title: Recommandation de DECISION DU CONSEIL portant approbation de la signature d'un accord de coopération scientifique et technologique entre la Communauté européenne et la république d'Afrique du Sud

text: COMMISSION DES COMMUNAUTES EUROPEENNES Bruxelles, le 04. 09. 1996 COM(96)423 final Recommandation de DECISION DU CONSEIL portant approbation de la signature d' un accord de coopération scientifique et technologique entre la Communauté européenne et la république d' Afrique du Sud (présentée par la Commission) Recommandation de décision du Conseil portant approbation de la signature d'un accord de coopération scientifique et technologique entre la Communauté européenne et la république d'Afrique du Sud. 1. Dans le cadre des nouvelles relations établies entre l'Union européenne et l'Afrique du Sud, les autorités sud-africaines ont demandé à plusieurs reprises que soient développées les relations avec l'Union européenne dans le domaine de la science et de la technologie. La Commission a réagi favorablement à ces demandes en envoyant, en octobre 1994, une mission exploratoire en Afrique du Sud, qui a débouché sur la conclusion qu'il existait un intérêt réciproque à coopérer dans des secteurs de recherche très variés. Les participants à cette mission ont également considéré le domaine qu'une collaboration plus étroite avec scientifique et technologique pourrait avoir un impact favorable sur la région plus vaste de l'Afrique australe, compte tenu du rôle clé que joue l'Afrique du Sud dans la Communauté de développement de l'Afrique australe (CDAA). l'Afrique du Sud dans 2. Après avoir reçu, le 22 décembre 1994, une proposition d'accord de coopération scientifique et technologique du gouvernement d'Afrique du Sud et après avoir organisé d'autres discussions exploratoires et une consultation parmi les services concernés de la Commission, la Commission a demandé au Conseil des directives de négociation en vue d'un accord de coopération scientifique et technologique couvrant toutes les activités relevant du programme-cadre pluriannuel de RDT de la Communauté européenne (1994-1998). Le 22 janvier 1996, le Conseil a autorisé la Commission à négocier l'accord en question. 3. Les négociations ont débouché sur le projet d'accord ci-annexé, y compris l'annexe concernant la diffusion et l'utilisation des informations ainsi que la gestion, l'attribution et l'exercice des droits de propriété intellectuelle. Le projet d'accord prévoit : la participation d'organismes de recherche, y compris les Parties elles- mêmes, à des projets de RDT menés par l'Afrique du Sud ou la Communauté dans des domaines de recherche couverts par le quatrième programme-cadre de la Communauté européenne; l'utilisation partagée d'installations de recherche; des visites et des échanges de chercheurs, d'ingénieurs et de techniciens; l'échange d'informations; 3. d'autres activités à déterminer conjointement par le comité mixte de coopération scientifique et technologique, conformément aux politiques et programmes applicables des Parties; l'adoption par les Parties de plans de gestion technologique avant la réalisation des projets de recherche, conformément à la description figurant dans l'annexe au présent projet d'accord; des activités de coopération, sous réserve de la disponibilité de ressources ainsi que des lois et règlements, politiques et programmes en vigueur en Afrique du Sud et dans la Communauté; il ne sera procédé à aucun transfert de ressources sauf aux fins de la participation d'organismes de recherche sud-africains au programme spécifique de RDT dans le domaine de la coopération avec des pays tiers et des organisations internationales, dans le cadre duquel l'Afrique du Sud est considérée comme un pays en développement. 4. 5. Le projet d'accord a été paraphé le 7 mai 1996. Les résultats des négociations sont conformes le 22 janvier 1996. aux directives de négociation adoptées par le Conseil A la lumière des considérations susmentionnées, la Commission propose que le Conseil, sans préjudice de la conclusion de l'Accord après consultation du Parlement européen : décide que l'accord soit signé au nom de la Communauté, et autorise le président du Conseil à désigner les personnes habilitées à le signer au nom de la Communauté. Projet ACCORD de coopération scientifique et technologique entre la Communauté européenne et la république d'Afrique du Sud LE CONSEIL DE L'UNION EUROPÉENNE au nom de la Communauté européenne (ci- après dénommée "la Communauté"), d'une part, et LE GOUVERNEMENT DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE D'AFRIQUE DU SUD au nom de la république d'Afrique du Sud (ci-après dénommé "Afrique du Sud"), d'autre part, ci-après dénommés les "Parties", considérant développement économique et social; l'importance que revêtent la science et la technologie pour leur considérant que la Communauté européenne et l'Afrique du Sud mènent actuellement des activités de recherche et de développement technologique, y compris des activités de démonstration dans divers domaines d'intérêt commun et qu'il est dans l'intérêt des deux Parties de favoriser les activités de coopération; considérant que cette coopération doit également profiter à la Communauté de développement de l'Afrique australe, dans tous les cas où cela s'avère possible et se justifie; considérant qu'il est souhaitable, à cet effet, d'établir un cadre de coopération; considérant que l'Afrique du Sud, d'une part, et la Communauté et les Etats membres, d'autre part, sont en train de négocier un accord qui se réfère notamment à la négociation d'un accord de coopération dans le domaine de la science et de la technologie; considérant que le Parlement européen et le Conseil de l'Union européenne ont adopté, par décision n° 1110/94/CE, un programme-cadre de la Communauté européenne pour des actions de recherche, de développement technologique et de démonstration (1994- 1998), ci-après dénommé le "quatrième programme-cadre"; considérant que, sans préjudice des dispositions pertinentes du traité instituant la Communauté européenne, le présent accord et toutes les activités qui en découlent ne modifieront en rien les pouvoirs conférés aux Etats membres pour entreprendre des activités bilatérales avec l'Afrique du Sud dans le domaine de la science, de la technologie, de la recherche et du développement et pour conclure, le cas échéant, des accords à cet effet; SONT CONVENUS DE CE QUI SUIT : ARTICLE 1 Objectifs Les Parties encouragent et facilitent la coopération entre la Communauté et l'Afrique du Sud en apportant leur soutien à des activités de recherche et développement, y compris des activités de démonstration afin de favoriser les progrès scientifiques et/ou technologiques. ARTICLE 2 Définitions Aux fins du présent accord on entend par : a) b) c) d) e) "Activité de coopération", les activités exécutées en vertu du présent accord qui englobent la recherche commune; "Informations", les données scientifiques ou techniques, résultats ou méthodes de recherche et développement résultant de la recherche commune et toutes autres informations que les participants prenant part aux activités de recherche commune, y compris, le cas échéant, les Parties elles-mêmes, jugent nécessaires; "Propriété intellectuelle", la notion définie à l'article 2 de la Convention instituant l'Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle, signée à Stockholm, le 14 juillet 1967; "Recherche commune", la recherche, le développement technologique et la démonstration bénéficiant ou non du soutien financier de l'une ou l'autre ou des deux Parties et comportant la collaboration de participants de la Communauté et de l'Afrique du Sud; "Participant" ou "organisme de recherche", toute personne physique ou morale, tout institut de recherche ou organisme qui prend part à un projet de recherche, y compris les Parties elles-mêmes. ARTICLE 3 Principes Les activités de coopération entreprises en vertu du présent accord reposent sur les principes suivants : a) b) c) intérêt mutuel; échange opportun d'informations pouvant avoir une incidence sur les actions des participants dans les activités de coopération; et dans le cadre des dispositions législatives et réglementaires applicables, protection efficace de la propriété intellectuelle et répartition équitable des droits de propriété intellectuelle, comme le prévoit l'annexe du présent accord, qui en fait partie intégrante. ARTICLE 4 Domaines de coopération La coopération dans le cadre du présent accord peut couvrir toutes les activités de recherche, de développement technologique et de démonstration (ci-après dénommée RDT) liée au quatrième programme-cadre ainsi que toute activité de RDT similaire en Afrique du Sud. ARTICLE 5 Modalités de coopération La coopération peut prendre les formes suivantes : (a) (i) participation d'organismes de recherche sud-africaine aux projets de RDT liés au quatrième programme-cadre et participation réciproque d'organismes de recherche de la Communauté européenne à des projets sud-africains dans des domaines de recherche similaires; en ce qui concerne la participation sud-africaine aux projets communautaires de RDT, elle doit se conformer aux règles applicables à la participation d'entreprises, de centres de recherche et d'universités visée dans les programmes spécifiques de RDT de la Communauté1; (ii) aux fins de la participation d'organismes de recherche sud-africains au programme spécifique de RDT dans le domaine de la coopération avec les pays tiers et les organisations internationales (1994-1998), l'Afrique du Sud est considérée comme un pays en développement; Décision du Conseil du 21 novembre 1994 relative à la participation d'entreprises, de centres de recherche et d'universités aux activités de recherche, de développement technologique et de démonstration de la Communauté européenne (JO n° L 306 du 30. 11 1994, p. 8). 