world, particularly the U.S. and Russia. Organisation of the work and duration Two to three years, starting from 2005.

Task 3- Alternatives for tobacco growers. Policy context, objectives and expected output The CAP reform of the tobacco sector aims at the future phasing out of tobacco growing. However, in a transition period, a decoupled aid is provided for under the Single Farm Payments Scheme. Tobacco is produced in several southern European states, with production falling into one of two groups, the large farm system and the family farm system, where the family is often also employed in the downstream processing of tobacco. In this latter case the impact of decoupling could be considerable, especially at the sustainable rural economy/employment level. To obviate this impact, sustainable alternatives, which would provide employment as well as income, need to be developed. This Concerted Action or Specific Support

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Action should bring researchers and users of research results together to identify and characterise the alternatives that could be undertaken in the ‘difficult’ tobacco producing areas and prioritise those opportunities most suitable for the regions concerned.

Type of instrument Specific support action. Indicative EC contribution: 0.2 - 0.4 M €.

Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of universities, public or private research institutes and government agencies as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines.

Organisation of the work and duration Starting in 2005 up to 2006.

Task 4 - Biological Control Agents – Developing balanced systems for registration , including Macroorganisms, Microbial Biopesticides, Plant Extracts and Semiochemicals Policy context Despite considerable research efforts on biological and natural control agents (macroorganisms, microbial plant protection products, botanicals and semiochemicals), the number of such products on the market in Europe is currently still relatively low. Due to their nature and specificity of action as well as and dependence on environmental factors these agents and substances generally called biopesticides should not be treated as the synthetic chemicals and therefore they require a different approach for registration purposes. Recently, specific data requirements for micro-organisms as plant protection products have been developed (Commission Directive 2001/36/EC) and Uniform Principles for the evaluation of micro-organisms as plant protection products have been proposed by the Commission (COM(2003)814 final). OECD guidelines have been developed for evaluating semiochemicals and Invertebrate Biocontrol Agents. Methodology for the evaluation of plant extracts is under discussion. The use of biopesticides can bear some potential risk to the natural environment and to human health. The current regulation for biopesticides is developed from rules and regulations for chemical pesticides. It is questionable though whether the current regulatory level is in balance with the potential risks of such products. The responsible use of biological control methods requires that Europe takes a scientific approach to the registration of such products. Objectives

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The aim of this project is to review the current legislation and, based on specific research, to design a proposal for appropriate and balanced regulatory testing of new biopesticides, while at the same time maintaining the level of risk management. In particular specific tests are required that need to be validated on risk assessment for operators and the environment Expected outputs Balanced regulation could lead to better access to biopesticides for growers and farmers and therefore to further reduction of the usage of chemical pesticides. The results could serve as a scientific basis for reviewing the current regulations for biopesticides. The project has strong relevance to SMEs as the end-users.

Type of instrument Specific support action. Indicative EC contribution: 0.7 - 1.0 M €.

Organisation of the work and duration Two to three years, starting from 2005.

Task 5 - Harmonise the strategies for fighting Diabrotica virgifera, Policy context, objectives and expected output Diabrotica virgifera could constitute a serious threat for maize production in Europe. Declared a quarantine organism by the European Commission it involves great risk of economic loss, increased dependence on insecticides and difficulties finding a plant which could replace maize in the rotation cycle. It seems essential to harmonise strategies to combat the beetle between countries. A Community-scale action and research plan should be elaborated now in order to explore to the optimum the biology and actual cause of development of the organism and all the means of integrated action, which must remain realistic and economically bearable by the farmers, official channels and regions concerned (culture techniques combined or not with plant health treatments, use of varietal resistance).

Type of instrument Specific support action. Indicative EC contribution: 1.0 - 1.2 M €.

Organisation of the work and duration 25

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Two to three years, starting from 2005.

Task 6 - Methyl Bromide – Co-ordination on Alternatives Policy context and objectives Methyl bromide is a significant ozone depleting substance. It was added to the Montreal Protocol in 1992, and is the subject of Regulations EC2037/00 and EC3093/94. Regulations EC3093/94 and EC2037/00 required reductions in methyl bromide consumption, a cap on the amount of methyl bromide that can be used for quarantine and pre-shipment (QPS), minimum qualification requirements for fumigators, and a ban on the sale of methyl bromide in disposable cans. Methyl bromide consumption is scheduled to be phased out in the EC on 1 January 2005 for the vast majority of its uses. Many Member States have negligible or no further consumption of methyl bromide. A survey of methyl bromide uses and alternatives in the EC showed that in general alternatives were available but not yet in widespread use. This led to the general conclusion that a much greater effort was needed in technology transfer and awareness raising of alternatives to methyl bromide with some continued effort on research and registration of existing chemicals for new uses. (For further information see http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ozone/conference/ozone_depletion_overview. pdf) The project will set up and implement a coordination framework. This should cover ongoing research and development work on alternatives to Methyl bromide - (1) for soil sterilisation in horticulture; (2) for insect pest control in food processing facilities and structures. It should also cover ongoing and recently finished work on the dissemination and transfer of good practices and research results in the above areas. The aim should be to to cover all relevant work at national level, including the experiences of Member States that no longer use methyl bromide. The overall task is to improve the delivery of alternatives via the networking and coordination of the above activities. The first specific objective is to define (identify, classify) the reasons that currently impede the adoption of alternatives to methyl bromide in; soil sterilisation in horticulture; and in insect pest control in food processing facilities and structures. The second objective is to define means by which the identified bottlenecks can be overcome. The third objective is to implement those means i.e. to transfer the results into practice. The action may undertake various joint or common initiatives such as; setting up common information systems; identification, exchange and dissemination of good practices. Modes of action may include workshops, meetings, expert groups, and targetted studies.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Expected outputs European horticulturalists will able to overcome problems which currently require soil sterilisation using methyl bromide. European food and food-ingredient processors will be able to control insect pests without using methyl bromide. Type of instrument Specific Support Action. Indicative EC contribution: 0.2 – 0.4 M € Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of implementing and technology transfer agencies as well as researchers in universities, research institutes, government agencies and private sector as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines. Organisation of the work and duration Three-year specific support action, starting in 2005.

Task 7 - Development of strategic planning elements in the EU Forestry Sector Policy context and objectives Research into the various aspects of the forestry-wood chain has been extensively funded throughout the past decade and proof of concept has been achieved in many valuable procedures, processes and technologies. However, there remains a need to develop specific, strategic elements to support sectorial planning in the EU bio-based sector Forestry (including forest resources, woodworking industries and pulp, paper and board sub-sectors). The objective is to provide scientific support for the further development of elements for strategic sectorial planning through the 21st century related to the EU forestry sector in the context of the sustainable bio-based economy and global competitiveness. This should be facilitated by optimising links between existing and new bodies and involve all relevant parts of the sector, keeping in mind the asymmetrical structure of this bio-based sector. Thus, stakeholder involvement should include SMEs, as well as other relevant interested and concerned parties. Strategic elements need to be developed for, inter alia: - market analysis, including substitution analysis between competing forest products and with other, renewable and non-renewable materials, with a view to developing market-based business, research, educational, institutional, financial and other requirements in support of a bio-based economy; - institutional frameworks (especially for national and EU-level co-operation between industry, government, academia, etc.); - education, training and skills (within the forestry sector and allied activities);

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 - information and knowledge building, gathering and dissemination (especially from R&D), - financial engineering in support of the activities in the sector. Expected outputs Strategic elements which would help support any necessary changes in the diversification of forest and timber products, which would open new market outlets for resource owners and related industries and which would contribute towards European environmental sustainability and industrial competitiveness. Reference should be made to current diversification and set-aside regimes, the European global change initiative and other policies of relevance to the sector. Type of instruments Specific Support Action. Indicative EC contribution: between 0.5-0.8 Mio €. Nature of the partnership The partnership should include a combination of representative bodies, e.g. of industry, academia or other relevant bodies. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines. Organisation of the work and duration Three-year specific support action, starting in 2005.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 1.3 Modernisation and sustainability of fisheries, including aquaculture- based production systems

For tasks under this topic, the contact person is Mr. Lopes dos Santos (+32.2.2995721 – [email protected]).

Task 1 - The dynamics of fishing capacity Policy context and objectives The aim of the Common fisheries policy reform is to match the capacity of the European fleet to the resource availability. Since owners of fishing capacity have an economic incentive to find ways to employ it, fishing capacity is a major determinant of fishing effort and fishing mortality. Thus, excessive fishing capacity is a major cause of a continuing overexploitation of fish. The fact that fishing capital is generally long-lived makes the problem of overcapacity particularly persistent and difficult to deal with. A progressive reduction of the fleet’s capacity has taken place and further reductions are planned. To control fishing capacity, however, it is obviously necessary to understand the process of fishing capacity evolution. While fishing capacity is a major determinant of fishing effort, the relationship between fishing capacity and fishing effort has not been fully investigated, nor has the relationship between fishing effort and fishing mortality. The scientific basis for the relationships needs to be further developed to give support to policymakers and enable them to administer fishing capacity and fishing effort in a highly concerted manner in future policy actions. This project has two main objectives: 1) To understand the dynamic process of fishing capacity. 2) To quantify the relationships between fishing capacity, fishing effort and fishing mortality in order to ensure coherence between effort restrictions, fleet policy and stock management measures. This requires, among other things: · identification of the main variables determining investment and disinvestment in fishing capacity, · estimation of the role of technological progress in the accumulation of fishing capacity, · examination of the impact of institutional and management factors on investment and disinvestment, · evaluation of the effectiveness of different instruments to manage fishing capacity, · exploration of different ways of measuring fishing effort taken into account e.g. the effect of area and season,

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 · description of change in catchability as a function of technological development, fishing practices and tactics, biological parameters, and random noise, · analysis of the suitability of potential measures of overall impact on the stock (e.g. mortality rates, survival rates) achieved through fishing effort restrictions, · development of computer software for practical application of the results. The work should be supported by case studies from European fisheries.

Expected outputs · An analysis of the dynamics of fishing capacity as a function of its determining factors, · A description of the impact of various pertinent management regimes and institutional factors on the dynamics of fishing capacity. A particular focus of this report would be identifying measures to achieve a given capacity reduction at the minimum cost, · Quantitative description of the relationships between fleet capacity, fishing effort and fishing mortality, taking into account the uncertainties (parametric and structural), · Models and analyses of the role of economic factors in the evolution of fishing effort and tools to assess the status of these factors for fleets subject to effort regulations, · Tools to anticipate fleet dynamics according to changes in resource characteristics or in costs of inputs or outputs, · A wider range of well documented choices for effective fishing effort management schemes, · User-friendly and available computer software, · Published scientific papers on the topic.

Type of instrument A specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 1.5 M€.

Nature of the partnership The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team. Inclusion of government agencies and fishery organisations should be considered.

Organisation and duration of the work A three-year specific targeted research project, starting in 2005. The research proposal should cover at least Atlantic demersal and Mediterranean fisheries.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Task 2 - Understanding the mechanisms of stock recovery Policy context and objectives Some fish stocks in European waters have been severely depleted and are subject to recovery plans, for some stocks recovery plans are being discussed, and others are exploited at unsustainable rates and are thus future candidates for rebuilding. Many fish stocks around the world are depleted, but few have recovered. Thus, practical experience with stock recovery is limited, although there are notable exceptions, e.g. the Atlanto-Scandian spring spawning herring. There is evidence of changes in the biological characteristics when stocks have been severely depleted, which in part may be due to changes in the genetic composition. Furthermore, stock decline may have been accompanied by changes in the environment and stock depletion in itself represents a change in the ecosystem. Changed conditions and the limited experience with rebuilding stocks, makes it very difficult to forecast the trajectory of stock recovery. There are a number of factors that can have implications for stock recovery and which may have changed during the stock decline. The list below is not complete and just indicative of factors to look at: · Temperature · Growth · Pollution · Mortality · Habitat · Fecundity · Production · Spawning success · Prey abundance · Distribution · Predator abundance · Migratory pattern · Species competition · Genetic composition

The factors are not independent of each other. Growth and fecundity, e.g., may be affected directly through the fishing pressure (changed size composition, depensatory and density dependent mechanisms), through changes in the genetic composition, which also may be fishery induced, by environmental factors like temperature and production, etc. The objective is to identify changes that have taken place, and to evaluate what the implications are for the stock recovery, taking into account the life history traits of the stock. To achieve this all available and relevant data must be used. Realistic strategies for achieving recovery should be outlined, taking into account all aspects that may be important for recovery, i.e., in addition to biological and environmental factors, technical and socio-economic issues should be addressed. If recovery plans already exists and the project’s findings cast severe doubt on the realism of achieving the goals, alternative strategies may be outlined. The project should be based on relevant case studies, which are not limited to stocks where recovery plans have already been implemented. In addition, information on stock recovery available from other cases should be compiled and evaluated to see if

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 there are some general aspects to the process. This should include an investigation of the possibility of identifying degrees of depletion where the potential for recovery may be critically low and possibly irreversible.

Expected outputs For each case study : · Evaluation of the potential for recovery, · Identification of unforeseen problems relating to existing recovery plans, · If relevant, an outline of recovery strategies. A general discussion on the mechanisms of stock recovery and the features of effective recovery plans.

Type of instrument

A specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 2.5 M€. Nature of the partnership

The partnership should be based on a multidiciplinary team. Organisation and duration of the work

A three-year specific targeted research project, starting in 2005.

Task 3 - Performance evaluation of fisheries management regimes Policy context and objectives

Fisheries operate within a regulatory framework, which is generally referred to as the fisheries management regime. For any given set of biological and economic conditions, the fisheries management regime is the primary determinant of the biological and economic outcomes of the fishery. Fisheries management regimes consist of a fisheries management system and an associated system of enforcement. To a very large extent, the choice of a fisheries management system determines the nature of the associated enforcement system. There are many possible fisheries management systems, bu only some of these systems have been implemented in actual fisheries. Moreover, new systems and variants of older ones are still being developed. These fisheries management systems differ with respect to the fishery outcomes they generate including economic efficiency, robustness with respect to variable conditions, and the cost of implementation and operation. Since these aspects are of great economic and social consequence, it is crucial for sensible management of fisheries to understand how the different fisheries management systems perform with respect to at least these three attributes. 32

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The objective of this study is to assess different fisheries management regimes in terms of (i) their economic efficiency, (ii) robustness and (iii) cost of implementation and operation. Particularly attention should be given to the emerging, decentralized, participatory and rights-based management systems. The above should be supplemented with case studies drawn from the experience of a number of European fisheries and, if relevant, others around the world. To the extent possible, this work should be supported by laboratory experiments and simulation models. Expected outputs

· An extensive report systematically describing and explaining the structure and operation of the various fisheries management regimes and their likely outcomes in terms of economic efficiency, robustness and cost of operation along the lines described above. · A conclusion (possibly in the form of ranking) as to which fisheries management regimes are most preferable in any given situation. · A number of case studies drawn from the European and global experiences illustrating and testing the above conclusions. Type of instrument

A specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 1 M€. Nature of the partnership

The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team. Inclusion of government agencies and fishery organisations should be considered. Organisation and duration of the work

A three-year specific targeted research project, starting in 2005. The timetable for the project activies should follow and support as much as possible the most recent developments of the CFP.

Task 4 - Risk Analysis theory adapted to Fisheries Management. Policy context and objectives

Risk analysis is comprised of risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. It is a formalised approach increasingly used in various types of management, e.g. environment, natural resources, and food safety. Although some sort of risk assessment may be available for the biological impact on fish stocks resulting from management decisions, a systematic approach including also economical and social risks is missing in European fisheries management. Thus, there is no mechanism for dealing with the uncertainty in fish stock assessment and the risk which management decisions based on this represents in economical and 33

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 social terms. The development and increased use of risk analysis in management offers a new avenue for fisheries management, which would support a move from predictive based systems towards more adaptive management strategies. The objective is to investigate how risk analysis theory can be adapted to European fisheries management, embracing the full process from stock assessment, projection and advice, via management decisions, to the practical implementation of the management measures, including control. Expected outputs

A proposed framework for adoption of risk analysis theory in fisheries management in Europe, including definition of risks, how to make risk assessments, perform risk management (decision making), and accomplish risk communication. Type of instrument A specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 1 M€. Nature of the partnership The proposal should include expertise both in the theoretical and the practical use of risk analysis in management, as well as a multidisciplinary team providing the necessary expertice in fisheries science. Inclusion of government agencies and fishery organisations is strongly recommended. Organisation and duration of the work A three-year specific targeted research project, starting in 2005.

Task 5 - Coordination of fisheries research activities in West Africa Policy context and objectives

EU and third country organisations are engaged in fisheries research activities at national and regional level in the Eastern and Central Atlantic (CECAF) area. Synergy effects could be achieved from coordinating the different activities, with an objective to apply scarce resources to optimise the quantity and quality of data, as well as applying common tools for stock evaluation. One of the main objectives of the reform of the external fishery policy is to improve the management of fisheries in areas or third countries waters where the EU has an interest through the conclusion of a new form of fisheries partnership agreements. To this end, the Commission has the intention to launch in 2004 a Strategy and an Action Plan to improve the scientific and technical advice on fisheries outside Community waters. Such an initiative aims at boosting the cooperation and the coordination on scientific and technical advice between the relevant third countries, the EU Member States and its Associated Countries, both at regional and/or sub-regional level. An overview of research activities and applied data and methodologies is needed, as is the potential of, and areas for, coordination and partnership. Activities should entail

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 networking of research activities conducted at national or regional level. Mutual opening of national and regional research programmes should also be considered. The CECAF area represents a wide range of ecosystem types and fishing practices, from tropical artisanal fishing to highly technological fishing in the southern and northern parts of the region. These aspects need to be addressed in the activities. The main project objectives are: · To set up a partnership to network fisheries research in the CECAF region, · To coordinate ongoing fisheries research in the region with the objective to achieve synergy effects through a consolidated effort, · To deliver synopsis of data available and methodologies applied in collection, calculation and management procedures, · To establish needs for further research in order to maintain the basis for a sustainable resource utilisation. Expected outputs

· A functional partnership that would represent a basis for future coordination and execution of fisheries research activities necessary for the sustainable exploitation of living marine resources in the region, · Synopsis of available data, methodologies and management procedures. Type of instrument

A coordination action. Indicative EC contribution: 1 M€. Nature of the partnership

The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team. Participation from National funding bodies should be ensured. Active participation of relevant INCO target countries should be ensured. Organisation and duration of the work

A three-year coordination action, starting in 2005.

Task 6 - Operational management tools based on poor data availability Policy context and objectives

For many fish stocks and fisheries, data available for stock assessment and management considerations are scarce or of poor quality. This may e.g. be the case for stocks of little commercial interest, for developing fisheries, and for stocks in waters distant to the European Community. In these cases, managers may only have crude indications about the state of the stocks to base their decisions on. Poor data could also mean that the options for practical management are restricted.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 A number of models for data poor situations exist and it is conceivable that new ones can be developed, but they will have clear limitations as long as the data remain poor. There are two possible solutions: Either sampling is intensified or management will have to adapt to data poor situations. This task deals exclusively with the latter option. The objective is to develop operational management tools based on poor data availability. This should be based on specific case studies (e.g. fisheries in the Mediterranean and in the West Africa region). The tools may involve models that are designed to deal with poor data, and will require the choice, and possibly adaption and development, of the most suitable models. In addition, a framework for how to formulate scientific advice in such situations is required. The advice must be harmonised with the options available for management, which should be evaluated, both for single stock and mixed fisheries situations. Uncertainty and risk are central issues and the management tools developed should be tested for performance in relation to existing management procedures in the region. Expected outputs

· Operational management tools for use in data poor situations. Type of instrument

A specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 1 M€. Nature of the partnership

The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team. Inclusion of government agencies and fishery organisations is strongly recommended. Active participation of relevant INCO target countries should be ensured. Organisation and duration of the work

A three-year specific targeted research project, starting in 2005.

Task 7 - Catch estimation models. Policy context and objectives

Annual TACs & Quotas constitute a basic management tool of the Common Fisheries Policy since more than two decades. TACs and quotas specify for a large number of species in defined areas catch levels that shall not be exceeded, overall and by country. In this respect, quota managers have to adopt measures (e.g. licences, seasonal restrictions, trip quotas, days at sea) in order to make sure that the quotas are not exceeded. In particular they need to monitor the actual catch levels and their evolution

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 in relation to the established quotas. Hence, effective management requires reliable catch figures in time. Catch figures are calculated on the basis of logbook data, landing declarations and data concerning the first sale of the fish caught. In addition, observers may report on catches and discards. Total catch figures are obtained by recording and processing all basic data. The collection of these data and the processing thereof is a major undertaking of administrative nature with many inherent delays. The objective is to develop an operational catch estimation model to forecast catches from VMS (Vessel Monitoring System), electronic logbook data, observer reports and other applicable present and historical fishery information, in order to make prognoses on the degree of quota uptake and potential discarding. If possible, the spatial aspect of the catch should also be addressed. The aim of the estimation is to give quota managers sufficient time to plan and implement the actions necessary to avoid exceeding the TAC/Quota and to consider area specific management measures. The project should investigate the possibility of constructing reliable catch estimation models that make it possible to have a relatively robust estimate of the catch levels on a continual (i.e. daily) and nearly real time basis, well in advance of the completion of the administrative process that consists of the recording and processing of all basic data related to fishing activities. Together with the estimated catch levels, corresponding confidence intervals should be given. The models should be documented in such a way that they can be properly defended in case they are challenged by the fishing industry, e.g. if the fishery is closed on the basis of the estimated catch level. Expected outputs

· Operational catch estimation models that will provide managers with a real- time means to monitor quota uptake. Models that include discards shall differentiate between catches retained and discarded. Type of instrument

A specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 1 M€. Nature of the partnership

The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team. Inclusion of government agencies and fishery organisations should be considered. Organisation and duration of the work

A two-year specific targeted research project at Community level starting in 2005.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004

Task 8 - Development of operational indicators of welfare in farmed fish. Policy context and objectives

Any aquacultural production will exert a level of stress on the species produced and on the enviroment. Commercial pressures on aquacultural activities tend to increase the intensity of production. Within any environmental context there are, however, natural limits to the intensity of any operation. Some of these limits may be a function of the excessive stress imposed on fish as a direct result of husbandry protocols. Other limits to intensification may be mediated via adverse impacts of the aquacultural activity on the environment. The damaged environment may then provide a more stressful context for the fish. Considerations of fish welfare also present limits to the styles and intensity of the husbandry protocols that can be operated. Rearing fish under stressful conditions is not only unacceptable from an animal welfare perspective but will also result in poor growth and reduced productivity. Increased stress levels will result in enhanced sensitivity to disease. Not only do losses due to disease have a direct negative impact on profitability, but outbreaks of disease frequently require therapy and therapy represents a major cost item. In addition to their cost therapeutants may exert an influence on sustainability via their unacceptable negative impacts on the environment. Although these limits to intensity are functions of the natural feedback loops between fish farms and their environment, they are frequently encountered as catastrophic events either by the fish or the environment. Management of fish farms as sustainable enterprises and considerations of animal welfare require that the incidence of stress- related catastrophic events are reduced to a minimum. To this end it is necessary that parameters be developed that are capable of indicating pre-critical stress levels in fish. These indicators should be designed to provide information to farmers that can be employed as an early-warning system. The long term sustainability of any aquacultural activity is a function of its ability to operate profitably and in harmony with its environment. Appropriate stress- monitoring protocols will provide continuous information concerning the environmentally dependent sustainability of the husbandry practices. The project should facilitate the identification of indicators (e.g. behavioural, chemical), that can serve as proxy measures of stress levels in fish in commercial farming situations. The indicators should have an application at a farm level and should possess the ability to classify pre-critical stress levels. Expected outputs :

· Development of protocols for the monitoring of pre-critical stress levels in populations of farmed fish that employ the quantification of chosen indicators. · Demonstration of the validity of the use of chosen indicators as proxy measures of stress. 38

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 · Determination of the levels of these indicators that can be expected in populations being farmed. · Identification of the maximal levels of the indicators being monitored that are compatible with sustainable aquculture. Type of instrument

A specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 1 M€. Nature of the partnership

The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team. Participation from the aquaculture industry should be considered. Organisation and duration of the work

A three-year specific targeted research project, starting in 2005.

