19.11.2009   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 279/121

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0571),

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1) (Financial Regulation), and in particular Article 185 thereof,

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (2) (IIA), and in particular Point 47 thereof,

—

having regard to Articles 171 and 172 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0446/2007),

—

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A6-0145/2008),

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.

Considers that the reference amount indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceiling of heading 1a of the current multiannual financial framework 2007-2013 and with the provisions of Point 47 of the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) of 17 May 2006; notes that any financing beyond 2013 shall be evaluated in the context of the negotiations for the next financial framework;

3.

Points out that the opinion delivered by the Committee on Budgets does not pre-empt the outcome of the procedure laid down in Point 47 of the IIA of 17 May 2006 which applies to the setting up of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking;

4.

Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

5.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

6.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

7.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

(7a)

In March 2007, the implementation panel of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform adopted an implementation plan in which it was estimated that a budget of EUR 7,4 billion would be needed over the period 2007-2015 to meet the technological challenges, of which a third should be spent on research and development. In order for the EU to be able to develop technologies that are sustainable in the long term, a significant part of this budget for research and development should be allocated to breakthrough-oriented research.

(9)

The objective of the JTI on ‘Fuel Cells and Hydrogen’ is to implement a programme of research, technological development and demonstration activities in Europe in the fields of fuel cells and hydrogen. These should be carried out with the cooperation and involvement of stakeholders from industry including SMEs, research centres, universities, and regions.

(9)

The objective of the JTI on ‘Fuel Cells and Hydrogen’ is to implement a programme of research, technological development and demonstration activities in Europe in the fields of fuel cells and hydrogen. These activities, which should build on the work carried out by the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform, should be carried out with the cooperation and involvement of stakeholders from industry including SMEs, research centres, universities, and regions.

(10)

Taking into account the public private partnership involving major stakeholders and its long term activity, the generated socio-economic benefits for European citizens, the pooling of financial resources and co-financing in the field of fuel cells and hydrogen RTD&D activity provided by the Commission and industry, the high scientific and technical expertise required, and the input of industrial property rights, it is vital to set up a Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (hereinafter the ‘FCH Joint Undertaking’) under Article 171 of the Treaty. This legal entity should ensure the coordinated use and efficient management of the funds assigned to the JTI on ‘Fuel Cells and Hydrogen’. To ensure the appropriate management of activities initiated but not concluded during the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) the FCH Joint Undertaking should be set up for an initial period of 10 years ending on 31 December 2017. This period may be extended.

(10)

Taking into account the public private partnership involving major stakeholders and its long term activity, the generated socio-economic benefits for European citizens, the pooling of financial resources and co-financing in the field of fuel cells and hydrogen RTD&D activity provided by the Commission and industry, the high scientific and technical expertise required, and the input of industrial property rights, it is vital to set up a Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (hereinafter the ‘FCH Joint Undertaking’) under Article 171 of the Treaty. This legal entity should ensure the coordinated use and efficient management of the funds assigned to the JTI on ‘Fuel Cells and Hydrogen’. To ensure the appropriate management of activities initiated but not concluded during the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) the FCH Joint Undertaking should be set up for a period ending on 31 December 2017. It should be ensured that, after the last call for proposals in 2013, projects still in progress are implemented, monitored and funded until 2017.

(10a)

Significant breakthroughs in a number of fields are needed in order for fuel cell and hydrogen technologies to be effectively deployed. The Commission should therefore play a key role in ensuring that proper emphasis is put on long-term research and that adequate support is given to it, taking into account advice provided by the advisory bodies of the FCH Joint Undertaking, namely the Scientific Committee and the High Level Member States Group.

(11a)

The participation of SMEs, research centres and universities in the RTD activities should be promoted. In line with the Rules for Participation in the Seventh Framework Programme, the maximum level of public funding of eligible costs should, in the case of SMEs, research centres and universities, be fifty percent higher than for other entities.

(12)

The Founding Members of the FCH Joint Undertaking should be the European Community and the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative Industry Grouping (hereinafter the ‘Industry Grouping’), which represents the interests of industry and is open to private companies. A Research Grouping may become a member of the FCH Joint Undertaking.

(12)

The Founding Members of the FCH Joint Undertaking should be the European Community , represented by the Commission, and the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative Industry Grouping (hereinafter the ‘Industry Grouping’), which represents the interests of industry and is open to private companies and fuel cell and hydrogen industry associations . A Research Grouping may become a member of the FCH Joint Undertaking.

