Presidency event (conference): 'The sustainable transition to a low carbon, climate-resilient circular economy: Creating the knowledge base' – Helsinki, September 2019

Events of major strategic nature, well focused and with the participation of a broad spectrum of stakeholders are of outmost importance for assessing past activities, identifying policy options and priorities, and planning future actions.

The European Commission will support the organisation of the event (conference) 'The sustainable transition to a low carbon, climate-resilient circular economy: Creating the knowledge base' in Helsinki in September 2019, in cooperation with the Finnish government, which holds the EU Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2019.

In exploring the knowledge base for the sustainable transition to a low carbon, climate-resilient circular economy, the conference will address an issue of major relevance to Societal Challenge 5, with innovation at its core. It will aim to create better synergy between initiatives launched by the Commission and by the Member States, to the benefit of the overall coherence of actions within the field of research and innovation in the areas covered by Societal Challenge 5. The action should present an appropriate balance between environmental, economic and social elements and points of view.

Participation of non-EU actors is possible. Outreach activities may be included, such as a press programme or events dedicated to the wider public or schools. To avoid limiting the impact of this kind of event, the subject should not overlap with that of other Presidency events already undertaken or foreseen during the period 2016-2020.

The commitment of the national authorities to support the event both from a political point of view and with resources is a pre-requisite to submit a proposal. Proposals should be supported by the competent Minister, evidenced in a letter included in the proposal. In order to ensure high political and strategic relevance, the active involvement of the competent national authority/authorities will be positively reflected in the evaluation.

In agreement with the Commission services, the project should ensure appropriate flexibility so as to respond in real time to potentially fast-changing policy scenarios.

The event is expected to result in: improved visibility, in particular in Finland, of the areas covered by Societal Challenge 5; identification of policy options and priorities via review and assessment of developments, and sharing of information and comparison of points of views; and efficient networking of various stakeholders and support to their activities, e.g. natural scientists, social scientists, businesses, investors, local authorities, environmental organisations, museums and schools.

This grant will be awarded without call for proposals in line with Article 190(1)(e) of the Rules of applications of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 966/2012, Regulation No 1268/2012 and Article 11(2) of the Rules for participation and dissemination in "Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)", Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013.