Enschede, 20/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - The conference on the industrial and technological basis for European defence organised by the WEU Assembly in Enschede on 16 and 17 September allowed Joseph Prieur, representing DG Research at the European Commission, to take stock of security research preparatory activities to which EUR 65 million have been attributed for three years (2004-2006). He recalled that this action prefigures the future specific research security programme that is to be established with the 7th framework programme with funding by way of one billion euros.
The first call for proposals for preparatory activity was opened on 31 March and closed on 23 June this year. Fifty-seven assessors monitored progress in July. Proposals received number 179, of which 173 are eligible (123 research projects and 50 supporting activities). Joseph Prieur announced that 7 projects and 5 supporting activities have been selected for negotiation. The projects selected are: - TERASEC: detection of hidden weapons and explosives (DLR); - IMPACT: integrated European CBRN technological capabilities (TNO); CRIMSON: crisis management system (CS); - SUPHICE: on-demand secure communications provision (THALES e-Security Ltd); - ASTRO+: integration of earth and space observation to support security operations (EADS ASTRIUM SAS); - ISCAPS: surveillance of crowded areas exposed to terrorist attacks (SAGEM SA); - and VITA: protection of critical infrastructures - methods and scenario demonstration on energy (IABG GmbH). The five support activities are: - CREW + GEODATA: Study of a crisis management early warning system using geospatial data and development of a GeoTool Box; - ESSRT: general roadmap for security research; - TIARA: improvement of European crisis management in the nuclear area; - and SENTRE: strategic research plan for security technology research (ASD). Negotiation of contracts will begin and continue in October in the aim of signing contracts in November or December, at the latest.
Mr Prieur recalled that the Commission's approach is covered in its communication adopted on 7 September (see EUROPE of 10 September, p.11). Upcoming steps include the establishment, by the end of the year, of an advisory research committee on security and, from next year on, the preparation of the first specific research programme on security. In parallel, the Commission plans to develop an effective institutional setting, mainly by developing cooperation and synergy with the European Defence Agency.