Brussels, 30/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - As we announced, the European Commission adopted, on Wednesday, a group of texts concerning both the content and the implementation of the specific programmes foreseen in the framework of the 6th Framework Research and Development Programme (FRDP), whose proposal is presently being examined by the European Parliament and Council in view of its being adopted in the spring of 2002. These texts were eagerly awaited to the extent that the future framework programme (2002-2006), whose execution will be ensure by the Commission. EUROPE recalled that the Parliament only has powers of codecision over the very general framework provided by the framework programme, the specific programmes being adopted through decision by the Council, which leave the Commission with a great deal of margin for autonomy in the context of the comitology. On the 6th FRDP, see EUROPE of 21 February, p.6.
The package approved by the Commission includes five daft decisions on the specific programmes:
Integrate and enhance the European Research Area: an annex described the priorities for each of the seven thematic fields: (1) genomics and biotechnology for health (a note at the bottom of the page specifies that no financing will be given to reproductive cloning or to the creation of embryos and that animal suffering must be avoided) - the expression of genes and proteomics; - structural genomics; - comparative genomics and population genetics; - bio-computing; - fight against cancer , cardiovascular diseases and rare illnesses; - fight against resistance to medicines; - brain and nervous system diseases; - ageing (notably advanced cryptography); - new mathematical models (GRID, among others); - network and communication technologies; - dedicated optic networks; - micro, nano and optic-electronics; - multilingual and multicultural access technologies; (3) nanotechnologies, intelligent materials and new production processes: - nanotechnologies; - health, chemical, energy, optical and environmental applications; - development of supra-molecular and macromolecular engineering centred on synthesis, the use and exploiting of potential new high complexity molecules as well as their components; - optimisation of life cycle for industrial systems, products and services; (4) aeronautics and space (aeronautical research in relation to the strategic research agenda approved by all the participating parties at the European level in the new consultation council for research into aeronautics in Europe); - impact on the environment (emissions and noise); - improvement of aircraft safety; - safety of air transport system; - Galileo; - GMES; (5) food safety and dangers for health; - epidemology of infections linked to food and genetic reactions; - products containing GMO; - traceability; - analysis methods and detection of contaminants; - biotechnology and biological production; - impact on human health of products aimed at animal consumption; - environmental risks for health; (6) sustainable development and planetary change; - renewable energies; - sustainable transport; - fuel cells; - hydrogen; - solar and biomass technologies; - greenhouse gases and carbon wells; - water cycle; - biodiversity; - spread of deserts; (7) citizens and governance: - release and use of knowledge; - new forms of governance. A chapter concerning the strengthening of the foundations of the Research Area initiated, in particular, for the coordination of EU activities with other organisations including COST and EUREKA. An information memorandum specifies the principals for the functioning of the "Anticipating of scientific and technological needs of the Union" section, which also foresees an accelerated procedure in case of a crisis.
Structure the European Research Area: the proposal describes the networking of actors, insists on the need to encourage trans-regional cooperation and to consolidate the CORDIS information service. It also describes the measures favoured for mobility and training, notably with grants, subsidies, prizes and "Marie Curie" chairs. Other details concern the actions in favour of infrastructure, but also ethics, the science/society dialogue and women's participation in research.
Joint Research Centre: the proposal describes the missions of the JRC.
Nuclear energy: the priorities cover the geological storage, separation and processing (hybrid reactors), fusion, plasma engineering, ITER and radiation protection.
JRC and nuclear energy: with three priorities: reactor safety, ionising radiation, medical uses.
The Commission also adopted a Communication on the implementation of Article 169 of the Treaty and the networking of national programmes. EUROPE will return to this issue.