Task 9 - Identification of suitable source strains for disease and stress resistance for common carp Policy context and objectives

Pond fish production is the dominant type of aquaculture in Eastern Europe. The main species in pond aquaculture is common carp, which is the second most important freshwater species in the enlarged European Union after trout. Though common carp is mainly produced in semi-intensive systems, disease and stress cause serious losses under certain rearing conditions (e.g. broodstock rearing, nursing, intensive production). The increase of the intensity of pond fish production may be accelerated in the context of enlraged Europe , which underlines the importance of disease prevention and sound environmental protection in this region. In spite of efforts to apply efficient diagnoses and preventive methods, these are not as developed as in other member countries, and the use of antibiotics and drugs still remain essential for the aquaculture industry in Eastern Europe. There is a growing concern among authorities, retailers and consumers regarding the possible detrimental effects of such substances, e.g. antimicrobial drug resistance and drug residues in food products and the environment. Although genetic improvement of common carp is one of the most developed areas of freshwater aquaculture research in the new member countries, most of the breeding programmes have been focusing on the improvement of production traits through quantitative selection methodologies. Genetic varieties of common carp have been collected and preserved in live and cryopreserved forms in the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Poland. These gene banks are the basis for the genetic improvement and preserving biological diversity of the common carp. Research has been started to link the available datasets of traits of economic interest of different varieties of common carp with the genes controlling these traits. However, the application of functional genomic approaches for traits like stress and disease resistance has not been considered so far.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The main objective is to provide the physiological and genetic basis for direct or marker assisted selective breeding of common carp. Expected outputs · Identification and characterisation of stress and disease responsive genes in common carp. · Design of operational breeding programmes based on functional genomics, targeting stress and disease resistance traits for future implementation by the industry. · Strengthening the existing common carp gene banks and collections. Type of instrument A specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 1 M€. Nature of the partnership The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team. Organisation and duration of the work A three-year specific targeted research project, starting in 2005. Task 10 - Genetic impact on native populations. Policy context and objectives

The genetic impact of aquaculture activities is an issue that has raised much concern among the general public. The main perceived risks are often associated with detrimental impacts on wild populations and the ecosystem through ecological interactions and interbreeding, posing a threat to the biodiversity. Public health issues are also matters of concern. There is a need to further strengthen the knowledge base required to assess the genetic impact of aquaculture on the environment, and to improve the dissemination of the current available information to the wider public. The objective is to integrate current knowledge of genetic impact of aquaculture, coordinate on-going projects in this area and identify future research needs. The approach would be to: · Develop consensus statements on the genetic impact of farming activities and its implications for aquaculture management, stock conservation and environment safety ; · Integrate the scientific basis for the establishment of preventive measures. The most important cultured species from different geographical areas in Europe should be covered together with new species. The following aspects should be covered: · Genetic impact of escapees and restocking ;

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 · Impact of quantitative and qualitative genetic modifications: GMOs, triploids (both fish and shellfish), tetraploid mother oyster strains ; · Impact of introduction of non-native strains ; · Impact of recombinant DNA vaccines ; · Genetic impact evaluation and monitoring tools. Expected outputs

· Public available written reviews of scientific and management issues related to genetic impact of aquaculture; scientific and technical advice for establishment of preventive measures; non technical summary of the genetic impact of aquaculture on the environment ; · A Web page containing all project results and reports ; · Enhanced cooperation between different stakeholders (producers, consumer organisations, public authorities, etc). Type of instrument

A coordination action. Indicative EC contribution: 0.5 M€. Nature of the partnership

The partnership should include a combination of universities, research institutes, government agencies, aquaculture industry and other stakeholders including NGOs’, as appropriate. The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team. Organisation and duration of the work

A two-year coordination action, starting in 2005, addressing in parallel the different species.

Task 11 - Effects of anthropogenic factors upon exploited resources and their implication on fishery management Policy context and objectives

Many stocks in European waters have been extensively exploited over the last few decades, a few of them now being at historically low levels. Over the same period, various anthropogenic changes have taken place. When a population has been subjected to systematic pressure (e.g. fishing pressure, habitat degradation), it becomes more sensitive to various risks (demographic, genetic, ecological, disasters). The extent and severity of these impacts on fishery resources are likely to vary among regions, habitat types, species and life stages. They influence survival, physiology, behaviour and reproduction, and they involve changes in availability of food resources and habitat. Furthermore, the dynamics of exploited populations may be

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 affected by climate change which acts to modify biotic and abiotic conditions experienced by these populations. In the future, fisheries management would benefit from taking into account the sensitivity of the exploited populations to anthropogenic, environmental and climatic forcing. Conversely, if other anthropogenic factors play a significant role, then fishery management can be effective only if complemented by management of the related activities. The main project objectives are: · To identify and assess the role and the relative importance of different forcing factors: anthropogenic factors (e.g. fishing activity, aquaculture, pollution, eutrophication, habitat destruction) and non anthropogenic factors (e.g. climate change) which may affect the main functions of biological cycle of exploited species (growth, reproduction, recruitment). The approach will consider the critical habitats necessary for these functions (spawning areas, nursery areas, ways of migration etc.), · To suggest the best methods for assessing their impact and obtaining indicators and associated reference levels useful to monitor the impact of anthropogenic factors (including fishing) on different biological functions of exploited populations. The task should consider different relevant geographical scales (from local to regional) and biological scales (individual, population, ecosystem). Worldwide experiences in the firld should be considered. Expected outputs

· A comprehensive synthesis of available information on sources of pressure, including fishing activities affecting marine exploited resources, meta analysis of existing data, available models and metrics already developed to integrate this information; · An evaluation of the quality and relevance of available information; · A set of methods allowing the definition of indicators and associated reference levels for their integration in the European fishery management process, including their incorporation in comprehensive score boards; · An assessment of gaps and uncertainties with respect to available information on environmental factors and anthropogenic activities and suggestions for research priorities to fill in the gaps, including possible inputs from experimental research (eco-physiology, etc.). Geographical, habitats and species variability should be addressed. Type of instrument

A coordination action. Indicative EC contribution: 1.5 M€.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Nature of the partnership

The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines. Participation by the fishing organisations, management authorities and other stakeholders including NGOs’ should also be considered. Organisation and duration of the work

A two to three year co-ordination action, starting in 2005.

Task 12 - Reducing the impact of fisheries activities on benthic habitats: Policy context and objectives

Apart from impacting on both commercial fish stocks and non targeted species, fishing activities may also affect the seafloor and the benthic communities that live on and in it. Fishing gears, especially trawls and dredges, have been recognised to cause direct physical perturbation of the sediment and to damage benthic habitats and organisms. Severe impacts on benthic communities attributed to trawling may induce changes in species composition and diversity. Gears represent different catching principles and have different physical impacts on the seabed. The disturbance will therefore depend on the type of gear used. The most serious effects of trawls have been demonstrated for hard-bottom habitats dominated by large sessile fauna, e.g. sponges, anthozoans and corals which have been shown to considerably decrease in abundance. Trawls also affect sandy bottoms on offshore fishing grounds and soft-bottom habitats, although the effect is sometimes masked by temporary changes in the habitat, making it difficult to demonstrate clear evidence of trawl effects. Although the impacts of mobile towed fishing gears on benthic habitats are poorly understood and documented in many fisheries, it is prudent to take measures to reduce fishing impact through technical modifications to gear design and operations. The improvement of fishing methods with the view to reducing impact on habitats has been identified as one of the priorities of the Community Action plan to integrate environmental protection requirements into the Common Fisheries Policies, COM (2002) 186 final. A number of technical measures are already available or under development. Several of these offer potentially powerful means of mitigating seabed impacts, e.g. semi- pelagic trawls, drop-out windows and electronic stimuli in beam trawls as mentioned by the ICES-FAO Working Group on Fish Technology and Fish Behaviour (WGFTFB). These measures largely reduce apparent impact but few studies include quantifiable measurements. Another approach is to develop methods that improve efficiency, which in a strictly output-controlled management regime will reduce fishing time and therefore the extent of contact with the seabed. Hence, there is a clear potential for effective reduction of the impact on the seabed, either by developing new gears/fishing techniques or by introducing alternative

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 measures. Development of habitat-friendly gears could be an alternative to area closures. The objectives of the task are: · To develop new gears/fishing techniques that have a low impact on benthic habitats, · To quantify the potential reduction of the physical impact as well as the negative effects on benthic communities, · To weigh the socio-economic consequences of these changes against those of alternative management measures, e.g. closing of areas. Practical tests should focus on mobile gears and on areas with sensitive habitats and with potential for development of alternative and economically viable gears/fishing techniques. Expected outputs

· Design of news gears and/or development of alternative fishing techniques with clear potential for reducing the impact on benthic habitats and benthic communities, · Quantification of the effects of these innovations on benthic habitats and communities through practical tests on the field, · Socio-economical validation of these innovations, · Evaluation of the effects of introducing the new developments as management tools in specific fisheries Type of instrument

A specific targeted research project. Indicative EC contribution: 2 M€. Nature of the partnership

The proposal should be based on a multidisciplinary team integrating the appropriate disciplines. Participation by the fishing industry and fishery organisations should be considered. Organisation and duration of the work

A three-year specific targeted research project, starting in 2005.

Task 13 - Specific support Actions: To support research projects aiming to actively contribute to the implementation of the work programme, the analysis and dissemination of results or the preparation of

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 future activities, with a view to enabling the Community to achieve or define its RTD strategic objectives in relation to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The following topics should be considered for Specific Support Actions in 2004: Bis 13.1 Fish Policy Flow: To promote the dissemination of results of research projects in the field of fisheries and aquaculture funded by the fifth and sixth EU Framework Research Programmes to stakeholders (industry, policy makers, government agencies, general public, etc.). Particularly effort should be made to improve the flow of information of policy relevant results and promote the exchange of views with both National and European policy makers and stakeholders. The main project outputs should include a web page, preparation and dissemination of summary technical leaflets of project results and setting-up of specific workshops/seminars for targeted audiences. The workshops/seminars should also discuss the needs for fisheries and aquaculture research for future European Union Research Programmes. Indicative EC contribution: 750 K€ Bis 13.2 Exploitation of results of 5 and 6th FP:

To combine the results of complementary research projects in the field of fisheries and aquaculture in the fifth and sixth FP Framework Research Programmes with the aim to produce synthesis e.g. joints publications, books, special reviews in scientific journals etc and enhance the impact of the research activities. Proposals should cover the analysis of results gained in the following domains: Bis 13.2.1 scientific basis of fisheries management. Indicative EC contribution: 150 K€

Bis 13.2.2 sustainable aquaculture (including genomics). Indicative EC contribution: 150 K€

Bis 13.2.3 integration of environmental requirements into the CFP. Indicative EC contribution: 150 K€

Bis 13.3 Identification and mapping of Mediterranean habitats: Identification and mapping of habitats and benthic and pelagic communities that are sensitive and essential for the productivity of major commercial stocks or groups of stocks on the Mediterranean continental shelves and slopes. Indicative EC contribution: 500 K€. The specific objectives are: · To collect relevant information (including database, maps etc) on the structure and distribution of sensitive habitats and communities, identifying the key species, highlighting the major threats due to human actions, including fishing activities, · To identify habitats and/or communities which are vital for the production of fisheries resources and sustainability of fisheries( spawning grounds, spawning aggregations, nursery areas, feeding grounds, protection from predators, etc.) as well as for environmental protection,

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 · To map habitats at different spatial scales (from national or sub-regional to local scale) and to compile information to be filed into an adequate Geographic Information System (GIS) to suit the need of information, communication and og management. The mapping should cover areas of at least 3 EU Countries. Bis 13.4 Development of a scientific framework for eel management in Europe:

The compilation and quantitative evaluation of national legal and technical measures enacted in relevant European countries. Organise a workshop(s) to draw together a realistic plan for a future framework for eel management in Europe, including precautionary reference points for survival and sustainable approach to managing this resource. Indicative EC contribution: 150 K€

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 1.4. New and more environment friendly production methods to improve animal health and welfare including research on animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease, swine fever and development of marker vaccines

For tasks under 1.4, the contact person is Ms Minguez-Tudela (+32.2.2992109 – [email protected]). The contact person in DG health and consumers, for policy aspects related to this topic is Mr. Laddomada (+32.2.2995835 – [email protected])

Task 1 - Avian influenza Problem description Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious viral infection of birds. The highly pathogenic strains (HPAI) have caused devastating losses in the poultry sector recently in the Europe (Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands), Asia and America. Cases of transmission to humans have occurred in Asia in 1997 and 2004 some of them fatal. With increase international trade and tourism, the risk of further the disease expanding or being re- introduced in Europe is higher. The recent outbreaks have shown that disease control tools need to be further developed and that there are fundamental questions not answered in this disease. Objective The objectives of this task are to carry out research to improved disease control tools and to provide increase knowledge on the viruses, the disease and the mechanisms of transmission. Approach 1) to develop pen-side tests that can be applied in the field to identify whether a flock is infected or not (complemented other funded research) (2) to elucidate the role of animal products obtained from different species in the transboundary spread of the disease and in transmission to other animals (3) to study the the effect of currently available vaccination systems on the safety of animal products (4) to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination in different species, (5) the identification and generation of appropriate strains to be used in vaccines (6) to determine minimum antigen content of haemagglutinin for vaccines (7) to explore alternative vaccine design (8) to study occurrence of antigenic drift in countries that are vaccinating, introduction of new genes from from other avian/mammalian viruses.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Expected outputs -Improved detection methods -Improved knowledge on transmission mechanisms including the role of animal products. -Improve knowledge on the virus evolution. -Improved vaccines and vaccination strategies Nature of partnership Multidisciplinary consortium: public and private research institutions, academia, industrial participants. The consortium could benefit from the participation of third countries and relevant international organizations.

Type of instrument Specific targeted project. Maximum EU contribution 1,2 Mio€. Organisation of the work and duration Duration: 3 years

Task 2 - Swine influenza Problem description Swine influenza (SI) is a highly contagious viral infection of swine caused by influenza A viruses. Swine influenza virus is one of the most prevalent respiratory viruses of pigs and an important cause of acute respiratory disease outbreaks. Influenza A viruses infect a large variety of species including humans, pigs, horses and birds. Pigs are an important host in influenza virus ecology since they are susceptible to infection with both human and avian influenza A viruses. It is generally accepted that pigs can play a role in the transmission of avian influenza viruses to humans. However, unlike for human and avian influenza viruses, there is still minimal surveillance for influenza viruses in swine populations. Objective

The coordination action should maintain and expand the surveillance network established in a previous concerted action. It will focus in particular on the detection, typing and genetic characterization of swine influenza viruses in pig herds in different European countries, the standardisation of laboratory techniques, and the maintenance and expansion of the swine influenza virus bank and the electronic data base. One particular aim is to introduce novel, more rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of swine influenza virus infections and for subtyping of swine influenza viruses. Furthermore, serologic examinations need to be undertaken to screen swine

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 populations for infections with avian influenza viruses. This should allow an analysis of the risk for transmission of novel avian influenza virus subtypes to swine in Europe and the establishment of such viruses. Approach Co-ordinate laboratories working in swine influenza between them and liaise with those working in avian and human influenza. Creation of common knowledge, exchange of expertise, biological materials and scientific information. Formulate recommendations and analyze possible public health risks of influenza in swine

Expected outputs -Maintenance of the surveillance network for various influenza A subtypes in swine in Europe

-Genetic characterization of swine influenza viruses in pig herds in different European countries -Standardisation and validation of novel, more rapid tests for the diagnosis and characterization of influenza viruses in swine -Maintenance and expansion of the virus bank and the electronic data base. -Data about the prevalence of avian influenza viruses in swine in Europe Nature of partnership Multidisciplinary consortium including public and private research institutions, universities and industry. The partnership could benefit from participants from third countries.

Type of instrument Coordination action. Maximum EU contribution : 0.3 Mio€ Organisation of the work and duration Duration: 3 years

Task 3 - Epizootic diseases of livestock Problem description Outbreaks of major epizootic diseases in previously free countries are largely due to legal or illegal animal movements or imports of contaminated products from regions that are endemic. Outbreaks occurred in recent years in the EU have entailed huge

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 direct and indirect costs and have had a major impact on public opinion. With increasing international trade, the risks of introduction of these diseases from endemic regions is higher. It is now believed that eradication / control interventions in these regions could lead to a significant reduction of the risk brought upon free countries.

Objective The aim of this task is to develop guidelines to systematically assess the risk of introduction of the main epizootic diseases into the EU through imports from endemic countries. Taking into account the risk assessment , those studies could contribute to understand which could be the scientifically based priorities for the European funding and also the best return for investment from the EU versus those neighboring countries.

Approach A study, an analysis and/or the organisation of workshops. Expected outputs Guidelines for to assess the risk of introduction of the main epizootic diseases into the EU through imports from endemic regions.

Nature of partnership Public and private research institutions, universities and policy makers. Type of instrument Specific support action. Maximum EU contribution 0,1 Mio€ Organisation of the work and duration Duration 12 months

Task - 4 Infectious diseases of livestock Problem description Major infectious diseases of livestock cause great losses to livestock producers worldwide. In developing countries they affect millions of people who depend on livestock for improving their livelihoods. In the EU, the introduction of such diseases have caused huge losses as seen in recent outbreaks and constitutes a potentially high risk for the health security of European livestock. With increasing international trade, the risk of introduction of these diseases from endemic regions is higher. Therefore, control and eradication of these diseases in developing countries is a “win-win” situation for both Europe and the developing countries.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The research into to development of disease control tools such as vaccines and diagnostics for livestock is fragmented and mainly relies on limited public funding. Private sector investment in animal health research is largely targeted to companion animals which has an increasing commercial interest in developed countries. Many of the technologies already exist within the private and public sector. There is a need to create a dynamic situation where there is limited commercial interest to translate research in this area into usable products. Objective The aim of this task is to bring together relevant stakeholders to explore the possibility to launch a technology platform to develop tools for the prevention and control of the major infectious diseases adapted to the conditions prevalent in the EU and developing countries Approach Gather all relevant stakeholders. Organization of conferences, working and expert groups. Expected outputs Launching a technology platform, preparation of a vision paper and definition of a strategic research agenda.

Nature of partnership Multidisciplinary consortium including industry, public and private research institutions, universities, public authorities, livestock, producers, civil society, consumers, funding bodies, third countries and international organizations (e.g. OIE, FAO, ILRI) Type of instrument Specific support action. Maximum EU contribution : 0.3 Mio€ Organisation of the work and duration Duration : 12 months

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 1.5. Environmental assessment (soil, water, air, noise, including the effects of chemical substances)

For tasks under 1.5 the contact person is Mr Gadeberg (+32.2.29 96458 – [email protected]). The contact person in DG Environment, for policy aspects related to these topics is Ms Vounakis (+32.2.2990464 – [email protected]).

Task 1 - Risks of pesticides use to surface and ground-water Synthesis and integration of research results on modelling and risk assessment methodologies on the fate and transport of pesticides from agricultural land to groundwater and surface water. Development of integrated and harmonised procedures and of indicators to classify risk areas.