(13)

The running costs of the FCH Joint Undertaking should be covered equally in cash by the European Community and the Industry Grouping from the outset. If the Research Grouping is established it should contribute to 1/12 of the running costs.

(13)

The running costs of the FCH Joint Undertaking should be covered equally in cash by the European Community and the Industry Grouping from the outset. If the Research Grouping is established it should also contribute to the running costs.

(13a)

The running costs, and in particular the administrative costs, should be kept to an absolute minimum and full use should be made of the resources and organisational systems of existing bodies.

(14)

The operational costs for RTD&D should be funded by the Community and the private sector .

(14)

The operational costs should be funded by the Community , industry and other public and private legal entities participating in the activities. Further financing may be available, inter alia, from the European Investment Bank (EIB), in particular under the Risk-Sharing Finance Facility developed jointly by the EIB and the Commission pursuant to Annex III to Decision No 2006/971/EC.

(14a)

The need to ensure stable employment conditions and equal treatment of staff and to attract specialised scientific and technical staff of the highest calibre requires that the Commission be authorised to second as many officials as it regards necessary to the FCH Joint Undertaking. The remaining staff should be recruited by the FCH Joint Undertaking in accordance with the host country employment regulations.

(15)

The FCH Joint Undertaking should be a body set up by the Community and discharge for the implementation of its budget should be given by the European Parliament on the recommendation of the Council. However, account should be taken of the specificities resulting from the nature of the JTI as a public-private partnership and in particular from the private-sector contribution to the budget .

(15)

The FCH Joint Undertaking should be a body set up by the Community and discharge for the implementation of its budget should be given by the European Parliament, taking into account a recommendation of the Council.

(16)

The FCH Joint Undertaking should adopt, subject to prior consultation with the Commission, specific financial provisions based on the principles of the Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities. Those provisions should take into account its specific operating needs arising, in particular, from the need to combine Community and private funding.

(16)

The financial rules applicable to the FCH Joint Undertaking  should not depart from Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002 of 19 November 2002 on the framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (3), unless its specific operating needs so require, in particular, the need to combine Community and private funding. The prior consent of the Commission should be required for the adoption of any rules which derogate from Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002. The budgetary authority should be informed of such derogation.

(– a)

aim at placing the European Union at the forefront of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies and at enabling the market breakthrough of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies, so that the substantial benefits expected of such technology can be achieved by the market;

(a)

support research, technological development and demonstration (RTD&D) in the Member States and Associated countries in a coordinated manner to overcome the market failure and focus on developing market applications and thereby facilitate additional industrial efforts towards a rapid deployment of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies;

(a)

support research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) in the Member States and countries associated with the Seventh Framework Programme (hereafter referred to as ‘Associated Countries’) in a coordinated manner to overcome the market failure and focus on developing market applications and thereby facilitate additional industrial efforts towards a rapid deployment of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies;

(b)

support the implementation of the research priorities of the JTI on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen, notably by awarding grants following competitive calls for proposals;

(b)

support the implementation of the research priorities of the JTI on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen, including breakthrough-oriented research, notably by awarding grants following competitive calls for proposals;

(c)

aim to encourage increased public and private research investment in fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in the Members States and Associated countries;

(c)

aim to encourage increased public and private research investment in fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in the Members States and Associated countries;

(d)

conclude service and supply contracts necessary for the functioning of the FCH Joint Undertaking;

(e)

ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the JTI on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen.

(a)

the European Community, represented by the Commission, and

(b)

the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative Industry Grouping Aisbl established under Belgian law (hereinafter the ‘Industry Grouping’).

(a)

the Governing Board, and

(b)

the Programme Office.

(a)

the High Level Member States Group, and

(b)

the Scientific Committee.

(a)

at least three legal entities must participate, each of which must be established in a Member State or Associated country, and no two of which may be established in the same Member State or Associated country;

(b)

all three legal entities must be independent of each other as defined in Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 1906/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in actions under the Seventh Framework Programme and for the dissemination of research results (2007-2013);

(c)

at least one legal entity must be a member of the Industry Grouping or the Research Grouping, if such Research Grouping is established.

(a)

they are established in a Member State or have their registered office, central or principal place of business within a state that is a contracting party to the European Economic Area Agreement or which is an Associated or Candidate country;

(b)

they have relevant activities in RTD&D, industrialization or deployment for fuel cells and/or hydrogen and/or concrete plans to do so in the near future within the European Union or the European Economic Area.

