Brussels, 24/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 23 June, the Council of Ministers adopted a decision approving the participation in a new European Joint Research Programme to improve the quality of life for the elderly through the use of new information and communication technology launched by several member states (Israel, Norway and Switzerland) to improve the lives of older people. This plan was approved by the European Parliament in a first reading and submitted to the European Commission on 14 June 2007 to make Europe a hub for developing digital technologies designed to help older people to continue living independently at home. The Commission will provide some additional €150 million to the total funding of more than €600 million. This will enable companies to develop highly innovative services to improve the quality of life of people at home, at work and in society in general. (I.L./trans.r.h)