6 (b) utilisation partagée des installations de recherche; (c) visites et échanges de travailleurs, ingénieurs et techniciens; (d) participation d'experts aux séminaires, symposiums et ateliers; (e) réseaux scientifiques et formation des chercheurs; (f) (g) échange d'informations sur les pratiques, les législations, les réglementations et les programmes relatifs à la coopération relevant du présent accord; autres activités déterminées d'un commun accord au sein du comité mixte de coopération scientifique et technologique, conformément aux politiques et programmes applicables des Parties. A l'exception des projets visés au point (a)(ii) ci-dessus, aucun projet de recherche commune ne sera entrepris au titre du présent accord avant la conclusion entre les participants d'un programme de gestion technologique commun, comme il est indiqué à l'annexe du présent accord. ARTICLE 6 Comité mixte de coopération scientifique et technologique (CMCST) (a) L'administration du présent accord est confié à un comité mixte de coopération scientifique et technologique composé de représentants de la Commission et de l'Afrique du Sud. Ce comité adoptera son règlement intérieur. (b) Les fonctions du CMCST consistent à : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. promouvoir et examiner les activités envisagées dans le cadre du présent accord; faire des recommandations conformément à l'article 5, paragraphe g; recommander aux Parties des moyens d'améliorer la coopération qui soient conformes aux principes énoncés dans le présent accord; évaluer l'efficacité et l'efficience de l'application de l'accord; fournir aux parties un rapport annuel sur le niveau, l'état d'avancement et l'efficacité des activités de coopération entreprises en vertu du présent accord. (c) Le CMCST se réunit selon un calendrier établi d'un commun accord, les réunions se tenant alternativement dans la Communauté et en Afrique du Sud. V (d) Les frais occasionnés par ou au nom du comité doivent être couverts par la Partie dont les membres sont responsables. Les coûts autres que les frais de voyage et les frais d'hébergement, qui sont directement liés aux réunions du comité, doivent être couverts par la Partie hôte. ARTICLE 7 Financement a) b) Les activités de coopération sont exécutées sous réserve de la disponibilité de fonds et soumises aux dispositions législatives et réglementaires ainsi qu'aux politiques et programmes des Parties. Les frais engagés par les participants dans les activités de coopération relevant du présent accord ne doivent nécessiter aucun transfert de fonds d'une partie à une autre, sauf en ce qui concerne la participation visée à l'article 5 (a) (ii). ARTICLE 8 Mobilité du personnel et des équipements Chaque partie prend toutes les dispositions appropriées dans le cadre des lois et réglementations existantes, pour faciliter l'entrée et la sortie de son territoire du personnel, matériel et équipement du ou des participants prenant part aux activités de coopération relevant du présent accord. ARTICLE 9 Diffusion et utilisation des informations Les organismes de recherche établis en Afrique du Sud, participant à des projets communautaires de RDT, doivent, en ce qui concerne la propriété, la diffusion et l'utilisation des informations ainsi que de la propriété intellectuelle découlant de cette participation se soumettre aux règles de diffusion des résultats de la recherche prévues dans les programmes spécifiques de RDT de la Communauté et dans l'annexe au présent accord. Les organismes de recherche établis dans la Communauté, qui participent à des projets sud-africains de RDT, doivent, en ce qui concerne la propriété, la diffusion et l'utilisation des informations et de la propriété intellectuelle découlant de cette participation, jouir des mêmes droits et obligations que les organismes de recherche sud-africains et se soumettre aux dispositions de l'annexe au présent accord. ARTICLE 10 Champ d'application territorial 8 Le présent accord s'applique aux territoires où le Traité instituant la Communauté européenne est applicable dans les conditions prévues par ledit traité, d'une part, et au territoire d'Afrique du sud, d'autre part. ARTICLE 11 Entrée en vigueur; dénonciation; règlement des différends a) b) c) d) Le présent accord entre en vigueur à la date à laquelle les parties se sont notifié par écrit que les exigences légales pour l'entrée en vigueur du présent accord sont remplies. Le présent accord est conclu pour la durée du quatrième programme-cadre et est renouvelable d'un commun accord par les Parties (renouvellement tacite) pour les programmes spécifiques relevant des programmes-cadres communautaires ultérieurs. Le présent accord peut être modifié par les Parties. Les modifications entrent en vigueur à la date à laquelle les Parties se sont notifié par écrit que leurs exigences légales sont remplies. Chaque Partie peut, à tout moment, dénoncer le présent accord moyennant un préavis de six mois notifié par écrit. L'expiration ou la dénonciation du présent accord ne porte pas atteinte à la validité ou à la durée des éventuels arrangements conclus dans le cadre dudit accord, ou aux droits spécifiques et obligations établis en vertu de son annexe. e) Toute question ou tout différend concernant l'interprétation ou l'application du présent accord doit être réglé entre les Parties d'un commun accord. ARTICLE 12 Le présent accord est rédigé en deux exemplaires en langues allemande, anglaise, danoise, espagnole, finnoise, française, grecque, italienne, néerlandaise et portugaise, chacun de ces textes faisant également foi. Par le Conseil de l'Union européenne Par le gouvernement de la république d'Afrique du Sud. ANNEXE SUR LA DIFFUSION ET L'UTILISATION DES INFORMATIONS AINSI QUE LA GESTION, L'ATTRIBUTION ET L'EXERCICE DES DROITS DE PROPRIETE INTELLECTUELLE ANNEXE I. PROPRIETE. ATTRIBUTION ET EXERCICE DES DROITS 1. Toutes les activités de recherche entreprises au titre du présent accord sont dénommées "activités de recherche commune". Les participants élaborent conjointement des programmes de gestion technologique communs (PGTC) qui contiennent, au minimum, les principes du respect de la propriété et de l'utilisation, y compris de la publication des informations et des éléments de propriété intellectuelle (PI) issus des activités de recherche commune*. Les PGTC doivent être approuvés par l'administration compétente de la partie impliquée intervenant dans le financement de la recherche, avant la conclusion des contrats de coopération spécifique en matière de recherche et de développement auxquels ils se réfèrent. L'élaboration des PGTC tient compte des objectifs des activités de recherche commune, des contributions respectives des participants, des avantages et des inconvénients de l'attribution de licences par territoire ou domaines d'utilisation, des exigences imposées par les législations applicables, des procédures de règlement des différends et de tous les autres facteurs jugés appropriés par les participants. En matière de propriété intellectuelle, les droits et obligations concernant les activités de recherche exécutées par les chercheurs invités sont également définis dans les PGTC. 2. La fourniture des informations ou l'octroi des éléments de propriété intellectuelle qui résultent des activités de recherche commune et qui ne sont pas couverts par les PGTC seront assurés conformément aux procédures figurant dans le point 1,1 selon les principes exposés dans le PGTC. En cas de différend, qui ne peut pas être résolu par la procédure convenue, les informations ou éléments de propriété intellectuelle qui n'ont pas été attribués sont la propriété conjointe de tous les participants aux activités de recherche commune qui sont à l'origine desdits informations ou éléments et tout participant auquel la présente disposition est applicable a le droit d'utiliser commercialement ces informations ou éléments de propriété intellectuelle pour son propre compte, sans limitation territoriale. 3. Dans le cadre de la législation applicable, chaque Partie veille à ce que l'autre Partie ainsi que ses participants puissent se voir octroyer les droits de propriété intellectuelle conformément aux principes exposés dans la section I de la présente annexe. Les caractéristiques indicatives dus PGT figurent dans l'annexe. JjD 4. Tout en préservant les conditions de concurrence dans les domaines concernés par le présent accord, chaque Partie s'efforce de faire en sorte que les droits acquis en application du présent accord et des arrangements conclus en vertu de ce dernier, soient exercés de manière à favoriser notamment : (i) la diffusion et l'utilisation des informations produites, divulguées ou rendues disponibles en vertu du présent accord; (ii) l'adoption et la mise en oeuvre de normes internationales. II. OEUVRES PROTÉGÉES PAR DES DROITS D'AUTEUR Les droits d'auteur appartenant aux Parties ou à leurs participants bénéficient d'un traitement conforme à la convention de Berne (Acte de Paris, 1971). III. OEUVRES LITTERAIRES A CARACTERE SCIENTIFIQUE Sous réserve de la section IV, et à moins que le PGTC n'en dispose autrement, les résultats des activités de recherche sont publiés conjointement par les participants. Outre cette règle générale, il convient de se conformer à la procédure suivante : 1. En cas de publication par une Partie, ou par des organismes publics appartenant à cette Partie, de revues, articles, rapports, et ouvrages scientifiques et techniques, y compris les documents vidéos et les logiciels, résultant d'activités de recherche commune entreprises en vertu du présent accord, l'autre partie doit être habilitée, moyennant autorisation écrite de l'éditeur, à recevoir une licence mondiale non exclusive, irrévocable et libre de redevance pour la traduction, la reproduction, l'adaptation, la transmission et la diffusion publique de ces oeuvres. 2. Les Parties veillent à ce que les oeuvres littéraires à caractère scientifique résultant d'activités de recherche commune entreprises en vertu du présent accord et publiées par des éditeurs indépendants soient diffusées aussi largement que possible. 3. Tous les exemplaires d'une oeuvre protégée par des droits d'auteur destinée à être diffusée au public et produite en vertu de la présente disposition doivent faire apparaître le nom du ou des auteurs, à moins qu'ils ne refusent d'être nommés expressément. Chaque exemplaire doit également porter une mention clairement visible attestant du soutien conjoint des Parties. IV. INFORMATIONS A NE PAS DIVULGUER A. Informations documentaires à ne pas divulguer 1. Chaque Partie ou les participants de chacune d'entre elles déterminent le plus tôt possible et, de préférence, dans le programme de gestion technologique commun, les M informations relatives au présent accord qu'ils ne souhaitent pas voir divulguer, en tenant compte, notamment, des critères suivants : la confidentialité des informations au sens où celles-ci ne sont pas, dans leur ensemble ou dans leur configuration ou leur agencement spécifique, généralement connues des spécialistes du domaine ou facilement accessibles à ces derniers par des moyens légaux; la valeur commerciale réelle ou potentielle des informations du fait de leur confidentialité; la protection antérieure des informations si la personne légalement compétente a pris des mesures justifiées en fonction des circonstances afin de préserver leur confidentialité. 