Brussels, 14/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 10 April, MEPs voted on Community funding for the EUROSTARS programme that supports R&D-driven SMEs. MEPs support the programme, which approved the report of Paul Rübig (EPP-ED, Austria) by a very large majority (626 votes for, 14 against, 6 abstentions). MEPs called for transparent management of the programme, fewer SME participation costs and receipt criteria assessment. An agreement previously negotiated with the Council should facilitate adopt of this legislation in the first reading. The 7th European Framework Research Programme will pay towards €100 in the joint programme, which is equivalent to ¼ of public funding. The Commission believes that between €133-400 will be added by the private sector, increasing the total contribution to between €533-800. Participant countries will make a contribution of €300 for the 2008-13 period. (B.C.)