(a)

non-profit public bodies established in a Member State, Associated country, Candidate Country or within the EEA, including secondary and higher education establishments;

(b)

international organisations, which have legal personality under international public law, as well as any specialised agencies set up by such intergovernmental organisations;

(c)

legal entities from third countries, provided that the Governing Board considers their participation to be of particular benefit to the project.

3.

The FCH Joint Undertaking shall be established as from the day of publication of this Regulation in the Official Journal of the European Union for an initial period ending on 31 December 2017.

3.

The FCH Joint Undertaking shall be established as from the day of publication of this Regulation in the Official Journal of the European Union for an initial period ending on 31 December 2017. It is a body as referred to in Article 185 of the Financial Regulation and Point 47 of the IIA of 17 May 2006.

1.

The FCH Joint Undertaking shall work within the scope of FP7 towards enabling the market breakthrough of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies, thereby allowing commercial market forces to drive the substantial potential public benefits.

1.

The main tasks and activities of the FCH Joint Undertaking shall be the following:

2.

—

to place Europe at the forefront of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies worldwide;

(a)

to ensure the establishment and efficient management of the Joint Technology Initiative on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen;

—

to reach the critical mass of research effort to give confidence to industry, public and private investors, decision-makers and other stakeholders to embark on a long-term programme;

(b)

to reach the critical mass of research effort to give confidence to industry, public and private investors, decision-makers and other stakeholders to embark on a long-term programme;

—

to leverage further industrial, national and regional RTD&D investment;

(c)

to leverage further industrial, national and regional RTD&D investment;

—

to build the European Research Area through close cooperation with research carried out at national and regional levels — whilst respecting subsidiarity;

—

to integrate research, technological development and demonstration, and focus on achieving long-term sustainability and industrial competitiveness targets for cost, performance and durability and overcome critical technology bottlenecks;

(d)

to integrate research, technological development and demonstration, and focus on achieving long-term sustainability and industrial competitiveness targets for cost, performance and durability and overcome critical technology bottlenecks;

—

to stimulate innovation and the emergence of new value chains including SMEs;

(e)

to stimulate innovation and the emergence of new value chains including SMEs;

—

to facilitate the interaction between industry, universities and research centres including on basic research;

(f)

to facilitate the interaction between industry, universities and research centres including on basic research;

(g)

to promote the involvement of SMEs in its activities, in accordance with the objectives of the Seventh Framework Programme;

—

to encourage the participation of institutions from all , including the new Member States and Candidate countries;

(h)

to encourage the participation of institutions from all Member States and Associated countries;

—

to perform broadly-conceived socio-techno-economic research to assess and monitor technological progress and non-technical barriers to market entry;

(i)

to perform broadly-conceived socio-techno-economic research to assess and monitor technological progress and non-technical barriers to market entry;

—

to perform research to support the development of new, and review existing regulations and standards to eliminate artificial barriers to market entry and support interchangeability, inter-operability, cross-border hydrogen trading, and export markets whilst ensuring safe operation and not inhibiting innovation;

(j)

to perform research to support the development of new, and review existing regulations and standards to eliminate artificial barriers to market entry and support interchangeability, inter-operability, cross-border hydrogen trading, and export markets whilst ensuring safe operation and not inhibiting innovation;

—

to provide reliable information to improve the public awareness and create public acceptance concerning hydrogen safety, and the benefits from the new technologies to the environment, security of supply, energy costs, and employment.

(k)

to communicate and disseminate valuable information concerning its activities, especially to SMEs and research centres and to provide reliable information to improve the public awareness and create public acceptance concerning hydrogen safety, and the benefits from the new technologies to the environment, security of supply, energy costs, and employment.

3.

4.

—

to establish and implement a multi-annual research activity plan;

(l)

to establish and implement a multi-annual research activity plan;

—

to commit the Community funding and mobilise the private-sector and other public-sector resources needed to implement its RTD&D activities;

(m)

to commit the Community funding and mobilise the private-sector and other public-sector resources needed to implement its RTD activities;

—

to ensure the sound operation of the RTD&D activities and sound financial management of the resources;

(n)

to ensure the sound operation of the RTD activities and sound financial management of the resources;

—

to cooperate with and consult with the High Level Member States Group;

—

to cooperate with and consult with the Scientific Committee;

—

to organise annual meetings of the Stakeholders' General Assembly;

—

to communicate and disseminate information on the projects, including the names of the participants, the results from the RTD&D activities, and the amount of the financial contribution from the FCH Joint Undertaking;

