Deadline: 30-Mar-22
European Commission is calling for proposals for Streamlining Cross-Sectoral Policy Framework throughout the Extractive Life-Cycle.
Scope
- Reconciling the increasing demand for Critical Raw Materials necessary for the EU climate neutral ambition, with nature protection, restoration and biodiversity enhancement, requires strengthening the raw materials policy framework. Streamlining more efficient, effective and transparent permitting procedures throughout the mineral extraction life-cycle in environmentally protected areas, would contribute to securing the sustainable access to primary raw materials, whilst taking into account and reconciling requirements in environmentally protected areas.
- The actions should contribute to the exchange of good practices in permitting procedures related to extractive activities that may have an impact on environmentally protected areas. They should focus on reviewing good practices at the permitting stage in areas such as evaluating natural background conditions previous to the mineral extraction, evaluating the impact on human health and biodiversity, as well as foreseen nature protection and restoration measures. Particular attention will have to be paid to the legal obligations and practices ensuring compliance with EU nature legislation (Birds and Habitats Directives) and the goals of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
- The actions should analyse cross-sectorial policy coordination and integration covering economic, environmental and social aspects in the value chain of the extractive life cycle from finding and access to deposits to closure and rehabilitation, while focusing on the contribution of streamlined permitting procedures to deliver on the climate ambition of the European Green Deal.
Funding Information
The check will normally be done for the coordinator if the requested grant amount is equal to or greater than EUR 500 000, except for:
- public bodies (entities established as a public body under national law, including local, regional or national authorities) or international organisations; and
- cases where the individual requested grant amount is not more than EUR 60 000 (lowvalue grant).
Expected Outcomes
- Projects outcomes will enable achieving the expected impacts of the destination by increasing access to primary raw materials, in particular critical raw materials for EU industrial value chains and strategic sectors.
- Projects are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:
- Exchange of good practices in permitting procedures related to extractive activities that may have an impact in environmentally protected areas;
- Dissemination and exploitation of projects outputs is tailored for competent EU, national and regional authorities, industry and civil society in EU Member States.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, applicants must be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- the Member States of the European Union, including their outermost regions;
- the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) linked to the Member States;
- eligible non-EU countries:
- countries associated to Horizon Europe
- low- and middle-income countries
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3iVg2ur