Regulation (EU) 2024/795 establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) (STEP)
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Summary
Regulation (EU) 2024/795 establishes the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) to steer and better coordinate existing EU funding towards strategic investments in critical technologies, notably in digital and deep tech, clean and resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnology. It introduces a “Sovereignty Seal” quality label for eligible projects and a public “Sovereignty Portal” to increase visibility of funding opportunities and supported projects. The Regulation also sets governance and reporting arrangements, including Member State contact points and Commission monitoring and evaluation.
Who is affected?
EU institutions and bodies (notably the European Commission) and Member States involved in programming and implementing relevant EU funds and instruments. Applicants, project promoters and beneficiaries seeking EU and/or national funding for projects in STEP’s targeted technology areas are directly affected, including companies (including SMEs and scale-ups), research organisations and public authorities.
Scope
Applies to the coordination and visibility of support for strategic projects in critical technologies across specified EU funding programmes and instruments, including the award of a Sovereignty Seal and operation of the Sovereignty Portal.
Key Points
- Establishes STEP as an EU-level platform to support development and manufacturing of critical technologies and strengthen related value chains in digital/deep tech, clean/resource-efficient tech and biotech.
- Introduces the “Sovereignty Seal” as a quality label for projects positively assessed under relevant EU programme calls, intended to facilitate access to additional or cumulative funding.
- Requires the Commission to set up and operate a public “Sovereignty Portal” providing information on STEP-related funding opportunities and visibility for Seal-awarded and other strategic projects.
- Requires each Member State to designate a single national competent authority/contact point for STEP implementation and coordination at national level.
- Provides for Commission monitoring and reporting, including an annual report on STEP implementation.
- Provides for an interim evaluation by 31 December 2025.
Key Deadlines
- — Interim evaluation of STEP to be carried out by the Commission by this date.
Related Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with Regulation (EU) 2024/795 (STEP)?
EU institutions, particularly the European Commission, Member States, and entities managing or applying for EU funding in strategic technology areas must comply. This includes companies, research organizations, public authorities, and other project promoters seeking support under STEP.
What is the main objective of STEP?
STEP aims to coordinate and enhance EU funding towards strategic investments in critical technologies, such as digital, deep tech, clean and resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnology, to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty and competitiveness.
Which projects are eligible for the Sovereignty Seal?
Projects in the targeted technology areas that are positively assessed under relevant EU programme calls may be awarded the Sovereignty Seal, provided they meet the quality and strategic criteria set out in the regulation.
What is the scope of STEP?
STEP covers the coordination and visibility of support for strategic projects in critical technologies across specified EU funding programmes, the award of the Sovereignty Seal, and the operation of the Sovereignty Portal.
What are the key obligations for Member States under STEP?
Member States must designate a single national competent authority or contact point for STEP implementation and coordination, and cooperate with the Commission in monitoring and reporting activities.
What penalties apply for non-compliance with STEP?
While the regulation does not specify direct penalties, failure to comply may result in loss of eligibility for STEP-related funding or exclusion from the Sovereignty Seal and related benefits.
How does STEP interact with other EU funding programmes?
STEP is designed to steer and coordinate existing EU funding instruments towards strategic technology projects, rather than create new funding streams. It works in conjunction with existing programmes, providing additional visibility and potentially facilitating cumulative funding.
What practical steps should applicants take to benefit from STEP?
Applicants should monitor the Sovereignty Portal for funding opportunities, ensure their projects align with STEP's strategic technology areas, and apply for the Sovereignty Seal through relevant EU programme calls.
What are the reporting and evaluation requirements under STEP?
The Commission must monitor and report annually on STEP implementation and conduct an interim evaluation by 31 December 2025, with input from Member States and stakeholders.
What is the Sovereignty Portal and how does it function?
The Sovereignty Portal is a public online platform operated by the Commission, providing information on STEP-related funding opportunities and visibility for projects awarded the Sovereignty Seal and other strategic projects.
Key Terms
- Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP)
- An EU-level platform established to coordinate and enhance support for the development and manufacturing of critical technologies in key sectors.
- Sovereignty Seal
- A quality label awarded to projects positively assessed under relevant EU programme calls, signifying their strategic importance and facilitating access to additional funding.
- Sovereignty Portal
- A public online platform providing information on STEP-related funding opportunities and visibility for projects awarded the Sovereignty Seal.
- Critical Technologies
- Technologies identified as essential for Europe's competitiveness and sovereignty, including digital, deep tech, clean/resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnology.
- National Competent Authority/Contact Point
- A single authority or contact designated by each Member State to coordinate and implement STEP at the national level.
- Project Promoter
- An entity, such as a company or research organization, that develops and submits projects for funding under STEP.
- Cumulative Funding
- The possibility for projects awarded the Sovereignty Seal to access additional or combined funding from multiple EU or national sources.
- Monitoring and Reporting
- The process by which the Commission and Member States track, assess, and report on the implementation and impact of STEP.
- Interim Evaluation
- A formal assessment of STEP’s implementation and effectiveness to be conducted by the Commission by 31 December 2025.
- Value Chains
- The full range of activities and processes involved in the development, production, and distribution of critical technologies targeted by STEP.