# Official Journal L 54/22 F

| | ISSN 1725-2555 |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 54 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 5022 February 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2555

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 54

English edition

Legislation

Volume 5022 February 2007

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| Contents | | | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | * | Notice to readers | 1 |

Contents

page

*

Notice to readers

1

| | | I   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | * | Addendum to Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality ( OJ L 403, 30.12.2006 ) | 3 |

I   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory

*

Addendum to Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality ( OJ L 403, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 403, 30.12.2006 )

3

| | | Corrigenda |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1908/2006 of 19 December 2006 laying down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in action under the seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community and for the dissemination of research results (2007 to 2011) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 ) | 4 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 ) | 21 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/971/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme Cooperation implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 ) | 30 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/972/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme: Ideas implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 ) | 81 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/973/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme People implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 ) | 91 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/974/EC of 19 December 2006 on the specific programme: Capacities implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 ) | 101 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/975/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 ) | 126 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/976/Euratom of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 ) | 139 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/977/Euratom of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 ) | 149 |
| | * | Corrigendum to Council Regulation (EC) No 41/2006 of 21 December 2006 fixing for 2007 the fishing opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Community waters and, for Community vessels, in waters where catch limitations are required ( OJ L 15, 20.1.2007 ) | 157 |

Corrigenda

*

Corrigendum to Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1908/2006 of 19 December 2006 laying down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in action under the seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community and for the dissemination of research results (2007 to 2011) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

4

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

21

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/971/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme Cooperation implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

30

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/972/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme: Ideas implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

81

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/973/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme People implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

91

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/974/EC of 19 December 2006 on the specific programme: Capacities implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

101

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/975/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

126

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/976/Euratom of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

139

*

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/977/Euratom of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) ( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

( OJ L 400, 30.12.2006 )

149

*

Corrigendum to Council Regulation (EC) No 41/2006 of 21 December 2006 fixing for 2007 the fishing opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Community waters and, for Community vessels, in waters where catch limitations are required ( OJ L 15, 20.1.2007 )

( OJ L 15, 20.1.2007 )

157

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
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EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

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22.2.2007

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/1 |
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EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/1

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NOTICE TO READERS

| BG: | Настоящият брой на Официален вестник е публикуван на испански, чешки, датски, немски, естонски, гръцки, английски, френски, италиански, латвийски, литовски, унгарски, малтийски, нидерландски, полски, португалски, словашки, словенски, фински и шведски език.
  Поправката, включена в него, се отнася до актове, публикувани преди разширяването на Европейския съюз от 1 януари 2007 г. |
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BG:

Поправката, включена в него, се отнася до актове, публикувани преди разширяването на Европейския съюз от 1 януари 2007 г.

| CS: | Tento Úřední věstník se vydává ve španělštině, češtině, dánštině, němčině, estonštině, řečtině, angličtině, francouzštině, italštině, lotyštině, litevštině, maďarštině, maltštině, nizozemštině, polštině, portugalštině, slovenštině, slovinštině, finštině a švédštině.
  Oprava zde uvedená se vztahuje na akty uveřejněné před rozšířením Evropské unie dne 1. ledna 2007. |
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CS:

Oprava zde uvedená se vztahuje na akty uveřejněné před rozšířením Evropské unie dne 1. ledna 2007.

| DA: | Denne EU-Tidende offentliggøres på dansk, engelsk, estisk, finsk, fransk, græsk, italiensk, lettisk, litauisk, maltesisk, nederlandsk, polsk, portugisisk, slovakisk, slovensk, spansk, svensk, tjekkisk, tysk og ungarsk.
  Berigtigelserne heri henviser til retsakter, som blev offentliggjort før udvidelsen af Den Europæiske Union den 1. januar 2007. |
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DA:

Berigtigelserne heri henviser til retsakter, som blev offentliggjort før udvidelsen af Den Europæiske Union den 1. januar 2007.

| DE: | Dieses Amtsblatt wird in Spanisch, Tschechisch, Dänisch, Deutsch, Estnisch, Griechisch, Englisch, Französisch, Italienisch, Lettisch, Litauisch, Ungarisch, Maltesisch, Niederländisch, Polnisch, Portugiesisch, Slowakisch, Slowenisch, Finnisch und Schwedisch veröffentlicht.
  Die darin enthaltenen Berichtigungen beziehen sich auf Rechtsakte, die vor der Erweiterung der Europäischen Union am 1. Januar 2007 veröffentlicht wurden. |
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DE:

Die darin enthaltenen Berichtigungen beziehen sich auf Rechtsakte, die vor der Erweiterung der Europäischen Union am 1. Januar 2007 veröffentlicht wurden.

| EL: | Η παρούσα Επίσημη Εφημερίδα δημοσιεύεται στην ισπανική, τσεχική, δανική, γερμανική, εσθονική, ελληνική, αγγλική, γαλλική, ιταλική, λεττονική, λιθουανική, ουγγρική, μαλτέζικη, ολλανδική, πολωνική, πορτογαλική, σλοβακική, σλοβενική, φινλανδική και σουηδική γλώσσα.
  Τα διορθωτικά που περιλαμβάνει αναφέρονται σε πράξεις που δημοσιεύθηκαν πριν από τη διεύρυνση της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης την 1η Ιανουαρίου 2007. |
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EL:

Τα διορθωτικά που περιλαμβάνει αναφέρονται σε πράξεις που δημοσιεύθηκαν πριν από τη διεύρυνση της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης την 1η Ιανουαρίου 2007.

| EN: | This Official Journal is published in Spanish, Czech, Danish, German, Estonian, Greek, English, French, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Maltese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Finnish and Swedish.
  The corrigenda contained herein refer to acts published prior to enlargement of the European Union on 1 January 2007. |
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EN:

The corrigenda contained herein refer to acts published prior to enlargement of the European Union on 1 January 2007.

| ES: | El presente Diario Oficial se publica en español, checo, danés, alemán, estonio, griego, inglés, francés, italiano, letón, lituano, húngaro, maltés, neerlandés, polaco, portugués, eslovaco, esloveno, finés y sueco.
  Las correcciones de errores que contiene se refieren a los actos publicados con anterioridad a la ampliación de la Unión Europea del 1 de enero de 2007. |
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ES:

Las correcciones de errores que contiene se refieren a los actos publicados con anterioridad a la ampliación de la Unión Europea del 1 de enero de 2007.

| ET: | Käesolev Euroopa Liidu Teataja ilmub hispaania, tšehhi, taani, saksa, eesti, kreeka, inglise, prantsuse, itaalia, läti, leedu, ungari, malta, hollandi, poola, portugali, slovaki, sloveeni, soome ja rootsi keeles.
  Selle parandustega viidatakse aktidele, mis on avaldatud enne Euroopa Liidu laienemist 1. jaanuaril 2007. |
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ET:

Selle parandustega viidatakse aktidele, mis on avaldatud enne Euroopa Liidu laienemist 1. jaanuaril 2007.

| FI: | Tämä virallinen lehti on julkaistu espanjan, tšekin, tanskan, saksan, viron, kreikan, englannin, ranskan, italian, latvian, liettuan, unkarin, maltan, hollannin, puolan, portugalin, slovakin, sloveenin, suomen ja ruotsin kielellä.
  Lehden sisältämät oikaisut liittyvät ennen Euroopan unionin laajentumista 1. tammikuuta 2007 julkaistuihin säädöksiin. |
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FI:

Lehden sisältämät oikaisut liittyvät ennen Euroopan unionin laajentumista 1. tammikuuta 2007 julkaistuihin säädöksiin.

| FR: | Le présent Journal officiel est publié dans les langues espagnole, tchèque, danoise, allemande, estonienne, grecque, anglaise, française, italienne, lettone, lituanienne, hongroise, maltaise, néerlandaise, polonaise, portugaise, slovaque, slovène, finnoise et suédoise.
  Les rectificatifs qu'il contient se rapportent à des actes publiés antérieurement à l'élargissement de l'Union européenne du 1er janvier 2007. |
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FR:

Les rectificatifs qu'il contient se rapportent à des actes publiés antérieurement à l'élargissement de l'Union européenne du 1er janvier 2007.

| HU: | Ez a Hivatalos Lap spanyol, cseh, dán, német, észt, görög, angol, francia, olasz, lett, litván, magyar, máltai, holland, lengyel, portugál, szlovák, szlovén, finn és svéd nyelven jelenik meg.
  Az itt megjelent helyesbítések elsősorban a 2007. január 1-jei európai uniós bővítéssel kapcsolatos jogszabályokra vonatkoznak. |
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HU:

Az itt megjelent helyesbítések elsősorban a 2007. január 1-jei európai uniós bővítéssel kapcsolatos jogszabályokra vonatkoznak.

| IT: | La presente Gazzetta ufficiale è pubblicata nelle lingue spagnola, ceca, danese, tedesca, estone, greca, inglese, francese, italiana, lettone, lituana, ungherese, maltese, olandese, polacca, portoghese, slovacca, slovena, finlandese e svedese.
  Le rettifiche che essa contiene si riferiscono ad atti pubblicati anteriormente all'allargamento dell'Unione europea del 1o gennaio 2007. |
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IT:

Le rettifiche che essa contiene si riferiscono ad atti pubblicati anteriormente all'allargamento dell'Unione europea del 1o gennaio 2007.

| LT: | Šis Oficialusis leidinys išleistas ispanų, čekų, danų, vokiečių, estų, graikų, anglų, prancūzų, italų, latvių, lietuvių, vengrų, maltiečių, olandų, lenkų, portugalų, slovakų, slovėnų, suomių ir švedų kalbomis.
  Čia išspausdintas teisės aktų, paskelbtų iki Europos Sąjungos plėtros 2007 m. sausio 1 d., klaidų ištaisymas. |
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LT:

Čia išspausdintas teisės aktų, paskelbtų iki Europos Sąjungos plėtros 2007 m. sausio 1 d., klaidų ištaisymas.

| LV: | Šis Oficiālais Vēstnesis publicēts spāņu, čehu, dāņu, vācu, igauņu, grieķu, angļu, franču, itāļu, latviešu, lietuviešu, ungāru, maltiešu, holandiešu, poļu, portugāļu, slovāku, slovēņu, somu un zviedru valodā.
  Šeit minētie labojumi attiecas uz tiesību aktiem, kas publicēti pirms Eiropas Savienības paplašināšanās 2007. gada 1. janvārī. |
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LV:

Šeit minētie labojumi attiecas uz tiesību aktiem, kas publicēti pirms Eiropas Savienības paplašināšanās 2007. gada 1. janvārī.

| MT: | Dan il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali hu ppubblikat fil-ligwa Spanjola, Ċeka, Daniża, Ġermaniża, Estonjana, Griega, Ingliża, Franċiża, Taljana, Latvjana, Litwana, Ungeriża, Maltija, Olandiża, Pollakka, Portugiża, Slovakka, Slovena, Finlandiża u Żvediża.
  Il-corrigenda li tinstab hawnhekk tirreferi għal atti ppubblikati qabel it-tkabbir ta' l-Unjoni Ewropea fl-1 ta' Jannar 2007. |
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MT:

Il-corrigenda li tinstab hawnhekk tirreferi għal atti ppubblikati qabel it-tkabbir ta' l-Unjoni Ewropea fl-1 ta' Jannar 2007.

| NL: | Dit Publicatieblad wordt uitgegeven in de Spaanse, de Tsjechische, de Deense, de Duitse, de Estse, de Griekse, de Engelse, de Franse, de Italiaanse, de Letse, de Litouwse, de Hongaarse, de Maltese, de Nederlandse, de Poolse, de Portugese, de Slowaakse, de Sloveense, de Finse en de Zweedse taal.
  De rectificaties in dit Publicatieblad hebben betrekking op besluiten die vóór de uitbreiding van de Europese Unie op 1 januari 2007 zijn gepubliceerd. |
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NL:

De rectificaties in dit Publicatieblad hebben betrekking op besluiten die vóór de uitbreiding van de Europese Unie op 1 januari 2007 zijn gepubliceerd.

| PL: | Niniejszy Dziennik Urzędowy jest wydawany w językach: hiszpańskim, czeskim, duńskim, niemieckim, estońskim, greckim, angielskim, francuskim, włoskim, łotewskim, litewskim, węgierskim, maltańskim, niderlandzkim, polskim, portugalskim, słowackim, słoweńskim, fińskim i szwedzkim.
  Sprostowania zawierają odniesienia do aktów opublikowanych przed rozszerzeniem Unii Europejskiej dnia 1 stycznia 2007 r. |
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PL:

Sprostowania zawierają odniesienia do aktów opublikowanych przed rozszerzeniem Unii Europejskiej dnia 1 stycznia 2007 r.

| PT: | O presente Jornal Oficial é publicado nas línguas espanhola, checa, dinamarquesa, alemã, estónia, grega, inglesa, francesa, italiana, letã, lituana, húngara, maltesa, neerlandesa, polaca, portuguesa, eslovaca, eslovena, finlandesa e sueca.
  As rectificações publicadas neste Jornal Oficial referem-se a actos publicados antes do alargamento da União Europeia de 1 de Janeiro de 2007. |
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PT:

As rectificações publicadas neste Jornal Oficial referem-se a actos publicados antes do alargamento da União Europeia de 1 de Janeiro de 2007.

| RO: | Prezentul Jurnal Oficial este publicat în limbile spaniolă, cehă, daneză, germană, estonă, greacă, engleză, franceză, italiană, letonă, lituaniană, maghiară, malteză, olandeză, polonă, portugheză, slovacă, slovenă, finlandeză şi suedeză.
  Rectificările conţinute în acest Jurnal Oficial se referă la acte publicate anterior extinderii Uniunii Europene din 1 ianuarie 2007. |
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RO:

Rectificările conţinute în acest Jurnal Oficial se referă la acte publicate anterior extinderii Uniunii Europene din 1 ianuarie 2007.

| SK: | Tento úradný vestník vychádza v španielskom, českom, dánskom, nemeckom, estónskom, gréckom, anglickom, francúzskom, talianskom, lotyšskom, litovskom, maďarskom, maltskom, holandskom, poľskom, portugalskom, slovenskom, slovinskom, fínskom a švédskom jazyku.
  Korigendá, ktoré obsahuje, odkazujú na akty uverejnené pred rozšírením Európskej únie 1. januára 2007. |
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SK:

Korigendá, ktoré obsahuje, odkazujú na akty uverejnené pred rozšírením Európskej únie 1. januára 2007.

| SL: | Ta Uradni list je objavljen v španskem, češkem, danskem, nemškem, estonskem, grškem, angleškem, francoskem, italijanskem, latvijskem, litovskem, madžarskem, malteškem, nizozemskem, poljskem, portugalskem, slovaškem, slovenskem, finskem in švedskem jeziku.
  Vsebovani popravki se nanašajo na akte, objavljene pred širitvijo Evropske unije 1. januarja 2007. |
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SL:

Vsebovani popravki se nanašajo na akte, objavljene pred širitvijo Evropske unije 1. januarja 2007.

| SV: | Denna utgåva av Europeiska unionens officiella tidning publiceras på spanska, tjeckiska, danska, tyska, estniska, grekiska, engelska, franska, italienska, lettiska, litauiska, ungerska, maltesiska, nederländska, polska, portugisiska, slovakiska, slovenska, finska och svenska.
  Rättelserna som den innehåller avser rättsakter som publicerades före utvidgningen av Europeiska unionen den 1 januari 2007. |
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SV:

Rättelserna som den innehåller avser rättsakter som publicerades före utvidgningen av Europeiska unionen den 1 januari 2007.

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I Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/3 |
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22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/3

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ADDENDUM

to Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality

(Official Journal of the European Union L 403 of 30 December 2006)

The following statement is added to the Regulation:

‘STATEMENT BY THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COMMISSION

Equality between men and women is a fundamental principle of the European Union. The Council, European Parliament and the European Commission aim to increase the awareness, the pooling of resources and the exchange of experience in the area of gender equality, in particular through the establishment of a European Institute for Gender Equality.

With regard to the organisation of the Institute, the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission state that the management structure, and in particular the number of representatives of the Member States on the Management Board, is determined by reference to the specific nature of the European Institute for Gender Equality and does not therefore constitute a precedent for other agencies in the future.

In order to ensure an orderly rotation of the members appointed by the Council, the Member States shall be divided into three groups of nine in the order of the forthcoming Presidencies. For the first term of office, the Council representatives shall be composed of members drawn from the first two groups of Member States; for the second term of office, the Council representatives shall be drawn from the third and first groups and for the third term of office from the second and third groups, and so on for subsequent terms of office (1). In the event of any future enlargement the rotation system will be adjusted accordingly.’

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(1)  First term (2007 to 2009):

1

| i) | DE, PT, SI, FR, CZ, SE, ES, BE, HU; (ii) PL, DK, CY, IE, LT, EL, IT, LV, LU; |
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i)

DE, PT, SI, FR, CZ, SE, ES, BE, HU; (ii) PL, DK, CY, IE, LT, EL, IT, LV, LU;

Second term (2010 to 2012):

| i) | NL, SK, MT, UK, EE, BG, AT, RO, FI; (i) DE, PT, SI, FR, CZ, SE, ES, BE, HU; |
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i)

NL, SK, MT, UK, EE, BG, AT, RO, FI; (i) DE, PT, SI, FR, CZ, SE, ES, BE, HU;

Third term (2013 to 2015):

| i) | PL, DK, CY, IE, LT, EL, IT, LV, LU; (iii) NL, SK, MT, UK, EE, BG, AT, RO, FI. |
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i)

PL, DK, CY, IE, LT, EL, IT, LV, LU; (iii) NL, SK, MT, UK, EE, BG, AT, RO, FI.

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Corrigenda

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/4 |
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22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/4

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Corrigendum to Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1908/2006 of 19 December 2006 laying down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in action under the seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community and for the dissemination of research results (2007 to 2011)

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 400 of 30 December 2006
  )

Regulation (Euratom) No 1908/2006 should read as follows:

COUNCIL REGULATION (EURATOM) No 1908/2006

of 19 December 2006

laying down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in action under the seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community and for the dissemination of research results (2007 to 2011)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Articles 7 and 10,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2),

Having regard to the opinion of the Court of Auditors (3),

Whereas:

| (1) | The seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community was adopted by Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) (4). It is the responsibility of the Commission to ensure the implementation of the framework programme and its specific programmes, including the related financial aspects. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community was adopted by Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the seventh framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011) (4). It is the responsibility of the Commission to ensure the implementation of the framework programme and its specific programmes, including the related financial aspects.

| (2) | The seventh framework programme is implemented in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (5), hereinafter ‘the Financial Regulation’, and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 (6) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the Financial Regulation, hereinafter ‘the Implementing Rules’. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The seventh framework programme is implemented in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (5), hereinafter ‘the Financial Regulation’, and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 (6) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the Financial Regulation, hereinafter ‘the Implementing Rules’.

| (3) | The seventh framework programme is also implemented in accordance with the State aid rules, in particular the rules on State aid for research and development, currently the Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development (7). |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The seventh framework programme is also implemented in accordance with the State aid rules, in particular the rules on State aid for research and development, currently the Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development (7).

| (4) | Treatment of confidential data is governed by all the relevant Community legislation, including the institutions' internal rules such as Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom of 29 November 2001 amending its internal Rules of Procedure (8) regarding provisions of security. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Treatment of confidential data is governed by all the relevant Community legislation, including the institutions' internal rules such as Commission Decision 2001/844/EC, ECSC, Euratom of 29 November 2001 amending its internal Rules of Procedure (8) regarding provisions of security.

| (5) | The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities should provide a coherent, comprehensive and transparent framework to ensure the most efficient implementation possible, taking into account the need for easy access for all participants through simplified procedures, in accordance with the principle of proportionality. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities should provide a coherent, comprehensive and transparent framework to ensure the most efficient implementation possible, taking into account the need for easy access for all participants through simplified procedures, in accordance with the principle of proportionality.

| (6) | The rules should also facilitate the exploitation of intellectual property developed by a participant, taking also into account the way in which the participant may be organised internationally, whilst protecting the other participants' and the Community's legitimate interests. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The rules should also facilitate the exploitation of intellectual property developed by a participant, taking also into account the way in which the participant may be organised internationally, whilst protecting the other participants' and the Community's legitimate interests.

| (7) | The seventh framework programme should promote participation from the outermost regions of the Community, as well as from a wide range of undertakings, research centres and universities. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The seventh framework programme should promote participation from the outermost regions of the Community, as well as from a wide range of undertakings, research centres and universities.

| (8) | The definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provided in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 (9) should apply, for reasons of coherence and transparency. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) provided in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 (9) should apply, for reasons of coherence and transparency.

| (9) | It is necessary to establish the minimum conditions for participation, both as a general rule and with regard to the specificities of indirect actions under the seventh framework programme. In particular, rules should be laid down regarding the number of participants and their place of establishment. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

It is necessary to establish the minimum conditions for participation, both as a general rule and with regard to the specificities of indirect actions under the seventh framework programme. In particular, rules should be laid down regarding the number of participants and their place of establishment.

| (10) | It is appropriate that any legal entity should be free to participate once the minimum conditions have been satisfied. Participation over and above the minimum should ensure the efficient implementation of the indirect action concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

It is appropriate that any legal entity should be free to participate once the minimum conditions have been satisfied. Participation over and above the minimum should ensure the efficient implementation of the indirect action concerned.

| (11) | International organisations dedicated to developing cooperation in the field of nuclear research and training in Europe and largely made up of Member States or associated countries should be encouraged to participate in the seventh framework programme. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

International organisations dedicated to developing cooperation in the field of nuclear research and training in Europe and largely made up of Member States or associated countries should be encouraged to participate in the seventh framework programme.

| (12) | The participation of legal entities established in third countries and the participation of international organisations should also be envisaged, as enshrined in Article 101 of the Treaty. However, it is appropriate to require that such participation be justified in terms of the enhanced contribution thereby made to the objectives sought under the seventh framework programme. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