Problem description

Contamination of surface and groundwater by pesticides is still frequent in many locations in Europe. Farming practices are a source of point and diffuse contamination due to the fact that agricultural areas are embedded in landscapes with all kinds of surface waters and/or because arable land is covered with permeable/thin soils. The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) marked a change in Community water policy towards a coherent and integrated framework for assessment, monitoring, and management of all surface waters and groundwater based on their ecological and chemical status. The future Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides will help reducing pollution by pesticides and thus achieving a higher level of protection for the aquatic environment: better controlled and safer methods of application and handling of pesticides, training of users, promotion of alternative methods to chemical control, etc. are potential future measures that will improve the situation by tackling the utilisation phase in the life-cycle of pesticides. Models and risk assessment methodologies on the fate and transport of pesticides from agricultural land to groundwater and surface water have been developed in the framework of Directive 91/414/EEC, which concerns the placing on the market of plant protection products. However, the pathways of this contamination have been studied in detail only in few Member States, and no systematic approach has been taken so far to address the problem at European level. Beside the pesticides’ intrinsic properties, the risk for pesticide contamination of water and possible eco-toxicological effects also depends on environmental parameters like the characteristics of the treated fields, the type of bank vegetation and the access to the groundwater tables. At present, the pesticide risk assessment has been developed on the basis of expert judgement (FOCUS scenarios) and the influence of the above mentioned parameters is not systematically incorporated in the models. Moreover, many key processes important for the prediction of fate and impact are not yet understood. Some of these processes are still insufficiently described and parameterized in fate models (e.g. bound residues, preferential flow) and there are 52

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 significant problems in up-scaling results even to a small landscape level. The zonal authorisation process of pesticides, as planned by the Commission for the revision of Directive 91/414/EEC, will complicate the necessary risk assessment. All these problems have led to (and will increasingly result with the zonal integration in) uncertainties with respect to risk assessment of pesticides for the aquatic environment. At this stage, there is therefore a need to develop a tool to assist in the prediction of concentrations of pesticides in all surface waters, including specific water bodies such as those in drinking water abstraction areas, to enable assessment of the risk of exceeding environmental quality standards established in the framework of Directive 2000/60/EC. This tool should also support the classification of land into different risk areas at local level and help to identify adequate risk mitigation measures to be implemented by the farmers and extension services within the framework of the future Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. Task objectives

Based on the evaluation of existing risk assessment and modelling tools and on existing knowledge about pesticides in groundwater and surface water, the research activities should contribute to the harmonization of pesticide registration procedures by providing scientific information on fate and behaviour of pesticides in the terrestrial and aquatic environments. The work should address the problems at local, regional and catchment scale. A method for landscape analysis should be made available to allow local actors (extension services, farmers,…) to classify areas (fields, storage places,…) according to the local risk for ground- and surface water contamination. A review and consolidation of existing knowledge is a short term objective to be achieved within the first 6 months of the project. This should include an identification of the remaining gaps in knowledge. The work should take into account existing activities at EU level, while establishing links to all relevant on-going RTD projects and networks, tool developers (analysis of digital landscape information; watershed modelling, communication to end-users, etc.) and policy-makers. Activities should furthermore be developed to fill remaining gaps, e.g.: o developing consolidated and harmonised risk prediction methodologies at Community, national and regional level, o validating those models with field trials, o developing methodologies and the necessary information systems (to be easily managed by extension services or farmers) to assess the local risk for ground- and surface water according to the crops, the area, the spraying equipment and the types of pesticides, which are planned to be used, o focused training/dissemination activities etc. Expected outputs

The project outputs should enable the development of a sound scientific-based risk assessment methodology for the European Community, quantifying the influence of landscape, soil types, climatology and other relevant factors as well as the role of

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 bound residues. It will allow to integrating risk assessment and risk management by e.g. allowing to incorporating the control measures envisaged under the Thematic Strategy, the Water Framework Directive and Directive 91/414/EEC in the calculation. The project should also allow pesticides users to develop and maintain - through a tailor-made information exchange platform - their ability of deciding if their actual use of pesticides is guarantying a high level of water protection. Type of instrument

STREP Nature of partnership

The partnership should involve research organisations (research institutes and universities), regulators and end-user organisations from a broad European base. In addition, networking with stakeholders (e.g. policy makers, NGOs, water suppliers, industrial associations etc.) in connection with the implementation of Directive 91/414/EEC, the Water Framework Directive and the future Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides should be envisaged. Organisation of the work and duration

The project should be carried out at EU level and should take into consideration the timeframe of the relevant regulatory framework (mainly Directive 2000/60/EC) and be prepared for the first River Basin Management Plans of the Water Framework Directive (2009) and the second cycle of the review process of plant protection active substances of Directive 91/414/EEC. The duration of the project should be approximately three years. Cost estimate

Indicative EC contribution: in the range of 1.0 M€.

Task 2 - Assessment of human health effects caused by bathing waters. Bathing waters have a diverse range of hazards to human health, in particular microbial contamination as well as exposure to toxic algal products. Research on health related effects of bathing water is needed in order to address the effectiveness of the existing and the proposed regulatory regimes for bathing water protection in the European Union and taking into account both coastal and freshwater bathing sites.

Problem description

The EU is in the process of amending directive 76/160/EEC on the protection of bathing waters. In the new legislation there will only be two microbiological parameters - Intestinal enterococci and E.coli. The directive will establish different threshold limits for these parameters dependent upon whether the bathing site is located in coastal waters or freshwater. In the original directive from 1976, other

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 microbiological parameters were used and the thresholds for coastal waters and freshwaters were the same. In addition, in the original directive the threshold values were based on a 95 percent determination of observed values whereas in the new directive the threshold values are based on a 95 percentile. The values in the new directive were established on the basis of the available information. Nevertheless, it was recognised that a number of uncertainties still remain, in particular: 1) What is the real nature and level of the risk associated with swimming in microbiologically contaminated waters and what is the nature of the relationship between exposure and risk? 2) What is the level of protection afforded by the threshold values for microbial contamination in the new directive as compared to the values in the original directive? 3) Given the same exposure conditions, how does the likely level of risk vary between coastal waters as compared to freshwaters? Does a 1:2 ratio of the threshold values in coastal waters vs. freshwaters ensure a comparable level of protection? Task Objectives

The project should be based predominantly on epidemiological studies and surveys and take account of existing work which has been carried out in this area most notably by the WHO. The core of the project should involve the elaboration of a test protocol to be used at bathing sites (both coastal and freshwater) spread across the EU. The design of the test protocol should involve test groups and control groups and should address the issue of complicating factors such as food consumed on site, other sources of contamination, climatic and other variables. The protocol should include standardised procedures for assessing response as well as standardised procedures for determination of the level of microbial contamination using at least those parameters used in the new directive as well as those used in the original directive. Once a standardised protocol has been developed and agreed, this should be applied at a maximum number of sites. The project would be expected to supervise all trials although the authorities and agencies in the Member States may well be involved in carrying out the trials. If possible such trials should be organised over two bathing seasons. The project would be responsible for collecting all the data generated by the trials, analysing the data and producing the results and conclusions. Expected outputs

As a minimum the project should provide answers to the three questions set out at the end of the section on problem description. In addition, the project might provide further insights into nature and severity of risks associated with bathing in coastal waters and freshwaters; the project might generate data on the risks associated with viral contaminants of bathing water. Types of instrument

STREP Nature of partnership

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The partnership can involve both public and private bodies ideally with a broad coverage across the EU. The consortium will also be expected to network with public authorities at a national, regional and local level in order to get support for carrying out the trials and the logistical arrangements associated with the trials. Organisation of the work and duration

The work should last no longer than three years. The first year should involve a review of the existing information on the subject plus the design and agreement on the protocol to be used in the epidemiological study. The protocol should be agreed by the partnership members and by the Commission services. The protocol should also be discussed with the management committee associated with the bathing water directive. The first year should also be taken up with establishing networks of authorities that will assist in the carrying out of the epidemiological studies. In the second year, the epidemiological studies should be carried out using the agreed protocol. The results should be analysed and if necessary the protocol and the organisation of the studies for the third year should be refined on the basis of the experience. In the final year, further epidemiological studies should be carried out. The results should be analysed and presented for discussion at a conference. Following the conference a final report should be presented to the Commission. Regular liaison with the management committee associated with the bathing water directive should be foreseen. Cost estimate

The indicative EC contribution is 1.5 M€.

Task 3 - Impact assessment of Community policies on biodiversity Development of tools enabling the impact assessment of sectoral Community policies such as agriculture, fisheries, development, environment, forestry, energy, transport, etc. on biodiversity with a view to meeting the EU target of halting biodiversity loss by 2010, including the identification of the best available information, the monitoring of policy implementation and outcomes and the evaluation of policy effectiveness.

Problem description

EU Heads of State and Government have set the objective to halt the decline of biodiversity by 2010 (Gothenburg Summit 2001). The design and implementation of sectoral policies and instruments can either enhance or undermine efforts to this end. The European Community Biodiversity Strategy adopted in 1998 provides for the integration of biodiversity concerns into sectoral policies and instruments. Specific measures for some key sectors are elaborated in the EC Biodiversity Action Plans (2001) and the recent “Message from Malahide” (see:

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 http://www.ue2004.ie/templates/meeting.asp?sNavlocator=5,418,13&list_id=193). Evaluating and improving the impact of EU policies and instruments on biodiversity requires objective information on the implementation and effectiveness of existing policies and instruments. This in turn requires the development of suitable indicators, and cost-effective monitoring frameworks, methods and tools. Work is ongoing on indicators, and on some aspects of monitoring. This project will aim to fill key gaps in relation to monitoring methods and tools. Objective

To develop cost-effective methods and tools for the monitoring of key drivers and pressures on biodiversity, of their impacts on biodiversity, and of the effectiveness of policy responses, to propose a cost-effective common monitoring framework, and to propose incentives for uptake. Approach

The emphasis should be on pulling together existing knowledge, methods and tools, identifying best practice, and where necessary developing new methods and tools, and on bringing these under a cost-effective common monitoring framework. The project(s) should focus on methods and tools for monitoring drivers, pressures, impacts and responses in relation to habitats and species of Community interest and in relation to the wider countryside and more common species. The project(s) should take account of the cause-effect relationship between policy responses, drivers, pressures and biodiversity impacts. Particular consideration should be given to: 1) those sectors having greatest potential adverse impacts on biodiversity, including natural resources, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, regional and spatial planning, transport and energy, tourism, trade and economic and development cooperation; 2) ways to monitor and differentiate the effectiveness of specific instruments and measures; 3) differentiation of the relative importance of drivers, pressures, impacts and responses between biogeographic regions and between Member States; 4) differentiation of key and marginal drivers, pressures, impacts and responses; 5) methods and tools to underpin biodiversity pressure and response indicators under development as part of the EU headline biodiversity indicators. Expected outputs

The project is expected to deliver options for a common monitoring framework closely linked to ongoing work on biodiversity indicators, in order to inform the evolution of EU policies towards meeting the 2010 objective and beyond. The project will provide cost-effective monitoring methods and tools, and propose appropriate incentives to encourage their uptake. The project is also expected to recommend priorities for further research in order to improve technical and cost effectiveness. Type of instrument

STREP. Indicative EC contribution: up to 1 Mio €. Nature of the partnership

The project(s) would involve partnership(s) between researchers and stakeholders (such as NGOs, public sector bodies).

SSP4 – 30.10.2004

Task 4 - Use of equivalent resource scaling approaches in the context of biodiversity damage and other environmental damages that can not be fully remediated on site To develop ways in which equivalent resource scaling approaches could be applied in the European Union as a basis for assessing and compensating for environmental damage caused by enterprises.

Policy context

The newly adopted Environmental Liability Directive (Directive 2004/35/EC of 21 April 2004) will put new liabilities on enterprises that cause environmental damage in the course of their business. The damaged environment will have to be restored to baseline. If that would prove impossible, other measures will have to be taken, on the site of the damage or off-site, to compensate for the remainder of the damage. To decide on the scale of those other (compensating) measures one has to establish a methodology for comparing their effects with the size of the environmental damage that could not directly be remedied on site and would have to be compensated for. The proposed Directive does not provide, in the first instance, for monetary assessments of the damage and the corresponding scope of compensatory measures. Instead, it requests that compensatory measures “in kind” be taken, that is, to create or enhance environmental resources and services that are equivalent to the non-remedied original losses on the damaged site. Such “compensation-in-kind” techniques are already in use in the US, for instance, within the Damage Assessment and Restoration Programme of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The foremost example is the so called “Habitat equivalency”-analysis. However, further research is needed to assess the basic methodology, to refine it and to adapt it to the institutional context provided by the EU Directive. This would also benefit other EU policy areas where environmental damage has to be compensated for, for instance, in the implementation of the Habitats Directive and the EIA Directive. The objectives of the research are

1. To research how equivalent resource scaling approaches could and should be utilised to determine the scope of actions to compensate for environmental damage that can not be remedied directly by restoring the damaged resources and their services. Emphasis should be put on non-monetary compensation. 2. A starting point for the research would be the methods already developed in the USA and their application. 3. The institutional framework is given by the general re-mediation rules provided for in the proposed Environmental Liability Directive. 4. An integral element of the research should be to test the researched approaches by applying them to a representative range of real damage cases.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Expected output

The research should provide scientifically based guidelines for assessing the applicability of the researched equivalence method in the framework of the EU Liability Directive, as well as in implementation of the Habitats and EIA Directives. Results should be discussed and analysed within a workshop together with the foremost experts in the field (biologists and economists) from the US and EU. Type of instrument, organisation and duration of the work, cost

Specific targeted research project. Work to be done at EU level by a multi-disciplinary research team covering both biological and economic expertise. Duration: approximately 24 months Indicative EC contribution: 0.9 M€.

Task 5 - Development of (Q)SAR methodologies Development of (Q)SAR techniques and approaches for assessing the impact of chemicals with a view to reducing the requirements for animal testing and the costs for implementing the REACH proposal. The development should lead to a validated set of testing methods focusing on a selection of sensitive end-points and species.

Problem description

Structure-activity relationships (SARs) and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs), collectively referred to as (Q)SARs, are theoretical models that can be used to predict the physicochemical and biological properties of molecules. A SAR is a (qualitative) association between a chemical substructure and the potential of a chemical containing the substructure to exhibit a certain biological effect. A QSAR is a mathematical model that relates a quantitative measure of chemical structure (e.g. a physicochemical property) to a physical property or to a biological effect (e.g. a toxicological endpoint).

Under the current EU legislation for New and Existing Substance, the use of (Q)SARs is limited (mostly to priority setting). However, the recently adopted Commission proposal for a REACH Regulation (COM(2003) 644 final), now under discussion in the institutions, will require an information gathering exercise for all substances manufactured or imported in volumes exceeding 1 tonne per year, where new animal testing will be a last resort. There is therefore a need to further develop alternative methods to reduce the need for animal tests to the lowest possible. Annex IX of the proposal contains details of the use of validated (Q)SAR techniques and these should be borne in mind when developing proposals.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 A great deal of work has already been carried out on development of (Q)SARs that this project should not duplicate. Further information can be obtained from the JRC, in first instance from their website: http://ecb.jrc.it/QSAR

Objectives

To carry out research on the development of in silico models to enhance the relevant information that can be obtained for predicting the properties and effects of chemical substances without the need for animal (or other experimental) testing.

Development and validation of new (Q)SAR models for assessing the toxicological and environmental impact of chemicals, with a view to reducing the requirements for animal testing and the costs for implementing the REACH proposal. The project should lead to a set of models focusing on end-points of regulatory importance.

Approach

Developed models should be suitable for validation by the international community following the framework set out in Annex IX of the REACH proposal. Thus, models should be transparent in terms of: a) the algorithms used for making predictions; b) the training sets upon which the models are developed; c) any test sets used to assess the external performance of the models; and d) the statistical methods and other approaches used for the development of the models. Wherever possible, there should be an assessment of the quality of the training and test sets used to develop a (Q)SAR, and there should be an indication of the mechanistic basis and applicability domain of each model.

Research may involve the development of new methods or the refinement of existing ones. Any proposal meeting the research needs will be considered, however, particular attention will be given to those areas in which validated models would result in the best cost effectiveness, for example focussing on endpoints such as reprotoxicity, mutagenicity, toxicokinetics and to a lesser extent long-term repeated dose toxicity. This would lead to the highest savings in costs as well as reducing the use of laboratory animals.

Research should take account, where relevant, of JRC activity on (Q)SARS: http://ecb.jrc.it/QSAR

Expected outputs

Validated (Q)SAR models for providing information on the potentially hazardous effects of chemicals, with particular emphasis on models that could be used to minimise testing on animals.

Type of instrument

Specific target research project.

Nature of the partnership

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The partnership should have sufficient coverage of the Member States and associated countries, establishing relationships with stakeholder groups and control agencies. Work would have to be carried out in close conjunction with the European Commission Joint Research Centre, in particular the Institute for Health & Consumer Protection. The project will have to build on existing work carried out in the Member States and at European level.

Organisation of the work and duration

Expected duration: 3 years, starting 2005. At relevant stages of the project close consultation will be required with DG Research and the relevant policy-making DG(s), to both report on progress made and to identify potential problems areas or new areas for development. It is also expected that the consortium will contribute to policy meetings to which they will be invited by Commission services.

Cost estimate

The indicative EC contribution is around 1.5 M€

Task 6 - Common criteria and indicators for characterisation of soils Definition of possible common criteria and indicators for the characterisation of soils and the evaluation of soil quality in order to develop common monitoring strategies, method validation procedures etc. with a view to obtaining comparable data that will facilitate the implementation of soil protection measures.

Problem description

The Communication of the Commission “Towards a Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection” published in April 2002 (COM(2002) 179 final) opens a new integrated approach for soil protection and its sustainable use throughout Europe. The European Institutions have submitted their opinion on this Communication. During 2003-2004 a consultation framework for stakeholders has been established composed of an Advisory Forum and five Working Groups who have prepared independent working group reports. The Commission’s objective is to prepare a package of soil proposals for 2005 with particular emphasis on soil erosion (including salinisation, compaction and landslides), soil organic matter, soil contamination, soil biodiversity and soil sealing, and including their respective monitoring tools and research needs. This package of proposals will form the basis of the phased introduction of a strong soil policy framework that should be supported by technical and scientific knowledge. Although many studies have been performed and much information on soils exist in Europe, the data are often scattered, collected for a wide variety of purposes, with restricted geographical coverage etc. and are therefore typically difficult to compare

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 across national boundaries. The few existing European-wide maps have been compiled based on the best available data. However, the origin, density and quality of the input data is often of very diverse nature. Therefore European-wide basic soil information and maps collected according to a common European approach and methodology are presently not available. The Commission has now decided to place soil protection at the level of water and air protection and therefore basic European-wide soil information based on a common approach and methodology becomes even more important. Without a clear demonstration of soil data comparability and an equivalence of measurement techniques among the EU countries, the overall development and implementation of the soil strategy will be hampered. The soil characterisation research should contribute significantly towards a coherent and integrated soil information basis in Europe. In this context, soils (including sediments) are to be considered as an integral part of the ecosystem and closely interlinked with other compartments like water and air. European soils should be protected against further degradation and deterioration as: (i) a primary environmental media (like water and air), and (ii) a limited natural resource that should be used in a sustainable manner. The cross-sectoral approach is inherent to the Soil Strategy meaning that the very diverse soil/land uses as well as the variety of economic sectors impacting on soil should be considered (forestry, agriculture, urbanisation, infrastructure, tourism, …). Task Objectives

The research should provide a sound scientific basis for defining a European-wide harmonised characterisation of European soils and the evaluation of their status through the establishment of representative typologies, profiles, indicators, baselines and thresholds that should be used as references throughout Europe. A single, integrated, EU-wide and operational set of measurable criteria and indicators is to be developed and demonstrated to allow for: (i) the characterisation of soil profiles as a basic soil information source , (ii) the definition of a baseline of good soil status (or good soil conditions), and (iii) the assessment of current soil status with respect to the baseline The research should be performed for representative soil pilot areas: at least one pilot area per EU member state. Soil pilot areas should preferably coincide with Pilot River Basins under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). Selection of pilot areas located within more than one Member State should be given preference (cross- boundary pilot areas). A comprehensive and introductory survey of major soil typologies and representative common indicators, criteria and thresholds should be carried out on the basis of existing data. In this context full use should also be made of the European Soil Map at scale 1:1.000.000. This survey should contribute to the selection of the pilot areas. It should be possible to extend the methods and approaches to the entire EU, and due consideration should be given to this aspect during the research activities. Criteria and indicators should be developed for ecological, biological, physical, chemical and any

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 other relevant aspects, and they should reflect characteristics of natural and anthropogenic origin. They should reflect the wide variety of soil properties, soil functions and soil/land uses. Good soil status could be defined as the status of the soil that allows for performing the complexity of its direct and indirect functions in a sustainable manner. Although soil requires a specific approach, the concept of soil good status should be developed in analogy with the concept of good status as used for water in the context of the Water Framework Directive, which represents the best available example. The establishment of a European soil characterisation should take into account available knowledge and data within each of the 25 EU member states and in particular previous work carried out by the European Soil Bureau Network and in the context of the CORINE land use project. Expected outputs

The research outputs should provide a sound scientific basis for defining a European- wide harmonised characterisation of European soil and the evaluation of their status through the establishment of representative typologies, profiles, indicators, baselines and thresholds that should be used as references throughout Europe. Types of instrument

STREP Nature of partnership

The partnership should consist of a broad spectrum of research organisations (research institutes and universities), governmental organisations and agencies, soil survey institutes and major non-governmental organisations. In addition networking with other stakeholders and policy makers in charge of soil policy should be envisaged. Organisation of the work and duration

The project shall be carried out at European level, including the EU member states and the candidate countries. The project should be very well co-ordinated with the developments of the Soil Thematic Strategy and the European Soil Bureau Network. The duration of the project should be 24 months at a maximum. Cost estimate

The indicative EC contribution is1 M€.