2. Les participants ne doivent normalement pas fournir des informations qui ne doivent pas être divulguées aux Parties. Si les Parties se rendent compte qu'elles disposent de telles informations, elles doivent respecter leur caractère confidentiel et ne doivent les divulguer à quiconque, sans l'accord écrit du ou des participants qui sont propriétaires de ces informations. Ces restrictions n'ont plus lieu d'être lorsque le propriétaire desdites informations les divulgue sans limitation aux experts du domaine en question. 3. Chaque Partie s'assure que les informations confidentielles relevant du présent accord, qui ne doivent pas être divulguées et qui leur sont communiquées dans le cadre du présent accord, sont immédiatement reconnaissables par l'autre Partie, par exemple au moyen d'une marque ou d'une mention restrictive appropriée. Cette disposition s'applique également à toutes reproductions totales ou partielles desdites informations. 4. Les informations à ne pas divulguer communiquées au titre du présent accord peuvent être diffusées par la Partie destinataire aux personnes qui la composent ou qu'elle emploie ainsi qu'à ses autres ministères ou agences concernés autorisés aux fins spécifiques des activités de recherche commune en cours, à condition que la diffusion desdites informations fasse l'objet d'un accord de confidentialité et que leur immédiatement reconnaissable conformément aux caractère confidentiel soit dispositions ci-dessus. 5. A condition d'obtenir l'accord écrit préalable de la Partie qui fournit des informations à ne pas divulguer relevant du présent accord, la Partie destinataire peut diffuser ces informations plus largement que ne lui permet le paragraphe 3 ci-dessus. Les Parties collaborent pour élaborer des procédures de demande et d'obtention de l'autorisation écrite préalable nécessaire à une diffusion plus large, et chaque Partie accorde cette autorisation dans la mesure où ses politiques, ses réglementations et sa législation nationale le lui permettent. AL B. Informations non documentaires à ne pas divulguer Les informations non documentaires à ne pas divulguer ou les autres informations confidentielles ou privilégiées fournies au cours de séminaires ou d'autres réunions organisées en vertu du présent accord, ou les informations résultant de l'affectation de personnel, de l'utilisation d'installations ou de projets communs, doivent être traitées par les Parties ou par leurs participants conformément aux principes spécifiés dans la section IV A ci-dessus, à condition cependant, que le destinataire desdites informations à ne pas divulguer ou autres informations confidentielles ou privilégiées soit informé du caractère confidentiel de ces informations au moment où elles lui sont communiquées. & C. Protection Chaque Partie met tout en oeuvre pour garantir que les informations à ne pas divulguer qu'elle reçoit au titre du présent accord soient protégées conformément audit accord. Si l'une des Parties constate qu'elle est, ou est susceptible de se trouver, dans l'incapacité de se conformer aux dispositions de non-diffusion visées aux sections A et B ci-dessus, elle en informe immédiatement l'autre Partie. Les Parties doivent alors se consulter afin de déterminer la conduite à adopter. 4C, APPENDICE CARACTERISTIQUES INDICATIVES D'UN PROGRAMME DE GESTION TECHNOLOGIQUE COMMUN (PGTO Un programme de gestion technologique commun est un contrat spécifique conclu entre les participants aux activités de recherche commune définissant leurs droits et obligations respectifs. En ce qui concerne les droits de propriété intellectuelle, le PGTC doit notamment couvrir la propriété, la protection, les droits d'utilisation aux fins des activités de recherche et de développement, la valorisation et la diffusion, y compris les dispositions relatives à la publication conjointe, les droits et obligations des chercheurs invités et les procédures de règlement des différends. Le PGTC peut également porter sur des informations d'ordre général ou spécifique, la délivrance des licences et les résultats à terme. FICHE FINANCIÈRE 1. Titre de l'action Coopération technologique avec la république d'Afrique du Sud. scientifique internationale : accord de coopération scientifique et 2. Lignes budgétaires concernées Les frais de voyage des fonctionnaires et experts communautaires seront imputés aux lignes budgétaires spécifiques des programmes relevant du quatrième programme-cadre des actions communautaires de recherche et de développement technologique/partie CE. 3. Base juridique L'Article 1301 et 13OM ainsi que l'article 228 du traité CE. Décisions du Conseil et du Parlement 1110/94/CE du 26 avril 1994 et 616/96/CE du 25 mars 1996. 4. Description de l'action 4. 1 Objectifs spécifiques de l'action L'action vise principalement à stimuler la coopération entre la CE et l'Afrique du Sud dans le cadre de projets de recherche couverts par le programme-cadre. 4. 2 Durée L'accord sera conclu pour la durée du programme-cadre (1994-1998) et sera renouvelé d'un commun accord entre les Parties (renouvellement tacite) pour tous les programmes spécifiques relevant des programmes-cadres ultérieurs. L'accord peut être résilié à tout moment par chacune des Parties, sous réserve d'un préavis écrit de six mois. 5. Classification des dépenses 5. 1 Dépenses non obligatoires 5. 2 Crédits dissociés 6. Type de dépenses Financement de missions en Afrique du Sud pour des fonctionnaires de la Commission; organisation d'ateliers, de séminaires et de réunions en Europe et en Afrique du Sud. 7. Incidence financière 7. 1 Méthode de calcul du coût annuel de l'action (estimation) AQ a. Activités préparatoires, réexamen de la coopération : réunions du comité mixte de coopération scientifique et technologique, échange d'informations, visites de fonctionnaires et d'experts en Afrique du Sud b. Ateliers/réunions scientifiques et techniques 50. 000 écus 60. 000 écus Total 110. 000 écus/an 7. 2 Echéancier pluriannuel provisoire (en millions d'écus) Programme-cadre IV-CE 1 ïï-^=-] CE CP 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 + 2000 + TOTAL 2599,467 2836,804 3164,853 3162,876 - - 11764,000 694,567 2010,940 2402,509 3284,733 2054,287 1316,964 11764,000 , 8. Mesures anti-fraude Chaque stade de la signature et de la mise en oeuvre des contrats de recherche fait l'objet de nombreux contrôles administratifs et financiers. Par exemple : Avant la conclusion du contrat présélection des propositions sur la base du mérite scientifique du projet et du réalisme des coûts de recherche par rapport au contenu, à la durée du projet et à ses applications potentielles; analyse des données financières indiquées par les proposants dans le formulaire de négociation du contrat. Après la signature du contrat : analyse des dépenses à différents niveaux (responsable financier, responsable scientifique) avant paiement; audit interne effectué par le contrôleur financier; audit in situ destiné à détecter les erreurs et les autres irrégularités grâce à un examen des pièces justificatives. Pour améliorer l'efficacité de ces audits, la Commission a créé une unité d'audit chargée de les coordonner. Les missions sont effectuées soit par des membres de l'unité, soit par des cabinets d'audit avec lesquels la Commission a conclu un contrat, sous la direction des membres de l'unité; Aï responsable des programmes spécifiques du présent programme-cadre et des éventuels programmes-cadres ultérieurs. AS inspections sur les lieux effectuées par le contrôleur financier de la Commission et par la Cour de Justice de l'Union européenne. 9. Analyse coût-efficacité 9. 1 Objectifs spécifiques, population visée Conformément au principe de l'avantage mutuel, le but de l'accord est de permettre à la Communauté et à l'Afrique du Sud d'en tirer profit des progrès scientifiques et techniques réalisés dans le cadre de leurs programmes de recherche réciproques, grâce à la participation de la communauté scientifique sud- africaine et de l'industrie aux projets de recherche communautaires ainsi qu'à la participation indépendante et non subventionnée d'organismes établis dans la Communauté à des projets de recherche sud-africains; grâce à ses effets directs et indirects, la coopération profitera à la communauté scientifique, au secteur industriel et au grand public dans la Communauté européenne et en Afrique du Sud. 9. 2 Justification de l'action L'intervention budgétaire de la Communauté est indispensable étant donné que l'action de coopération est prévue dans la mise en oeuvre du programme-cadre, de même que la ligne budgétaire relative aux dépenses de fonctionnement supportées par la Communauté (envoi en mission de fonctionnaires de la Communauté, organisation de séminaires dans la Communauté et au Canada). 9. 3 Contrôle et évaluation de l'action Les services de la Commission évalueront régulièrement toutes les actions de coopération menées dans le cadre de l'accord de coopération. L'évaluation comportera les éléments suivants : a. b. Collecte d'informations : Sur la base des données provenant des programmes spécifiques relevant des programmes-cadres. Evaluation globale de l'action : Les services de la Commission évalueront à la fin de chaque année toutes les actions de coopération menées dans le cadre de cet accord. 10. Dépenses administratives La Commission ne demande pas d'effectifs supplémentaires pour la gestion de l'accord. Aucun fonctionnaire n'est spécifiquement chargé de gérer l'accord. Les activités de coopération et la mise en oeuvre de l'accord seront gérées par le personnel A ISSN 0254-149; COM(96) 423 final DOCUMENTS FR 11 15 N° de catalogue : CB-CO-96-418-FR-C ISBN 92-78-07899-9 Office des publications officielles des Communautés européennes L-2985 Luxembourg £c