(o)

to communicate and disseminate information on the projects, including the names of the participants, the results from the RTD activities, and the amount of the financial contribution from the FCH Joint Undertaking;

—

to notify the legal entities that have concluded a Grant Agreement with the FCH Joint Undertaking of the potential borrowing opportunities from the European Investment Bank, in particular the Risk Sharing Finance Facility set up under the Seventh Framework Programme;

(p)

to notify the legal entities that have concluded a Grant Agreement with the FCH Joint Undertaking of the potential borrowing opportunities from the European Investment Bank, in particular the Risk Sharing Finance Facility set up under the Seventh Framework Programme;

—

to ensure a high level of transparency and fair competition under equal access conditions for all applicants to the research and demonstration activities of the FCH Joint Undertaking, whether or not they are members of the Research Grouping or the Industry Grouping, (in particular small and medium-sized enterprises);

(q)

to ensure a high level of transparency and fair competition under equal access conditions for all applicants to the research and demonstration activities of the FCH Joint Undertaking, whether or not they are members of the Research Grouping or the Industry Grouping, (in particular small and medium-sized enterprises);

—

to follow the international developments in the area and engage in international cooperation when appropriate.

(r)

to follow the international developments in the area and engage in international cooperation when appropriate.

(s)

to develop close cooperation and ensure coordination with the Seventh Framework Programme and other EU, national and trans-national activities, bodies and stakeholders;

(t)

to monitor progress toward achievement of the objectives of the FCH Joint Undertaking;

(u)

to carry out any other activity needed to achieve its objectives.

1.

The founding members (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Founding Members’) of the FCH Joint Undertaking shall be:

1.

The founding members (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Founding Members’) of the FCH Joint Undertaking shall be:

—

the European Community, represented by the European Commission, and

(a)

the European Community, represented by the European Commission, and

—

the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative Industry Grouping Aisbl established under Belgian law (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Industry Grouping’).

(b)

upon acceptance of the Statutes, the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative Industry Grouping Aisbl , a non-profit organisation established under Belgian law whose purpose is to contribute to achieving the objectives of the FCH Joint Undertaking (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Industry Grouping’).

2.

The Industry Grouping:

2.

The Industry Grouping shall :

—

is a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to contribute to achieving the objectives of the FCH Joint Undertaking;

—

is legally established under Belgian law, and operating under its registered by-laws duly adopted to pertain to the Joint Technology Initiative;

—

shall ensure that its contribution to the resources of the FCH Joint Undertaking, according to Article 5 of this Regulation is provided in advance as a cash contribution to cover 50 % of the running costs of the FCH Joint Undertaking and transferred to the budget of the FCH Joint Undertaking before the start of each financial year;

—

ensure that its contribution to the resources of the FCH Joint Undertaking, according to the provisions of this Regulation is provided in advance as a cash contribution to cover 50 % of the running costs of the FCH Joint Undertaking and transferred to the budget of the FCH Joint Undertaking before the start of each financial year;

—

shall ensure that industry's contribution to the achievement of the RTD&D activities funded by the FCH Joint Undertaking is provided in kind and covers a minimum of 50 % of the total project costs, calculated on a yearly basis ;

—

ensure that industry's contribution to the achievement of the RTD activities funded by the FCH Joint Undertaking at least matches the Community contribution ;

—

is open to membership by any private legal entity (including small and medium-sized enterprises), formed in accordance with the law of a Member State , Associated country or EEA state and having its registered office, central administration or principal place of business within the above area, provided it is active in the field of fuel cells and hydrogen in Europe, and is committed to contribute to the objectives and resources of the FCH Joint Undertaking.

—

be open to membership , on fair and reasonable terms, by any private legal entity (including small and medium-sized enterprises and relevant fuel cell and hydrogen industry associations ), formed in accordance with the law of a Member State or Associated country and having its registered office, central administration or principal place of business within the above area, provided it is active in the field of fuel cells and hydrogen in Europe, and is committed to contribute to the objectives and resources of the FCH Joint Undertaking.

3.

A Research Grouping , representing non-profit research organisations, universities and research centres, may become a member, after the establishment of the FCH Joint Undertaking, provided an entity to represent the research community has been established. The application from the Research Grouping shall be addressed to and decided upon by the Governing Board.

3.

A Research Grouping may become a member, after the establishment of the FCH Joint Undertaking, provided that it has accepted these Statutes .

4.

The Research Grouping shall:

4.