Task 7 - Assessment of the monetary values of environmental and resource costs for water services The development of standards for the evaluation of the monetary value of environmental and resource costs and benefits in the field of water with a view to transferring these values between river basins.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Problem description

The place given to the economic analysis in the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is important, with several articles and annexes making reference to this issue (Articles 5 and 9, annex III). In particular, Article 9 is dealing with the “recovery of cost for water services”. The level of cost recovery will have to be taken into account by Member States and presented to stakeholders in order to ensure a better transparency. In the spirit of Article 9, the cost recovery should be “in accordance with the Polluter Pays Principle” and should include “environmental and resource costs”. However, the knowledge on environmental and resource costs is not well shared in Europe. Therefore, in order to fulfil the objectives of integrating both environmental and resource costs, there will be a need to investigate new methodological areas, to collect data, to develop rules for the transfer of data from one site to another and to test the transfer of values on selected river basins. This requires research to be undertaken at EU level, the aim of which is to develop standards for the evaluation and the transfer of values of environmental costs and benefits in the field of water. The final goal is to allow the calculation and the integration of environmental and resource costs for all the river basins in Europe. Once evaluated these environmental and resource costs will form a basis for the implementation of the WFD. They will help to build the programmes of measures and the river basin management plans. They will also contribute to the cost recovery in different river basins. Task objectives

A first task should be dedicated to collect, synthesise, and analyse the existing studies dealing with environmental costs/benefits in the field of water in at least the 25 Member States (candidate and other countries applying or willing to apply the WFD are welcome). Based on the review, a table of synthesis with potential transferable values should be delivered in the framework of a second task. An identification of non investigated fields in the frame of environmental costs should also be provided in order to forecast future studies and research. In addition, a first meta analysis on existing studies should be supplied in order to prepare transfer of values. A third task should focus on testing the method on different river basins, in accordance to the findings of task 1 and task 2. In this respect, an identification of both reliable data and gaps should be proposed. On this basis about 15 river basins typologies should be identified. These typologies should be based mainly on the following criteria: the size of the river, the quality and the quantity of water, the climate, the main water uses and the gap in data. For all these river basins, 2 to 5 studies on environmental costs should be realised, using different methodologies (contingent valuations, mitigation costs, hedonic prices, travel expenses,…). Finally, a fourth task should aim to disseminate the results at the river basin level. A synthesis of the three previous tasks should be realised, the results of which should be largely disseminated to all Member States and to stakeholders involved in river basin management. Different communication tools should be proposed (summary, workshops, set of slides, CD ROM,….). Expected outputs

The final goal of the project is to make the results of this research project useful for the implementation of the WFD (programme of measures, river basin management plans, possible derogation needs etc.). In particular, the project should develop

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 guidelines based on case-studies and scenarios to help defining economically sound measures in support of the WFD programme of measures which should be operational by 2012. These guidelines should take account of the river basin management plans provisions and consider issues of WFD derogations and their consequences on the achievement of WFD environmental objectives. Types of instrument

STREP Nature of partnership

The partnership should involve research organisations (research institutes and universities) and water authorities in charge of the implementation of the WFD. In addition, involvement of other stakeholders (e.g. NGOs, industrial associations, water utilities, policy makers, etc.) should be envisaged. Organisation of the work and duration

The project shall be carried out at European level, including the EU member states and the candidate countries, and involving a range of stakeholders. The project should be very well co-ordinated with the Common Implementation Strategy of the WFD. The duration of the project should be 30 months at a maximum. Cost estimate

The indicative EC contribution is 1.5 M€.

Task 8 - European analytical quality control scheme for water, sediment and soil analysis Development of measurement strategies, methodologies and techniques, with emphasis on quality control systemic aspects, for the monitoring of ecological and chemical status of surface waters (including biota and sediment analyses) and of chemical status of groundwater (including interactions with soils) in support of the Water Framework Directive and the future EU soil policy related-monitoring programmes. Priority should be given to priority pollutants in the case of surface waters, and to the pollutants of Annex VIII of the WFD for groundwater.

Problem description

The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) sets the objective to prevent deterioration in status of all Community waters (i.e. both surface- and ground-waters, as well as coastal waters) and to ensure achievement and maintenance of their good status by 2015. The implementation of the Directive will be based on river basin management plans. It includes the design of monitoring programmes to be carried out by all Member States. The effectiveness of these programmes, and hence of the overall Directive implementation, will highly depend on the ability of laboratories in

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Member States to measure ecological, biological and chemical properties of Community waters. Besides the WFD, the thematic strategy on soil protection calls for the development of a policy framework which will regulate, in particular, soil contamination aspects in the context of which common monitoring strategies will need to be developed. In this view, measurement data will represent the foundation of the water and soil quality evaluation system, on the basis of which decisions will be taken on the programme of measures required to achieve WFD environmental objectives. At the EU level, more than 120 river basin districts will start monitoring at the beginning of 2007 for a wide range of (surface and ground-) water bodies, on the basis of which programmes of measures will be designed for the first river basin management plans at the end of 2009. Needless to say that without a clear demonstration of data comparability and of equivalence of measurement techniques among the participating states, the overall objectives of the directive will be made impossible despite the huge resources involved. This also stands for the future soil policy which will be closely linked to the WFD objectives. At this stage, there is a need, therefore, to develop analytical quality control schemes for the monitoring of the ecological and chemical status of surface waters and of the chemical status of groundwater, including sediments and soils, in support of both the Water Framework Directive and the future EU soil policy-related monitoring programmes. Task objectives

The research activities should focus on the elaboration of measurement strategies, methodologies and techniques, with emphasis on quality control systemic aspects, for the monitoring of the ecological and chemical status of surface waters (including biota and sediment analysis, as well as water suspended matter and dissolved phases) and of the chemical status of groundwater (including interactions with soils) in direct support of the relevant water and soil policies. Priority should be given to priority pollutants in the case of surface waters, and to the pollutants of Annex VIII of the WFD for groundwater. As a short-term objective (within the first 6 months of the project), a review and consolidation of existing knowledge and activities at EU level should be undertaken while establishing links to all relevant on-going RTD projects and networks, tool developers (proficiency testing schemes or reference materials), training facilities and policy-implementers. This phase should lead to an identification of any gaps in knowledge. In the medium-term (2006-2007), activities should be developed to fill in the gaps identified above, e.g. developing new monitoring strategies (with test cases linked to the WFD Pilot River Basin network), proficiency testing schemes, reference materials, focused training activities etc. Expected outputs

The project outputs should provide the scientific basis for developing and maintaining a sustainable quality control system, which would coordinate tailor-made proficiency testing activities, reference material production, research and training at the EU level in support of water and soil policies, with regular exchanges of good practices. Type of instrument 66

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 STREP Nature of partnership

The partnership should involve research organisations (research institutes and universities), quality control tool providers (proficiency testing organisers and reference material producers) and regulatory bodies in charge of the implementation of the WFD. In addition, networking with other stakeholders (e.g. NGOs, industrial associations etc.) should be envisaged. A close link with the Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) of the WFD should be demonstrated. Organisation of the work and duration

The project should be carried out at EU level and should take into consideration the WFD requirements regarding chemical and ecological indicators. Considering the timeframe of the WFD monitoring programme in particular (to be operational by the end of 2006) and the time of the first River Basin Management Plan of the WFD (2009), the duration of the project should be 42 months at a maximum. Cost estimate

The indicative EC contribution is 1 M€.

Task 9 - Assessment of interactions between environmental stressors and effects on human health Development of an integrated multi-exposure framework for identification of health threats caused by combined exposure to environmental pollutants with a view to providing information on the environmental drivers of health issues and allowing targeted policy measures.

Policy context

The Environment and Health Action Plan recently adopted by the Commission focuses on the information base for the development of preventive policy, largely in terms of improving knowledge of exposure, exposure-effect relations, and occurrence of the relevant health effects, so giving a clearer idea of the effects of environmental exposure on health and so providing a more robust basis for policy development. One aspect of the Action Plan’s short term implementation is to use the available information base, and in particular integrate the results of the previous research programmes, to assess more precisely the interactions and impact of environmental stressors on human health. The work should focus on the interactions and impacts of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), including in particular dioxins and PCBs; and substances identified as being potential endocrine disruptors. The task here will be to build on existing work so as to carry out an actual assessment of the exposure to, and health effects of, the pollutants in question. (For endocrine disruptors, a subset should be considered, based on the prioritisation work carried out under the Endocrine

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Disruption Strategy.) The project should co-ordinate with and build on the work on POPs under UNEP (the POPs protocol) and UNECE (CLRTAP). This will have two advantages. First, a practical attempt to synthesise currently available data and results will facilitate the methodological development which can be possibly extrapolated to other fields. Second, the attempts will make clear to what extent policy conclusions can be drawn from the available evidence for the pollutants considered.

Objective

The exercise will have three main objectives for each category of pollutant: · The first objective is to review the models currently used to determine exposure, identify the best model, and use it to identify the population distribution of exposure to the various pollutants (including an assessment of the distribution of the population for whom European or US threshold levels are exceeded) · The second objective is to translate that exposure into a health effect in so far as possible on the basis of existing information. This is achieved by combining the above exposure assessment with exposure-effect relations derived from research. The latter should be obtained by conducting systematic reviews and meta-analysis of the studies performed so far. · The third objective is to apportion responsibility for the contamination of the exposure routes in question between different emission sources Finally, the project should identify the possible main interactions between the stressors in order to facilitate the establishment of multi-causal approach in environment and health assessment. The aim of the project is to use all available information from current monitoring, and all the relevant research results, to carry out the above analyses as far as possible. It should in particular liaise with and build on the work of other related research activities in FP5 and FP6. The proposal will in principle aim to perform the above analyses for the entire EU geographic area. Where this is not feasible, specific sub-regions may be identified. The work on dioxins and PCBs should in any event ensure coverage of the Baltic region. Expected outputs

The expected output from the project will be, first and foremost, the best analyses that can be made for the three objectives for each of the pollutants concerned, in a form suitable for use by EU and MS policy makers for policy development on the pollutants in question. The outcome should include an assessment of where the analysis based on current information is sufficiently firm to base policy conclusions on. Finally, the project should identify the areas where limited information prevented an analysis being made, and should recommend priorities both for future research and for modifying relevant monitoring requirements.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The concrete outcome should be a report for each category of pollutant presenting the analysis and recommendations.

Type of instrument

Specific Targeted Research project. Indicative EC-contribution 1 M€. Nature of partnership

The consortium should be composed of research organisations (research institutes and universities) and national agencies, covering a wide European spectrum. Networking with other stakeholders, including for example NGOs and policy makers, should be foreseen. Organisation of the work and duration

Under the leadership of a project co-ordinator and project steering group, work packages would be organised around the objectives. Close liaison should be ensured with the Commission groups responsible for implementing the Dioxins Strategy, the Endocrine Disruptors Strategy and the Environment and Health Action Plan. It is anticipated that the work would take place over 2 years.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 1.6. Assessment of environmental technologies for support of policy decisions, in particular concerning effective but low-cost technologies in the context of fulfilling environmental legislation

For tasks under 1.6 the contact person is Mr Valette (+32.2.2956356 –Pierre.Valette @cec.eu.int). The contact person in DG Environment, for policy aspects related to these topics is Mrs Vounakis (+32.2.2990464 – [email protected]).

Task 1 - Comparison and assessment of funding schemes for the development of environmental technologies in the framework of ETAP: analysing the current functioning of funding schemes available for the development of new technologies, in particular risk capital and venture capital, assessing how these schemes perform in promoting environmental technologies, what particular obstacles are met by the funding of these technologies and how these schemes could evolve to overcome these obstacles. Policy context:

The Communication on the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (COM(2004) 38 final) introduces as follows the role of funding schemes in the uptake of environmental technologies: Commercialising and using environmental technologies requires a broad mix of financial instruments. These range from classical loans through guarantee mechanisms to venture capital. (…) Existing public and private venture capital funds can act as financial intermediaries for reaching SMEs and are particularly important in the acceding states because of the small amount of risk capital available there. Additional risk capital should allow investments in promising innovations with higher risk premiums and lower return expectations than in purely commercial investments. In the context of this call, the issue relates to the financing of the early stages of the development of new activities (such as investments in production capacities, marketing of products/services), possibly including applied research and development, where relevant. The financial instruments aimed at are mainly of commercial type: loans and associated guarantee mechanisms, equities, risk capital including venture capital… Subsidies and other public support such as fiscal incentives are not excluded from the research field but should not be considered as a core target. The funding of environmental technologies is generally merged in the funding for innovation or new technologies in general. An essential part of the requested work relates to the discussion of features specific to environmental technologies: how existing schemes perform in funding these technologies in particular, what share of available funding is directed towards projects solving environmental problems, what particular obstacles are met by these projects when looking for appropriate funding? In this discussion, a broad definition of environmental technologies should be

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 retained, as in the ETAP Communication, including all technologies whose use is less environmentally harmful than relevant alternatives. Task objectives:

- characterisation of funding instruments available for environmental technologies: type of instruments, estimated amount of funding available, main actors in the EU, constraints or modus operandi associated with each type of funding; comparison with experience in other regions in particular in the USA - assessment of the performance of these instruments in funding environmental technologies: what share of the available funding if actually directed towards projects using environmental technologies? Do environmental technologies have equal chances to find appropriate funding as other technologies, and if not: reasons of the discrepancies? - how these schemes could evolve to better meet the needs of environmental technologies or to overcome the obstacles specific to these technologies? Would new or specific instruments be required? What role could public authorities play at the EU, national and local levels, in order to support this evolution or creation of new instruments? Expected outputs:

- description of existing instruments, estimation of financial amounts at stake; International experience - assessment of the performance of existing instruments in funding environmental technologies, following a methodology to develop and justify in this work (possibly including appropriate indicators); - proposals for improvement of existing schemes, including possible new instruments, and policy proposals for public actors. Type of instrument:

STREP Nature of partnership:

The partnership should involve organisations active in the funding of innovation or new technologies, including the funding schemes directed at small and medium sized enterprises. The expertise of partners should cover the main technological fields relevant for environmental technologies (energy, clean technology, water, air…). Knowledge should be shown of public policies (at EU and national level) in the field of innovation and in the field of environment. Organisation of the work and duration:

A steering committee should be established for the duration of the project, gathering representatives of the main actors in the field, including Commission services, the EIB and/or EBRD, commercial banks or financial institutions involved in the funding of innovation, technology companies or centres having experience as users of funding schemes, academic experts in this field (within and outside the EU)…

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The description of existing instruments should try to be exhaustive at least for instruments above a certain size (threshold to be discussed with the steering committee); the assessment may be based on case studies, including success and failure stories, whose representativeness should be discussed in the reports. An intermediary report should cover the first expected output (description of existing instrument) and a proposed methodology to deal with the second expected output (assessment of existing instrument) and should be discussed with the steering committee. The final report, covering all expected outputs, should be first discussed with the steering committee, then presented in a conference or workshop organised in the framework of the research project and gathering a large number of relevant actors in this field. Possibly other presentations may be required in the context of ETAP. Duration: no more than one year from the signature of the contract (expected in mid- 2005). Cost estimate:

Indicative EC contribution : € 0.5 million

Task 2 - Methodology for analysing the impact of environmental technologies on industrial competitiveness, trade and employment in the enlarged Union (EU-25) : Building on the approach of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan , the project would extend econometric models to the new member states, work on scenarios and accounting frameworks for externalities, needed to analyse the potential of environmental technologies in term of industrial competitiveness, of international trade and/or of employment in the EU-25. Policy context:

Environmental Technologies are playing an important role for the protection of environment and, at the same time, can help boost the competitiveness of EU companies by reducing costs, creating new markets and contributing to a sustainable economic growth. The Communication on the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (COM(2004) 38 final) aims at harnessing this potential and at improving the market conditions for their uptake. The implementation of ETAP requires to identify priorities in terms of technological developments and of economic policy instruments. This could be supported through an adequate modelling framework to assess the potential of environmental technologies in term of industrial competitiveness, of international trade and of employment in the EU-25. In the context of this research, a modelling framework should be understood as including econometric models, scenarios and database. These models should take spillovers into account. . A particular attention should be given to the new Member States, given the differences with the ‘old Member States’ in economic structure and thus potentially in the response to technological developments. Appropriate models are required to

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 assess how environmental technologies could contribute to the catching-up of these economies. Task objectives:

The objective of the planned research is to adapt economic models to assess the impact of the intensive deployment of environmental technologies on industrial competitiveness and trade, both at macro-economic and sectoral levels, with a particular emphasis on the new Member States. Expected outputs:

Review of the existing literature about the issue of economic impacts of clean technologies, assessment of the weaknesses of previous works and tools used for the existing evaluation, in particular as regards the new Member States. Identify the new generation of models able to treat the ex-ante assessment of economic impacts of environment technologies to the new Member States: econometric macro-sectoral models and/or general equilibrium models will be considered. The capacity of these new models to represent the new environmental technologies, the industrial sectors and a large set of economic instruments will be tested in order to proceed to their necessary methodological adaptation, with a particular emphasis on the new Member States. Analyse the additional costs and benefits generated by intensified policies in favour of environmental technologies. The impacts in terms of international competitiveness and in terms of environmental protection will be assessed into account Existing monetary valuation of damages would be considered in this respect for cost-benefit analysis. Validate the results with scientific community and stakeholders. Type of instrument:

STREP Nature of partnership:

The partners should be experts in economic modelling, having a good experiment of the industrial issues, environmental and technological aspects. Organisation of the work and duration:

4-5 teams during 18 months. Cost estimate:

Indicative EC contribution: € 0.6 million

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 II. PROVIDING HEALTH, SECURITY AND OPPORTUNITY TO THE PEOPLE OF EUROPE

2.1. Health determinants and the provision of high quality and sustainable health care services and pension systems (in particular in the context of ageing and demographic change)

Call closed

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 2.2. Public health issues, including epidemiology contributing to disease prevention and responses to emerging rare and communicable diseases, allergies, procedures for secure blood and organ donations, non-animal test methods

Call closed

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 2.3. The impact of environmental issues on health (including safety at work and methods for risk assessment and the mitigation of risks of natural disasters to people)

For tasks under this topic, the contact person is Mr. Karjalainen (+32.2.2984660 – [email protected]). The contact person in DG Environment, for policy aspects related to these topics is Mrs Vounakis (+32.2.2990464 – [email protected])

Task 1 - Develop a coherent approach to human biomonitoring in Europe Problem description In different Member States, a substantial number of human biomonitoring projects are running and significant resources are devoted to these efforts1. Similar aspects are addressed in nearly all countries: exposures to heavy metals, dioxins & PCBs and outcomes, such as asthma, allergy and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, most of these relate to research projects established with different scientific goals and different methodologies, and it is therefore difficult to compare the data generated by these projects. Moreover, data collected under research actions are often permitted under a limited remit and may not be available for more general biomonitoring activities. Coordination of the ongoing biomonitoring activities in Europe will contribute to better data comparability between countries and will allow a better integration of information by bringing together available knowledge and by actively promoting exchange of experiences between teams and countries. It will also enable a more effective use of resources through shared development of tools and strategies. Task Objectives The objective is to develop a coordinated approach for biomonitoring based on existing expertise and experiences. The range of objectives of biomonitoring should be examined to identify those which are suitable for an EU approach, starting from the experiences available in Member States’ surveillance programmes and results from research. The project would also investigate how biomonitoring results can be integrated most effectively with environmental monitoring data, and develop strategies for communicating biomonitoring results so as to allow for adequate response. An appropriate interface should be provided primarily with the EU Environment and Health Action Plan, but also with other policy development as appropriate. Focus should be specifically on children. The project would be expected to make use of the recent Environment and Health Strategy, Biomonitoring Technical Working Group Report as a data source. Expected outputs

1 See Baseline Report on http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/health/index_en.htm

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Enhanced interaction between policy-makers and researchers on biomonitoring at EU level. Specific deliverables:

– EU pilot project on biomonitoring

– Guidelines for best practice on coordinated approach for biomonitoring in Europe; integration scenarios and communication strategies for biomonitoring results

– Assessment of the utility of bioindicators for pollutants

– Estimates of sensitivity of individual biomarkers

– Updated inventories of biomonitoring research and non-research actions, and databases

Type of instrument Co-ordination action. Organisation of the work and duration Under the leadership of a project co-ordinator and project steering group, work packages would be organised around the two main themes outlined above. The network might encourage and provide support for workshops and conferences on specific topics where appropriate. The network might be organised so that there is a limited number of full members and a larger number of associated or ad-hoc members. It is anticipated that the work would take place over 2 years. A strong involvement of socioecomomic and ethics experts should be included.

Task 2 - Promote co-ordination on environment and health exposure reduction initiatives at regional level Problem description The EU Environment and Health Action Plan2 recently adopted by the Commission proposes a number of actions on environment and health. In the first instance it focuses on the information base for the development of a health promotion-based policy, largely in terms of improving knowledge of exposure, exposure-effect relations, and occurrence of the relevant health effects, so giving a clearer idea of the effects of environmental exposure on health. Implementation of risk reduction options is naturally a matter for the regions of Europe, and this aspect of future work provides a good opportunity to engage the environment and health authorities of the European regions in the implementation of the Action Plan. A significant body of experience in practical pollution reduction measures exists within regional/local bodies and an assessment in terms of health

2 See http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/health/index_en.htm

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 impacts of different measures/strategies employed would provide an important resource for practical local implementation of the goals of the Environment and Heath Strategy3. Task objectives The objective is thus to develop an information base on the best available health risk reduction options for significant environment and health drivers, using the regions as the lead, based on assessment of actual control measures. The project should set up a network of regional authorities and researchers at European, national and regional level to identify and assess pollution reduction options and associated health gains. Cost effectiveness of the different measures identified should also be considered. Analysis should concentrate on actual control measures, which have already been implemented. The regions would share the results among themselves and the project should provide plans for disseminating them more widely. This work should establish links to ongoing actions at Commission and Member State level to identify the exposures causing the biggest health problems. In addition to its benefit for the Environment and Health Action Plan, this work is likely to have significant benefits for the Commission’s Urban Strategy, as exposure reduction for many of the stressors will be at least in part an urban management issue. Expected outputs Enhanced interaction between regional and European policy-makers and researchers on risk reduction options for environment and health drivers, culminating in a final report – A comparative analysis of health risk reduction measures already applied and future options, including cost effectiveness for key drivers of environment-related health effects Type of instrument Co-ordination action. Organisation of the work and duration Under the leadership of a project co-ordinator and project steering group, work packages would be organised around the main environment and health drivers identified by the project team. The network might encourage and provide support for workshops and conferences on specific topics where appropriate. The network might be organised so that there is a limited number of full members and a larger number of associated or ad-hoc members. It is anticipated that the work would take place over 3 years.