title: KOMISSION ASETUS (EY) N:o 1733/96, annettu 4 päivänä syyskuuta 1996, tuonnin kiinteistä arvoista tiettyjen hedelmien ja vihannesten tulohinnan määrittämiseksi

eurovoc_concepts:
citrus fruit
fruit vegetable
grape
import price
stone fruit


title: Komission direktiivi 96/55/EY, annettu 4 päivänä syyskuuta 1996, tiettyjen vaarallisten aineiden ja valmisteiden (klooratut liuottimet) markkinoille saattamisen ja käytön rajoituksia koskevien jäsenvaltioiden lakien, asetusten ja hallinnollisten määräysten lähentämisestä annetun neuvoston direktiivin 76/769/ETY liitteen I mukauttamisesta tekniikan kehitykseen toisen kerran (ETA:n kannalta merkityksellinen teksti)

eurovoc_concepts:
approximation of laws
consumer protection
dangerous substance
health risk
marketing standard
solvent

formats: html pdfa1b print


title: Regolamento (CE) n. 1732/96 della Commissione del 4 settembre 1996 che fissa i valori unitari per la determinazione del valore in dogana di talune merci deperibili

eurovoc_concepts:
customs regulations
customs territory (EU)
customs valuation
fruit
perishable goods
vegetable


title: REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION - Young farmers and the problem of succession in European agriculture

eurovoc_concepts:
family farming
investment aid
rural development
transfer of farms
young farmer

