Editorial note

Decision 446/2002/EC lays down an action programme promoting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) primarily active in the field of environmental protection (Article 1). The Programme is also to promote the systematic involvement of NGOs at all stages of the Community environmental policy-making process (Article 1(3)). An NGO, in order to qualify for a grant, is to be an independent and non-profit-making legal person primarily active in the field of environmental protection; it is to be active at the European level; its activities must meet the principles underlying the Sixth Environment Action Programme; and it must have been legally constituted for more than two years (Article 2). The Programme is open to the participation of NGOs established in the Member States, the Associated Countries and the other countries listed in Article 3.

Calls for proposals for grants are to be published each year in the Official Journal of the European Communities by the Commission. Proposals are to be assessed by the Commission, which will decide which organisations are to receive financing in the following year (Article 4). Support from the Programmeis to target in particular the priority areas identified by the Sixth Environment Action Programme: limiting climate change; nature and biodiversity – protecting a unique resource; health and environment; and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources and waste (Article 5).

In the case of NGOs based in the Community, grants are not to exceed 70 percent of the applicant's average audited annual eligible expenses during the two previous years (with exceptions made for NGOs based in candidate countries and the Balkan countries) (Article 6).