3 See http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/health/index_en.htm

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Task 3 - Estimating the European disease burden related to environmental exposures Problem description: Europe’s citizens are concerned about the potential impact of the environment on their health and expect policy makers to act. Based on these public concerns and Treaty obligations, public bodies including the Commission have a need to better quantify and map adverse environment and health connections in order to address them more efficiently. A The need for such information has been made more urgent with the adoption of the EU Environment and Health Strategy in 2003, which resulted in the European Environment & Health Action Plan 2004-20101. The Action Plan has three main themes: (i) improving the information chain to understand the links between sources of pollution and health effects (actions 1-4); (ii) filling the knowledge gap by strengthening research and addressing the emerging issues on environment and health (actions 5-8); (iii) reviewing policies and improving communication (actions 9-13). The proposed project here would address all three themes in a cross-sectional manner. The proposed project will identify the burden of disease for ozone, and will complement the work on the burden of disease for heavy metals in the ESPREME project (http://espreme.ier.uni-stuttgart.de). The project will link existing monitoring and research so as to provide for more robust policy formulation, thus addressing each of the Action Plan's themes. The assessments will have two advantages: practical attempts to perform such assessments will give methodological experience that can be applied elsewhere; and the assessments themselves will clarify where existing information is sufficient to support policy. For heavy metals, the work underway in the ESPREME project should not be duplicated. The focus for heavy metals in this project should be on quantifying and tracing back to source human exposure through marine fish, which is the main lacuna in the ESPREME analysis.

Objectives: The objectives are to make, for ozone:

§ An assessment of the population distribution of exposure (including an assessment of the population distribution of exceedence of European or US threshold levels) § An estimate of the population distribution of health effects for the main health endpoints associated with the contaminant. § An apportionment of responsibility for the contamination of the exposure routes in question between different emission sources.

And for heavy metals:

· An analysis of human exposure to heavy metals through marine fish, apportioning where possible between European and non-European sources 79

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 · A model relating heavy metal contamination of marine fish to historical and current global and European pollution, apportioned by source where possible.

The aim of the project is to use all available information from current monitoring, and all the relevant research results, to carry out the above analyses as far as possible. Expected outputs: § Assessment of the health impacts of ozone and mercury in the EU and apportionment of impact among sources (to the extent possible). § An assessment of major gaps and uncertainties in data and recommendations for review. § An identification of the aspects where current information is sufficiently robust for policy development, and corresponding policy proposals. § Web-based public database or inventory of current ongoing assessment in this area. Type of instrument: Specific Support Action Nature of the partnership: The consortium should include specific scientific expertise with emphasis on epidemiology and data analysis. Results should be disseminated to appropriate stakeholders worldwide. Organisation of the work and duration: To carry out this task it is expected that the consortium might carry out desk research and methodological workshops. A wide dissemination through appropriate scientific journals might be expected. The duration of the project could be 1 to 2 years.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 2.4. Quality of life issues relating to handicapped/disabled people (including equal access facilities)

Call closed

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 2.5. Comparative research of factors underlying migration and refugee flows, including illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings

For tasks under this topic, the contact person is: Myria Vassiliadou (+32.2.29, e-mail [email protected]) or Giulia Amaducci (+32.2.299.38.09, e-mail: [email protected]). Task 1 - Legal and illegal immigration towards the EU Problem description Although not a recent phenomenon, legal and illegal immigration remains a major challenge for the European Union as it affects its political, socio-economic and cultural processes in profound ways. The emphasis of research to present day has been on particular countries and ethnicities, and has concentrated mostly on legal immigration. There exists therefore a lack of information and in-depth comparative analysis on the profiles and strategies of illegal residents, in particular, throughout the EU. Objective To conduct a comprehensive analysis and further develop knowledge on who the illegal residents are in all EU Member States; their country of origin and travel routes; their type of entry or residence; their employment conditions; their living conditions and expectations and how they contribute to the informal economy of Member States; and the possible ways by which illegal residents may become legal. The conditions which lead legal immigrants to become illegal could also be addressed. A key component of the task is the development or refinement of methods for approaching illegal residents (e.g. through non-governmental organisations, established members of their own communities) which take into consideration the sensitivities of the group being studied and the data to be gathered. For comparative reasons the study should also examine the differences and similarities with legal immigrants. Expected Outputs Information on the profiles and strategies of illegal residents in different EU Member States. Improved understanding of immigration towards the EU and on the differences in patterns amongst the different countries, different nationalities as well as amongst legal and illegal immigrants. Nature of Partnership An interdisciplinary team is required (this could potentially include migration experts, public opinion researchers, lawyers, sociologists, anthropologists, demographers, economists and/or psychologists). The partnership should aim at sufficient coverage of the EU countries, including the new Member States. The partnership should establish links with appropriated observatories, and in particular the European Migration Network and its information collection and research activity in this area, and agencies, governmental and non-governmental, working in this area in order to capitalize on existing experience and research knowledge. 82

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Type of Instrument Strategic Targeted Research Projects (STREPs) and/or Coordinated Actions (CA); potential EU contribution: 0,5 to 1 M Euros. Organisation of the work and duration: Two years

Task 2 - Comparative examination of different immigration policies with regard to their impact in the integration of immigrants Problem description Immigration policies vary across the world and their impact upon economic growth as well as social integration in the host countries are distinct and diverse. The role of migration with regard to social cohesion (integration, social inclusion) are important to study and analyse within the context of the continuous research concerning the impact of demographic ageing on contemporary societies. Objective To examine in a comparative manner the immigration policies of the EU member states with those of other migrant destinations such as, for example, the USA, Canada, and/or Australia, and to analyse their impact in terms of integration of immigrants in the economic and social life of the host countries. To examine whether and how immigrants participate on an equal basis with the host country population (for example in terms of employment rates, level of unemployment, equal opportunities for men and women, access to social services, and participation in societal activities). Expected outputs Comparative analysis of the impact of immigration policies in the integration of immigrants in the economic and social life of the host countries, such as in USA, Canada, and/or Australia with those pursued in the EU. Advice on appropriate policy measures with respect to integration and living conditions of immigrants in the economic and social life of the host countries. Assessment of policies promoting immigration in the context of an ageing workforce with a view to alleviate some of the constraints on future economic growth and to better understand how effective immigration can contribute to economic growth and social cohesion. Nature of Partnership An interdisciplinary partnership could include demographers, economists, migration experts, sociologists and/or lawyers. The partnership should have sufficient coverage of the EU, including the new member states. The partnership should establish links with appropriated observatories, and in particular the Europena Migration Network, and agencies working in this area in order to capitalize on existing experience and research knowledge.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Type of Instrument STREPs and/or Coordinated Actions; potential EU contribution: 0,5 to 1 M Euros. Organisation of the work and duration: 2 years

Task 3 - Integration of Female Immigrants in their Host Societies Problem description Nearly half the immigrants entering the EU every year are now female. Although many arrive as part of a family unit, a sharply increasing percentage is coming through choice to become employed in the caring professions or as domestic workers whereas others are being trafficked into EU member states for both labour and sexual forms of exploitation. Immigrant women may suffer from particular types of multi- levelled discrimination and it becomes imperative to acquire more knowledgeon how they can best become integrated and supported in their host countries. There exists no comprehensive understanding of how female migrants can become integrated with the EU context and societies. For trafficking in particular, most research has tended to be national in focus and concentrate on short-term studies designed to lead to direct action programs. Objective To identify and analyse patterns and processes which facilitate the integration of female immigrants in a socially cohesive manner that enhances their economic and social opportunities within European societies. To examine ways to reduce cultural segregation and to enhance social cohesion, locally, regionally and in the broader European context. To assess the impact of integration policy approaches to female migrants in particular, for example counter-trafficking interventions. To better understand the “demand” factors. To reflect upon female trafficking for labour and other non-sexual forms of exploitation. Special emphasis is needed to ensure equal access to the labour market, to adequate education and training, particularly lifelong learning, but also access to health care and social services. Language learning, awareness of human, civic and social rights, including norms and values in the host society as well as training for new skills and competences are essential tools for integrating both men and women. The particular role of women in families, although diverse and varied depending on the cultural context, as nurturers and carriers of cultural traditions in the family and their ability to influence future generations needs to be taken into consideration in the research. Expected outputs Comparative analysis of ways and means to integrate female immigrants in their hosting societies considering the nature of their social participation (e.g. employment, social activities, and training)

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Assessment of measures that facilitate the integration of female immigrants taking into account the impact of existing cultural barriers, behavioural patterns, time-use and cultural norms. Advice on appropriate policy measures with respect to integration of female immigrants Nature of Partnership: An interdisciplinary partnership which could include sociologists, anthropologists, lawyers, economists, gender and migration experts, psychologists. The partnership should aim at sufficient coverage of the EU including the new member states. It is very important for such a partnership to establish close links with appropriated non- governmental associations, observatories, and in particular the European Migration Network, and agencies working with female migrants in this area in order to capitalize on existing experience and research knowledge. Type of Instrument: STREPs and/or Coordinated Actions; possible EC contribution: 0,5 to 1 Mio Euro Organisation of the work and duration: One to Two Years

Task 4 - Migration Policy and Neighbourhood Policy Problem description In its Communication of 11 March 2003, the Commission outlined a new framework for relations with the EU’s Eastern and Southern Neighbours, in particular taking into account the new borders of the enlarged Union after 1 May 2004, with the aim of developing “a zone of prosperity and a friendly neighbourhood … with whom the EU enjoys close, peaceful and co-operative relations.” The Communication highlights the mutual interest of the EU and its new neighbours in co-operating bilaterally and regionally in many spheres, including migration policy and the combating of illegal migration and calls on the EU to assist in reinforcing the neighbouring countries efforts in this regard. Initial talks have begun with a first wave of “European Neighbourhood Policy” (ENP) partner countries, which already have contractual relations in place with the EU: Ukraine and Moldova to the East and Morocco, Tunisia, Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan to the South. Discussions are also foreseen at a later stage with Egypt and possibly Belarus. The first task in building and deepening co-operation and ensuring that information exchange and technical assistance are effectively targeted by the EU side, is information. Objectives · Research should contribute to the analysis of the legal and/or illegal migration trends in the partner countries as well as develop a better understanding of the processes followed to deal with these (including institutional arrangements, administrative capacity and legislative and policy framework of each country).

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 · In particular, research should develop an assessment of the challenges faced in the field of migration in the partner countries and reflect upon the underlying reasons; it should attempt to identify problematic areas in the legislative and/or organisational framework of a country, in order that technical and financial assistance, information exchange and co-operation can be directed at the relevant shortcomings. · It should develop an overview of any existing regional initiatives in the field of migration, their scope and their effectiveness, and examine how and in what migration-related areas the EU could contribute with its expertise and encourage regional co-operation. Expected outputs Analysis of the perspectives of ENP partner countries and their particular migration situation, with a view to identify ways in which the EU can assist the partner countries to develop their policy formulation and implementation. Development of research which could usefully be fed into the programming and implementation of existing and future EU initiatives, ongoing MEDA and TACIS national and regional programmes and projects on migration, asylum, social affairs, reform of the legal system and other related areas. Gathering of data in order to contribute to the development of a closer working relationship between the Commission and the partner countries in the framework of the ENP. Nature of Partnership: An interdisciplinary partnership which could include political scientists, sociologists, demographers, economists, lawyers and migration experts. The partnership should have sufficient coverage of all the EU countries. The partnership should establish links with appropriated observatories, and in particular the European Migration Network, and agencies working in this area in order to capitalize on existing experience and research knowledge. Type of Instrument: STREPs and Coordinated Actions; possible EC contribution: 0,5 to 1 Mio Euro Organisation of the work and duration Two Years

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 2.6. Improved means to anticipate crime trends and causes, and to assess the effectiveness of crime prevention policies; assessment of new challenges related to illicit drug use

Task 1 - Measurement issues – development of methods and instruments necessary for obtaining comparable information on crime across 25 EU Member States Problem description The effective prioritisation, planning and evaluation of crime reduction policies at the European level depend on our knowledge of the level and quantitative development of crime and victimisation and of citizens’ feeling of safety. Victimisation studies that survey the level of victimisation in the population can give some information, but some types of crime are not easily measurable through such studies, for example several different types of organised crime (financial, economic and cyber crime, as well as trafficking in human beings), not to mention terrorism. There is therefore a need to develop truly comparable information –to the extent possible- as regards these types of crime, their level and development, and criminal justice interventions; this taking into account the differences/specificities, similarities and –when relevant- possible relations between different types of crime. National statistics on police reported crime are not comparable between countries, nor have co-ordinating work on the basis of national statistics been able to compensate the inconsistencies, as has been clearly demonstrated by the work of several expert groups and international organisations, opting to use existing information. There are differences in definition, recording procedures, counting rules etc. between countries and the information available is not easily accessible for practitioners or policy-makers. Objective The research is to develop methods and techniques that enable the development of comparable crime statistics between and within Member States. Assumptions and criteria used for the comparative analysis need to be made explicit. Definitions at EU level have to be developed, based on realistic assessments of what Member States could deliver; best practices in recording procedures have also to be developed. There is also a need to investigate the feasibility of recording crime at sub-national levels to complement (and avoid being hampered) by national boundaries within the European Union when analysing crime levels and development. Methods for collection of data of high quality need to be developed, accounting the differences/specificities, similarities and –when relevant- possible relations between different types of crime. Comparable statistics need to be easily accessible for end-users in a format that is possible for non-experts to interpret and use directly, in publications and on the Internet. User-friendly tools including the possibility to display crime trends over time for specific regions in the European Union or to compare trends between regions, for example. Expected outputs

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Specific definitions of different types of crime or terrorist acts that could be used on the basis of current legislation counting rules; guidelines to enable comparisons to be made at EU level; innovative collection methods that minimise the scope for interpretation difficulties and maximize quality of data; user-friendly database interfaces that allow for the display of crime trends in selected regions as well as for other conclusions that could be drawn from statistics. Type of instrument Specific targeted research project and/or Coordination action; possible EU contribution: between 0,5 and 1 Mio Euro Nature of the partnership Research teams should include expertise in criminology, law, sociology and/or other relevant disciplines; the teams should seek/have access to experienced practitioners from law enforcement agencies producing information for statistical purposes as well as from end-users of statistical information. Organisation of the work and duration Duration: one year, preferably; two years maximum. Projects can concentrate on specific issues (e.g. selecting only some types of organised crime rather than all those listed above).

Task 2 - Evaluation of existing and development of innovative crime and terrorism reduction strategies Problem description Knowledge about what policies and measures work, what does not work and what is promising as regards to reducing crime and terrorism is being pursued but is still scarce; such knowledge needs to be further developed to help formulating and implementing effective crime prevention strategies, and to respond with a sound and factual basis to widespread concerns of citizens concerning crime. Even where substantial evidence has been gathered at national or sub-national levels, the lack of EU-wide dissemination strategies might lead to the continued use of measures that have been proven ineffective or to a transposition of effective measures in other contexts without sufficient understanding of the contextual element that can make them work or not. In short, there is a need for European research and sharing of knowledge between Member States in this area. Objective Research should explore which measures are effective in reducing different types of crime and terrorism, and which are not, why and under which conditions; a comparative analysis of measures across countries and -to the extent possible- types of crime should be pursued. Comparative approaches should make explicit how similarities and specificities are to be examined and research should consider which

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 measures have been already assessed, and focus on measures where analysis is especially scarce. Vulnerabilities assessment should be undertaken of specific sectors where crime preventive measures were or could be applied. Options and criteria for identifying and diffusing best practices, taking into consideration the issues related to their context-dependence, and of policy learning in the field of crime prevention should be explored. Research should also develop innovative ways to collect, store and make easily accessible the evidence that exists, to practitioners, policy-makers and citizens throughout the European Union. Expected outputs Evaluation of crime or terrorism reduction strategies and measures; identification of innovative crime or terrorism reduction measures; a test database for storage of evidence on crime and terrorism reduction measures, including a common framework on what information is to be stored, how to collect information and a format for easy accessibility. Type of instrument Specific targeted research projects and/or Coordination actions; potential EU contribution: between 0,5 and 1 Mio Euro Nature of the partnership Teams should be interdisciplinary and have expertise in the specific subject area studied (e.g. financial crime, terrorism) as well as in evaluation methods. Concerning a test evidence database, IT knowledge in relevant areas should be included in the team. Organisation of the work and duration One or two years: two years if the proposal includes the test database.

Task 3 - Review of existing data sources on synthetic drug and on cannabis use, analysis of the social factors affecting use and evaluation of the effectiveness of different preventive measures. Problem description: The EU Action Plan on Drugs 2000 - 2004 acknowledges the fact that Amphetamine Type Substances (ATS) use and abuse is rather common in Europe. It also notes that the ATS users are usually different from the so-called traditional drug addicts in a sense that they are usually socially well integrated young people and that the use is often limited to a certain social setting and to week-ends. Most ATS users consider the substances rather harmless compared e.g. to alcohol. However, as ATS use is a relatively new phenomenon, not much is known about the long-term effects of ATS use. There are also some discussions within the EU regarding the situation of cannabis use, namely changes in patterns of use, and whether this represents a problem. 89

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Objectives: Some research has shown that long-term ATS use might have serious consequences e.g. for memory of the users. It might also lead to behavioural changes. However, much more research is needed to gain conclusive evidence and to come up with effective policies to prevent these consequences. This could be done by longitudinal epidemiological studies of the ATS users, neurological studies on the effects of ATS on the central nervous system and/or by other methods. It could be organised by networking national networks and complementing them on initiatives at the Community level to fill possible gaps. Prevention of ATS use often requires innovative approaches different from those of traditional drug prevention; thus the understanding of the social factors affecting use should be improved. New forms of prevention like pill testing and different Internet campaigns have been tried in some Member States. However, evidence of the efficacy of such approaches is scattered and sometimes only locally available. European level projects on different aspects of the ATS phenomenon would help to develop effective policies at the most appropriate level. Research on patterns of cannabis use including whether changes in those using cannabis intensively or/and in high dosages are reflected in the number of people experiencing problems and/or becoming dependent; assessment of possible new need for prevention and treatment. Expected outputs: Data on the long-term effects of ATS use would provide a more solid basis for reasoned policy options in relation to ATS in line with the EU Action Plan on Drugs. Another output would be that the effectiveness of different preventive approaches could be measured and new approaches developed in line with the research results. Data on changes in patterns of cannabis use would provide a more solid basis for policy options in relation to this substance. Another output would be that the effectiveness of different preventive and treatment approaches, if needed, could be measured and new approaches developed in line with the research results. Type of instrument: Co-ordination action and/or Strategic Targeted Research Projects; Potential EC contribution: between 0,5 and 1 Mio Euro. Nature of the partnership: A network of researchers drawing from relevant disciplines (e.g. sociology, medicine) could be most beneficial. Some NGOs and networks of professionals might also be involved, in particular in the prevention part. Complementarity with work already undertaken or in progress should be ensured to maximise the added value. Organisation of the work and duration. Duration two years. The two parts of ATS (long term effects and prevention of ATS use) should be interlinked to ensure maximum mutual benefit. Similarly for the two parts on cannabis (changes in patterns of cannabis use and possible new need for prevention policies).

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 2.7. Issues related to civil protection (including biosecurity and protection against risks arising from terrorist attacks), and crisis management

For tasks under this topic, the contact person is Mr. Vossen (+32.2.295.85.54 – [email protected]). The contact person in DG Health and consumers, for policy aspects related to these topics is Mr Gouvras (+352.33465 – [email protected]).

Task 1 - Long-term health and ecological implications (and side-effects) of prophylactic or curative mass treatment of populations with, for example, antibiotics, anti-virals, vaccines and other relevant chemical substances. Problem description

Whereas the immediate benefits of justified preventive or curative mass treatment of entire populations in terms of public health are clear, their possible indirect, long-term health and/or environmental implications and side-effects have so far not been addressed in detail.

Objectives

The objective is to bring together and exploit research results, data and expertise and to inventory, critically analyse, document and conclude on the possible (if any) long- term health and ecological implications (and side-effects) of prophylactic or curative mass treatment of populations.

Expected outputs - Evaluation reports assessing, in terms of public health, the possible indirect, long- term implications and side-effects of preventive or curative mass treatments of entire populations with, for example, antibiotics, anti-virals, vaccines and other relevant chemical substances. - A proposal of conclusions and recommendations which could be used for future policy making in this field.

Type of instrument

Co-ordination action. Potential EC contribution: between 0,5 and 0,75 Mio€.

Nature of the partnership

The partnership should be multidisciplinary and include expertise in a variety of fields including public health, environment, surveillance, medicine, medicinal products, chemicals, etc. Partners should come from an as wide network of research bodies as possible.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Organisation of the work and duration

Co-ordination Activity, starting in 2005 for a period of 3 years maximum. The project should be organised into specific tasks that are combined over a three-year period. The tasks and timing should provide for an optimised use of resources avoiding unnecessary duplications of efforts among partners to create synergetic project planning.

Task 2 - Exchanging best practices between laboratories. Risk containment. Problem description

At the level of research and development dealing with biological and chemical (and other) terrorism threats, the exploitation of available laboratory resources (and corresponding results) in the various Member States is not always optimal.

Objectives

The project should contribute to an improved/enhanced mutual and cross-border recognition of research materials and research results by harmonising efforts in the field of safety assurance (risk containment) criteria, definitions and schemes and corresponding legal frameworks applicable to P3 and P4 level laboratories in the various Member States.

Expected outputs - an inventory of existing safety assurance (risk containment) criteria, definitions and schemes and legal frameworks applicable to P3 and P4 level laboratories in the various Member States; - an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of measures and methods designed to ensure the safety of public or private research infrastructures dedicated to biosecurity research; - a proposal of conclusions and recommendations which could be used for future policy making in this field.

Type of instrument

Co-ordination action. Potential EC contribution: between 0,5 and 0,75 Mio€.

Nature of the partnership

The project should involve or cover as many EU Member States and Accession Candidate Countries as possible. As the implementation instrument is a co-ordination

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 activity, partners should be involved in or have a proven experience with the areas addressed in this task (e.g., auditing safety of laboratories, etc.).

Organisation of the work and duration

Co-ordination Activity, starting in 2005. The project should be organised into specific tasks that are combined over (maximum) a two-year period. The tasks and timing should provide for an optimised use of resources avoiding unnecessary duplications of efforts among partners to create synergetic project planning.

Task 3 - Exchanging best practices between laboratories. Laboratory protocols and practices. Problem description

Objectives

This project should contribute to the harmonisation across Member States and possibly also Third Countries of research protocols, laboratory practices, test conditions, sampling designs, etc.