text: COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 04. 09. 1996 COM(%) 398 final REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION Young farmers and the problem of succession in European agriculture Y o u ng farmers and the problem of succession in European agriculture INDEX INTRODUCTION DIFFICULTIES AND NEEDS OF YOUNG FARMERS 1. 2. 3. 4. Depopulation and decline in rural areas Protection of rural areas and the contribution of women Setting-up costs Sharing income during the transfer period III. COMMUNITY MEASURES Structural measures under Objective 5(a) 1. 1 1. 2 Setting-up and investment aid Vocational training assistance for young farmers Accompanying measures to the reform of the CAP Rural development policy in the context of regional programmes 3. 1 adjustment of less-developed regions 3. 2 Objective 1: development and structural Objective 5(b): development and structural adjustment of rural areas Objective 6: development and structural adjustment in less densely populated rural areas Leader (Links between actions for the development of the rural economy) Pilot projects and demonstration projects 3. 3 3. 4 3. 5 Market Organizations Other measures 5. 1 5. 2 5. 3 Community training programmes The new Community research programme Information IV. PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Community measures Setting-up aid 1. 1 Training 1. 2 Early retirement scheme 1. 3 Market Organizations 1. 4 National measures 2. 1 2. 2 2. 3 2. 4 Inheritance law Taxation Lease Preparation for transfer: new forms of partnership between parent and child (or other successor) Cover services Setting-up of young people without a rural background 2. 5 2. 6 Improving information 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. Page 1 o_ 2 2 2 3 3 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 14 Young farmers and the problem of succession in European agriculture I. INTRODUCTION This report has been drawn up by the Commission as a contribution to the debate on the setting-up of young farmers, and in particular in response to the request made at the informal Agriculture Council which met in Ioannina. At present there are almost 8. 5 million farms in the European Union. According to the most recent Eurostat survey on farm structures in the Community of Twelve (1989/91), only 8. 3% of farm owners/managers are under thirty-five, while 24. 5%, i. e. almost a quarter of all active farmers, are over sixty-five. The average age of farmers has risen considerably in recent years. The most recent information available indicates that 53. 6% of European farmers are at least fifty-five years old. Although complete data is not yet available for the new Member States, the situation there seems to be similar. There is enormous diversity in the data on the current position of young farmers in the European Union, so it is difficult to make a significant comparison of the situation in the various Member States. In addition, at a time of major economic change, certain statistical data is not available or rapidly becomes out of date, making a complete assessment even more difficult. The data available confirm that in general young people manage farms the average area of which is not only well above the national average, but also the largest for any age group. The European average UAA managed by farmers under thirty-five is 19. 4 hectares, whereas the average for all farmers is fifteen hectares. The average area farmed decreases steadily for each age group, falling to 6. 7 hectares for farmers aged sixty-five and over. A similar pattern can be observed in all the Member States, if account is taken of the diversity of average UAA farmed in each Member State in absolute terms, which means that young farmers in one country may be farming areas more similar to those farmed by their elder compatriots than those farmed by young farmers in another country. There are also great disparities in the economic situation of farmers in different Member States, but this does not vary so greatly between young fanners and older farmers in a single region. As to categories of production, it should be emphasized that a large number of young farmers are active in the horticultural sector and in dairy farming. Despite this it is still possible to present some fundamental conclusions about the problems encountered by young farmers in the setting-up stage, and to identify useful initiatives at Community and national levels. Community rules provide an appropriate framework for action in many instances, in particular through the Structural Funds, which provide resources enabling Member States and regions to introduce specific measures. But it has to be said that there are considerable variations in the steps taken by different Member States to help young farmers, both through instruments of the Structural Funds and in market sectors. Given the overriding interest the European Union has in promoting a dynamic agricultural sector capable of facing up to the challenges of the future, the Commission has decided to advance certain guidelines in this report geared to promoting a minimum of consistency in the facilities accorded to young farmers throughout the Union. To respect the principle of subsidiarity, this approach would continue to leave a considerable margin of manoeuvre to the Member States as regards specific methods of application to allow for the actual situations in the different areas concerned. i Q L. II. DIFFICULTIES AND NEEDS OF YOUNG FARMERS Like workers in other rapidly changing sectors, a large number of farmers are now facing new socio economic situations and a sense of uncertainty which affect young farmers too. Many of the problems encountered by young farmers, particularly of an economic nature, are not specific to agriculture: such difficulties occur in all businesses at the moment of transfer. 1. DEPOPULATION AND DECLINE IN RURAL AREAS The most obvious problem on the "rural periphery", in regions dependent on agriculture is depopulation. These regions are characterized by low population density and an ageing population. This is due first and foremost to natural changes in the agricultural labour force arising from the spread of more productive techniques. In a sector where family farms predominate, increased productivity involves a reduction in the number of farms and/or an increase in part-time work. Inevitably then, when a full-time producer retires, his farm is either incorporated into another, or his successor only works on it part-time. In addition, the weakest or most remote regions often suffer from inadequate infrastructure and limited economic diversification. The need to develop essential services (notably in health, education, culture and leisure, and public transport) is generally recognized, but tends to come up against growing pressure to reduce public expenditure. This is an extremely serious problem which is constantly becoming more acute and relates largely to measures which could be taken at regional and national level. If such measures are not taken, the impact of efforts under EU rural development policy will be weak, or even non-existent. 2 PROTECTION OF RURAL AREAS AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN People living in the rural areas of the Union face a whole series of social problems, including the risk of losing their cultural identity as traditional lifestyles are eroded. A sense of powerlessness and exclusion from public life and decisions that concern them is common to all young people. In deciding on their future young people are also very sensitive to the public image of farming and the fact that its role in the economy and in protecting the environment does not seem to be fully appreciated. The important contribution of women to the protection of an enduring rural environment, which requires a balanced population structure, should also be stressed. The reasons for the current population imbalance in the rural areas are well known: young women, who often have a high level of education, have left in droves for the towns and cities. The result is an uneven population structure with an abnormally high proportion of elderly bachelors and few women, particularly young women in the 20-39 age range This phenomenon tends to impoverish the economic, cultural and social fabric of rural societies, and perpetuate itself until the countryside is abandoned. But it would be wrong to consider the role of women only in terms of the companionship and extra help, however vital, that they bring to the life and work of the farm. At present it is estimated that only 10% of farmers are women, although women represent some 35% of agricultural workers. Progress towards a stronger role for women-in the management of farms is inevitable and essential. There is every indication that women have the ability and competence to manage a farm successfully, and with better training and support it should be possible to make real progress. It should also be noted that many of the imaginative ideas for diversifying farming activities come from women, and women themselves are often those best placed to bring extra income - sometimes indispensable - into the household, through employment outside of agriculture, frequently from part-time jobs, which are playing a growing role in work patterns in rural areas. 3. SETTING-UP COSTS The most pressing problem specific to young farmers is finance. Because of technological developments, specialization, and the increase in the economically viable size of farms, the amount of finance required to get established is constantly rising. When land is purchased, the cost of the land plus taxes eats into the limited financial resources of the young farmer. Even when the family farm is inherited there may be difficulties. Other heirs may have to be involved in settling the estate, and the valuation and division of property can cause disagreements. Another important point is that the successor has to compensate the joint heirs, either at a preferential price or at the market price. So much of the profits generated by the business over several years go to pay the costs of inheritance and consequently cannot be reinvested in the farm. For certain types of production, production rights have acquired a market value. This further increases the young farmer's need for capital as he must buy not only the land and the means of production, but the production rights as well. Equally, the young farmer is often obliged to restore production potential which has declined during the previous generation's final years of activity. Young farmers frequently have difficulty obtaining loans. The banks are more willing to lend to already established farms rather than projects which have not yet proved their viability, so access to credit is selective. 4. SHARING rNCQME DURING THE TRANSFER PERIOD Where farmers' children take over farms and set themselves up in their turn -the great majority of cases - a smooth transition is often impossible. Given the age of the parents and their possible continuing responsibility for young children, it may turn out that the farm has to be run jointly. So it must be capable of generating income for two households over a fairly long period (10-15 years). In most small family farms, this transition period is also characterized by heavy economic dependence and a low share of responsibility on the part of the young fermer. These problems become more acute when adequate housing for two families cannot be provided because of economic or practical difficulties (for example, it may be impossible to obtain a building permit under planning regulations). III. COMMUNITY MEASURES Help is currently available to young farmers through a series of provisions. There are several specific instruments under "horizontal" structural measures with general application, the accompanying measures to the CAP reform, certain actions forming part of rural development policy and regional policies, as well as the opportunities provided by the common organizations of markets. 1. STRUCTURAL MEASURES UNDER OBJECTIVE 5(A) 1. 1 Setting-up and investment aid The aid granted under Articles 10 and 11 of Regulation (EEC) No 2328/91 on improving the efficiency of agricultural structures aims to put young people capable of adapting to the new realities of agriculture in charge of farms. The aim is to provide young farmers with the resources to meet the cost of setting up, notably the takeover of existing fixed and movable assets, and hence covering risks linked to the new responsibilities of young farmers. The aid is reserved for young farmers under forty (certain Member States have set an upper age limit of thirty-five) who are taking on the legal responsibility for and management of a farm requinng the equivalent of at least one human unit of labour. The young fanner must be setting up for the first time as a full-time farmer or be moving into full-time farming after getting established on a part-time basis. The measure, which was previously restricted to farmers gaining at least half their income from farming, has recently been extended to multiple activities, including forestry, work m tourism or crafts. According to the current rules aimed at promoting the setting-up of competent young people, they must be sufficiently qualified in farming at the time of setting up. This involves having completed secondary school and/or a university course in agriculture. If he does not have any such qualification, the young farmer must take a preparatory course of at least 150 hours prior to setting up. The Community scheme for young farmers includes two independent aid categories: Setting-up aid as such, comprising a single grant of a maximum amount of ECU 15 000 which can be replaced by the Member State by an equivalent interest rebate; and an interest rebate of 5% for a duration of 15 years for loans contracted with a view to covering charges arising from setting-up; its capitalized value may not exceed ECU 15 000; it can be paid in the form of an equivalent subsidy. Supplementary investment aid of 25% for new investment provided for under the Community system of Material Improvement Plans (M. I. P. ), on condition that the young fanner has the required professional qualification and presents the plan within 5 years of initial setting-up. This aid can be granted independently of setting-up aid. Application of the scheme is optional for Member States, they may apply it in part or in whole, and they may also grant national aid for which different rules apply and the amounts are higher. Member States are considered to be best placed to judge the extent to which it is necessary to use the possibilities available to them and to establish their priorities within the context of their own general legislation and their needs. Because of very different structures and traditions, application of the system in different Member States varies remarkably. The majority of the Member States, including the three new ones, have opted to implement both setting-up aid and supplementary aid to investment. The Netherlands ended the system of setting-up aid in 1992 but grants the investment aid supplement. The United Kingdom, which was not applying setting-up aid, has very recently chosen not to grant investment aid. There are important differences in the nature of the aid granted. Certain Member States have set supplementary conditions for eligibility. Some have opted for a single system, others for a mixed system where a grant and an interest subsidy are combined. The amount of aid is highly variable from one country to another: some limit it to the maximum funded by the EAGGF, sometimes less, while others top up considerably from national funds. In 1994, more than 23 000 young farmers in Europe benefited from an setting-up grant, and over 8 500 received the investment aid supplement. Community financial participation increased substantially reaching a total commitment of ECU 183 million in 1993. Since 1989, when the Structural Funds reform entered into force, an estimated 190 000 young farmers in the European Union have benefited from the possibilities offered by the structural legislation on agriculture. 1. 2 Vocational training assistance for voung farmers The vocational training assistance measure, which is based on Article 28 of Regulation (EEC) No 2328/91, is intended to raise the level of agricultural training and thus reinforce the impact of other structural measures under Objective 5(a). The aid relates to attendance at and organization of complete or additional training and improvement courses in agriculture for young farmers required to take a course of at least 150 hours to achieve the level of training required to obtain setting-up aid. The level of assistance is ECU 10 500 per person, of which ECU 4 000 is for courses on the environment, forestry and alternative production. The contribution of the EAGGF to training was ECU 8. 