Policy update by EUROCITIES Florence Policy update on

Policy update by EUROCITIES Florence

Policy update on Horizon Europe • On 12 December 2018, the European Parliament voted on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination (COM (2018)0435 – C 80252/2018 – 2018/0224(COD)). • EUROCITIES had an active role in the consultation for the draft report, sending recommendations for amendments to the rapporteurs based on the policy statement adopted in March 2018 and that emphasized the need for a strong urban dimension. Ahead of the vote in the European Parliament on 12 December 2018, EUROCITIES developed voting recommendations for amendments and sent it to the members of the ITRE committee.

Policy update on Horizon Europe These are the main developments relevant to cities in comparison to the Commission’s proposal: • supports the developments of innovation eco-systems, with a focus on strengthening inclusion of SMEs and start-ups, particularly by allowing fast-track access to EIT • takes a citizens-focused an integrated approach to tackle Europe’s complex challenges (with missions still tbd), achieved by requiring a citizen’s participation section in HE Annual report as well as by strengthening the dialogue between society and researchers at different stages of the project, in line with the idea co-creation and codesigning; • strengthens capacity building activities, mutual learning exercises and peer-to peer exchanges to ensure replicability and scaling-up of solutions in cities throughout Europe; • a swifter application process for beneficiaries

Invest. EU • On 16 January 2019, the European Parliament voted in Plenary on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Invest. EU Programme • Voting result has been favourable for cities • All the amendments that were recommended by EUROCITIES were at least partially considered. • Our amendments and recommendations focused particularly on issues related to communication, capacity-building, knowledgesharing and technical assistance at the local level, as well as on the importance of building up on the successful experience of EFSI, with clearer performance evaluation methods.