Expected outputs - an inventory of existing research protocols and laboratory practices, with particular emphasis on sampling designs and measuring techniques related a number of priority biological and/or chemical security research areas (to be identified in the proposal) - a proposal of conclusions and recommendations which could be used for future policy making in this field.

Type of instrument

Co-ordination action. Potential EC contribution: between 0,5 and 0,75 Mio€.

Nature of the partnership

The project should involve or cover as many EU Member States and Accession Candidate Countries as possible. As the implementation instrument is a co-ordination activity, partners should be involved in or have a proven experience in the areas addressed in this task (e.g., comparison of protocols and techniques, etc.).

Organisation of the work and duration

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Co-ordination Activity, starting in 2005. The project should be organised into specific tasks that are combined over a period of up to three years. The tasks and timing should provide for an optimised use of resources avoiding unnecessary duplications of efforts among partners to create synergetic project planning.

Task 4 - Strengthening the co-ordination of research in the field of the biology of pathogens posing a possible bioterrorist threat. Problem description

For a number of pathogens that potentially could be misused in an act of bioterrorism, preparedness and response capacity can be improved by bringing together, documenting and interpreting in one harmonised setting (reports, data base, …) the data, information, research results, etc. that are already available but at various places or in different formats.

Objective

The objective is the availability to policy makers of a documented inventory on (1) the microbial components that define the life cycle of one or several priority pathogens including the events or processes that are critical to initiate infection or influence disease severity; (2) rapid genome-sequencing; (3) other biochemical and microbiological information to facilitate the discovery of new targets for diagnostics, drugs and vaccines and (4) comparative genomics in support to forensic epidemiology and to help understanding the different virulence and pathogenicity factors.

Expected outputs - Report(s) presenting in a harmonised and easily exploitable format a documented inventory on the above fields. - A report with the results of limited research work possibly undertaken to fill some of the gaps existing in the above fields.

Type of instrument

Co-ordination Activity, starting in 2005. Potential EC contribution: between 0,5 and 0,75 Mio€.

Nature of the partnership

Organisation of the work and duration

Three-year Co-ordination Activity, starting in 2005. The project should be organised into specific tasks that are combined over a three-year period. The tasks and timing

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 should provide for an optimised use of resources avoiding unnecessary duplications of efforts among partners to create synergetic project planning.

Task 5 - Strengthening the co-ordination of research in the field of the virulence factors of pathogens posing a possible bioterrorist threat. Problem description

Objectives

The first objective is the availability to policy makers of a limited list of generic elements related to virulence which can be the basis for either threat analysis, but also for detection and medical countermeasures, or prophylaxis or therapy. The project will also identify new ways (methods, new agents, compounds, ….) influencing the virulence of bacteria, viruses or fungi. The outputs of the project are expected to contribute to i) the development of new cures (including new vaccines); ii) detection of new agents.

Expected outputs - A report providing a limited list of generic elements related to virulence; - A report identifying new ways (methods, new agents, compounds, ….) influencing the virulence of bacteria, viruses or fungi. - A report with the results of limited R&D work possibly undertaken to develop such new ways.

Type of instrument

Co-ordination action. Potential EC contribution: between 0,5 and 0,75 Mio€.

Nature of the partnership

The project should involve as many EU Member States and Accession Candidate Countries as possible. As the implementation instrument is a co-ordination activity, partners should be involved in or have a proven experience in the areas addressed in this task.

Organisation of the work and duration

Co-ordination Activity, starting in 2005. The project should be organised into specific tasks that are combined over a period of up to three years. The tasks and timing

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 should provide for an optimised use of resources avoiding unnecessary duplications of efforts among partners to create synergetic project planning.

Task 6 - Enhanced collaboration between the societal players in the field of biosecurity. Problem description

Depending upon the type and immediacy of a threat, the relative importance of the key-players that deal with it is variable. It is, however, important that these key- players – legal authorities, law enforcement authorities, military authorities, research authorities, industry, etc. – know about each other’s background and culture, views and analyses, strategies and priorities on how to best pre-emptively and curatively deal with these threats.

Objectives

The objective is to explore, test and evaluate ways to implement co-ordination among different authorities, entities and bodies involved in matters related to countering the effects of bioterrorism.

Expected outputs - Workshops and seminars, bringing together a representative cross-section of all societal players and stakeholders from Member States, candidate countries and possibly third countries. - Reports on the above initiatives, emphasizing on the difficulties and bottlenecks in co-ordination and exchanges between players and stakeholders and proposing solutions and recommendations.

Type of instrument

Specific Support Action. Potential EC contribution: between 0,1 and 0,30 Mio€.

Organisation

Workshops and seminars will be preferential tools but are not necessarily the only ones (e.g., they could be completed with virtual discussion and information exchange platforms, but these should be effective). The project should explicitly take in to account and/or liaise with other initiatives in this field, e.g. in Member States, candidate countries, third countries, OECD, the InterAcademy Panel, etc. The project can be implemented in a period of up to 24 months and should be planned logically (for example, a series of workshops spread in time that step-wise leads to a consensus workshop involving all players and stakeholders).

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Task 7 - The Science-Security Dilemma (SSD) and its implications for research on or with possible spin-offs to bioterrorism. Problem description

Most research on or directly related to terrorism should be subject to controls, approvals and specific codes of conduct so as to avoid unlawful and uncontrolled use of the methods, data and results. But for a large number of research topics (e.g., in certain fields of biotechnology, chemistry and microbiology) it is still a matter of debate whether or not they can be carried out freely or should be subject to controls, to what extent free and transparent publication of all results is acceptable, whether staff working on the research should be subject to screening and control, etc.

Objectives

The project objectives are to explore the various aspects of the Science-Security Dilemma and to present and defend a number of recommendations addressing issues such as (non exhaustive list): what criteria should/could be applied to assess whether a research project possibly poses a concern for dual use and unintended spin-offs; (additional elements in) codes (if any) of conduct, practice and/or ethics for people involved in research with possible dual use results or spin-offs; additional criteria (if any) for the submission of projects to funding authorities; additional criteria for the evaluation of project proposals; publication of results; the need to control experiments of concern? etc

Expected outputs - Surveys in Member States and Third Countries, questionnaires, literature searches, analysis of unpublished data and information…) - Workshops, conferences, seminars and/or virtual networks bringing together a representative cross-section of all stakeholders (scientists, industry, scientific publishing houses, risk managers, regulators, security instances, etc.) from Member States, candidate countries and third countries. - Reports on the above initiatives, emphasizing on the difficulties and bottlenecks in co-ordination and exchanges between players and stakeholders and exploring solutions and recommendations and, where appropriate, suggest guidelines (e.g., on codes, publication policies, etc.).

Type of instrument

Specific Support Action. Potential EC contribution: between 0,1 and 0,30 Mio€.

Organisation

The project should have a geographical scope that goes beyond the EU, and cover countries directly or indirectly associated to EU Member States through international initiatives or forums. The project should also explicitly take in to account and/or liaise with other initiatives in this field, e.g. in Member States, candidate countries, third countries, OECD, the InterAcademy Panel, etc. The project can be implemented

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 in a period of up to 24 months and should be planned logically (for example, a series of workshops spread in time that step-wise leads to a consensus workshop involving all stakeholders).

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 III. UNDERPINNING THE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL AND COHESION OF A LARGER AND MORE INTEGRATED EUROPEAN UNION

3.1. Underpinning European integration, sustainable development, competitiveness and trade policies (including improved means to assess economic development and cohesion)

No tasks opened for this call.

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 3.2. The development of tools, indicators and operational parameters for assessing sustainable transport and energy systems performance (economic, environmental and social)

For tasks under this topic, the contact person is Ms Le Louarn (+32.2.299.57.50 – [email protected]) for transport task 1 to 4 and Mr Rossetti di Valdalbero (+32.2.296.28.11 – [email protected]) for energy tasks 5 to 9. The same persons are also in charge of policy aspects. Information on previous strategic transport research projects and related policies is available on web site of the Extra support measure (http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/extra/web/index.cfm) as well as through Cordis (http://dbs.cordis.lu/fep/GROWTH/GROWTH_PROJl_search.html) and the Europa web site (http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_transport/rtd/5/index_en.htm).

Task 1 - Quality of transport services and infrastructure in the framework of the common transport policy: Research objectives: to further develop and validate common definitions for levels of service – including reliability, congestion, infrastructure scarcity and bottlenecks – for all passenger and freight transport modes and intermodal transport; to propose suitable indicators for the level of service and the quality of transport infrastructure (including both nodes and links) and to determine an accounting framework and method to measure these and to assess the impacts of policy actions (including investments, maintenance expenditure and user charges). This will be done with the view to applying these in future within a European transport network model covering both freight, passenger and intermodal transport and allowing the analysis of indirect effects in the economy, production processes and location choices stemming from changes in congestion and bottlenecks. Case studies focusing on some trans-European priority projects will be used to illustrate the methodology. Proposed instrument: Specific Support Action Indicative budget: 0.5 to 1 M€ Indicative duration: 1 to 2 years Links to related 6FP actions:

SSP-1/task 4 project TRANSFORUM (on-going CA, see http://www.transforum- eu.net); SSP-1/task 2 project TRANS-TOOLS (SSA to be launched, whose summary is due to appear under the “research for policy support” section of http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/projects.htm)

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Background policy documents: methodological note on the horizontal evaluation of services of general interest (including air, rail and local/regional public transport) was published in June 2002 in COM (2002) 331 (see http://europa.eu.int/eur- lex/en/search/search_dpi.html)

Task 2 - Sustainability indicators and policy targets for transport: Research objectives: To further develop and refine sustainability indicators and tools for the implementation and monitoring of the European transport policy. From the current state-of-the-art in the field, indicators and model improvements to help address sustainable development issues in their economic, environmental and social dimensions will be further refined and tested through the integrated assessment of various policies or policy packages of priority interest, in terms of the relevant policy targets for Europe. A sound validation approach including sensitivity analyses will be included. The main emphasis of the enhancements should be to address present shortcomings regarding economic growth aspects (such as regional development impacts of accessibility which transport networks and services provide, particularly for peripheral regions and countries; aspects of fair competition between modes, and the specific contribution of the various modes to the economy, including the costs of disruptions to transport networks and services); social aspects (such as in terms of level-playing employment conditions in the transport sector, of quality of life for citizens, of cohesion impacts of mobility); on environmental aspects, existing “state- of-the-art” approaches will be used, and links with on-going research on environmental protection policies will be established, including with those on the role of economic (taxes, charges) and regulatory measures; finally an integrated assessment of these dimensions of sustainable development will be carried out using the most appropriate sets of options (e.g. multi-criteria versus aggregative approaches, compensatory and non compensatory aspects, time horizon issues and equity aspects regarding inter- and intra-generational issues).

Proposed instrument: Specific Support Action Indicative budget: 0.5 to 1 M€ Indicative duration: 1.5 to 3 years Links to related 6FP actions:

SSP-1/task 4 project TRANSFORUM (on-going CA, see web site mentioned under task 1);

Previous 5FP research projects in the field:

SUMMA (5FP accompanying measure, see http://www.summa-eu.org)

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Task 3 - European best practise regarding national and regional transport modelling: Research objectives:

Following enlargement, Member States which joined the European Union on 1 May 2004 have a particular interest to set up, enhance and/or link transport models at national and/or regional levels based on their needs. In order to enable them to benefit from the latest “state-of-the-art” in this field and to avoid pitfalls previously experienced in a number of countries, best practise in the field stemming from experience within various countries should be assembled and discussed. A special effort should be made to take into account feedback from these Member States on specific requirements/constraints which may be faced with. The identification of best practise at EU level should pay specific attention to the potential to link various models (e.g. regarding neighbouring territories, or representing a given territory at different levels of details) and aggregate their data (e.g. at national, supra-national or EU level), including e.g. commonalities in data definitions, in cost-effective data collection methods, in defining and interpreting primary indicators, in specifying and developing models with the capability to evolve over time. For maximum effect, this action should be planned over a limited time period, so that the best practise results are rapidly available to EU Member States wishing to build or enhance efficient transport models that fit their needs for planning and policy analysis tools. Basing these models on common best practise principles will bring advantages both in terms of costs (in designing, developing, using, maintaining these models and populating them with data) and of performance, by efficiently linking models or aggregating their data (regarding neighbouring territories – at regional or national level – or regarding sub-territories covered at a finer level of details – e.g. checking or feeding national models with data from regional models, or EU models with data from national models). The best practise material will be disseminated throughout the EU, providing guidance and an incentive for all Member States to progressively move towards its application as they find it appropriate, which in turn should facilitate the linking of models and/or aggregation of data and pave the way for a bottom-up path to establishing better-grounded transport models at the more aggregate (national or EU) level, from transport models developed at a less aggregate (regional or national) level. Proposed instrument: Specific Support Action Indicative budget: up to 0.5 M€ Indicative duration: 1 year Links to related 6FP actions:

SSP-1/task 4 project TRANSFORUM (on-going CA, web site mentioned under task 1); SSP-1/task 2 project TRANS-TOOLS (SSA to be launched, whose summary is due to appear under the “research for policy support” section of http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/projects.htm)

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Task 4 - Decision-aid methods and tools for policy-makers: Research objectives: To further develop appraisal methods (in terms of best practice approaches and recommended indicators and valuations to be used across the EU) and related decision-aid tools regarding transport and energy projects and policies, in particular in support of both ex-ante and ex-post analyses of large infrastructure projects. Among the assessment criteria, the “EU added value” criterion under which the relative contribution of a project to a core trans-European network can be assessed should in particular be addressed. Various combinations of approaches used will be examined (including e.g. costs-benefits analyses, multi-criteria analyses, assessment of indirect impacts, of spatial impacts, of environmental impacts, of regional equity, sensitivity analyses), seeking to identify best practise options, based on case studies from various countries, and to illustrate frequent pitfalls (e.g. the “optimism bias” underestimating costs and overestimating demand). This work should be conducted in liaison with the HEATCO project (specific support action launched under task 3 of the SSP-1 call – see research section of the project coordinator’s web site http://www.ier.uni- stuttgart.de).

Proposed instrument: Specific Support Action Indicative budget: 0.5 to 1 M€ Indicative duration: 1.5 to 3 years Links to related 6FP actions:

SSP-1/task 3 project HEATCO (on-going SSA, see http://www.ier.uni-stuttgart.de, “research” section, subsection “Technology assessment and environmental analysis” or http://www.ier.uni- stuttgart.de/public/en/organisation/dept/proj_desc.php?pid=267); SSP-1/task 4 project TRANSFORUM (on-going CA, see web site mentioned under task 1)

Task 5 - Evaluation of the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in electricity production by using the international Kyoto mechanisms Policy context and objectives Within the Kyoto framework, various options exist to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2. Among the ways to achieve a cost-effective reduction, the market-based mechanisms offer great opportunities (see the European Emission Trading Scheme, Directive 2003/87/EC and the “linking” Directive proposal,

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 COM(2003)403). In this context, especially in relation with the Clean Development Mechanism and the non-industrialised countries, three major technological options need to be assessed for the electricity sector: efficiency, renewables and CO2 capture and storage.

The objectives are: - To evaluate the potential of an increasing efficiency of the technologies for the conversion of fuels. - To evaluate the potential of an increasing decentralised electricity production, essentially with renewable energy sources. - To evaluate the potential of an increasing use of CO2 capture and storage technologies. Expected Outputs Reliable, comparable and harmonised results on the costs and benefits of the three above-mentioned options to reduce greenhouse gas emission in relation with the Clean Development Mechanism. Type of instrument Specific Support Action. Indicative EU contribution: up to 0.8 Mio€. Nature of the partnership Consortium of energy researchers, industries and NGO from the EU and Third Countries. Organisation of the work and duration - Comparison on the main national and international studies on the topic. - Determination of the costs and benefits (for EU and developing countries) of each option. - Scientific consensus on the conclusions and recommendations to policy-makers. - 24 Months.

Task 6 - Identification of industrial RTD priorities in the field of electricity: Policy context and objectives The establishment of a genuine European Research Area in the field of electricity requires a clear understanding of the public and private RTD expenditures, especially in the context of the Barcelona target towards achieving 3% of GDP dedicated to RTD in 2010. This industrial electricity RTD mapping will allow better prioritising

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 the activities among various levels: European one, encompassing various Member States or covering only one Country. The objectives are : - To provide an extensive map of industrial electricity RTD with a detailed sub- categorisation (for e.g. for each kind of renewable energy sources). - To provide options and recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of industrial electricity RTD in the enlarged Europe. - To identify the potential benefits of an enhanced cooperation at the EU-level and to establish a roadmap of electricity research activities. Expected Outputs - An exhaustive mapping of the evolution and the prioritisation of industrial (utilities and equipment suppliers) RTD in the field of electricity (generation, transmission and distribution). - A set of recommendations and commitments made by utilities and suppliers of systems and equipments to increase the electricity RTD cooperation in the EU. - A quantitative picture of the benefits of an increased cooperation in the electricity RTD. Type of instrument Coordination action. Indicative EU contribution: up to 0.8 Mio€. Nature of the partnership Utilities, suppliers of systems and equipments representing the great majority of the electricity RTD. Organisation of the work and duration - To make a state of the art of the electricity RTD in the main EU utilities and equipment manufacturers. - To present the electricity RTD topics for which a EU collaboration could bring clear benefits. - To decide on what topics utilities will collaborate at the EU-level. - 24 months.

Task 7 - International energy initiatives data development, validation and scientific monitoring: Policy context and objectives Energy and environmental issues are closely related and many of them cover a clear international dimension. The EU plays a key role in initiatives such as the Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition (JREC), the EU Energy Initiative (EUEI)

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 and the International Partnership on Hydrogen Economy (IPHE) which cover financial, technological and development aspects. The objectives are: - To provide a synthesis and assessment of the main socio-economic data on renewables, and hydrogen: costs of technologies, total investments, import/export, jobs created, etc. - To analyse the socio-economic impacts of renewables and hydrogen at the EU and world-level and in the context of the JREC, the EUEI and the IPHE. - To identify the best-practices and the most promising policies to promote these new technologies and to make concrete recommendations for policy-makers. Expected Outputs - A synthetic picture of the main economic (costs, potential, etc.) and social (acceptance, citizen preferences, etc.) data related to renewables and hydrogen. - A scientific assessment of the impacts of renewables and hydrogen, particularly related to the JREC and the EUEI for renewables and the IPHE for hydrogen. - Stakeholders consensually agreed recommendations on practical solutions to increase the share of renewables and hydrogen at the EU and at the world level. Type of instrument Co-ordination action. Indicative EU contribution: up to 0.6 Mio€. Nature of the partnership: Network of researchers, energy industry, policy-makers and NGO from the EU and Third Countries. Organisation of the work and duration: - Synthesis and comparison of existing studies concerning the economic and social data related to hydrogen and renewables. - Consensus, through workshops among scientists and stakeholders, on the main economic and social conclusions. - Validation of the recommendations by a large stakeholders Conference. - 24 months

Task 8 - Scientific consensus building conference related to the national allowances in the framework of the European greenhouse gas Emission Trading Scheme Policy context and objectives

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Within the context of the EU Emission Trading Scheme, many scientific articles will be published concerning the first round of the national allowances in the framework of the European greenhouse gas Emission Trading Scheme. The objectives are : - To organise a large conference aimed at summarising positions published by the EU scientists, including a clear picture of the quantification of the industrial efforts in the different sectors in all the Member States. - To get a consensus among the best specialists in Europe in the EU Emission Trading field. - To provide the proceedings of the conference with clear recommendations for the European Commission mid-2006 review. Expected Outputs - Organisation of a large stakeholder conference. - Identification, selection and grouping of the key actors in the field. - Clear recommendations for policy-makers and inputs for the 2006 review. Type of instrument Specific support action. Indicative EU contribution: up to 0.4 Mio€. Nature of the partnership High-level scientists, supported by industries and policy-makers. Organisation of the work and duration: - Comparison of the results with national and international studies. - Preparation of the Conference (agenda, speakers, audience). - Conference with scientists and stakeholders to get a consensus. - Public presentation of the recommendations (key-lessons for the future) coming from the Conference. - 12 months.

Task 9 - Social, economic, legal and regulatory implications of implementing CO2 capture and storage technology in the EU and at the world level Policy context and objectives The EC plays a key role in promoting CO2 capture and storage, including at the international level within the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF). This technology seems to offer an important option to reduce CO2 emissions especially considering the expected future use of fossil fuels (see the Commission WETO study, the IEA Energy Outlook, etc.). 107

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The objectives are : - To measure the social acceptance of CO2 capture and storage andto assess the costs of CO2 capture and storage at the EU and world level in relation to the storage potential. - To help establish guidelines in the context of the EU Emission Trading Scheme, including ways to address legal issues concerning for example CO2 long-term ownership and liability for CO2 capture and storage. - To identify any other gaps in socio-economic studies related to CO2 capture and storage and address them. Expected Outputs - Understanding of the social perception of this technology, preferably with quantified arguments such as survey results. - Providing comparable figures on the CO2 capture and storage costs according to the different options for storage (e.g. enhanced oil recovery) and according to different world regions. - To work towards the establishment of storage guidelines in the context of the EU Emission Trading Scheme. Type of instrument Specific support action. Indicative EU contribution: up to 0.4 Mio€. Nature of the partnership Academics and research centres, possibly supported by consultants, from the EU and Third Countries. Organisation of the work and duration: - Analysis of existing studies concerning the social, economic, legal and regulatory issues related to CO2 capture and storage. - Identification of the social, economic, legal and regulatory gaps concerning this technology. - Filling in gaps and establishing a set of recommendations on the guidelines to follow in the context of the EU Emission Trading Scheme. - Consultation with stakeholders. - Use of the results in the CSLF and other fora and presentation of the recommendations to the main stakeholders. - 24 months.

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 3.3. Global security analysis and validation systems for transport and research relating to accident risks and safety in mobility systems

For tasks under this topic, the contact person is Mr. Patrick Norroy (+32.2.296.25.27, e-mail: [email protected]). The same person is also in charge of policy aspects. Policy context An efficient antiterrorism policy requires a set of interrelated measures in which technology plays an important role.