7 million in 1993. Although detailed data are not available, it is estimated that the number taking supplementary training courses may amount to 10 000 each year. 2. ACCOMPANYING MEASURES TO THE REFORM OF THE CAP Among the accompanying measures adopted as part of the reform of the CAP, the Community early retirement aid scheme under Regulation (EEC) No 2079/92, by providing a satisfactory income to elderly farmers who decide to retire, is principally intended to promote renewal, restructuring and improvement of economic viability on the remaining farms. It can also offer young farmers better conditions for setting up and developing their farms. The Community early retirement scheme is aimed at heads of farms aged 55 years and over who abandon farming permanently and transfer their farms. The aid is paid in the form of a single retirement grant (a maximum of ECU 36 225 can be part-financed) or annual compensation payments (maximum: ECU 12 075). The incoming farmer undertakes to farm full-time for at least five years and to protect the environment. He must also increase the size of his farm significantly. The scheme is optional. So far, ten Member States have applied the measure, but generally speaking implementation has been very recent. Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are not applying the measure. Of the new Member States, only Finland has introduced the scheme. The target for this group of programmes is the departure of some 205 000 farmers, freeing up an estimated area of more than 4. 3 million hectares, of which 5%-10% will be used for non-agricultural purposes such as forestry and the creation of nature reserves. The remainder will be transferred to incoming farmers, who will use it to expand their farms or to set up as farmers. Certain Member States have included conditions in their early retirement schemes which particularly favour young farmers. There are two other accompanying measures in place: one concerning methods of production compatible with environmental protection and preservation of green spaces (Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92) and an aid scheme to forestry measures in agriculture (Regulation (EEC) No 2080/92). Although these measures do not specifically target young farmers, they are of particular interest to them: it is they who are actually the most ready to adapt their production, for example under the measures concerning introduction of organic farming and training, in order to grasp the new opportunities open to agriculture. 3. RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY m THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL PROGRAMMES The specific measures for young farmers mentioned earlier are not in themselves an adequate response to the needs of young people who decide to live and work in the countryside. The Union's approach is broader and includes, in particular, action undertaken since the reform of the Structural Funds in rural areas covered by Objectives 1, 5(b) and 6 and the Leader initiative. 3. 1 Objective 1: development and structural adjustment of less-developed regions With finance from the three Structural Funds (EAGGF, ERDF, ESF), the Community has been able to support diversification and reorientation of production in Objective 1 rural areas with a view to revitalizing the economic fabric and countering the rural exodus. Community aid is concentrated on the priority development priorities established in the Community Support Frameworks (CSFs), which include agriculture and rural development, modernization of economic structures and development of human resources. The July 1993 reform has extended the scope of the EAGGF to new areas, such as the improvement of the rural habitat, quality and promotion policy, support to applied research and financial engineering measures. All these measures can benefit young farmers either directly or through improvements to the rural environment resulting from structural measures to encourage a return to the countryside. Objective 1 currently covers 45. 5% of Union territory and 26. 6 % of the Community population. Resources available over the period 1994-99 amount to ECU 135 000 million. 3. 2 Objective 5(b): development and structural adjustment of rural areas Objective 5(b) takes an integrated approach to the development of rural areas covering both the adjustment and diversification of the primary sector and the development of other economic activities in the rural environment. The development strategies are aimed at maintaining the level of population in the area, by raising incomes and generally improving living conditions in rural areas. The special feature of Objective 5(b) programmes is multi-sectoral intervention, always accompanied by a major training drive and benefiting all the economic activities able to contribute to rural development, i. e. agriculture, forestry, SMEs, tourism and the environment. The integrated approach of these programmes involves active participation by all the partners, local, national and Community. There are nearly 33 million inhabitants, or 8. 9% of the Community population, living in the areas eligible for Objective 5(b). The allocations available for the Union of Fifteen amount to ECU 6 877 million for the period 1994-99. 3. 3 Objective 6: development and structural adjustment in less densely populated regions The Act of Accession of the three new Member States added a new priority objective to Structural Fund measures, namely Objective 6, which is intended to promote the development and structural adjustment of regions with extremely low population density in Finland and Sweden. The resources allocated to these regions by the three Funds, supplemented by the FIFG, total ECU 741 million for the period 1995-99. As in Objective 1 regions, the programmes cover all economic activities in the areas concerned. Given the large part of these areas that is rural, the arrangements approved by the Commission provide for the setting-up of integrated rural development packages to support local initiatives in all sectors and so give a new lease of life to the rural economy as a whole. 3. 4 Leader (Links between actions for the development of the rural economy) The Leader programme is a Community initiative covering local strategies based on proposals from rural communities seeking solutions to development problems. The purpose of the programme is to identify innovative solutions to the various problems of rural areas by developing their endogenous resources. Leader II, under which financing is being increased (ECU 1 700 million for the three Funds) and the principle of subsidiarity given greater weight for the 1994-99 programming period, will support four types of measure: the acquisition of skills (drawing up a development strategy on the basis of territorial diagnostics, motivating local partners and setting up contacts between them); carrying out innovative and transferable demonstration programmes in all sectors of rural development; exchanging experience and transferring know-how through a European rural development network; transnational cooperation projects. During its first stage, Leader financed 217 local action groups. This mobilized Community financing of ECU 445 million and made possible investments totalling ECU 1 155 million jointly funded by the Community, Member States and local sources. This Community initiative, the first stage of which has been very successful, is making it possible to create a development momentum and thus establish an environment which promotes all forms of initiative in the countryside, and particularly those of the young. 3. 5 Pilot and demonstration projects In order to reinforce the impact of its measures to promote rural development, the EAGGF is financing pilot projects relating to the adjustment of agricultural and forestry structures and demonstration products including initiatives relating to the development of the economic potential of woodland and the processing and marketing of agricultural products. This measure is intended to show the potential of new systems and techniques and above all to spread know-how and acquired experience. As has already been pointed out, rural development measures whether under Objectives 1, 5(b) and 6 and Leader or in the form of pilot projects are not exclusively for young farmers. The precise data required to assess the proportion of their participation in these measures is not available. However, contact with those involved during the preparation of operational programmes and the monitonng of the various measures indicates that a large proportion of participants are young farmers, and in some measures, such as Leader, they predominate. 4. MARKET ORGANIZATIONS The existing systems under the various common market organizations (CMOs) can be classified into three categories in terms of entry of new producers. Certain CMOs provide for individual "production rights" in order to control production. The sector most affected in this respect is the dairy sector. The following come under the same type of regime: rights to suckler cow, sheep and goat, tobacco and dunim wheat premiums. In the wine sector ceilings on planting rights produce a similar situation. As the individual reference quantities are in principle based on yields obtained in the past, these arrangements result in certain restrictions on the opportunities for starting up a new holding. Growers seeking to get established must acquire businesses 'with a quota". The arrangements in the dairy sector can be used to illustrate this situation. They arc the subject of new rules, applicable since April 1993, based on Council Regulation (EEC) No 3950/92, which sets overall national quantities and defines individual reference quantities as the quantity available on the farm on 31 March 1993. These rules confirm the principle that a farm's quantity is transferred with it when it is sold, leased or inherited. They also introduce flexibility by authorizing, under the control of Member States, transfer of quotas between producers without transfer of land to support the continued re structuring of the sector. The existence of a national reserve is fundamental to implementing the regime by allowing reference quantities to be granted to priority producers selected according to objective criteria. This reserve is fed from various sources; it is intended to receive reference quantities which are no longer individually allocated, but it can also be supplied as a result of a linear reduction in the total reference quantities In addition, still with a view to restructuring and protecting the decided by the Member State. environment, the regulation gives Member States the option of implementing measures aimed at voluntary cessation of milk production and reallocation to other producers of the reference quantities thus freed up. As in other sectors, Community rules allow Member States some flexibility of application as regards the allocation of quantities put into the reserve or maintained at the time of transfer. This flexibility can be used to benefit young farmers, although there are no rules or obligations imposing this approach. Community legislation lays down the conditions on which new producers may be considered for inclusion among priority producers, who receive additional reference quantities, free of charge or against a payment to be established. Experience has shown that the application of these rules varies greatly among the Member States. Each Member State thus has the wherewithal to assist young people setting up as farmers, especially as the quantity of the national reserves can be substantial. Under the premium regimes for ewes and goats (Regulation (EEC) No 3013/89) and suckler cows (Regulation (EEC) No 805/68), which are also subject to individual guaranteed quantities, it was decided to establish an initial national reserve set at 1 to 3% of total individual quantities. These reserves, aimed at satisfying unexpected applications for premium rights, are virtually exhausted. Under both regimes, the national reserve is currently supplied from two sources. Where producers use less than 70% of their rights, the unused portion is normally allocated to the national reserve. In addition, when premium rights are permanently transferred without a farm, part of them (up to 15%) may be allocated to the reserve. There are significant differences in the ways Member States use these reserves to satisfy the needs of young farmers. Some Member States pursue an active policy of recovering as many production rights as possible for the reserve. Other Member States prefer to encourage redistribution through normal market forces. The divergences can also be explained by the total amount of production rights existing in each Member State in comparison with the number of animals actually reared. In the context of the current CMO for wine, production is also limited through the planting rights mechanism: new planting is prohibited. However, new planting can be authorized under exemptions provided for in the legislation, particularly when material improvement plans meeting the conditions defined in the Community regulation are being implemented. The second category involves CMOs with rules restricting production on a collective basis. For example, in the arable farming sector (cereals, oilseeds and protein crops), per-hectarc aid is limited to a base area set by region, and in the beef and veal sector premiums for male bovine animals may not exceed a quantity set for each region. In these sectors it is less difficult for a young farmer to start up production without a reference quantity established in the past. Nevertheless, it must be noted that the compensation amount is paid out in full only up to a regional maximum area, for example; where there is an overrun, the assistance is reduced proportionally. Finally, there are certain CMOs in which product prices are protected on the Community market using frontier protection measures and export refunds, within specified limits. This applies, for example, to the common organization of the markets in fruit and vegetables, pigmeat and poultry. In these sectors it is possible to start up on a farm or to transfer production capacity to these sectors without any particular reference requirement relating to previous production. 5. OTHER MEASURES 5. 1 Community training programmes Because of socio-economic change and technological progress, the agricultural workforce, especially young farmers, must have good basic vocational knowledge and be very adaptable. The European Community has adopted several education and training programmes (Yoirthstart, Socrates, Leonardo), which are not specifically addressed to young farmers, but can benefit young people who are going into farming, or wish to take up other economic activities in the countryside. Community action for agricultural training under the existing programmes has already produced results. Cooperation and mobility agreements between universities and agronomy faculties under the ERASMUS programme involved more than 2000 students in 1992. Under COMETT, eight University- Business Training Associations (UBTA) have developed a strong European technology transfer network in the field of bio-technology. Finally, the PETRA programme has supported the creation of a vast network of research centres and vocational training institutes in horticulture. 5. 2 The new Community research programme Under the 4th Programme for Community action for research, technological development and demonstration for the period 1995-98, the Council adopted a specific programme on agriculture, forestry and rural development. Its purpose is to provide the scientific basis for planning, implementing and evaluating Community policy in these sectors. Activities under the programme will give rise to developments which will contribute to the application of Community policies on agriculture and rural development, the development of European primary «roduction, the vitality of downstream industries and the satisfaction of final users, as well as an adequate level of employment. ECU 315 million is considered necessary to carry out this programme. I 3 Information The Commission has established close relations with young farmers' organizations in order to provide * iem with information and assist their thinking by means of seminars, meetings and information visits. The Exchange Programme for Young Farmers (EPYF), which involved 2000 young people in 1994, should also be mentioned: it is designed to encourage exchanges of experience and learning about agriculture in other countries, on an individual or collective basis, for periods ranging from 3 weeks to several months, principally in the Member States of the European Union. IV. PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. COMMUNITY MEASURES 1. 