On Thursday 25 June, members of the European Parliament on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) approved the European Parliament’s position for negotiations with the EU Council on the AGILE programme, by 76 votes in favour, 8 against and 7 abstentions. MEPs also voted in favour of opening negotiations with the EU Council, by 83 votes in favour, 8 against and no abstentions.
In the amendments they adopted, MEPs propose a simplification of the scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups. In respect of grants to be awarded under the programme, they want them to take the form of lump sums wherever possible, “to allow SMEs to focus on meeting the agreed production targets”.
MEPs also propose strengthening controls on the transfer and ownership of results. In their view, any export of exclusive licences to non-associated third countries should be notified and approved. Furthermore, MEPs are of the opinion that companies established outside the EU may take part as long as they transfer their establishment or executive management to the EU or to an associated country.
MEPs also want tighter rules to ensure that no EU funding can be granted to entities from third countries that have interests that run counter to the EU’s and its Member States’ security and defence interests.
Lastly, MEPs believe that any product supported by AGILE should be considered eligible for procurement by Ukraine by means of the Ukraine loan. They also want Ukraine to be able to be associated with the programme without needing to make a financial contribution.
MEPs further argued that the €115 million programme for 2027 should, if successful, be continued, adapted and strengthened.
For their part, the EU Member States adopted the EU Council’s negotiating mandate on 3 June (see EUROPE 13880/27).
Read the compromise amendments: https://aeur.eu/f/mkl (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)