Cairo /08/2002 Annual Report of the European Regional Focal Point. Dominique PLANCHENAULT

Cairo /08/2002 Introduction.  2000, decision for an ERFP. 2001, ERFP is operational.  The same Steering Committee continues its work one year more: Greece, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom.  France continues to host the ERFP (4 years). After the 7 th workshop.  Difficulties to find a balance between a increasing regional request and a respect of the national priorities.

Cairo /08/2002 ERFP activities since Budapest. E.C. – DG Research – FP5 1  EFABIS submitted in February 2001, discussion with Brussels in September 2001, modifications sent and submitted in October 2001, evaluation in January 2002, project accepted in April.  Since the first proposal (1999) there were many changes in the countries situation.  The financial negotiations start: budget €.  First meeting of organisation was held in Lelystad on June 13.

Cairo /08/2002 ERFP activities since Budapest. E.C. – DG Research – FP6 2  May 2002 – invitation to submit expression of interest for the 6 th Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration (FP6).  Integrated project: stimulation of competitiveness or to address major societal needs by mobilising a critical mass of research and technological development resources and competence.  Network of excellence: integration, at European level, of research capacities currently existing or emerging at both national and regional level.  ERFP relayed 2 expressions of interest: DIVA “Diversity of Farm Animal Genetic Resources” (NoE) and GRACE “Genetic Resources and Changing Ecosystems” (IP).

Cairo /08/2002 ERFP activities since Budapest. European Network on Biodiversity Information. 3  November 2001 – Various contacts with European Commission. ENBI is managed by University of Amsterdam.  October 2001 – Two Regional Training of Trainers Workshop on SoW (Foulum; Denmark and Debrecen; Hungary)  ENBI is aiming at building a network of a large number of partners working on various aspects of biodiversity (plants and taxonomic aspects).  December ERFP / BRG asked to support workshop for West Africa (Saly; Senegal) FAO State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources.

Cairo /08/2002 ERFP activities since Budapest. E.C. – DG Agriculture – new 1750/99 4  September 2001 – letter to Dr Franz Fischler to organise a meeting with someone responsible in the Department of Agriculture.  December 2001 – EC adopted new thresholds for farm animal species (number of breeding females cattle 7 500, sheep , goat , equidae 5 000, pig , avian ).  November 2001 – meeting with DG Agriculture (ERFP + EAAP WG - AnGR), discussions on new criteria.  New Commission regulation (EC) N° 445/2002. Application regulation in January 2003.

Cairo /08/2002 ERFP activities since Budapest. E.C. – DG Agriculture – new 1467/94 5  Old regulation GENRES, 1994 – programmes funded ; 4 in the field of AnGR (Pig, Rabbit, Cattle, Permanent inventory)  ERFP not directly involved. A country driven programme, national programmes with regional components, annual funding from Commission.  EC proposes new regulation. Two meetings: Commission meeting in January 2002 – Council working group in February 2002).  The EU countries must be vigilant and have an common actions. The ERFP can play this role.

Cairo /08/2002 ERFP situation. The Steering Committee. 1  Two ERFP-SC: Budapest (August 2001) and Paris (March 2002). Report sent to all NCs.  Decisions in August with funds collected before. An official budget in December and a budget for actions in August.  Call for funding just after the annual workshop.  Difficulties in starting period: period of the budget, availability of the budget, according the budget with countries priorities.

Cairo /08/2002 ERFP situation. The Cairo Workshop. 2  Specific budget known at the beginning of the year.  Main criteria for invited persons: Official NCs European/ Non EU members. Major input into the workshop. Rotation between countries.  Final decision by ERFP-SC

Cairo /08/2002 ERFP situation. The ERFP web-site. 3  ERFP web-site strongly supported by countries at last workshop.  Main components for the first step: Very attractive, easy, simple and dynamic 4 languages Description, Objectives, mandates. Organisation (NCs address, SC, Budget..) Information, documentation European database FAQ  ERFP web-site hosted by a recognised organisation with minimal additional costs.

Cairo /08/2002 ERFP situation. The ERFP Budget. 4 DesignationAmount (€) Countries participation Expenses 2001 Expenses th NCs Workshop Invitations ERFP web-site National visits Contacts with EU Projects / Programmes Working funds CHARGES

Cairo /08/2002 Conclusion ERFP decisions for  The budget 2002 –  The new ERFP SC.  The ERFP web-site.  The news actions and/or programmes.  Specific proposals.

Cairo /08/2002 I thank you for your attention.