28/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Transnational Institute (TNI) and Statewatch have just published a report criticising the research activities carried out under the Community 7th research framework programme. The two organisations are critical of the fact that the defence industry giants (Thales, Finmeccanica, EADS, Saab and SagemDéfenseSécurité) are the main beneficiaries of the €1.4 billion allocated to jointly fund research and development projects in the security sector. According to the report, 17 of the 46 R&D projects in the first year of the programme were led by these major companies. Highlighting the criticism levelled at Israel over its human rights record, the report also regrets the involvement of Israeli companies or entities in 10 of the 46 projects, four of which they lead. The report is concerned about the potential risks these projects pose to fundamental liberties. For more information, go to: http: //http://www.tni.org or http: //http://www.statewatch.org (O.J./transl.rt)