Strasbourg, 14/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 11 December, the EP took a stance on four joint research companies (ENIAC, Clean Sky, IMI and ARTEMIS), that are to be created as part of the 7th framework programme for research. These joint technological initiatives (JTIs) will take the form of public/private partnerships and give rise to Community bodies. The texts adopted welcome the creation of these bodies (that will all have their seat in Brussels) but MEPs are opposed to the initial proposal that provided for the possibility of extending the date for the end of these programmes, set for 31 December 2017. They have stated their wish for strict compliance with this date but want the funding of the projects underway to be assured until the very end. The texts also introduce a number of recommendations relating to questions regarding control and administrative and budgetary function, as well as the promotion of SME participation in such activities. Other projects will be examined next year, those concerning research into fuel cells and hydrogen and those concerning the overall follow-up of environment and security. (B.C.)