The participation of legal entities established in third countries and the participation of international organisations should also be envisaged, as enshrined in Article 101 of the Treaty. However, it is appropriate to require that such participation be justified in terms of the enhanced contribution thereby made to the objectives sought under the seventh framework programme.

| (13) | Pursuant to Article 198 of the Treaty, legal entities of Member States' non-European territories under their jurisdiction are eligible for the seventh framework programme. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Pursuant to Article 198 of the Treaty, legal entities of Member States' non-European territories under their jurisdiction are eligible for the seventh framework programme.

| (14) | In line with the objectives mentioned above, it is necessary to establish the terms and conditions for providing Community funding to participants in indirect actions. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

In line with the objectives mentioned above, it is necessary to establish the terms and conditions for providing Community funding to participants in indirect actions.

| (15) | There should be an effective and smooth transition from the cost calculation regime used in the sixth framework programme. For the benefit of participants the monitoring process of the seventh framework programme should, therefore, address the budgetary impact of this change in particular as regards its effect on the administrative burden for participants. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

There should be an effective and smooth transition from the cost calculation regime used in the sixth framework programme. For the benefit of participants the monitoring process of the seventh framework programme should, therefore, address the budgetary impact of this change in particular as regards its effect on the administrative burden for participants.

| (16) | It is necessary for the Commission to establish further rules and procedures, in addition to those provided for in the Financial Regulation and its Implementing Rules and this Regulation, to govern the submission, evaluation and selection of proposals and award of grants, as well as redress procedures for participants. In particular the rules governing the use of independent experts should be established. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

It is necessary for the Commission to establish further rules and procedures, in addition to those provided for in the Financial Regulation and its Implementing Rules and this Regulation, to govern the submission, evaluation and selection of proposals and award of grants, as well as redress procedures for participants. In particular the rules governing the use of independent experts should be established.

| (17) | It is appropriate for the Commission to establish further rules and procedures, in addition to those provided for in the Financial Regulation and its Implementing Rules, to govern the assessment of the legal and financial viability of participants in indirect actions under the seventh framework programme. Such rules should strike the right balance between protecting the Community's financial interests and simplifying and facilitating the participation of legal entities in the framework programme. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

It is appropriate for the Commission to establish further rules and procedures, in addition to those provided for in the Financial Regulation and its Implementing Rules, to govern the assessment of the legal and financial viability of participants in indirect actions under the seventh framework programme. Such rules should strike the right balance between protecting the Community's financial interests and simplifying and facilitating the participation of legal entities in the framework programme.

| (18) | In this context, the Financial Regulation and the Implementing Rules and Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (10), govern, inter alia, the protection of the Community's financial interests, the fight against fraud and irregularity, the procedures for the recovery of sums owed to the Commission, exclusion from contract and grant procedures and related penalties, and audits, checks, and inspections by the Commission and the Court of Auditors, pursuant to Article 160c of the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

In this context, the Financial Regulation and the Implementing Rules and Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (10), govern, inter alia, the protection of the Community's financial interests, the fight against fraud and irregularity, the procedures for the recovery of sums owed to the Commission, exclusion from contract and grant procedures and related penalties, and audits, checks, and inspections by the Commission and the Court of Auditors, pursuant to Article 160c of the Treaty.

| (19) | It is necessary that the Community financial contribution reaches the participants without undue delay. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

It is necessary that the Community financial contribution reaches the participants without undue delay.

| (20) | The agreements concluded for each action should provide for supervision and financial control by the Commission, or any representative authorised by the Commission, as well as audits by the Court of Auditors and on-the-spot checks carried out by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), in accordance with the procedures laid down in Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (11). |
| --- | --- |

(20)

The agreements concluded for each action should provide for supervision and financial control by the Commission, or any representative authorised by the Commission, as well as audits by the Court of Auditors and on-the-spot checks carried out by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), in accordance with the procedures laid down in Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (11).

| (21) | The Commission should monitor both the indirect actions carried out under the seventh framework programme and the seventh framework programme and its specific programmes. With a view to ensuring the efficient and coherent monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of indirect actions, the Commission should set up and maintain an appropriate information system. |
| --- | --- |

(21)

The Commission should monitor both the indirect actions carried out under the seventh framework programme and the seventh framework programme and its specific programmes. With a view to ensuring the efficient and coherent monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of indirect actions, the Commission should set up and maintain an appropriate information system.

| (22) | The seventh framework programme should reflect and promote the general principles laid down in the Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (12), while respecting their voluntary character. |
| --- | --- |

(22)

The seventh framework programme should reflect and promote the general principles laid down in the Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (12), while respecting their voluntary character.

| (23) | The rules governing the dissemination of research results should ensure that, where appropriate, the participants protect the intellectual property generated in actions, and use and disseminate those results. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

The rules governing the dissemination of research results should ensure that, where appropriate, the participants protect the intellectual property generated in actions, and use and disseminate those results.

| (24) | While respecting the rights of the owners of intellectual property, those rules should be designed to ensure that participants and, where appropriate, their affiliated entities established in a Member State or associated country have access to information they bring to the project and to knowledge arising from research work carried out in the project to the extent necessary to conduct the research work or to use the resulting knowledge. |
| --- | --- |

(24)

While respecting the rights of the owners of intellectual property, those rules should be designed to ensure that participants and, where appropriate, their affiliated entities established in a Member State or associated country have access to information they bring to the project and to knowledge arising from research work carried out in the project to the extent necessary to conduct the research work or to use the resulting knowledge.

| (25) | The obligation established in the sixth framework programme for certain participants to take financial responsibility for their partners in the same consortium will be waived. In this context, a ‘Participants guarantee fund’, managed by the Commission, should be established to cover amounts due and not reimbursed by defaulting partners. Such an approach will promote simplification and facilitate the participation, whilst safeguarding the Community's financial interests in a manner appropriate for the framework programme. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

The obligation established in the sixth framework programme for certain participants to take financial responsibility for their partners in the same consortium will be waived. In this context, a ‘Participants guarantee fund’, managed by the Commission, should be established to cover amounts due and not reimbursed by defaulting partners. Such an approach will promote simplification and facilitate the participation, whilst safeguarding the Community's financial interests in a manner appropriate for the framework programme.

| (26) | Community contributions to a joint undertaking set up pursuant to Articles 45 to 51 of the Treaty do not fall within the scope of this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(26)

Community contributions to a joint undertaking set up pursuant to Articles 45 to 51 of the Treaty do not fall within the scope of this Regulation.

| (27) | This Regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(27)

This Regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

| (28) | The Community may provide financial support, as established in the Financial Regulation,
  inter alia
  , by means of:






  (a) | public procurements, in the form of a price for goods or services established by contract and selected on the basis of calls for tender; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(28)

The Community may provide financial support, as established in the Financial Regulation,

, by means of:

(a)

public procurements, in the form of a price for goods or services established by contract and selected on the basis of calls for tender;

| (b) | grants; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

grants;

| (c) | subscriptions to an organisation in the form of a membership fee; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

subscriptions to an organisation in the form of a membership fee;

| (d) | honoraria for independent experts identified in Article 16 of this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

honoraria for independent experts identified in Article 16 of this Regulation.

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

Article 1

Subject matter

This Regulation lays down the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and other legal entities in actions undertaken by one or more participants by means of funding schemes identified in part (a) of Annex II to Decision 2006/970/Euratom establishing the seventh framework programme, hereinafter ‘indirect actions’.

It also lays down rules, in accordance with those laid down in the Financial Regulation and the Implementing Rules, concerning the Community financial contribution to participants in indirect actions under the seventh framework programme.

As regards the results of research carried out under the seventh framework programme, this Regulation lays down rules for the disclosure of foreground by any appropriate means other than that resulting from the formalities for protecting it, and including the publication of foreground in any medium, hereinafter ‘dissemination’.

In addition, it lays down rules for the direct or indirect utilisation of foreground in further research activities other than those covered by the indirect action concerned, or for developing, creating and marketing a product or process, or for creating and providing a service, hereinafter ‘use’.

In respect of both foreground and background, this Regulation lays down rules concerning licences and user rights thereto, hereinafter ‘access rights’.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply in addition to those set out in the Financial Regulation and the Implementing Rules:

| 1. | ‘legal entity’ means any natural person, or any legal person created under the national law of its place of establishment, or under Community law or international law, which has legal personality and which may, acting under its own name, exercise rights and be subject to obligations. In the case of natural persons, references to establishment are deemed to refer to habitual residence; |
| --- | --- |

1.

‘legal entity’ means any natural person, or any legal person created under the national law of its place of establishment, or under Community law or international law, which has legal personality and which may, acting under its own name, exercise rights and be subject to obligations. In the case of natural persons, references to establishment are deemed to refer to habitual residence;

| 2. | ‘affiliated entity’ means any legal entity that is under the direct or indirect control of a participant, or under the same direct or indirect control as the participant, control taking any of the forms set out in Article 7(2); |
| --- | --- |

2.

‘affiliated entity’ means any legal entity that is under the direct or indirect control of a participant, or under the same direct or indirect control as the participant, control taking any of the forms set out in Article 7(2);

| 3. | ‘fair and reasonable conditions’ means appropriate conditions including possible financial terms taking into account the specific circumstances of the request for access, for example the actual or potential value of the foreground or background to which access is requested and/or the scope, duration or other characteristics of the use envisaged; |
| --- | --- |

3.

‘fair and reasonable conditions’ means appropriate conditions including possible financial terms taking into account the specific circumstances of the request for access, for example the actual or potential value of the foreground or background to which access is requested and/or the scope, duration or other characteristics of the use envisaged;

| 4. | ‘foreground’ means the results, including information, whether or not they can be protected, which are generated by the indirect action concerned. Such results include rights related to copyright; design rights; patent rights; plant variety rights; or similar forms of protection; |
| --- | --- |

4.

‘foreground’ means the results, including information, whether or not they can be protected, which are generated by the indirect action concerned. Such results include rights related to copyright; design rights; patent rights; plant variety rights; or similar forms of protection;

| 5. | ‘background’ means information which is held by participants prior to their accession to the grant agreement, as well as copyrights or other intellectual property rights pertaining to such information, the application for which has been filed before their accession to the grant agreement, and which is needed for carrying out the indirect action or for using the results of the indirect action; |
| --- | --- |

5.

‘background’ means information which is held by participants prior to their accession to the grant agreement, as well as copyrights or other intellectual property rights pertaining to such information, the application for which has been filed before their accession to the grant agreement, and which is needed for carrying out the indirect action or for using the results of the indirect action;

| 6. | ‘participant’ means a legal entity contributing to an indirect action and having rights and obligations with regard to the Community under the terms of this Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

6.

‘participant’ means a legal entity contributing to an indirect action and having rights and obligations with regard to the Community under the terms of this Regulation;

| 7. | ‘research organisation’ means a legal entity established as a non-profit organisation which carries out research or technological development as one of its main objectives; |
| --- | --- |

7.