During ages and before the New York/Washington and Madrid assaults, energy and transport systems have been frequently used as targets or means to perpetrate terrorism attacks.

European energy and transport networks are widely developed, open and interconnected and their use is largely dominated by individual numerous decisions. The protection of energy and transport users and infrastructure is thus a huge and expensive task permanently prone to be incomplete. For the user, more security means generally procedures which imply growing operational complexities leading to a reduction of the quality of service, e.g. more queuing at screening points and delays. Technology can be used to increase the transparency of operations, multiply the efficiency of protection systems, reduce global costs to society and should contribute to alleviating the burden of security measures for the transport and energy consumer.

In addition to a return on citizen protection security-related technology is an important asset to be developed by the European economy. It is likely to remain in high demand in the coming years. Successful research and innovation will be necessary to put it at the competitive edge.

The energy and transport sector is also dependant of the capacity of operators and public authorities to design a satisfactory response to terrorism threat both in terms of software and efficient administration or “manware”. And the competitiveness of the economy as a whole relies to a large extent on the reliability and the cost of the energy and transport sector.

However technology also presents drawbacks. Technology may be expensive and inefficient gadgetry if it is not managed properly or fails to address the terrorism risk along a methodical and global way. New technology presents also most frequently side effects such as infringements on human rights, which have to be perfectly assessed and alleviated. And lastly, manware, software and hardware cannot pretend to solve the terrorism problem alone!; public awareness and professional attitudes and discipline or even security ISO labels need to be developed to efficiently accompany and alleviate the burden of public measures.

Many security technologies exist which are not implemented as they are either not adapted to the specific needs nor to the set up of administrations nor to other necessary preconditions for the various energy and transport modes. Bearing all this in 109

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 mind the European Commission is willing to support the creation of a cluster of 5 or 6 thematic networks embracing all above issues and including all actor categories in view to enhancing security and user convenience in the domains of energy and transport. Research objectives

In view to stimulate the development of efficient and convenient energy and/or transport related security solutions, the Commission wants to create a coordination action involving the significant number of interested parties. The consortium should include, inter alia: · Risk management experts, able to apply threat and risk assessment methodologies and to advise on security architecture and administration issues; · Solutions designers and providers from the research and the industry sectors; · Energy and transport operators, who may be split in thematic subgroups. They should cover in particular: o urban public transport, o maritime, air and rail passenger transport, o traffic management activities, o energy providers and energy networks operators, o transport, storage and retrieval of dangerous materials; o energy and transport infrastructure managers. · Police, customs and justice offices and emergency forces; · European Research Institutions active in all these fields.

The consortium shall gather, inter alia, competences in the following fields: · Detection of Nuclear Radiological Biological Chemical threats; · Research of training, certification and deployment standards in the field of explosive detection techniques, including detection dogs in order to ensure harmonization or countermeasures; · Privacy, identification and tracking issues; · Tracking of mobiles, dangerous goods and small radioactive sources; · Innovative techniques on control of access to critical parts of security- restricted areas; · Development of a trusted traveller concept based on the development of “ISO type” security labels for operators; · Protection of advanced electronic security control systems from hacking and sabotage.

In addition to the general exclusion, selection and attribution criteria, the quality of the proposals will be evaluated against the following aspects: · Technical and organisational (scheduling of expert-month for each activity) excellence of the proposal. The consortium should be solidly assembled and managed around one pilot leader; · Coordination capability of the project leader; · Involvement of EU national administrations; · Rapid availability of usable results with frequent reporting on results achieved;

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 · Focus on flexible and modular technological solutions; · User convenience; · Improvement of public and staff awareness.

The envisaged duration of the project is three years, with no possibility for extension.

The work should take into account the effects of how various incidents could inflict on the transport and energy networks as a whole. To this respect, the project should develop suitable risk assessments and vulnerability analysis leading to realistic measures and technology development.

It should aim at the protection of users, equipment, infrastructures, buildings and others assets. It will support the development of a global approach to security, not dealing with “hard” tasks only but also with “soft” issues such as awareness of users and staff training.

It will gather expertises on specific issues in view to disseminate within partners and appropriate bodies (including at international level) goods practices which are cost/efficient and user-friendly and which contribute to reduce gaps in user protection. The work should also suggest alert levels and associated countermeasures.

It should serve as a European observatory providing policy-makers, enforcement authorities, the research and energy and transport sectors with registers and sound data basis including economical, social and financial figures relating to security incidents and security counter-measures.

In agreement with relevant Commission services, it will improve the understanding of key issues supporting decision-shaping or other consequent European actions, recommend specific activities including new regulatory initiatives or measures supporting the implementation of EU regulations.

The project should: · develop a series of best practices and recommendations for use of a combination of manware, software, hardware with indeed suggestions for the relevant necessary legislation; · select 4 or 5 specific themes to develop as individual studies every year; · provide in a budget earmarked for occasional support necessary for punctual research or participation in international fora or specific expertise, a reservoir of security experts who could complete or test results of the studies or prepare the thematic networks meetings. Indicative information to be added as part of the initial Work programme table (mentioning the global budget for the area and the instruments called for in a given task) and of the accompanying SSP4 “background” document:

Preferred Instrument: Coordination Action

Indicative budget: 3.5 M€ split in 7% management, 33% risk assessment and studies, 40% solution findings, 20% dissemination.

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Links with other Commission actions:

A number of initiatives has been taken or are in preparation at European level in view to enhance the protection of the citizens against terrorism. It is important to avoid overlaps and be capable to understand and react to the evolving of the security problem. Close and regular links will be established between Commission services and project members. The proposal shall in particular be compatible with the orientations described in the framework of the Preparatory Action on the enhancement of the European industrial potential in the field of security research (COM (2004) 72 final of 3 February 2004).

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 3.4. Forecasting and developing innovative policies for sustainability in the medium and long term

For tasks under this topic, the contact person is Ms. Tamborra (+32.2.2950312 – [email protected]). The contact person in DG Environment, for policy aspects related to these topics is Mrs Vounakis(+32.2.2990464 – [email protected]).

Task 1 - Modelling air and climate change policies and scenarios for the EU and the world (including South and South-East Asia): The ultimate objective is to identify combinations of policies aimed at reducing long range and hemispherical air pollution alongside greenhouse gas emissions in order to optimise overall benefits in the society. Problem description While the air pollution and climate policies are intertwined the now many models are able to handle both issues. Furthermore, most of air pollution models do not take into account "hemispheric" pollutants such as tropospheric ozone. European models in air pollution tend to be of regional character and climate change models either regional or global. Thus, current policy analysis does not include all aspects of the costs and (monetized or not monetized) benefits or reduced greenhouse gas or air pollutant emissions. Objectives The objective is to extend an existing air pollution or climate change model or models to allow for the interaction between air pollution and climate change policies. Specifically such a model or models needs to be able to cover both the costs and the benefit of different policy measures to reduce emissions. Approach While it is more probable that an existing model or models would be expanded to cover all atmospheric emissions, it is possible to create a new model to do this. It is important to have the appropriate geographical coverage so that hemispheric emissions can be analysed. Coupling of existing models (through e.g. "soft links") could also be a suitable approach. The model(s) need to be able to simulate the effects of different policy measures, including both technical measures and market based instruments. Expected outputs and use of the results When developing further climate and air quality policies, the European Commission and DG Environment in particular need to better understand the linkages between the two inter-linked policy areas. Two specific policy areas are of interest: one is analysing the impacts on air quality for certain important developing countries of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the second is analysing the linkage between those emissions that are both greenhouse gases and air pollutants (e.g. aerosols, sulphur, methane). The ability to identify cost-effective policy solutions both in the

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 EU and elsewhere is of utmost important when analysing the developments up to 2020 and beyond. Type of instrument STREP = Specific targeted research project Nature of the partnership and duration The project consortium will have to involve researchers from developing countries and it will have duration of 2-3 years. Cost estimate Indicative EC contribution 700,000€

Task2 - Development of a forecasting framework based on robust and scientifically sound scenarios to support the EU Sustainable Development Strategy : Development of a framework for consistent environmental sustainability scenario building (forecasting, backcasting, simulation) in areas such as water, soil, biodiversity, waste and natural resources. There should be a particular focus on backcasting, to identify different scenarios leading to the achievement of future targets.

Research objective In the general context of the European Sustainable Development Strategy and to comply with the specific needs of our work on Extended Impact Assessments The European Commission and DG Environment in particular need a robust and scientifically sound forecasting framework to develop harmonised middle and long term (2015-2030) baseline and alternative policy scenarios. This should not only cover scenarios on which there is a general consensus, but also “extreme” scenarios which show the boundaries within which the future may lie. There is a general need to have better access to future scenarios for strategic policy preparation (e.g. in the context of the Sustainable Development Strategy), to better specify and disentangle the mutual relationships between environmental, economic and social trends. By its very nature, sustainable development means that trends in single variables (e.g. growth) cannot be studied without considering their impact on others (e.g. resource use and their availability), which themselves have a retroactive impact (e.g. additional access costs due to pollution treatment or rarefaction of available goods). It is thus necessarily multidimensional and any analytical work based on this notion needs to focus on relationships and interactions. The interest is not solely in the outcomes of the different scenarios. In addition, there is also interest in which variables are linked and what decides the strength and direction of those links. Such an understanding is necessary to see the coherence and consistency of how different variables move together. For instance, which social trends are consistent with what kind of sustainability? What (quantitative and

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 qualitative) impact will it have on economic growth (itself inducing which feedback effect on the social trends)? Tasks envisaged The overall task would be to develop an analytical framework comprising one or several tools for consistent environmental and sustainability scenario building. The framework should be conductive for the following types of future analysis: - Forecasting: “Knowing where we are, where are we going? What will be the future/likely environmental state assuming certain environmental, social or economic trends and the full implementation of policies currently in the pipeline?”; - Simulation: “In which direction and with which magnitude will this outcome differ from the business as usual outcome, assuming certain shifts in environmental policy or other EU policies (agriculture, transport)?” and - Backcasting: “Knowing where we want to go, how do we get there? What do we need to do to achieve a certain vision?”. The last element (backcasting) is particularly useful in a political and pedagogic perspective, since it allows visualising concrete scenario's to sustainability. The approach could be to identify 10 precise targets or desired situations (e.g. a market share of 5.75% of alternative fuels by 2010) and a corresponding set of different scenarios, all of them allowing the achievement of these targets. The issue would be to precisely assess and illustrate the costs and implications associated to each of them, as well as the notion of policy choice. Other possible questions that might be asked would include “how does the ongoing shift to services affect the environment?”, “how could environmental technology be of most use?”, “what do certain consumer trends mean for the environment and sustainability in general in the future?” or “what are the economic and social effects of possible future environmental evolutions?”. The framework should be comprehensive and be applicable to all environmental domains. The emphasis should also take due account of environmental domains which are traditionally less documented, going beyond air pollution and climate change and taking on board areas like water, soil, urban environment, biodiversity, noise, waste and resources. Methods The project should have a sound economic basis, but be innovative and go beyond classical economic modelling. The project is not intended to create new models but rather to build on the results of already existing models. This means that some model development could be needed, but would mainly consist of expanding or linking existing models. In addition, the communicability of results should be improved: for example, expressing the full picture for a typical consumer, business, town etc and not just by environmental media for a country. The approach should combine quantitative and qualitative elements, and promote, where appropriate, multi-disciplinary analysis (e.g. market analysis, behavioural sciences). It should build upon existing work by OECD, EEA, JRC etc. and be compatible with existing environmental models at EU level.

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 This project should employ innovative methods, e.g. participatory approaches (for the development of visions of the future) and expert judgements, while maintaining a consistent and integrated approach. Also the organisation of stakeholders involvement in the analysis is a possible method to broaden the vision. In order to maximise the policy-relevance of the project, it will be necessary to involve several Commission services in this project, including the involvement of the top management for the critical and decisive steps of the project. Expected outputs Two types of outputs are expected. Firstly a series of workshops should be organised, addressing stakeholders within and outside the Commission with the purpose to increase the awareness on the implications and interactions of sustainable development, to enhance the reflection on possible roads to sustainable development and to reach consensus on desirable scenarios. The precise format of this type of workshops needs to be determined in the course of the project. Secondly the project should deliver a clear description of the methodology and the resulting scenarios. This should lead to a set of policy relevant recommendations. Software and/or databases developed as part of the forecasting framework should be available to the Commission to enable future actualisation of the forecasting exercises. Practical This is a STREP project with duration of 24 to 36 months. The available budget is 0.8M€.

Task 3 - Provide local authorities and other urban stakeholders with access to good practice, knowledge, research results and training resources on urban environment issues: To develop and implement a methodology of actively disseminating research results, experience and best practice in the field of urban sustainability by a network of national/regional urban environment knowledge centres. The work should complement the various activities that are already undertaken taken in the urban transport and energy field. Policy context or problem description The Communication “Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment”4 identifies the need for Europe’s towns and cities to have effective access to the results of research, training and good practice in order that they have the tools, guidance and material that they need to address the complex challenges of creating a high quality and healthy urban environment and in reducing the impact that cities have on the wider environment within the context of sustainable urban development.

4 COM(2004)60 of 11 February 2004

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The knowledge that could be of benefit for cities can come from Community initiatives such as the LIFE programme, the City of Tomorrow and Cultural Heritage key action of the Fifth Framework Programme as well as initiatives in the urban transport and energy fields like CIVITAS. One approach highlighted in the Communication is the establishment of regional or national focal points. These ‘knowledge centres’ would help local and regional authorities gain access to data and expertise, training, awareness raising actions and best practice examples with a view to facilitating the implementation of the national and European strategies for a sustainable urban development. They should also play an important role in helping towns and cities implement existing EU environmental obligations. Calls have been made for such centres for specific topics (e.g. at the 3rd European Minister’s conference on sustainable housing for sustainability issues for housing) but given the complex nature of urban sustainability and the interactions between different sectors, an integrated centre is seen as preferable. Although the centre’s main purpose should be to promote sustainability, its prime focus should be on the environmental issues faced by local authorities. The need for more concerted action on environment issues at the local level is recognised in the Communication. Many EU environmental obligations are implemented at the local level and it is essential for thorough implementation that local officials have access to high quality material and resources to help them in this task. The focus of the project is on delivering effective solutions to those in city authorities that have clear needs in managing their urban environment and in integrating environmental aspects with social and economic considerations. It is not a project to simply disseminate and raise awareness of research. Task objectives (or tasks envisaged) The project should undertake a broad review of the material that has been developed for cities on urban sustainability issues at the EU level. The project should then develop a methodology for disseminating good practice, knowledge, research results and training resources on urban sustainability issues involving regional or national ‘urban sustainability knowledge centres’. The methodology can comprise different elements including seminars, websites, mailings, training events, open days and could identify different approaches for different actors (local authority officials, elected members). The methodology should be applied and tested with a view to developing recommendations for the future dissemination of such material. It will therefore be important to note the effectiveness of the different aspects of the methodology and the success factors as well as seeking feedback on the different perceptions of the project. Language issues are likely to be an important issue with many results not available in languages that cities need but this is not a project to undertake translation of guidance material. Activities such as renting offices or establishing new information points in city centres are not envisaged as part of this project. Expected outputs

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The project must result in an increased awareness of the knowledge, particularly from the EU level, that is available for cities. An increase in use of such knowledge, or if this is not the case, a report on why the existing knowledge is not suitable for use, must be delivered. It is expected that a European network of urban sustainability knowledge centres should become operational no later than 3 years after the start of the project. A clear set of recommendations for the effective dissemination of future research, guidance and training materials must be made. Type of instrument (see also table enclosed) CA Nature of partnership Existing centres should be involved in the project in some way to avoid duplication. The aim is not establish an entirely new system of dissemination but rather to use existing, well known channels. Cities and other stakeholders must be actively involved in the development of the methodology. Organisation of the work and duration The initial review phase and development of the methodology should not form the majority of the project. Rather, the emphasis should be on testing whether the methodology is effective through the establishment of the network of knowledge centres and implementing the approach identified. In all, the project should last 48-60 months. Cost estimate Indicative EC contribution 400,000€

Task 4 - Development of a methodology to assess the overall sustainability of new and renovated buildings: with the objective to raise awareness of the relative performance of buildings and to enable the implementation of incentives for the promotion of sustainable construction. The work must build on and complement existing sustainability methodologies. Policy context or problem description The Communication “Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment”5 identifies the development of a European methodology to assess the overall sustainability of new and renovated buildings as a prerequisite for the implementation and development of European incentives and measures for sustainable construction.

5 COM(2004)60 of 11 February 2004

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The energy performance of buildings Directive6 establishes the setting of minimum energy performance requirements for new and large buildings being renovated. It also requires a certification regime outlining the energy performance of all new buildings and buildings when sold or rented. To support the implementation of this Directive, a European methodology is being developed to calculate the energy performance of a building. If the development of a European sustainability methodology is technically feasible, the long term goal is to complement the existing Directive with further non- energy related environmental performance requirements after a testing and validation phase with the Member States. Even though this research would contribute to the development of a sustainability labelling regime for buildings, the goal is much wider. By labelling buildings, the goal is to influence the design, construction, use, maintenance, renovation and demolition phases of a building’s life. The focus of the methodology is to ensure that the environmental, social and economic performance of new and renovated buildings is taken into account at each of these stages. One important concept that will need to be used in establishing the methodology is life-cycle costing. Task objectives Different initiatives are underway that need to be reflected in this project. CEN has accepted a mandate to develop a methodology to calculate the energy performance of a building and to prepare guidance on the way to express this information in the energy performance certificate (M/343 of 30 January 2004). CEN has also been tasked with developing standardised methods for the assessment of the integrated environmental performance of buildings (M/350 EN of 29 March 2004). Previous research projects such as CRISP (http://crisp.cstb.fr) have defined a framework and general methodology for construction and city related sustainability indicators and have organised these into a database. In another project, PRESCO (http://www.etn- presco.net) an inter-comparison and benchmarking of life cycle costing based environmental assessment and design tools has been made to define a common baseline which would enable a harmonised approach for developing assessment and design methodologies. Other projects such as DISPLAY7 have developed EU labelling schemes for some issues. This project should not duplicate that work. One question that the project must address is the scope of the issues to be covered by the methodology. It must be sufficiently wide to be meaningful and on the other hand be sufficiently limited to be practicable and realistic. This is not a purely technical decision and the research should validate the findings on this issue with stakeholders in a short consultation exercise to secure a broad consensus of the issues identified. Communication (2004)60 EC highlights issues such as indoor air quality, accessibility, noise levels, comfort, environmental quality of the materials, life-cycle cost of the building, ability to resist environmental risks, such as flooding, storms or earthquakes, depending on their location, as issues that could be included in the methodology. In addition, it may be appropriate to consider issues such as the durability of the building.

6 Directive 2002/91

7 http://www.display-campaign.org

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The methodology must be applicable to existing buildings (to allow labelling for tax incentives for instance), major renovation schemes (to encourage renovations that improve sustainability) and new buildings (in order to encourage design modifications). An important element of establishing the methodology will be the possibility to combine, if technically feasible, different criteria or data streams into a simple, easily comprehensible labelling regime. The final label should be suitable for display in public areas in large buildings and be meaningful for members of the public, either as occupiers of the buildings or as purchasers or renters of smaller, domestic properties. The goal is to change behaviour and to do this, the information on the label must be easily comprehensible. The type of label envisaged is a graded scale rather than a pass/fail approach. The research project should validate as far as possible the approach developed through testing on buildings. Expected outputs The research will identify the issues that should be considered, together with energy performance as already addressed by the energy performance of buildings Directive, as essential elements for a future sustainability label for buildings. The research will review existing methodologies and related work on building sustainability issues and as far as possible develop and recommend an EU methodology that could be suitable for an EU wide labelling regime. Develop an approach for combining different data sets from the different issues into a simple and easily comprehensible labelling system. The development of a harmonised EU label is much less important than the development of the methodology behind it. Type of instrument STREP Nature of partnership It will be important to include technical experts in building sustainability in the partnership. Both practitioners and regulators should be involved. The project should also include national standardisation institutes to help ensure that the research results are practicable. Organisation of the work and duration An open and transparent approach should be adopted for the development of the methodology with an active participation sought of the key stakeholders, including Member State Governments. It is expected that the work would take around 18-24 months. Cost estimate Indicative EC contribution 600,000€

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Task 5 - Development of a set of guidelines and tools for signatories to the Aalborg+10 commitments agreed in June 2004: To develop the necessary support mechanisms that towns and cities will need in meeting these new commitments. Policy context or problem description The ‘Aalborg +10 Commitments’8 were developed by Europe’s towns and cities with the support of the European Commission. The Commitments are the latest stage in a 10 year voluntary initiative promoting sustainable urban development. They build on and develop the earlier 1994 ‘Aalborg Charter’ adopted at the First European Sustainable Cities Conference. More than 2,300 towns and cities across Europe have now signed the Aalborg Charter. It is hoped that the Aalborg Commitments will be as enthusiastically supported. Signature of the ‘Aalborg +10 Commitments’ commits a city to a medium or long term process of delivering sustainable urban development. The city agrees to undertake a baseline review of the current situation within 12 months. It agrees to enter into a local, participatory, target-setting process with a view to developing prioritised tasks addressing the 10 themes9 within 24 months of signature of the Commitments. The city agrees to monitor progress and make available the results to citizens and to regularly provide information to the Sustainable Cities and Towns Campaign. As such, signature of the Commitments is a challenge for many cities. Given the clear link to the Community’s policies on the urban environment (the Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment10) and more widely, on sustainable development, the European Commission wishes to support the process further and help in the development of a ‘tool kit’ for signatories to the Aalborg +10 Commitments. Task objectives The research will involve analysing the Aalborg +10 Commitments to identify the needs of new signatory cities and also the Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment to ensure consistency between the two. A short overview of existing guidance, tools and other material will need to be undertaken to identify what is available, what is considered useful and what is relevant for this project.

8 www.aalborgplus10.dk

9 Governance, urban management towards sustainability, natural common goods, responsible consumption and lifestyle choices, planning and design, better mobility and less traffic, local action for health, vibrant and sustainable local economy, social equity and justice, local to global.