The Research Grouping shall:

—

be a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to contribute to achieving the objectives of the FCH Joint Undertaking;

—

be a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to contribute to achieving the objectives of the FCH Joint Undertaking;

—

be legally established under Belgian law and operate under its registered by-laws duly adopted to pertain to the Joint Technology Initiative;

—

be legally established under Belgian law and operate under its registered by-laws duly adopted to pertain to the Joint Technology Initiative;

—

ensure that its contribution to the resources of the FCH Joint Undertaking is provided in advance as a cash contribution to cover 1/12 of the running costs of the FCH Joint Undertaking and transferred to the budget of the FCH Joint Undertaking before the start of each financial year;

—

ensure that its contribution to the resources of the FCH Joint Undertaking is provided in advance as a cash contribution to cover 1/20 of the running costs of the FCH Joint Undertaking and transferred to the budget of the FCH Joint Undertaking before the start of each financial year;

—

be open to membership by any non-profit research organisation, university or research centre established in a Member State, an Associated country or Candidate country.

5.

A Founding Member may terminate its membership of the FCH Joint Undertaking. The FCH Joint Undertaking shall then be wound up as provided for in Article I.22.

5.

A Founding Member may terminate its membership of the FCH Joint Undertaking. The FCH Joint Undertaking shall then be wound up as provided for in Article I.22.

6.

The Research Grouping may terminate its membership of the FCH Joint Undertaking. The termination shall become effective and irrevocable six months after notification to the Founding members following which the leaving Member shall be discharged from any obligations other than those approved by the FCH Joint Undertaking prior to the membership termination.

6.

The Research Grouping may terminate its membership of the FCH Joint Undertaking. The termination shall become effective and irrevocable six months after notification to the Founding members following which the leaving Member shall be discharged from any obligations other than those approved by the FCH Joint Undertaking prior to the membership termination.

1.

The bodies of the FCH Joint Undertaking shall be:

(a)

the Governing Board ,

(b)

the Executive Director,

(c)

the Scientific Committee.

2.

3.

2.

The Commission shall, in case the Research Grouping is established transfer one seat to its representative .

2.

The Commission shall, in case the Research Grouping is established, transfer at least one seat to its representative(s) .

4.

The Governing Board shall elect its chairperson. The chairperson shall be elected for 2 years .

4.

The Governing Board shall appoint its chairperson from among the representatives of the Industry Grouping . The chairperson shall be appointed for one year and may be re-appointed once. The representative of the SMEs and the representative of the Research Grouping shall be appointed vice-chairpersons.

8.

The Governing Board may invite observers on a case by case basis, without voting rights, to attend their meetings, in particular representatives of the regions and of regulatory bodies.

8.

The Governing Board may invite observers on a case by case basis, without voting rights, to attend their meetings, in particular representatives of the regions and of regulatory bodies and relevant fuel cell and hydrogen sectoral industry associations .

—

approve calls for proposals;

—

justify and approve any deviation to the Financial Regulation of the FCH Joint Undertaking in accordance with Article 8 ;

—

approve the financial rules of the FCH Joint Undertaking in accordance with Article 8 after consulting the Commission;

—

justify any wish to derogate from Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002, approve any derogation after prior consent of the Commission and inform the budgetary authority of any derogation approved;

6.

The Executive Director shall be the legal representative of the FCH Joint Undertaking. He/she shall perform his/her tasks with independence, and shall be accountable to the Governing Board.

6.

The Executive Director shall be the legal representative of the FCH Joint Undertaking. He/she shall perform his/her tasks with independence, especially insofar as concerns the selection of project proposals and management of projects, and shall be accountable to the Governing Board.

8.

The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Governing Board , from a list of candidates proposed by the Commission, for a maximum initial period of three years. After an evaluation of the Executive Director's performance, the Governing Board may extend the term of office once for a further period of not more than four years.

8.

The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Governing Board for a period of three years , following a call for expressions of interest published in the Official Journal of the European Union and in other publicly accessible periodicals or on Internet sites . After an evaluation of the Executive Director's performance, the Governing Board may extend the term of office once for a further period of not more than four years , following which a call for expressions of interest shall be published in the same way .

—

give its opinion on the relevance and progress of the annual RTD&D activities and recommend any amendments ;

—

give its opinion on the scientific priorities for the multi-annual RTD&D activities plan ;

—

advise the Governing Board on the scientific achievements described in the annual activity report .

(a)

establish the scientific priorities for the proposals for the annual and multi-annual research activities plans ;

(b)

give its opinion on the scientific achievements described in the annual activity report ;

(c)

advise on the composition of the peer review committees .

