European Environment Agency Who we are, what we do... http://www.eea.europa.eu

The EEA mission The European Environment Agency is the EU body dedicated to providing sound, independent information on the environment We are a main information source for those involved in developing, adopting, implementing and evaluating environmental policy, and also the general public  

What is our mandate? To help the Community and member countries make informed decisions about improving the environment, integrating environmental considerations into economic policies and moving towards sustainability To coordinate the European environment information and observation network (Eionet)

The EEA is... An independent information provider An analyst and assessor Building bridges between science and policy Dependent upon strong networks to carry out its work ...to support policy processes and inform the public

Who are EEA’s clients? Institutions and governments European Commission, Parliament, Council, EEA member countries Influencers NGOs, business, media, advisory groups, scientists, debaters General public

The context EEA EC’s 6th Environment Action Prog. EU legislation National legislation EU 7th Research FP Non-member country activities EEA International legislation Sectoral integration International Organisations activities EU SDS

EEA member and collaborating countries Member countries Collaborating countries

European environment information and observation network (Eionet) About 300 national institutions National focal points European topic centres National reference centres Other institutions

How does the EEA reach its objectives? By providing a wide range of information and assessments of The state of the environment and trends Pressures on the environment and the driving forces behind them Policies and their effectiveness Outlooks/scenarios

Process for new European Topic Centres ETCs on Biological diversity and on Resources and waste management in operation 2005-2008 EEA management board agreed in November 2008 to initiate process for two new ETCs – Biological diversity and Sustainable consumption & production New ETCs to operate for up to 5 years – 2009-2013 (period of next EEA Strategy)

Timetable 2008 (Publication of open call: 19 December 2007) Information briefing: 23 January Deadline for proposals: 21 April Opening of proposals: 28 April Evaluation of proposals: May Designation of new ETCs by management board: 18 June

Framework partnership agreements Signed by EEA and coordinator of ETC consortium Specifies specific and general conditions Specific conditions include constitution of consortium, award of grants via specific agreements, duration, co-financing, and contact points General conditions cover other legal/administrative provisions and financial management including eligible costs and cost statements

Specific agreements Description of the (specific) work programme Estimated budget for work programme EEA and consortium contributions to costs Payment arrangements Submission of reports etc

Questions?