‘research organisation’ means a legal entity established as a non-profit organisation which carries out research or technological development as one of its main objectives;

| 8. | ‘third country’ means a State that is not a Member State; |
| --- | --- |

8.

‘third country’ means a State that is not a Member State;

| 9. | ‘associated country’ means a third country which is party to an international agreement with the Community, under the terms or on the basis of which it makes a financial contribution to all or part of the seventh framework programme; |
| --- | --- |

9.

‘associated country’ means a third country which is party to an international agreement with the Community, under the terms or on the basis of which it makes a financial contribution to all or part of the seventh framework programme;

| 10. | ‘international organisation’ means an intergovernmental organisation, other than the European Community, which has legal personality under international public law, as well as any specialised agency set up by such an international organisation; |
| --- | --- |

10.

‘international organisation’ means an intergovernmental organisation, other than the European Community, which has legal personality under international public law, as well as any specialised agency set up by such an international organisation;

| 11. | ‘international European interest organisation’ means an international organisation, the majority of whose members are Member States or associated countries, and whose principal objective is to promote scientific and technological cooperation in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

11.

‘international European interest organisation’ means an international organisation, the majority of whose members are Member States or associated countries, and whose principal objective is to promote scientific and technological cooperation in Europe;

| 12. | ‘public body’ means any legal entity established as such by national law, and international organisations; |
| --- | --- |

12.

‘public body’ means any legal entity established as such by national law, and international organisations;

| 13. | ‘SMEs’ mean micro, small and medium-sized enterprises within the meaning of Recommendation 2003/361/EC in the version of 6 May 2003; |
| --- | --- |

13.

‘SMEs’ mean micro, small and medium-sized enterprises within the meaning of Recommendation 2003/361/EC in the version of 6 May 2003;

| 14. | ‘work programme’ means a plan adopted by the Commission for the implementation of a specific programme as identified in Article 2 of Decision 2006/970/Euratom; |
| --- | --- |

14.

‘work programme’ means a plan adopted by the Commission for the implementation of a specific programme as identified in Article 2 of Decision 2006/970/Euratom;

| 15. | ‘funding schemes’ mean the mechanisms for the Community funding of indirect actions as established in part (a) of Annex II to Decision 2006/970/Euratom. |
| --- | --- |

15.

‘funding schemes’ mean the mechanisms for the Community funding of indirect actions as established in part (a) of Annex II to Decision 2006/970/Euratom.

Article 3

Confidentiality

Subject to the conditions established in the grant agreement, appointment letter or contract, the Commission and the participants shall keep confidential any data, knowledge and documents communicated to them as confidential.

CHAPTER II

PARTICIPATION

Article 4

Specific rules for fusion energy research

The rules set out in this Chapter apply without prejudice to specific rules for activities under the thematic area ‘Fusion energy research’ set out in Chapter IV.

SECTION 1

Minimum conditions

Article 5

General principles

1.   Any undertaking, university or research centre or other legal entity, whether established in a Member State or associated country, or in a third country, may participate in an indirect action provided that the minimum conditions laid down in this Chapter have been met, including any conditions specified pursuant to Article 11.

However, in the case of an indirect action as referred to in Articles 6 or 8, under which it is possible for the minimum conditions to be met without the participation of a legal entity established in a Member State, the attainment of the objectives laid down in Articles 1 and 2 of the Treaty must thereby be enhanced.

2.   The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, hereinafter ‘the JRC’, may participate in indirect actions on the same footing and with the same rights and obligations as a legal entity established in a Member State.

Article 6

Minimum conditions

1.   The minimum conditions for indirect actions shall be the following:

| (a) | at least three legal entities must participate, each of which is established in a Member State or associated country, and no two of which are established in the same Member State or associated country; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

at least three legal entities must participate, each of which is established in a Member State or associated country, and no two of which are established in the same Member State or associated country;

| (b) | all three legal entities must be independent of each other in accordance with Article 7. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

all three legal entities must be independent of each other in accordance with Article 7.

2.   For the purposes of point (a) of paragraph 1, where one of the participants is the JRC, or an international European interest organisation or an entity created under Community law, it shall be deemed to be established in a Member State or associated country other than any Member State or associated country in which another participant in the same action is established.

Article 7

Independence

1.   Two legal entities shall be regarded as independent of each other where neither is under the direct or indirect control of the other or under the same direct or indirect control as the other.

2.   For the purposes of paragraph 1, control may in particular take either of the following forms:

| (a) | the direct or indirect holding of more than 50 % of the nominal value of the issued share capital in the legal entity concerned, or of a majority of the voting rights of the shareholders or associates of that entity; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the direct or indirect holding of more than 50 % of the nominal value of the issued share capital in the legal entity concerned, or of a majority of the voting rights of the shareholders or associates of that entity;

| (b) | the direct or indirect holding, in fact or in law, of decision-making powers in the legal entity concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the direct or indirect holding, in fact or in law, of decision-making powers in the legal entity concerned.

3.   However, the following relationships between legal entities shall not in themselves be deemed to constitute controlling relationships:

| (a) | the same public investment corporation, institutional investor or venture-capital company has a direct or indirect holding of more than 50 % of the nominal value of the issued share capital or a majority of voting rights of the shareholders or associates; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the same public investment corporation, institutional investor or venture-capital company has a direct or indirect holding of more than 50 % of the nominal value of the issued share capital or a majority of voting rights of the shareholders or associates;

| (b) | the legal entities concerned are owned or supervised by the same public body. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the legal entities concerned are owned or supervised by the same public body.

Article 8

Coordination and support actions, and training and career development of researchers

For coordination and support actions, and actions in favour of training and career development of researchers, the minimum condition shall be the participation of one legal entity.

The first paragraph shall not apply in the case of actions whose purpose is to coordinate research activities.

Article 9

Sole participants

Where the minimum conditions for an indirect action are satisfied by a number of legal entities, which together form one legal entity, the latter may be the sole participant in an indirect action, provided that it is established in a Member State or associated country.

Article 10

International organisations and legal entities established in third countries

Participation in indirect actions shall be open to international organisations and legal entities established in third countries after the minimum conditions laid down in this chapter have been met, as well as any conditions specified in the specific programmes or relevant work programmes.

Article 11

Additional conditions

In addition to the minimum conditions laid down in this chapter, specific programmes or work programmes may lay down conditions regarding the minimum number of participants.

They may also lay down, according to the nature and objectives of the indirect action, additional conditions to be met as regards type of participant and, where appropriate, place of establishment.

SECTION 2

Procedures

Subsection 1

Calls for proposals

Article 12

Calls for proposals

1.   The Commission shall issue calls for proposals for indirect actions in accordance with the requirements laid down in the relevant specific programmes and work programmes.

In addition to the publicity specified in the Implementing Rules, the Commission shall publish calls for proposals in the Internet pages of the seventh framework programme, through specific information channels, and at the national contact points set up by the Member States and the associated countries.

2.   Where appropriate, the Commission shall specify in the call for proposals that the participants need not establish a consortium agreement.

3.   Calls for proposals shall have clear objectives so as to ensure that applicants do not respond needlessly.

Article 13

Exceptions

The Commission shall not issue calls for proposals for the following:

| (a) | coordination and support actions to be carried out by legal entities identified in the specific programmes or in the work programmes when the specific programme permits the work programmes to identify beneficiaries, in accordance with the Implementing Rules; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

coordination and support actions to be carried out by legal entities identified in the specific programmes or in the work programmes when the specific programme permits the work programmes to identify beneficiaries, in accordance with the Implementing Rules;

| (b) | coordination and support actions consisting of a purchase of goods or services subject to the rules on public procurement set out in the Financial Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

coordination and support actions consisting of a purchase of goods or services subject to the rules on public procurement set out in the Financial Regulation;

| (c) | coordination and support actions relating to the appointment of independent experts; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

coordination and support actions relating to the appointment of independent experts;

| (d) | other actions, where so provided by the Financial Regulation or the Implementing Rules. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

other actions, where so provided by the Financial Regulation or the Implementing Rules.

Subsection 2

Evaluation and selection of proposals and award of grants

Article 14

Evaluation, selection and award

1.   The Commission shall evaluate all the proposals submitted in response to a call for proposals on the basis of the principles for evaluation, and the selection and award criteria.

The criteria will be those of excellence, impact and implementation. Within this framework the work programme will specify the evaluation and selection criteria and may add additional requirements, weightings and thresholds, or set out further details on the application of the criteria.

2.   A proposal which contravenes fundamental ethical principles or which does not fulfil the conditions set out in the specific programme, the work programme or in the call for proposals shall not be selected. Such a proposal may be excluded from the evaluation, selection and award procedures at any time.

3.   Proposals shall be ranked according to the evaluation results. Funding decisions shall be made on the basis of this ranking.

Article 15

Submission, evaluation, selection and award procedures

1.   Where a call for proposals specifies a two-step evaluation procedure, only those proposals that pass the first step, based on the evaluation against a limited set of criteria, shall go forward for further evaluation.

2.   Where a call for proposals specifies a two-stage submission procedure, only those applicants whose proposals pass the evaluation for the first stage shall be requested to submit a complete proposal in the second stage.

All applicants shall be swiftly informed of the results of the first stage evaluation.

3.   The Commission shall adopt and publish rules governing the procedure for the submission of proposals, as well as the related evaluation, selection and award procedures and publish guides for applicants including guidelines for evaluators. In particular, it shall lay down detailed rules for the two-stage procedure for submission (including as regards the scope and nature of the first stage proposal as well as those of the complete second stage proposal), and rules for the two-step evaluation procedure.

The Commission shall provide information and set out redress procedures for applicants.

4.   The Commission shall adopt and publish rules to ensure consistent verification of the existence and legal status of participants in indirect actions as well as their financial capacity.

The Commission shall refrain from renewing such verification unless the situation of the participant concerned has changed.

Article 16

Appointment of independent experts

1.   The Commission shall appoint independent experts to assist with evaluations of proposals.

For coordination and support actions, referred to in Article 13, independent experts shall be appointed only if the Commission deems it appropriate.

2.   Independent experts shall be chosen on the basis of skills and knowledge appropriate to the tasks assigned to them. In cases where independent experts will have to deal with classified information, the appropriate security clearance shall be required for nomination.

Independent experts shall be identified and selected on the basis of calls for applications from individuals and calls addressed to relevant organisations such as national research agencies, research institutions or enterprises with a view to establishing lists of suitable candidates.

The Commission may, if deemed appropriate, select any individual with the appropriate skills from outside the lists.

Appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure reasonable gender balance when appointing groups of independent experts.

3.   When appointing an independent expert, the Commission shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the expert is not faced with a conflict of interests in relation to the matter on which the expert is required to provide an opinion.

4.   The Commission shall adopt a model appointment letter, hereinafter ‘the appointment letter’, which shall include a declaration that the independent expert has no conflict of interest at the time of appointment and that he undertakes to inform the Commission if any conflict of interest should arise in the course of providing his opinion or carrying out his duties. The Commission shall conclude an appointment letter between the Community and each independent expert.

5.   The Commission shall publish once a year in any appropriate medium the list of the independent experts that have assisted it for the Framework Programme and each specific programme.