1 Setting-up aid Improvements to Community measures in order to respond better to the difficulties encountered by young farmers may be envisaged. However, such improvements need not necessarily mean adopting new aid measures but, above all at this stage, making full use of those that are already in place. To take account of current developments in the conditions for carrying on an agricultural activity and the demand for greater acceptance of multiple jobholding, in 1994 the Council decided to extend aid to young people who are not full-time farmers, but are establishing themselves under a system of multiple jobholding, including, for this purpose, forestry, tourist and craft activities. The conditions for granting aid could be reviewed so that it is better adapted to particular local situations (for example, mountainous regions) and to the growing phenomenon of multiple jobs. With regard to financing, it should be noted that the ceiling for aid eligible for part-financing has been increased by around 20% to help young fanners to cope better with the expense of setting up. The rules for granting aid in the form of interest rebates have also been made more flexible. The Commission can only encourage the Member States to make full and coherent use of the various Community instruments available to increase their impact and adapt them to local needs. Where measures are applied, national and regional authorities should ensure that they have the required funds available and the measures are implemented quickly and efficiently. 1. 2 Training Training is fundamental if young farmers - and this is especially true in the case of a farmer's child - are to master the technical complexities of farm management and accounting. The importance of new training linked to the environment needs particular emphasis, and so does a better integration of environmental concerns in traditional training in order to teach young people to stress the environmental dimension in their decisions and to become aware of their role in the maintenance of a qualit> environment. But there are still wide disparities between training systems in the different Member States and the levels required by each of them for granting aid. The Commission therefore feels it is important to take a closer look at whether the required training is adequate to the purpose, and to reflect on the best way of adjusting the existing programmes. Young people and educational establishments in the rural areas of the Union should also be encouraged to participate in Community vocational education and training programmes, given the results obtained so far, which have often been remarkable and innovative. 1. 3 Early retirement scheme As a complement to setting-up policy, early retirement measures ought to be better targeted on rejuvenating the sector, although young people already have an advantage over other potential successors in that they benefit from setting-up aid. The Commission recommends following the example of certain Member States which implement the scheme so as to prioritize the take-over of farms by young people, for example by granting a higher premium to farmers who hand over to young farmers, or by providing for a reserve of freed-up land available for young farmers. The Commission is open to ideas about practical methods of strengthening the link between early retirement and setting- up 10 1. 4 Market Organizations The creation of reserves of reference quantities administered at national level has enabled Member States to allocate available production rights to priority categories, including young farmers. However, experience has shown that there is a wide variation in the extent to which the operation of national reserves has led to a redistribution of production rights. Apart from factors influencing supply and demand for rights, such variations are also explained by different attitudes on the part of Member States; some actively seek to influence the redistribution of production rights, while others tend to favour the free operation of market forces which they also see as minimizing administrative burdens. If, as the Commission believes, the Community has an overriding interest in maintaining a dynamic agricultural sector by facilitating a steady inflow of new, fully qualified farmers, it is essential to explore all possibilities, including measures, which could contribute to achieving that objective. The first question that arises is how special rights could be made available for allocation to young farmers on a regular basis. It is clear that such arrangements must not involve exceeding the rights currently guaranteed under the CAP. The necessity of maintaining a consistent market and budgetary policy means that the Commission must reject any approach entailing the creation of fresh entitlements over and above existing limits. In order to maximize the amounts potentially available to young farmers within the limits of existing guaranteed quantities one could, for example, place stricter limitations on the disposal, including sale, lease or transfer, of existing production rights, especially where they are not being fully utilized by the beneficiary. The cessation of farming and voluntary abandonment programmes could also provide resources for the reserve, and a linear reduction of the rights of established producers might also be envisaged. It would be possible, therefore, through a combination of different measures, to build up and maintain a reserve of sufficient size to meet the needs of young farmers without impinging unreasonably on the expectations of other priority groups. At present, the designation of priority categories is left to the discretion of Member States acting on the basis of objective criteria. Experience has shown that, when it comes to the allocation of rights from the national reserve, Member States arc reluctant to designate young farmers as the absolute priority, on the grounds that other farmers, (those with development plans, small farmers, farmers in less-favoured areas) have an equally deserving case. This suggests a need to find a balanced solution which favours young farmers but which ensures that other priority categories will not feel excluded. This will undoubtedly involve making difficult decisions, but they must be made. Having considered all these aspects, the Commission believes that it should be possible to take steps to allow young farmers to begin their careers in conditions of economic stability and financial security. Established producers must play their part in this as it is they who benefit most from the price stability and direct aids associated with measures to limit supply. In practical terms the approach proposed would require Member States to make available on a continual basis a sufficient quantity of rights, determined according to the numbers of farmers belonging to designated priority categories and the minimum level of farm production considered necessary to constitute a viable unit. This pool of production rights should be drawn from existing reserves. Of the total quantity of rights to be distributed, a minimum proportion should be reserved for young farmers as an absolute priority. Some Member States may be disinclined to provide the administrative resources needed to manage the distribution system proposed. This approach may be influenced by, for example, the fact that the situation regarding the age structure of the farming population and opportunities for setting up in farming in the sectors concerned is already satisfactory. Or they may argue that the existence of a market on which production rights circulate actively at a reasonable cost provides adequate opportunities for newly established farmers and other categories of farmers in difficult situations. 11 The Commission seriously doubts whether the problems of priority categories, including young farmers, can be dealt with satisfactorily without applying in full the system proposed. However, if it can be shown that in some sectors the costs of such an approach would substantially exceed its likely benefits, and that the objectives could be achieved by other means, for example, collective agreements, the Commission would be ready to consider such possibilities. Community legislation already provides for assistance for professional organizations and this could be used to establish the administrative structures necessary for such initiatives. 2. NATIONAL MEASURES 2. 1 Inheritance law It is important to stress that decisions in some areas, which have a considerable impact on the setting-up of young farmers, fall within the exclusive competence of the Member States. This look at the problems encountered by young people setting up as farmers shows that in general they are the same as those encountered by small and medium-sized businesses at the difficult moment of succession: inheritance law, taxation, credit problems'. The analysis of these problems and their economic impact shows that it would be useful for the Member States to coordinate certain aspects of their policy and to consider adopting a number of fiscal and legal measures to facilitate the transfer of enterprises, and in particular of farms. Both law and family custom relating to succession follow and reinforce different concepts of farming. In certain Member States the strong patrimonial concept of farming entails the equal division of agricultural property in kind at the moment of succession which means the farm is broken up. Elsewhere, inheritance law supports the principle of keeping the farm intact, and in some cases this objective is combined with financial protection of joint heirs. The Commission recommends that Member States examine possible solutions within their competence to the difficulties encountered by young people when it comes to succession. For example, where other heirs have to be compensated, it would be preferable if this compensation could be paid over several years in order to ensure continuity of farming without shortage of finance, or to prevent the young person actually giving up the farm. 2. 2 Taxation The fiscal burden linked to transfer (or to setting-up aid) is proving to be one of the main problems for young people. There are marked differences in the systems applying to transfer, both between States (some have a specific system for agriculture) and depending on the method of transfer (inheritance or transfer during the lifetime, such as sale or gift). So there are grounds for recommending that, in formulating their economic policy, Member States look into the possibility of granting exemptions or tax reductions on the transfer of farms. As a condition, the successors may be required to undertake to continue economic activity over a certain period of time. The survival of a larger number of enterprises means fewer businesses and jobs lost and a source of tax receipts and social security contributions preserved. In addition, Member States could recognize the principle of fiscal neutrality for operations carried out with a view to preparing effectively for the transfer of a business: setting up a company, merger, split, exchange of shares, or other method. The transmission of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) was the subject of a Recommendation of the Commission on 7 December 1994, OJ N* L 385 of 31. 12. 94, pages 14 and following. 12 2. 3 Lease The role of legislation on tenant farming as it affects the setting-up of young farmers, notably family tenancies as a form of progressive transfer of farms, deserves greater attention from the Member States. The legislation relating to tenant farming varies considerably within the Union; there are advantages and disadvantages in having flexible rules on tenant farming or, on the contrary, strictly regulated tenancies. Under a flexible system the farmer has less protection but obtains land to lease more easily, while if the farmer is better protected then the landowner is disadvantaged and discouraged from making his land available to young farmers. 2. 4 Preparation for transfer : new forms of partnership between parent and child (or other successor) The Commission recommends that Member States consider the appropriateness of introducing into their system legal forms of partnership between parent and child (or other person). These make it possible for the parent farmer to involve the intended successor to the family farm in its management, and allow the latter to acquire a measure of independence before taking on the management alone. When this type of association is applied to farms which are large enough economically, it provides the young person with sufficient income and above all a gradual transfer of responsibility for the farm, so that he can become established without pressing financial problems. It ensures the progressive transfer of the capital in the business accumulated by the parents, with the cost being shared between the two parties. 2. 5 Cover services The Member States can intervene in relation to other problems the young farmer, once established, will have to overcome. In particular, being able to ensure continuous operation in case of absence becomes a factor to be taken into consideration when members of the younger generation choose this profession. Member States should encourage the development of cover services, an area in which there is currently some growth. One possibility, already provided for in some measures part-financed under Community legislation, is to grant aid for the creation of such services. Another way of promoting cover is for the authorities to introduce greater flexibility in various forms of contractual relations at work, notably as regards the most frequent types of cover: part-time, casual or seasonal work, "loaned labour" on a non- lucrative basis, legal forms whereby several farmers employ one worker. 2. 6 Setting-up of young people without a rural background In order to ensure that there are always enough candidates to take over farms in every region, it is desirable to open up the profession to young people from other backgrounds. It is true that it is harder for young people without a farming background to get started: a young farmer who is not taking over from his parents has to invest far more than one who is, while becoming established and over the next few years, on an equivalent farm. Nevertheless, the results of a few studies seem to indicate that this type of farmer ends up expanding the business and has the same chance of success. A system of contacts between elderly farmers without heirs and young people of non-agricultural origin has been successfully piloted in France. It relies on the creation of departmental directories which encourage meetings between heads of farms and young candidates for succession. Since the chances of success depend largely on the economic situation in the area concerned, the initiatives taken should be consistent with the aim of encouraging the development of sustainable farms. 13 3. IMPROVING INFORMATION Finally, any measures providing information and improving the image of the farmer among young people should be encouraged. In some regions of the Union, "setting-up directories" and other measures are already in operation or being established to bring out-going and in-coming farmers together and help young people with appropriate information, in particular concerning national and Community aid. The Commission is willing to consider possible accompanying measures for such initiatives. There is also a lack of reciprocal information about the various routes chosen to approach certain common problems between Member States in terms of their existing rules on transfer and the setting-up of young people. To improve this situation, the Commission is prepared to organize or coordinate information schemes on this subject and to disseminate information on "best practice" found in the legislation of Member States, through seminars allowing discussion at Community level of results already obtained 14 ISSN 0254-1475 COM(96) 398 final DOCUMENTS EN 03 04 Catalogue number : CB-CO-96-393-EN-C ISBN 92-78-07633-3 Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg IS


