1. EU Flood Action Programme
Water Directors Meeting Salzburg, 1-2 June Agenda Item 6
EU Flood Action Programme

2. Package of three components
Floods
Directive
EU Funding Instruments
Research, Information

3. Research and Exchange of Knowledge and Information
Research funded: FLOODsite, ERA NET CRUE; forthcoming Research Programme FP
Research by JRC  next presentation
Exchange of knowledge and information: Stakeholder Group on Floods  Two exchange circles established:
EXCIFF - Exchange Circle on Flood Forecasting
EXCIMAP - Exchange Circle on Flood Mapping
Report on work done and proposals for future work in autumn 2006  decision on future work programme and priorities by Water Directors in Nov/Dec 2006

4. Flood-related EU funding instruments
Regulations on Regional Development and Cohesion Funds
Regulation on CAP Rural Development Fund
Instruments for external assistance
 Overview document presented to Water Directors already in December 2004 (Amsterdam)

5. Regulations on Regional Development and Cohesion Funds political agreement between Council and EP on Regulations (AT Presidency)
Risk prevention as one of the priorities of the proposed Regulations ;
All flood-related measures and activities eligible, from data collection and preparatory steps to public participation and operational measures;
Eligibility defined in EU Regulation to be adopted by EP and Council; however, right and responsibility of Member States to choose – within this frame – their priorities and projects.

6. Rural Development Fund adopted 2005 and in force
All flood-related measures and activities eligible, from data collection and preparatory steps to public participation and operational measures;
Total change of paradigm: now measures to comply with EU legislation are eligible for funding;
Eligibility defined in EU Regulation already adopted Sep 2005 by Council; however, right and responsibility of Member States to choose – within this frame – their priorities and projects.

7. Conclusions on funding instruments
Flood-related funding instruments are shaped, like the Floods Directive, as flexible instruments and geared to subsidiarity
However, Member States will need to set their priorities and make their choices, and rather soon.

8. Thank you for your attention.
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