BarrosoTask Force

CLIMATE CHANGE & ENERGY

EU FUNDING WORKSHOP

Tim Irwin Deputy Director

Environmental Policy Division

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Barroso Task ForceBackground

• Established by President Barroso in 2007;

• Original remit centered on Peace Process;

• Reinvigorated in 2010;

• Remit broadened to improve NI involvement as a region with EU.

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Barroso Task ForceBackground

• Programme for Government 20% additional funds target;

• Thematic Groups:

– Competitiveness & Employment;

– Innovation & Technology;

– Climate Change & Energy;

– Social Cohesion.

• Winning in Europe sets out European Priorities.

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Climate Change & Energy Thematic Group

• Led by Department of the Environment;

• Cross-Departmental:

– Department for Agriculture & Rural Development;

– Department for Enterprise, Trade & Investment;

– Department for Regional Development;

– Department for Social Development.

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Key Aims• Tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation;

• Improve resource efficiency;

• Develop energy infrastructure;

• Increase energy from alternative /renewable sources;

• Develop smart transport infrastructure;

• Strengthen the agri-food sector;

• Encourage R&D, creativity and innovation;

• Continue to build capacity.

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Key EU Policies• Europe 2020 Flagship: Resource Efficient Europe;

• Low-carbon Economy 2050 Road Map;

• The European Commission White Paper 2011: Roadmap to a single European Transport Area;

• The European Energy Efficiency Plan (until 2020);

• Common Agricultural Policy and the Rural Development Programme;

• Common Fisheries Policy;

• Innovating for Sustainable Growth: a Bioeconomy for Europe, Strategy and Action plan.

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Targeted EU Elective funding streams

• FP7 for Research and Innovation;

• Horizon 2020;

• Trans-European Networks Transport (TEN-T);

• Intelligent Energy Europe Programme;

• Smart Cities and Communities Initiative;

• LIFE;

• CIVITAS.

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Participation in EU Networks/Consortia

• ENCORE (Environment Conference of the Regions of Europe);

• Agriculture, Food Security and Climate change (FACCE) JPI;

• European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability;

• European Regions of Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN).

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Benefits of the C&E Thematic Group • Building capacity;• Working with the Commission & Taskforce;• Improved engagement /alignment with EU policy;• Communicating better on what NI is doing;• C&E thematic group covers a wide spectrum;• Opportunity to take a more holistic approach;• Opportunity to work with other thematic groups;• NI as an exemplar region for the rest of the EU.

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What Do We Do In Belfast? • Established a small team within EPD;• Exchange information with Desk Officer; • Examine EU Funding Programmes & Calls;• Disseminate information to our network of contacts;• Seek to build our network;• Facilitate & support project proposals;• Meet regularly as a Group;• Establish priorities and action plans each year;• Report progress quarterly / annually.

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Examples

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Examples

• DETI - Energy Infrastructure;

• DARD - CAP reform;

• DRD - TEN-T

• DSD - Energy Efficiency

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The Role of the Desk Officer In Brussels

Keith Brown

Climate & Energy Desk Officer

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What We Do in Brussels

Facilitate NI-EU interaction- meetings, intelligence etc.

Ministerial and Other Visits

Participate in European networks/ build partnerships.

Liaise on policy/ work plans with UK, Ireland, Commission

Help Identify funding streams, partners and consortiums

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What is it Like Working In Brussels?

Most people are there for the same reason;

Get involved – networks, access to Commission;

Close liaison with UK and Irish Representation

Support from colleagues in ONIEIB

Contact with Departments in Northern Ireland.

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What Do YOU Need To Do?

Approach our team;

Know your issue;

Be prepared;