10 http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/urban/home_en.htm

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 New material should be developed where needed. Specific guidance for cities on issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving the energy efficiency of the city and adaptation for climate change could be developed as part of this project. Material should be tested and refined during the project. Expected outputs The research should deliver a package of tools and guidelines that will enable new signatories to make efficient and effective progress in meeting their obligations under the Aalborg +10 Commitments, the objectives of the Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment and in achieving sustainable urban development. The material developed should reflect the needs of cities with low levels of experience in such issues and also be suitable for use across the whole of the European Union. The desired end result from the research would be a comprehensive package of material that can be provided to new cities once they have signed the Commitments. It would probably be made available electronically to reduce costs. It would also be used to encourage other cities to sign the Commitments by demonstrating that the obligations are realistic and achievable. The ‘tool kit’ would address the needs of officials in city administrations and also their elected members. Consideration should be given to the development of training materials that cities can use, by themselves or in conjunction with other cities, to learn about the key issues. The project should not seek to develop common Aalborg +10 indicators or targets for instance. Rather, the emphasis will be on elaborating guidance, tools and methods for cities on developing their own indicators (and using the information that they provide) and their own targets. The project should not seek to reinvent what has already been done. A great deal of material exists on developing indicators, improving public participation and undertaking monitoring, even at the EU level. The aim of this research is to build on that work and develop a package of materials tailored to the specific needs of cities that have signed the Aalborg +10 Commitments. The emphasis is on supporting signatory cities deliver real changes at the local level. Tools that interactively support cities in applying best practices or the best available technology with links to information on their cost effectiveness and good practice examples are type of output that is expected from this project in addition with appropriate guidance. Material that is not available in the local language will be of very limited use for most city authorities. Consideration should be given to the need to provide materials in different languages. If internet based material is developed (such as guided training manuals) these will need to be developed in such a way that they can be placed on the main website for the Aalborg +10 process once this is identified. Type of instrument (see also table enclosed) STREP Nature of partnership The partnership for this project must closely involve experts in sustainability, governance, decision-making support tools and local government. The active

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 involvement of cities will be an important element, both cities that are very advanced in sustainability work (and have perhaps already signed the Commitments) but also cities that have less experience. Organisation of the work and duration The material produced should be tested during the research. The work should be undertaken in an open and transparent way. It is expected that the project will last 15- 18 months. Cost estimate Indicative EC contribution 500,000€

Task 6 - Development of macro and sectoral economic models aiming to evaluate the role of public health externalities on society :

Sectoral analysis of the impact of health measures taken at the level of industries and households. Sustainability and competitiveness aspects will have to be quantified in order to provide cost effectiveness and cost benefit analysis of the measures. Policy context The Environment and Health Action Plan recently adopted by the Commission aims to provide the information needed to develop cost-effective policy measures on pollution-related disease. Part of this is a full-chain analysis of the link between emissions of pollutants and health effects. But the further aspect to the assessment is to integrate these results within an economic analysis. This project is designed to develop such an analysis for ozone, heavy metals, dioxins and PCBs, and indoor air pollution in particular. The benefits to society can be divided into pure economic benefits, on the one hand, and social benefits on the other. The pure economic benefits are potentially reduced health-care costs, and potentially increased productivity due to lower disease incidence in society. The social benefits are increased well-being of those for whom disease is prevented. These aspects should be separated out in developing a methodology for externalities assessment. The costs to society are effectively the economic and social costs of the emission reduction options available for the pollutants concerned. The proposal should build on existing work. Relevant analysis is already in place under the CAFE programme (for certain ambient air pollutants) and under the ESPREME project (for heavy metals). The ESPREME project will provide a detailed sectoral analysis of emission sources of heavy metals and of the possible abatement measures. It will also cover the pathway from emissions to exposure for the substances in question. Further, the VERHI project will produce unit benefit estimates for the reduction in certain health impacts.

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 The project should build also on ongoing projects related to environment and health impact assessment, especially SSP projects that are aimed at supporting the Action Plan “Environment and Health”. Objective The project will focus on all priority pollutants identified by the Action Plan, but should exclude the analysis of endocrine disruptors. It has the following objectives: · For pollutants other than heavy metals, to identify emission reduction scenarios for the pollutants concerned and their costs. (For heavy metals, this is done under ESPREME. For ozone, work produced in the context of CAFE should be taken into account.) · The benefits in terms of reduction of health impacts for the pollutants concerned should be evaluated, including possible ancillary benefits. For ozone, heavy metals, and dioxins and PCBs, this should be done in cooperation with other funded SSP projects. · The health benefits of the reduction options should be identified using the VERHI unit benefit estimates. · The non-health benefits of the reduction options should be identified, where this is not already done. · A methodology should be developed to integrate the above elements into a cost-benefit analysis. For health benefits, the analysis should distinguish between pure economic benefits and social benefits. · The resulting integrated system should be applied to perform cost-benefit analyses of different scenarios of abatement interventions for the above categories of pollutants. This should include a list of options, description of the economic, social and environmental impacts of those options, their trade- offs and the presentation of the associated costs and benefits both in quantitative and qualitative terms, where appropriate. · Using economic modelling, the macro-economic and sectoral impacts of abatement strategies for Europe should be assessed, including impacts on key economic variables (e.g. GDP, employment, competitiveness) and distributional effects across sectors and population groups, also in view of identifying possible burden sharing mechanisms to offset negative effects. The costs of pollution reduction measures are easier to determine accurately than the health benefits, due to difficulties in estimating the physical health impacts. For the actual analyses performed, therefore, the project should provide an estimate of the uncertainties of the single health estimates and recommendations on how to deal with the uncertainty, including an assessment of the validity of the approach as a basis for policy formulation and suggestion of alternatives as appropriate. Expected outputs The concrete output from the project will be detailed reports on the economic assessment of the various scenarios identified.

Type of instrument Specific Targeted Research Project. Proposed maximum budget € 0.8 million Organisation of the work and duration

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Under the leadership of a project co-ordinator, the project team should also liaise with other research teams carrying out SSP projects that are relevant for the Action Plan “Environment and Health”. It is anticipated that the work would take place over 2 years.

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 3.5 Information Society issues (such as management and protection of digital assets, and inclusive access to the Information Society)

For tasks under this topic the contact point is Guido Acchioni (+32.2.2954741- [email protected]). The same person is valid for policy aspects. Policy Background

The mid-term review of the eEurope initiative has identified the e-inclusion and the digital divide as high priorities in an ‘Information Society for All’ and highlighted the need for further action, notably in less developed areas/regions of the EU and the enlargement countries in particular. Furthermore, the introduction of new media tools, networking infrastructures and interactive technologies in the working environments can contribute to the creation of value and increased participation in the knowledge society, thus contributing to the goals of the Lisbon strategy promoting sustainable growth, more and better jobs and social cohesion. A big challenge is also to make sure that these new services, applications and content take place in an inclusive manner by mainstreaming the promotion of inclusion in other policies and to develop priority actions addressed to specific groups who are at risk of exclusion from the Information Society.

Task 1 - Benchmarking the development of the knowledge society in EU Regions Contact: Guido Acchioni (+3-.2-2954741- [email protected]) This task covers some of the requirements for benchmarking research as regards the influence of ‘regional innovation culture’ on the development of the information and knowledge society and its contribution to the achievement of the Lisbon goal on social and economic cohesion in Europe. It will contribute to post eEurope 2005 IS policy framework. While the information society offers opportunities to reduce regional disparities (e.g. remoteness, socio-cultural and economic isolation and exclusion which affect many regions), and improve social and economic cohesion, the benchmarking results from eEurope show the persistence of digital divides between EU 25 states (on east-west, north-south axes). However, by focusing on national data alone and by concentrating primarily on technology-related measures that are relatively simple to collect (connectivity, penetration rates, supply of e-government services on-line) current indicators obscure even larger differences in regional performance and fail to capture the complexity to develop IS at regional level where often the socio-economic and cultural background plays a crucial role in either favouring or seriously limiting the transferability of experiences and the exchange of best/good practices, perhaps leading to policy conclusions that are inappropriate. For example, the switch in focus from the information to the knowledge society increasingly reveals that the ‘digital divide’ is less a problem of access to ICT networks (or of delivery of ICT services) and more linked to the strategic use of ICT aimed at improving the regional capacity to create socio-economic and cultural contexts favourable to innovation and change, and translate this into economic value, 126

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 quality of life for citizens and better growth opportunities for enterprises. Such a strategic use of ICT puts the onus on individuals (to build on their e-skills and take advantage of new employment/learning opportunities), on enterprises (to be more receptive to knowledge, more responsive to changes in the environment and able to restructure accordingly), but also on regional policy makers (to facilitate their interaction with other socio-economic actors and formulate and implement policies better reflecting the needs of the territory) to improve regional performance. This regional capacity is crucial given that realisation of the knowledge society seems to be linked in a virtuous circle where the strategic use of ICT to create and share knowledge tends to increases the performance of the socio-economic systems, which in turn increases wealth and life chances. The possibility for catch up depends less upon supply push of technologies and more upon the shared know-how and know- why of people, firms and organisations and the coalitions of local stakeholders that promote growth at local and regional levels. Key determinants appear to be regional level networks that produce social and human capital, the capacity of the education/training and research systems to feed innovation, the provision of a fertile environment for entrepreneurialism, and the constitution of participative, inclusive and learning society able to meet the challenges of globalization. Formal and informal networks (ICT-enabled or not) that connect people, organizations and public authorities are crucial to these processes. Thus, regional performance in the development of the knowledge society (including the ability to successfully transfer/exchange good practices) depends upon the capability to plan, accept and manage change. In turn, the rate and direction of change depends upon cultural values, organisational practices, trust, shared understanding and the relations between stakeholders in society (individuals, enterprises, public authorities, employers and trade unions organisations, universities etc). Taken together the factors described make up key elements of what might be called a ‘regional innovation culture.’ The research proposed in this call is to structure analyse in more detail the role of regional innovation cultures and their relationship to the success and failure of policy initiatives in the field of the information and knowledge society. Research is required in order to: - Review the major challenges and different policy approaches characterizing the development of the knowledge society in the EU at regional level. It should focus on characterising the role of ICT in providing learning and networked environments for individuals, enterprises and public institutions in spreading knowledge, enhance human, social and knowledge capital and promote individual and organizational change. - Develop a typology of successes and failures of ‘regional innovation cultures’ based on empirical examples, that show how context can either slow down or stimulate ICT-induced innovation and change (among individuals, private enterprises and public authorities). The typology should analyse the consequences of policy responses, management strategies and individual behaviour. - Propose a system to compare the performance of EU regions with some of their main world competitors, for example by measuring the use ICT to create

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 knowledge, economic value and a better quality of life for its citizens. The system should be based on quantitative and/or qualitative indicators. - Carry out an empirical test of the indicator system against a selected sample of regions (e.g. Ob1, Ob2, north-south, east-west, etc.) and interpret the results on the basis of the socio-cultural analysis carried out above. - Draw from the results a set of messages and policy recommendations for regional, national and European policy makers (by identifying possible new priority areas, key actions) and their respective roles and responsibilities in tackling the digital divide and inclusion challenges of the IS in the EU, with special reference to less developed areas/regions and enlargement countries in particular. Type of instrument Specific targeted research project or specific support action. Potential EC contribution: 0.9M€ over two years.

Task 2 - New collaborative working environments Contact: Angelos Ktenas: tel: +32-2-29 63354, [email protected] New media tools, networking infrastructures and interactive technologies will enable individuals, groups and communities to share knowledge and information and collaborate with others within virtual spaces and across different time zones. Their introduction in the working environments can realise new ways of creating value and increased participation in the knowledge society, thus contributing to the goals of the Lisbon strategy of promoting sustainable growth, more and better jobs and social cohesion. Research is needed to identify and better understand the dynamics of these new collaboration structures and patterns of peer-to-peer communication, their economic and social benefits and implications for future policy development at the European level, including eEurope beyond 2005. Research should aim to: - Identify the behavioural issues at the level of the individual and wider factors (technological, organisational, economic/market, legal/regulatory) influencing the emergence and adoption of new forms of frictionless collaboration at work; - Identify good practices and analyse value creation processes, taking into account current state-of-the art technologies and their use; - Analyse needs and trends in developing human-oriented systems for collaborative work, taking into account e.g. advances in natural multimodal interfaces for human-computer and person-to-person interaction, systems allowing end-to-end seamless mobility, etc. - Translate the results into recommendations for current and future policies at the European level to overcome obstacles facing individuals and organisations and to promote sustainable high quality work places.

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Type of instrument Specific Support action or specific targeted research project. Potential EC contribution: 0.5M€ over two years. Task 3 - e-Inclusion and accessibility Contact: Inmaculada PLACENCIA PORRERO tel: +32-2-2990239 [email protected] Having an inclusive information society is one of the goals of Lisbon strategy. As the switch over between analogue to digital is now taking place, and convergence is consolidating, new ways of interaction for the users are created in the application domains. Ensuring accessibility in this process is essential in order to provide citizens with real equal rights and opportunities The main objective is to support the inclusion and accessibility goal of the eEurope action plan. Specific attention should be given to those groups in society that are at risk of being excluded, due to a variety of reasons such as for example, age, gender, disability, literacy and culture and a variety of circumstances like financial, educational, unemployment, geographical or technical barriers. Research should address these groups and cover social impact studies and related indicators and their analysis. It should investigate the social impact of the use of new ICT applications based on broadband, 3Gmobile communication and Digital TV area that should be designed for all. Research to be carried out will have the following aims: To support policies in the process of mainstreaming inclusion to modern on line public services and the opportunities that provide. Identifying barriers for availability, use and access by specific groups risking social exclusion. Links when possible should be made to quality and performance of the services. The results of the research should support policy makers to ensure that new barriers are not created in key technological developments. The results should lead to suggestion for policy actions to encourage key actors in the Information society like industry and the public sector to ensure wide access to their products and the services that they offer. The work should contribute with creation of knowledge, raising awareness, identifying and monitoring best practices, facilitating and also promoting innovative instruments for the support of eInclusion policies. Research should lead to solid methods for promoting networking and voluntary actions from industry (including network operators and service providers) and policy makers (including dialog and agreements among relevant actors), facilitating capacity building measures and support the empowerment of user communities by channelling inclusion concerns to public authorities. The eEurope 2005 action Plan crosses a wide variety of Community policies. Research work should identify, analyse them and lead to develop innovative ways to mainstream inclusion in a sustainable manner in these policies. Particular attention should be paid to the new regulatory framework for Electronic Communication network and services. 129

SSP4 – 30.10.2004 Type of instrument Specific Support action or specific targeted research project. Potential EC contribution: 0.5M€ over two years.

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 3.6. The protection of cultural heritage and associated conservation strategies

For tasks under this topic, the contact persons in DG Research are Mr Chapuis (+32.2.29 54106 –[email protected]) and Ms Leissner (+32.2.29 54957 [email protected]). The contact persons in DG Education and Culture, for policy aspects related to these topics are Mr Mastrominas (+32.2.2999234 – [email protected]) and Ms Schraudolph (+32 2 29 53447 - [email protected]

Policy context At a time of enlargement of the European Union, the jointly undertaken measures and projects for the protection of our common European cultural heritage will be a strong tie for an enlarged European Union. There is a need for all EU policies and directives to assess their impact on cultural heritage by making horizontal links (for instance between agriculture and buried archaeology or between air pollution and deterioration of architectural surfaces); furthermore there is an increasing demand for greater access to cultural heritage by European citizens and the physical impact of cultural tourism on preservation must be assessed. But equally important is the need to ensure that all conservation practices meet modern legislation for example, relating to Health and Safety, and respond to new challenges imposed by global change effects, as well as new trends observed related to frauds and delinquency regarding the market of movable cultural goods. Research objectives Multidisciplinary research is needed to provide the necessary scientific and technological research for the protection of the immovable cultural patrimony and its constituents and for the protection of the movable cultural patrimony. It will focus on providing multi-parametrical analysis of relevant data regarding history, cultural values, architecture, structures and materials as well as environmental factors deteriorating cultural heritage; understanding materials; monitoring changes; modelling and predicting behaviour; managing cultural heritage and preventing damage and frauds. Research under this area will mainly contribute to Community interventions through the “Culture 2000” framework programme, mainly based on Article 151 of the EC Treaty, and to the structural Funds, based on Articles 158 and 159 of the EC Treaty; it will also document the Water framework directive and complementary measures including civil protection to be taken in the field of cultural heritage, the EC CAFE initiative (Clean Air for Europe) , a daughter directive of the Air Quality for Europe Directive that explicitly mentions the effects of air pollution on cultural heritage, as well as the legislation concerning the export of cultural goods and cooperation between cultural Institutions in the field of museums. It will have the following specific objectives: ensuring the authenticity of cultural heritage by analysis and detection of frauds and copies, developing effective methods

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 for identification and traceability of movable cultural goods; make a sustainable impact assessment of treatments for movable cultural heritage; developing preventive conservation strategies and treatments for mitigating damages from global climate change effects focussed on rainfalls and floods, as well as air pollution .

Task 1 - Analyse and detect frauds or copies to verify the authenticity of cultural heritage materials through improvement and further development of non-destructive and analytical methods including the use of nanotechnologies and molecular biology. Ever since ancient times the problem of forging original art and the fraudulent dealing of counterfeits has caused damages and problems in the field of cultural heritage. The forging of art concerns all kind of techniques such as painting, graphic design, sculpting, coinage etc. as well as archaeological objects and geological material of historical importance such as fossils. Besides traditional ways of identifying counterfeits such as the critical analysis of style and execution of the art object or the comparison of artists’ signatures, various scientific verification methods also exist. The research proposed in this call is to develop and improve innovative non- destructive and analytical methodologies including the use of nanotechnologies and molecular biology to verify the authenticity of all kinds of cultural heritage materials. It is recommended that end-users, in particular Small & Medium Entreprises (SMEs) are included in the consortium. Moreover, the possibility, to include as partner(s) one or a few active research organisations from third countries is welcomed. Type of instrument and duration : Specific targeted research project for a period of up to three years. Indicative EC contribution: 500.000 €.

Task 2 - Develop effective methods and tools for identification and traceability of movable cultural goods.

Analysis of feasibility and acceptance of the techniques to identify specific movable cultural goods, in particular in case of thefts and applicable to public collections. The increase of illicit trafficking of cultural goods demands implementation of systematic protection measures for the security marking of movable cultural goods. The overall goal is to develop effective innovative methods for the identification of movable cultural goods and to find tools for improving the traceability of cultural goods, in particular in cases of thefts. Therefore, research is required in order to: – Analyse the feasibility and acceptance of any kind of marking techniques for the identification of movable cultural goods, in particular for public collections.

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 – Develop new applicable tools to enable the compilation of an inventory instead of traditional marking on the surface of art objects. – Propose the appropriate application for the variety of cultural heritage materials. Cost/benefit and life cycle analysis are also required. A close collaboration with the concerned museum and conservation services is imperative. It is recommended that end-users, in particular Small & Medium Entreprises (SMEs) are included in the consortium. Moreover, the possibility, to include as partner(s) one or a few active research organisations from third countries is welcomed. Type of instrument and duration : Specific targeted research project for a period of up to three years. Indicative EC contribution: 500.000 €.

Task 3 - Prevent cultural heritage from damages due to climate change and pollution such as increased rainfalls and as well as floods, increased background environmental air pollution, including particles through long range transport, analysis and proposed treatment per group of material such as stone, wood, metal, textile, paper etc.

This task includes, on the basis of the most recent “state of the art”, further input for “better understanding” and modelling, to develop preventive conservation strategies, defining threshold levels for damage and find appropriate measures for mitigating or removing damages from cultural heritage materials.

It is recommended that end-users, in particular Small & Medium Entreprises (SMEs) are included in the consortium. Moreover, the possibility, to include as partner(s) one or a few active research organisations from third countries is welcomed. Type of instrument and duration : Specific targeted research project for a period of up to three years. Indicative EC contribution: 800.000 €.

Task 4 - Sustainable impact assessment of protection and conservation treatments and their reversibility / retreatability for movable cultural heritage assets : proposing innovative remediation measures of degradation processes, structural reinforcements, study of advanced and non-destructive treatments and tools and their effects and make available new instrumentation for

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 monitoring including crucial parameters, such as concentrations of moisture, salts, temperature, indoor air pollutants, micro-organisms. This task includes research work to make better understood mechanisms on bio- deterioration, or cleaning methods, to study the compatibility of consolidants and their long term effects, the vibrations and shock effects from traffic, noise, wear and tare. To identify responses of cultural heritage materials to indoor and outdoor environmental changes; to develop innovative mitigation and preventive conservation strategies, building on the existing knowledge and state of the art. It is recommended that end-users, in particular Small & Medium Entreprises (SMEs) are included in the consortium. Moreover, the possibility, to include as partner(s) one or a few active research organisations from third countries is welcomed. Type of instrument and duration : Specific targeted research project for a period of up to three years. Indicative EC contribution: 1. 000.000 €.

Task 5 - Consolidation and impact assessment of results achieved in EU research projects related to the movable & immovable cultural heritage in the context of a large European conference: Exploitation and spin off of EU research results, testing the acceptability of new sustainability approaches and new technologies by the user community, SMEs, owners, managers and restorers/conservators of the cultural patrimony. To exploit and disseminate the results of EU research at a large European conference in 2006; to define the role of Europe`s cultural heritage research within the international context and cooperation; to explore the possibilities for SMEs in contributing to competitiveness and job creation; to define the support of cultural heritage research to policy needs; this conference will be the 7th in a series of EC cultural heritage conferences following Rome, Aachen, Santiago de Compostela, Strasbourg, Krakow, London. For the organisation of this conference, the proposer must be supported by the National authorities of the EU country where the conference will be held (in principle the Ministries in charge of Research and/or Culture of the Member State). Type of instrument Specific Support Action. Indicative EC contribution: €100 000.

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SSP4 – 30.10.2004 3.7. Improved quality, accessibility and dissemination of European statistics

No tasks will be opened for this call.

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