Brussels, 30/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - World Heart Day saw the release of a press statement by Commissioner Philippe Busquin's spokesman in which he indicated that in the period 1998-2002, 24 projects had been funded into research into this field, with a contribution of €35.5 million as part of the 5th framework programme. Following the first of four calls for proposals of the 6th FP (2002-2006) two large projects with an anticipated EU contribution of more than €17 million are now under negotiation. The Integrated Project addresses genetic factors that can provoke thrombotic events. The Network of Excellence will emphasise defects in the function of the lining of blood vessels, the instability of so-called plaques, an assembly of cholesterol, lipids and cells in blood vessels which can lead to thrombosis when released.