Subsection 3

Implementation and grant agreements

Article 17

General

1.   The participants shall implement the indirect action and shall take all necessary and reasonable measures to that end. Participants in the same indirect action shall implement the work jointly and severally towards the Community.

2.   The Commission shall draw up, on the basis of the model provided for in Article 18(8) and taking into account the characteristics of the funding scheme concerned, a grant agreement between the Community and the participants.

3.   Participants shall make no commitments incompatible with the grant agreement.

4.   Where a participant fails to comply with its obligations regarding the technical implementation of the indirect action, the other participants shall comply with the grant agreement without any complementary Community contribution unless the Commission expressly relieves them of that obligation.

5.   If the implementation of an action becomes impossible or if the participants fail to implement it, the Commission shall ensure the termination of the action.

6.   Participants shall ensure that the Commission is informed of any event which might affect the implementation of the indirect action or the interests of the Community.

7.   Where provided for in the grant agreement, the participants in the indirect action may subcontract certain elements of the work to be carried out to third parties.

8.   The Commission shall set out redress procedures for participants.

Article 18

General provisions for inclusion in grant agreements

1.   The grant agreement shall establish the rights and obligations of the participants with regard to the Community, in accordance with Decision 2006/970/Euratom, this Regulation, the Financial Regulation, and the Implementing Rules, and in accordance with the general principles of Community law.

It shall also establish, in accordance with the same conditions, the rights and obligations of legal entities who become participants when the indirect action is ongoing.

2.   Where appropriate, the grant agreement shall specify which part of the Community financial contribution will be based on the reimbursement of eligible costs, and which part will be based on flat rates (including scale of unit costs) or lump-sums.

3.   The grant agreement shall specify which changes in the composition of the consortium are to require the prior publication of a competitive call.

4.   The grant agreement shall require the submission to the Commission of periodic progress reports concerning the implementation of the indirect action concerned.

5.   Where appropriate, the grant agreement may provide that the Commission is to be notified in advance of any intended transfer of ownership of foreground to a third party.

6.   Where the grant agreement requires participants to carry out activities that benefit third parties, the participants shall advertise this widely and identify, evaluate and select third parties transparently, fairly and impartially. If provided for in the work programme, the grant agreement shall establish criteria for the selection of such third parties. The Commission reserves the right to object to the selection of the third parties.

7.   The Commission shall, in close cooperation with Member States, establish a model grant agreement in accordance with this Regulation. If a significant modification of the model grant agreement proves necessary, the Commission shall, in close cooperation with Member States, revise it as appropriate.

8.   The model grant agreement shall reflect the general principles laid down in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. It shall address, as appropriate, synergies with education at all levels; readiness and capacity to foster dialogue and debate on scientific issues and research results with a broad public beyond the research community; activities to increase the participation and role of women in research; and activities addressing socio-economic aspects of the research.

9.   The model grant agreement shall provide for supervision and financial control by the Commission or any representative authorised by it, and the Court of Auditors.

10.   The grant agreement may lay down time limits for participants to give the various notifications referred to in this Regulation.

Article 19

Provisions concerning access rights, use and dissemination

1.   The grant agreement shall establish the respective rights and obligations of the participants with regard to access rights, use and dissemination, in so far as those rights and obligations have not been laid down in this Regulation.

For those purposes, it shall require the submission to the Commission of a plan for the use and dissemination of foreground.

2.   The grant agreement may specify the conditions under which the participants may object to a technological audit of the use and dissemination of the foreground being carried out by certain authorised representatives of the Commission.

Article 20

Provisions concerning termination

The grant agreement shall specify the grounds for its termination, in whole or in part, in particular for non-compliance with this Regulation, non-performance or breach, as well as the consequences for participants of any non-compliance on the part of another participant.

Article 21

Specific provisions

1.   In the case of indirect actions to support existing research infrastructures and, where applicable, new research infrastructures, the grant agreement may lay down specific provisions relating to confidentiality, publicity and access rights and commitments that might affect users of the infrastructure.

2.   In the case of indirect actions to support training and career development of researchers, the grant agreement may lay down specific provisions on confidentiality, access rights and commitments relating to the researchers benefiting from the action.

3.   To safeguard the defence interests of the Member States within the meaning of Article 24 of the Treaty, the grant agreement may lay down, where appropriate, specific provisions on confidentiality, classification of information, access rights, transfer of ownership of foreground and the use thereof.

Article 22

Signature and accession

The grant agreement shall enter into force upon signature by the coordinator and the Commission.

It shall apply to each participant that has formally acceded thereto.

Subsection 4

Consortia

Article 23

Consortium agreements

1.   Save where otherwise provided in the call for proposals, all participants in an indirect action shall conclude an agreement, hereinafter ‘the consortium agreement’
  , to govern, inter alia, the following:

| (a) | the internal organisation of the consortium; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the internal organisation of the consortium;

| (b) | the distribution of the Community financial contribution; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the distribution of the Community financial contribution;

| (c) | rules additional to those in Chapter III on Dissemination and use, and access rights, as well as to related provisions in the grant agreement; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

rules additional to those in Chapter III on Dissemination and use, and access rights, as well as to related provisions in the grant agreement;

| (d) | the settlement of internal disputes including the cases of abuses of power; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the settlement of internal disputes including the cases of abuses of power;

| (e) | liability, indemnification and confidentiality arrangements between the participants. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

liability, indemnification and confidentiality arrangements between the participants.

2.   The Commission shall establish and publish guidelines on the main issues that may be addressed by participants in their consortium agreements.

Article 24

Coordinator

1.   The legal entities wishing to participate in an indirect action shall appoint one of their number to act as coordinator to carry out the following tasks in accordance with this Regulation, the Financial Regulation, the Implementing Rules, and the grant agreement:

| (a) | to monitor the point compliance by participants in the indirect action with their obligations; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

to monitor the point compliance by participants in the indirect action with their obligations;

| (b) | to verify whether the legal entities identified in the grant agreement complete the necessary formalities for accession to the grant agreement; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

to verify whether the legal entities identified in the grant agreement complete the necessary formalities for accession to the grant agreement;

| (c) | to receive the Community financial contribution and to distribute it in accordance with the consortium and grant agreement; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

to receive the Community financial contribution and to distribute it in accordance with the consortium and grant agreement;

| (d) | to keep the records and financial accounts relevant for the Community financial contribution and to inform the Commission of its distribution in accordance with Article 23(1)(b) and Article 35; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

to keep the records and financial accounts relevant for the Community financial contribution and to inform the Commission of its distribution in accordance with Article 23(1)(b) and Article 35;

| (e) | to be an intermediary for efficient and correct communication between the participants and to report regularly to the participants and to the Commission on the progress of the project. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

to be an intermediary for efficient and correct communication between the participants and to report regularly to the participants and to the Commission on the progress of the project.

2.   The coordinator shall be identified in the grant agreement.

The appointment of a new coordinator shall require the written approval of the Commission.

Article 25

Changes in the consortium

1.   The participants in an indirect action may agree to add a new participant or to remove an existing participant in accordance with the respective provisions established in the consortium agreement.

2.   Any legal entity which joins an ongoing action shall accede to the grant agreement.

3.   In specific cases, where provided for in the grant agreement, the consortium shall publish a competitive call and advertise it widely using specific information support, particularly Internet sites on the seventh framework programme, the specialist press and brochures, and the national contact points set up by the Member States and associated countries for information and support.

The consortium shall evaluate offers in the light of the criteria which governed the initial action and with the assistance of independent experts appointed by the consortium, in accordance with the principles laid down in Articles 14 and 16 respectively.

4.   The consortium shall notify any proposed change of its composition to the Commission, which may object within 45 days of the notification.

Changes in the composition of the consortium associated with proposals for other changes to the grant agreement which are not directly related to the change in composition shall be subject to written approval by the Commission.

Subsection 5

Monitoring and evaluation of programmes and indirect actions and communication of information

Article 26

Monitoring and evaluation

1.   The Commission shall monitor the implementation of indirect actions on the basis of the periodic progress reports submitted pursuant to Article 18(4).

In particular, the Commission shall monitor the implementation of the plan for the use and dissemination of foreground, submitted pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 19(1).

For those purposes, the Commission may be assisted by independent experts appointed in accordance with Article 16.

2.   The Commission shall set up and maintain an information system allowing for this monitoring to take place in an efficient and coherent manner across the framework programme.

Subject to Article 3, the Commission shall publish on any appropriate medium information on the funded projects.

3.   The monitoring and evaluation referred to in Article 6 of Decision 2006/970/Euratom shall include aspects relating to the application of this Regulation and shall address the budgetary impact of the changes in the cost calculation regime as compared to the sixth Framework programme and its effects on the administrative burden for participants.

4.   The Commission shall appoint, in accordance with Article 16, independent experts to assist with evaluations required under the seventh framework programme and its specific programme, and, as deemed necessary, for the evaluation of previous framework programmes.

5.   In addition, the Commission may set up groups of independent experts appointed in accordance with Article 16, to advise on the design and implementation of Community research policy.

Article 27

Information to be made available

1.   Having due regard to Article 3, the Commission shall, upon request, make available to any Member State or associated country any useful information in its possession on foreground arising from work carried out in the context of an indirect action, provided that the following conditions are met:

| (a) | the information concerned is relevant to public policy; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the information concerned is relevant to public policy;

| (b) | the participants have not provided sound and sufficient reasons for withholding the information concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the participants have not provided sound and sufficient reasons for withholding the information concerned.

2.   Under no circumstances shall the provision of information pursuant to paragraph 1 be deemed to transfer to the recipient any rights or obligations of the Commission or of the participants.

However, the recipient shall treat any such information as confidential unless it becomes public or is made available publicly by the participants, or unless it was communicated to the Commission without restrictions on its confidentiality.

SECTION 3

Community financial contribution

Subsection 1

Eligibility for funding and forms of grants

Article 28

Eligibility for funding

1.   The following legal entities participating in an indirect action may receive a Community financial contribution:

| (a) | any legal entity established in a Member State or an associated country, or created under Community law; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

any legal entity established in a Member State or an associated country, or created under Community law;

| (b) | any international European interest organisation. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

any international European interest organisation.

2.   In the case of a participating international organisation, other than an international European interest organisation, or a legal entity established in a third country other than an associated country, a Community financial contribution may be granted provided that at least one of the following conditions is satisfied:

| (a) | provision is made to that effect in the specific programmes or in the relevant work programme; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

provision is made to that effect in the specific programmes or in the relevant work programme;

| (b) | it is essential for carrying out the indirect action; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

it is essential for carrying out the indirect action;

| (c) | such funding is provided for in a bilateral scientific and technological agreement or any other arrangement between the Community and the country in which the legal entity is established. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

such funding is provided for in a bilateral scientific and technological agreement or any other arrangement between the Community and the country in which the legal entity is established.

Article 29

Forms of grants

The Community financial contribution for grants identified in part (a) of Annex II to Decision 2006/970/Euratom shall be based on the reimbursement, in whole or in part, of eligible costs.