title: 96/534/ΕΚ: Απόφαση της Επιτροπής της 4ης Σεπτεμβρίου 1996 σχετικά με οικονομική ενίσχυση της Κοινότητας για την αποθεματοποίηση στην Ιταλία αντιγόνων που προορίζονται για την παρασκευή εμβολίων κατά του αφθώδους πυρετού (Το κείμενο στην ιταλική γλώσσα είναι το μόνο αυθεντικό) (Κείμενο που παρουσιάζει ενδιαφέρον για τον ΕΟΧ)

eurovoc_concepts:
EU aid
Italy
financial aid
foot-and-mouth disease
storage
vaccine


title: QUESTION ECRITE no 2422/96 de Doeke EISMA à la Commission. Mise en oeuvre de la directive Habitat en France

eurovoc_concepts:
France
environmental protection
national implementing measure
protected area
protected species
protection of animal life
protection of plant life
wildlife


title: 96/540/ΕΚ: Απόφαση της Επιτροπής της 4ης Σεπτεμβρίου 1996 περί προϋποθέσεων υγείας των ζώων και κτηνιατρικής πιστοποίησης για εισαγωγές στην Ευρωπαϊκή Κοινότητα ωαρίων και εμβρύων ιπποειδών (Κείμενο που παρουσιάζει ενδιαφέρον για τον ΕΟΧ)

eurovoc_concepts:
animal breeding
equidae
health certificate
import
veterinary inspection