1.

1.

7.

The private sector, in particular the members of the Industry Grouping, shall contribute in kind to the operational costs of the projects. The in-kind contributions shall as a minimum match the public funding. The total level of the in-kind contributions, calculated on a yearly basis, shall be assessed once a year. The first assessment shall be initiated at the end of the second financial year after the start of the FCH Joint Undertaking. The assessment shall thereafter be performed each financial year by an independent entity. The results of the assessment shall be presented to the Commission within 4 months of the end of each financial year.

7.

The private sector, in particular the members of the Industry Grouping, shall contribute in kind to the operational costs of the projects. The in-kind contributions shall as a minimum match the public funding. In the event that the Joint Research Centre of the Commission participates in projects, its in-kind contribution shall not be considered part of the Community contribution. The total level of the in-kind contributions, calculated on a yearly basis, shall be assessed once a year. The first assessment shall be initiated at the end of the second financial year after the start of the FCH Joint Undertaking. The assessment shall thereafter be performed each financial year by an independent entity. The results of the assessment shall be presented to the Commission within 4 months of the end of each financial year.

3.

The legal entities wishing to participate in a project shall form a consortium and appoint one of their members to act as its coordinator. Normally the coordinator shall be a member of the Industry Grouping or, a member of the Research Grouping, if such Research Grouping is established. Exceptions shall be approved by the Governing Board.

3.

The legal entities wishing to participate in a project shall form a consortium and appoint one of their members to act as its coordinator.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

1.

(a)

Legal entities established in a Member State or an Associated country;

(b)

International organisations, which have legal personality under international public law, as well as any specialised agencies set up by such organisations;

(c)

Legal entities from third countries, provided that the Governing Board considers their participation to be of particular benefit to the project.

2.

2.

3.

3.

(a)

they are established in a Member State or have their registered office, central or principal place of business within a state that is a contracting party to the European Economic Area Agreement or which is an Associated or Candidate country;

(b)

they have relevant activities in RTD&D, industrialization or deployment for fuel cells and/or hydrogen and/or concrete plans to do so in the near future within the European Union or the European Economic Area.

4.

(a)

non-profit public bodies established in a Member State, Associated country, Candidate Country or within the EEA, including secondary and higher education establishments;

(b)

international organisations, which have legal personality under international public law, as well as any specialised agencies set up by such intergovernmental organisations;

(c)

legal entities from third countries, provided that the Governing Board considers their participation to be of particular benefit to the project.

1.

The FCH Joint Undertaking's financial provisions shall be based on the principles of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002. It may depart from Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 where the specific operating needs of the FCH Joint Undertaking so require , subject to prior consent of the Commission.

1.

The financial rules applicable to the FCH Joint Undertaking shall not depart from Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002, unless its specific operating needs so require . The prior consent of the Commission shall be required for the adoption of any rules which derogate from Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002. The budgetary authority shall be informed of such derogation.

5.

Within two months after the end of each financial year the provisional accounts of the Joint Undertaking shall be submitted to the Commission and the Court of Auditors of the European Communities (‘the Court of Auditors’). The Court of Auditors shall, by 15 June after the end of each financial year, make its observations on the provisional accounts of the Joint Undertaking. The annual accounts for the financial year shall be sent in the following year to the Commission's Accounting Officer according to the deadlines fixed by the Framework

5.

Within two months after the end of each financial year the provisional accounts of the Joint Undertaking shall be submitted to the Commission and the Court of Auditors of the European Communities (‘the Court of Auditors’). The Court of Auditors shall, by 15 June after the end of each financial year, make its observations on the provisional accounts of the Joint Undertaking. The annual accounts for the financial year shall be sent in the following year to the Commission's Accounting Officer according to the deadlines fixed by the Framework

6.

Discharge for the implementation of the budget shall be given by the European Parliament, upon recommendation of the Council, in accordance with a procedure provided for by the Financial Regulation of the FCH Joint Undertaking.

6.

Discharge for the implementation of the budget of the FCH Joint Undertaking shall be given by the European Parliament, taking into account a recommendation from the Council, in accordance with a procedure that shall be provided for by the financial rules of the FCH Joint Undertaking.

1.

The staff resources shall be determined in the establishment plan to be set out in the annual budget.

1.

The staff resources shall be determined in the establishment plan to be set out in the annual budget and to be forwarded by the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council together with the preliminary draft budget of the European Union.

2.

1.

2.

3.

4.