However, the Community financial contribution may take the form of flat-rate financing, including scale of unit costs, or lump-sum financing, or it may combine the reimbursement of eligible costs with flat rates and lump sums. The Community financial contribution may also take the form of scholarships or prizes.

The work programmes and calls for proposals shall specify the forms of grants to be used in the actions concerned.

Article 30

Reimbursement of eligible costs

1.   Indirect actions financed by grants shall be co-financed by the participants.

The Community financial contribution to reimburse eligible costs shall not give rise to a profit.

2.   Receipts shall be taken into consideration for the payment of the grant at the end of the implementation of the action.

3.   In order to be considered eligible, costs incurred for the implementation of an indirect action shall meet the following conditions:

| (a) | they must be actual; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

they must be actual;

| (b) | they must have been incurred during the duration of the action, with the exception of final reports when provided for in the grant agreement; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

they must have been incurred during the duration of the action, with the exception of final reports when provided for in the grant agreement;

| (c) | they must have been determined in accordance with the usual accounting and management principles and practices of the participant and used for the sole purpose of achieving the objectives of the indirect action and its expected results, in a manner consistent with the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

they must have been determined in accordance with the usual accounting and management principles and practices of the participant and used for the sole purpose of achieving the objectives of the indirect action and its expected results, in a manner consistent with the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness;

| (d) | they must be recorded in the accounts of the participant and, in the case of any contribution from third parties, they must be recorded in the accounts of the third parties; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

they must be recorded in the accounts of the participant and, in the case of any contribution from third parties, they must be recorded in the accounts of the third parties;

| (e) | they must be exclusive of non-eligible costs, in particular identifiable indirect taxes including value-added tax, duties, interest owed, provisions for possible future losses or charges, exchange losses, cost related to return on capital, costs declared or incurred, or reimbursed in respect of another Community project, debt and debt service charges, excessive or reckless expenditure, and any other cost that does not meet the conditions referred to in points (a) to (d). |
| --- | --- |

(e)

they must be exclusive of non-eligible costs, in particular identifiable indirect taxes including value-added tax, duties, interest owed, provisions for possible future losses or charges, exchange losses, cost related to return on capital, costs declared or incurred, or reimbursed in respect of another Community project, debt and debt service charges, excessive or reckless expenditure, and any other cost that does not meet the conditions referred to in points (a) to (d).

For the purposes of point (a), average personnel costs may be used if they are consistent with the management principles and accounting practices of the participant and do not differ significantly from actual costs.

4.   While the Community financial contribution shall be calculated by reference to the cost of the indirect action as a whole, its reimbursement shall be based on the reported costs of each participant.

Article 31

Direct eligible costs and indirect eligible costs

1.   Eligible costs shall be composed of costs attributable directly to the action, hereinafter ‘direct eligible costs’ and, where applicable, of costs which are not attributable directly to the action, but which have been incurred in direct relationship with the direct eligible costs attributed to the action, hereinafter ‘indirect eligible costs’.

2.   The reimbursement of participants' costs shall be based on their eligible direct and indirect costs.

In compliance with Article 30(3)(c), a participant may use a simplified method of calculation of its indirect eligible cost at the level of its legal entity if it is in accordance with its usual accounting and management principles and practices. Principles to be followed in this respect shall be set out in the model grant agreement.

3.   The grant agreement may provide that the reimbursement of indirect eligible costs is to be limited to a maximum percentage of the direct eligible costs, excluding the direct eligible costs for subcontracting, in particular in the case of coordination and support actions, and, where appropriate, actions for training and career development of researchers.

4.   By derogation from paragraph 2, for the coverage of indirect eligible costs a participant may opt for a flat rate of its total direct eligible costs, excluding its direct eligible costs for subcontracting or reimbursement of third parties' costs.

The Commission shall establish appropriate flat rates based on a close approximation of the real indirect costs concerned, in accordance with the Financial Regulation and its Implementing Rules.

5.   Non-profit public bodies, secondary and higher education establishments, research organisations and SMEs which are unable to identify with certainty their real indirect costs for the action concerned, when participating in funding schemes which include research and technological development and demonstration activities, as referred to in Article 32, may opt for a flat rate equal to 60 % of the total direct eligible costs for grants awarded under calls for proposals closing before 1 January 2010.

With a view to facilitating a transition to full application of the general principle referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission shall establish, for grants awarded under calls closing after 31 December 2009, an appropriate level of flat rate which should be an approximation of the real indirect costs concerned but not lower than 40 %. This will be based on an evaluation of participation by non-profit public bodies, secondary and higher education establishments, research organisations and SMEs which are unable to identify with certainty their real indirect costs for the action concerned.

6.   All flat rates shall be set out in the model grant agreement.

Article 32

Upper funding limits

1.   For research and technological development activities, the Community financial contribution may reach a maximum of 50 % of the total eligible costs.

However, in the case of non-profit public bodies, secondary and higher education establishments, research organisations and SMEs, it may reach a maximum of 75 % of the total eligible costs.

2.   For demonstration activities, the Community financial contribution may reach a maximum of 50 % of the total eligible costs.

3.   For activities supported by coordination and support actions, and actions for the training and career development of researchers, the Community financial contribution may reach a maximum of 100 % of the total eligible costs.

4.   For management activities, including certificates on the financial statements, and other activities not covered by paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, the Community financial contribution may reach a maximum of 100 % of the total eligible costs.

The other activities referred to in the first subparagraph include, inter alia, training in actions that do not fall under the funding scheme for training and career development of researchers, coordination, networking, and dissemination.

5.   For the purposes of paragraphs 1 to 4, eligible costs and receipts shall be taken into consideration in order to determine the Community financial contribution.

6.   Paragraphs 1 to 5 shall apply, as appropriate, in the case of indirect actions where flat rate financing or lump sum financing is used for the whole indirect action.

Article 33

Reporting and audit of eligible costs

1.   Periodic reports shall be submitted to the Commission regarding eligible costs, financial interest yielded by pre-financing, and receipts in relation with the indirect action concerned and, where appropriate, a certificate on the financial statements, in accordance with the Financial Regulation and the Implementing Rules.

The existence of co-financing in relation with the concerned action shall be reported and, where appropriate, certified at the end of the action.

2.   Notwithstanding the Financial Regulation and the Implementing rules, a certificate on the financial statements shall be compulsory only whenever the cumulative amount of interim payments and balance payments made to a participant is equal to EUR 375 000 or more for an indirect action.

However, for indirect actions of duration of two years or less, not more than one certificate on the financial statements shall be requested from the participant, at the end of the project.

Certificates on the financial statements shall not be required for indirect actions entirely reimbursed by means of lump sums or flat rates.

3.   In the case of public bodies, research organisations, and higher and secondary education establishments, a certificate on the financial statements as required under paragraph 1 may be established by a competent public officer.

Article 34

Networks of excellence

1.   The work programme shall provide for the forms of grants to be used for networks of excellence.

2.   Where the Community financial contribution to networks of excellence takes the form of a lump sum, it shall be calculated according to the number of researchers to be integrated in the network of excellence and the duration of the action. The unit value for lump sums paid shall be EUR 23 500 per year and per researcher.

That amount shall be adjusted by the Commission in accordance with the Financial Regulation and the Implementing Rules.

3.   The work programme shall establish the maximum number of participants and, where appropriate, the maximum number of researchers that may be used as the basis for the calculation of the maximum lump sum. However, participants over and above the maxima for the establishment of the financial contribution may participate as appropriate.

4.   The payment shall be effected by means of periodic releases.

Those periodic releases shall be made according to the assessment of the progressive implementation of the Joint Programme of Activities through the measurement of integration of research resources and capacities based on performance indicators, negotiated with the consortium and specified in the grant agreement.

Subsection 2

Payment, distribution, recovery and guarantees

Article 35

Payment and distribution

1.   The Community financial contribution shall be paid to the participants via the coordinator without undue delay.

2.   The coordinator shall keep records making it possible to determine at any time what portion of the Community funds has been distributed to each participant.

The coordinator shall communicate that information to the Commission upon request.

Article 36

Recovery

The Commission may adopt a recovery decision in accordance with the Financial Regulation.

Article 37

Risk avoidance mechanism

1.   The financial responsibility of each participant shall be limited to its own debt, subject to paragraphs 2 to 5.

2.   In order to manage the risk associated with non-recovery of sums due to the Community, the Commission shall establish and operate a ‘Participant guarantee fund’ (hereinafter the Fund) in accordance with the Annex.

Financial interests generated by the Fund shall be added to the Fund and shall serve exclusively for the purposes set out in point 3 of the Annex, without prejudice to point 4 thereto.

3.   The contribution to the Fund by a participant to an indirect action taking the form of a grant shall not exceed 5 % of the Community financial contribution due to the participant. At the end of the action the amount contributed to the Fund shall be returned to the participant, via the coordinator, subject to paragraph 4.

4.   If the interests generated by the Fund are insufficient to cover sums due to the Community, the Commission may deduct from the amount to be returned to a participant a maximum of one per cent of the Community financial contribution to it.

5.   The deduction referred to in paragraph 4 shall not apply to public bodies, legal entities whose participation in the indirect action is guaranteed by a Member State or an associated country, and higher and secondary education establishments;

6.   The Commission shall only verify ex ante the financial capacity of coordinators, and of participants other than those referred to in paragraph 5 applying for a Community financial contribution in an indirect action in excess of EUR 500 000, unless there are exceptional circumstances when, on the basis of information already available, there are justified grounds to doubt the financial capacity of these participants.

7.   The Fund shall be considered as a sufficient guarantee under the Financial Regulation. No additional guarantee or security may be requested from participants or imposed on them.

CHAPTER III

DISSEMINATION AND USE, AND ACCESS RIGHTS

SECTION 1

Foreground

Article 38

Specific rules for fusion energy research

The rules set out in this Chapter apply without prejudice to the specific rules for activities under the thematic area ‘Fusion energy research’ set out in Chapter IV of this regulation.

Subsection 1

Ownership

Article 39

Ownership of foreground

1.   Foreground arising from work carried out under indirect actions other than those referred to in paragraph 3 shall be the property of the participant carrying out the work generating that foreground.

2.   If employees or other personnel working for a participant are entitled to claim rights to foreground, the participant shall ensure that it is possible to exercise those rights in a manner compatible with its obligations under the grant agreement.

3.   Foreground shall be the property of the Community in the following cases:

| (a) | coordination and support actions consisting in a purchase of goods or services subject to the rules on public procurement set out in the Financial Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

coordination and support actions consisting in a purchase of goods or services subject to the rules on public procurement set out in the Financial Regulation;

| (b) | coordination and support actions relating to independent experts. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

coordination and support actions relating to independent experts.

Article 40

Joint ownership of foreground

1.   Where several participants have jointly carried out work generating foreground and where their respective share of the work cannot be ascertained, they shall have joint ownership of such foreground.

They shall establish an agreement regarding the allocation and terms of exercising that joint ownership in accordance with the terms of the grant agreement.

