Brussels, 20/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - The EU's 7th Framework Programme for Research and development (2007-2013), FP7, is expected to be adopted in the nick of time so that it can come into force in January 2007. The final version agreed in negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament will be submitted to the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee on 13 November so it can be approved by plenary on 30 November and confirmed by the Competitiveness Council on 5 December. The rules governing participation (subject to codecision) are expected to follow the same timetable. The European Parliament is only being consulted on the specific programmes and is expected to issue its opinion in November (or by the December plenary at the latest), to enable the Council to approve the draft legislation under Point A of the agenda of one of the last Council meetings of the year. (oj)