2.   Where no joint ownership agreement has yet been concluded, each of the joint owners shall be entitled to grant non-exclusive licenses to third parties, without any right to sub licence, subject to the following conditions:

| (a) | prior notice must be given to the other joint owners; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

prior notice must be given to the other joint owners;

| (b) | fair and reasonable compensation must be provided to the other joint owners. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

fair and reasonable compensation must be provided to the other joint owners.

3.   Upon request, the Commission shall give guidance on possible aspects to be included in the joint ownership agreement.

Article 41

Transfer of foreground

1.   The owner of the foreground may transfer it to any legal entity, subject to paragraphs 2 to 5 and Article 42.

2.   Where a participant transfers ownership of foreground, it shall pass on its obligations regarding that foreground to the assignee, including the obligation to pass them on to any subsequent assignee, in accordance with the grant agreement.

3.   Subject to its obligations concerning confidentiality, where the participant is required to pass on access rights, it shall give prior notice to the other participants in the same action, together with sufficient information concerning the new owner of the foreground to permit them to exercise their access rights under the grant agreement.

However, the other participants may, by written agreement, waive their right to individual prior notice in the case of transfers of ownership from one participant to a specifically identified third party.

4.   Following notification in accordance with the first subparagraph of paragraph 3, any other participant may object to any transfer of ownership on the ground that it would adversely affect their access rights.

Where any of the other participants demonstrate that their rights would be adversely affected, the intended transfer shall not take place until agreement has been reached between the participants concerned.

5.   Where appropriate, the grant agreement may provide, that the Commission is to be notified in advance of any intended transfer of ownership or any intended grant of a licence to a third party which is established in a third country not associated to the Seventh Framework Programme.

Article 42

Preservation of European competitiveness, the defence interest of Member States and ethical principles

The Commission may object to the transfer of ownership of foreground, or to the granting of a licence regarding foreground, to third parties established in a third country not associated to the seventh framework programme, if it considers that this is not in accordance with the interests of developing the competitiveness of the European economy, the defence interests of the Member States within the meaning of Article 24 of the Treaty or is inconsistent with ethical principles.

In such cases, the transfer of ownership or grant of licence shall not take place unless the Commission is satisfied that appropriate safeguards will be put in place.

Subsection 2

Protection, publication, dissemination and use

Article 43

Protection of foreground

Where foreground is capable of industrial or commercial application, its owner shall provide for its adequate and effective protection, having due regard to its legitimate interests and the legitimate interests, particularly the commercial interests, of the other participants in the indirect action concerned.

Where a participant who is not the owner of the foreground invokes its legitimate interest, it must, in any given instance, show that it would suffer disproportionately great harm.

Where the foreground is capable of industrial or commercial application and its owner does not protect it, and does not transfer it to another participant, an affiliated entity established in a Member State or associated country or any other third party established in a Member State or associated country along with the associated obligations in accordance with Article 41, no dissemination activities may take place before the Commission has been informed.

In such cases, the Commission may, with the consent of the participant concerned, assume ownership of that foreground and adopt measures for its adequate and effective protection. The participant concerned may refuse consent only if it can demonstrate that its legitimate interests would suffer disproportionately great harm.

Article 44

Statement relating to Community financial support

All publications, patent applications filed by or on behalf of a participant, or any other dissemination relating to foreground, shall include a statement, which may include visual means, that the foreground concerned was generated with the assistance of financial support from the Community.

The terms of that statement shall be established in the grant agreement.

Article 45

Use and dissemination

1.   The participants shall use the foreground which they own, or ensure that it is used.

2.   Each participant shall ensure that the foreground of which it has ownership is disseminated as swiftly as possible. If it fails to do so the Commission may disseminate that foreground pursuant to Article 12 of the Treaty.

The grant agreement may set out time limits in this respect.

3.   Dissemination activities shall be compatible with the protection of intellectual property rights, confidentiality obligations, and the legitimate interests of the owner of the foreground and the defence interests of the Member States within the meaning of Article 24 of the Treaty.

4.   Prior notice of any dissemination activity shall be given to the other participants concerned.

Following notification, any of those participants may object if it considers that its legitimate interests in relation to its foreground or background could suffer disproportionately great harm. In such cases, the dissemination activity may not take place unless appropriate steps are taken to safeguard these legitimate interests.

SECTION 2

Access rights to background and foreground

Article 46

Background covered

Participants may define the background needed for the purposes of the indirect action in a written agreement and, where appropriate, may exclude specific background.

Article 47

Principles

1.   All requests for access rights shall be made in writing.

2.   Unless otherwise agreed by the owner of the foreground or background, access rights shall confer no entitlement to grant sub-licences.

3.   Exclusive licences for foreground or background may be granted, subject to written confirmation by all the other participants that they waive their access rights thereto.

4.   Without prejudice to paragraph 3, any agreement providing access rights to foreground or background to participants or third parties shall be such as to ensure that potential access rights for other participants are maintained.

5.   Without prejudice to Articles 48 and 49 and the grant agreement, participants in the same action shall inform each other as soon as possible of any limitation to the granting of access rights to background, or of any other restriction which might substantially affect the granting of access rights.

6.   The termination of its participation in an indirect action shall in no way affect the obligation of that participant to grant access rights to the remaining participants in the same action under the terms and conditions established by the grant agreement.

Article 48

Access rights for implementation of indirect actions

1.   Access rights to foreground shall be granted to the other participants in the same indirect action, if it is needed to enable those participants to carry out their own work under that indirect action.

Such access rights shall be granted on a royalty-free basis.

2.   Access rights to background shall be granted to the other participants in the same indirect action, if it is needed to enable those participants to carry out their own work under that indirect action provided that the participant concerned is entitled to grant them.

Such access rights shall be granted on a royalty-free basis, unless otherwise agreed by all participants before their accession to the grant agreement.

Article 49

Access rights for use

1.   Participants in the same indirect action shall enjoy access rights to foreground, if it is needed to use their own foreground.

Subject to agreement, such access rights shall be granted either under fair and reasonable conditions or be royalty-free.

2.   Participants in the same indirect action shall enjoy access rights to background, if it is needed to use their own foreground provided that the participant concerned is entitled to grant them.

Subject to agreement, such access rights shall be granted either under fair and reasonable conditions or be royalty-free.

3.   An affiliated entity established in a Member State or associated country shall also have access rights, referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, to foreground or background under same conditions as the participant to which it is affiliated, unless otherwise provided for in the grant agreement or consortium agreement.

4.   A request for access rights under paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 may be made up to one year after either of the following events:

| (a) | the end of the indirect action; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the end of the indirect action;

| (b) | termination of participation by the owner of the background or foreground concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

termination of participation by the owner of the background or foreground concerned.

However, the participants concerned may agree on a different time limit.

CHAPTER IV

SPECIFIC RULES FOR PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES UNDER THE THEMATIC AREA ‘FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH’

Article 50

Scope

The rules set out in this Chapter apply to activities under the thematic area ‘Fusion energy research’ as set out in the specific programme. In the event of any conflict between the rules set out in this Chapter and those set out in Chapters II and III, the rules set out in this Chapter shall apply.

Article 51

Implementation of fusion energy research

Activities under the thematic area ‘Fusion energy research’ may be implemented on the basis of procedures and rules for dissemination and use set out in the following frameworks:

| (a) | the Contracts of Association, concluded between the Community and Member States or associated third countries or legal entities within Member States or associated third countries; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the Contracts of Association, concluded between the Community and Member States or associated third countries or legal entities within Member States or associated third countries;

| (b) | the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA), concluded between the Community and organisations in, or acting for, Member States and associated countries; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA), concluded between the Community and organisations in, or acting for, Member States and associated countries;

| (c) | the European Joint Undertaking for ITER, based on the provisions of Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the European Joint Undertaking for ITER, based on the provisions of Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty;

| (d) | international agreements relating to cooperation with third countries, or any legal entity which may be established by such an agreement, in particular the ITER Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

international agreements relating to cooperation with third countries, or any legal entity which may be established by such an agreement, in particular the ITER Agreement;

| (e) | any other multilateral agreement concluded between the Community and associated organisations, in particular the Agreement on Staff Mobility; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

any other multilateral agreement concluded between the Community and associated organisations, in particular the Agreement on Staff Mobility;

| (f) | cost-sharing actions to promote and contribute to fusion energy research with bodies in the Member States or the countries associated with the seventh framework programme in which there is no Contract of Association. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

cost-sharing actions to promote and contribute to fusion energy research with bodies in the Member States or the countries associated with the seventh framework programme in which there is no Contract of Association.

Article 52

Community financial contribution

1.   The Contracts of Association referred to in Article 51(a) and cost sharing actions referred to in Article 51(f) shall establish the rules relating to the Community financial contribution to the activities they cover.

The annual base rate for the Community financial contribution shall not exceed 20 % over the duration of the seventh framework programme.

2.   After consultation of the consultative committee for the fusion programme referred to in Article 7(2) of the specific programme implementing the seventh framework programme (2007 to 2011) of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (13), the Commission may finance:

| (a) | within the framework of the Contracts of Association at a rate not exceeding 40 %: expenditure of specific cooperative projects between the Associates which have been recommended for priority support by the consultative committee and approved by the Commission; priority support will concentrate on actions of relevance to the ITER/DEMO, except in the case of projects which have already been awarded priority status during earlier framework programmes; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

within the framework of the Contracts of Association at a rate not exceeding 40 %: expenditure of specific cooperative projects between the Associates which have been recommended for priority support by the consultative committee and approved by the Commission; priority support will concentrate on actions of relevance to the ITER/DEMO, except in the case of projects which have already been awarded priority status during earlier framework programmes;

| (b) | actions carried out under the European Fusion Development Agreement including procurements or within the framework of the Joint Undertaking referred to in Article 51(c), |
| --- | --- |

(b)

actions carried out under the European Fusion Development Agreement including procurements or within the framework of the Joint Undertaking referred to in Article 51(c),

| (c) | actions carried out under the Agreement on Staff Mobility. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

actions carried out under the Agreement on Staff Mobility.

3.   In the case of projects and actions receiving a financial contribution according to paragraph (2)(a) or (b), all the legal entities referred to in Article 51(a) and (b) shall have the right to take part in the experiments carried out on the equipment concerned.

4.   The Community financial contribution to actions carried out within the framework of an international cooperation agreement referred to in Article 51(d) shall be set out in accordance with the terms of such agreement or by any legal entity established by the agreement. The Community may manage its participation and its financial contribution to such an agreement through any appropriate legal entity.

CHAPTER V

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 53

This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006.

For the Council

The President

J. KORKEAOJA

ANNEX

Participant guarantee fund

1.

The Commission will entrust the financial management of the Fund either to the European Investment Bank or, in accordance with Article 13(b), to an appropriate financial institution (hereinafter the depository bank). The depository bank shall manage the Fund pursuant to a brief by the Commission.

2.

The Commission may offset, from the initial prefinancing it will pay to the consortium, the participants’ contribution to the Fund, and pay it on their behalf to the Fund.

3.

| (a) | order the depositary bank to directly transfer the amount due from the Fund to the coordinator of the indirect action if it is still ongoing and the remaining participants agree to implement it to the identical regarding its objectives, in accordance with Article 17(4). Amounts transferred from the Fund will be regarded as Community financial contribution; or |
| --- | --- |

(a)

order the depositary bank to directly transfer the amount due from the Fund to the coordinator of the indirect action if it is still ongoing and the remaining participants agree to implement it to the identical regarding its objectives, in accordance with Article 17(4). Amounts transferred from the Fund will be regarded as Community financial contribution; or

| (b) | recover effectively the said amount from the Fund should the indirect action be terminated or already completed. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

recover effectively the said amount from the Fund should the indirect action be terminated or already completed.

The Commission will emit to the benefit of the Fund a recovery order against that participant. The Commission may adopt to that end a recovery decision in accordance with the Financial Regulation.

4.

Once the implementation of all grants under the seventh framework programme is complete, any sums outstanding from the Fund will be recovered by the Commission and entered into the budget of the Community, subject to decisions on the eighth framework programme.

---

(1)  Opinion delivered on 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  Opinion of 5 July 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Opinion delivered following non-compulsory consultation.

2

(3)  
  OJ C 203, 25.8.2006, p. 1. Opinion delivered on its own initiative.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 400, 30.12.2006, p. 60. Decision as corrected on p. 21 of this Official Journal.

4

(5)  
  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

5

(6)  
  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 19.8.2006, p. 3).

6

(7)  
  OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, p. 5.

7

(8)  
  OJ 317, 3.12.2001, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision 2006/548/EC, Euratom (OJ L 215, 5.8.2006, p. 38).

8

(9)  
  OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36.

9

(10)  
  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

10

(11)  
  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

11

(12)  
  OJ L 75, 22.3.2005, p. 67.

12

(13)  
  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

13

---

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/21

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/970/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011)

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 460 of 30 December 2006
  )

Decision 2006/870/Euratom should read as follows:

COUNCIL DECISION

of 18 December 2006

Concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011)

(2006/970/EURATOM)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 7 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2),

Whereas:

| (1) | Joint national and European efforts in the area of research and training are essential to promote and ensure economic growth and citizen's wellbeing in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Joint national and European efforts in the area of research and training are essential to promote and ensure economic growth and citizen's wellbeing in Europe.

| (2) | The Seventh Framework Programme should complement other EU actions in the area of the research policy that are necessary for the implementation of the Lisbon strategy, in particular those on education, training, competitiveness and innovation, industry, employment, and environment. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Seventh Framework Programme should complement other EU actions in the area of the research policy that are necessary for the implementation of the Lisbon strategy, in particular those on education, training, competitiveness and innovation, industry, employment, and environment.

| (3) | The Seventh Framework Programme builds on the achievements of its predecessor towards the creation of the European Research Area and carries them further towards the development of the knowledge economy and society in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Seventh Framework Programme builds on the achievements of its predecessor towards the creation of the European Research Area and carries them further towards the development of the knowledge economy and society in Europe.

| (4) | The Commission Green Paper ‘Towards a European strategy for energy supply’ highlights the contribution of nuclear power to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and to reducing Europe's dependence on imported energy. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Commission Green Paper ‘Towards a European strategy for energy supply’ highlights the contribution of nuclear power to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and to reducing Europe's dependence on imported energy.

| (5) | On 24 August 2005, the Commission submitted the conclusions of an external assessment of the implementation and results of the Community activities in this field carried out in the five years preceding that assessment, accompanied by its observations. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

On 24 August 2005, the Commission submitted the conclusions of an external assessment of the implementation and results of the Community activities in this field carried out in the five years preceding that assessment, accompanied by its observations.

| (6) | With reference to the Council Decision of 26 November 2004 amending the directives of negotiations on International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the realisation of ITER in Europe, within a broader approach to fusion energy, should be the central feature of the activities on fusion research carried out under the Seventh Framework Programme. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

With reference to the Council Decision of 26 November 2004 amending the directives of negotiations on International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the realisation of ITER in Europe, within a broader approach to fusion energy, should be the central feature of the activities on fusion research carried out under the Seventh Framework Programme.

| (7) | Implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme may give rise to the setting up of joint undertakings within the meaning of Articles 45 to 51 of the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme may give rise to the setting up of joint undertakings within the meaning of Articles 45 to 51 of the Treaty.

| (8) | Research activities supported by the Seventh Framework Programme should comply with fundamental ethical principles, including those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies are and will be taken into account. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Research activities supported by the Seventh Framework Programme should comply with fundamental ethical principles, including those reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies are and will be taken into account.

| (9) | This Decision establishes, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial envelope which constitutes the prime reference within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (3), for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

This Decision establishes, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial envelope which constitutes the prime reference within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (3), for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure.

| (10) | It is important to ensure sound financial management of the Seventh Framework Programme and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, as well as ease of access for all participants. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

It is important to ensure sound financial management of the Seventh Framework Programme and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, as well as ease of access for all participants.

| (11) | Under the Seventh Framework Programme, due regard should be paid to the role of women in science and research with a view to further enhancing their active role in research. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Under the Seventh Framework Programme, due regard should be paid to the role of women in science and research with a view to further enhancing their active role in research.

| (12) | The Joint Research Centre (JRC) should contribute to providing customer-driven scientific and technological support for the formulation, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies. In this regard, it is useful that the JRC continues to function as an independent reference centre of science and technology in the EU in the areas of its specific competence. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) should contribute to providing customer-driven scientific and technological support for the formulation, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies. In this regard, it is useful that the JRC continues to function as an independent reference centre of science and technology in the EU in the areas of its specific competence.

| (13) | The international and global dimension in European research activities is important in the interest of obtaining mutual benefits. The Seventh Framework Programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and should also be open, on the project level and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and that of international organisations for scientific cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The international and global dimension in European research activities is important in the interest of obtaining mutual benefits. The Seventh Framework Programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and should also be open, on the project level and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and that of international organisations for scientific cooperation.

| (14) | The Seventh Framework Programme should contribute to the enlargement of the European Union by bringing scientific and technological support to the candidate countries for the implementation of Community acquis and for their integration into the European Research Area. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The Seventh Framework Programme should contribute to the enlargement of the European Union by bringing scientific and technological support to the candidate countries for the implementation of Community acquis and for their integration into the European Research Area.

| (15) | Appropriate measures should also be taken to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (4), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (5) and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (6). |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Appropriate measures should also be taken to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (4), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (5) and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (6).

| (16) | The Scientific and Technical Committee has been consulted by the Commission and has delivered its opinion, |
| --- | --- |

(16)

The Scientific and Technical Committee has been consulted by the Commission and has delivered its opinion,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Adoption of the Seventh Framework Programme

A multiannual framework programme for nuclear research and training activities, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Seventh Framework Programme’, is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011.

Article 2

Objectives

1.   The Seventh Framework Programme shall pursue the general objectives set out in Article 1 and Article 2(a) of the Treaty, while contributing towards the creation of a knowledge-based society, building on the European Research Area.

2.   The Seventh Framework Programme shall comprise Community research, technological development, international cooperation, dissemination of technical information and exploitation activities as well as training, to be set out in two specific programmes.

The first specific programme shall cover the following:

| (a) | fusion energy research, with the objective of developing the technology for a safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible and economically viable energy source; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

fusion energy research, with the objective of developing the technology for a safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible and economically viable energy source;

| (b) | nuclear fission and radiation protection, with the objective of enhancing in particular the safety performance, resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear fission and other uses of radiation in industry and medicine. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

nuclear fission and radiation protection, with the objective of enhancing in particular the safety performance, resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear fission and other uses of radiation in industry and medicine.

The second specific programme shall cover the activities of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in the field of nuclear energy.

3.   The broad lines of the specific programmes are described in Annex I.

Article 3

Maximum overall amount and shares assigned to each programme

1.   The maximum overall amount for the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme for the period 2007 to 2011 shall be EUR 2 751 million. That amount shall be distributed as follows (in EUR million):

| Fusion energy research (7) | 1 947 |
| --- | --- |
| Nuclear fission and radiation protection | 287 |
| Nuclear activities of the JRC | 517 |

Fusion energy research (7)

1 947

Nuclear fission and radiation protection

287

Nuclear activities of the JRC

517

2.   The detailed rules for Community financial participation in the Seventh Framework Programme are set out in Annex II.

Article 4

Protection of the Communities' financial interests

For Community actions financed under this Decision, Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 and (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 shall apply to any infringement of a provision of Community law, including infringement of a contractual obligation stipulated on the basis of the Seventh Framework Programme, resulting from an act or omission by an economic operator, which has, or would have, the effect of prejudicing the general budget of the European Union or budgets managed by it, by an unjustified item of expenditure.

Article 5

Fundamental ethical principles

All the research activities carried out under the Seventh Framework Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

Article 6

Monitoring, assessment and review

1.   The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme and its specific programmes and regularly report and disseminate the results of this monitoring.

2.   Not later than 2010, the Commission shall carry out, with the assistance of external experts, an evidence-based interim evaluation of the Seventh Framework Programme and its specific programmes building upon the ex post evaluation of the Sixth Framework Programme. This evaluation shall cover the quality of the research activities taking place, as well as the quality of implementation and management, and the progress towards the objectives set.

3.   Following the completion of the Seventh Framework Programme, the Commission shall cause to be carried out an external evaluation by independent experts of its rationale, implementation and achievements.

The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

Article 7

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 18 December 2006.

For the Council

The President

J.-E. ENESTAM

ANNEX I

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, THEMES AND ACTIVITIES

INTRODUCTION

The Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities is organised in two parts corresponding to the ‘indirect’ actions on fusion energy research and nuclear fission and radiation protection, and the ‘direct’ research activities of the JRC.

I.A.   FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH

Objective

Developing the knowledge base for, and realising ITER as the major step towards, the creation of prototype reactors for power stations which are safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible, and economically viable.

Rationale

There are serious shortcomings in Europe's energy supply with respect to short, medium, and long-term considerations. In particular, measures are needed to address the issues of security of supply, climate change, and sustainable development, while ensuring that future economic growth is not threatened.

In addition to the efforts which the EU is making in the field of research into renewable energies, fusion has the potential to make a major contribution to the realisation of a sustainable and secure energy supply for the EU a few decades from now after the market penetration of commercial fusion reactors. Its successful development would provide energy which is safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly. The long-term goal of European fusion research, embracing all the fusion activities in the Member States and associated third countries, is the joint creation, in approximately 30 or 35 years and subject to technological and scientific progress, of prototype reactors for power stations which meet these requirements, and are economically viable.

The strategy to achieve the long-term goal entails, as its first priority, the construction of ITER (a major experimental facility which will demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power), followed by the construction of DEMO, a ‘demonstration’ fusion power station. This will be accompanied by a dynamic programme of supporting R&D for ITER and for the developments in fusion materials, technologies and physics required for DEMO. This would involve European industry, the fusion associations and third countries, in particular parties to the ITER Agreement.

Activities

1.   The realisation of ITER

This includes activities for the joint realisation of ITER (as an international research infrastructure), in particular for site preparation, establishing the ITER Organisation and the European Joint Undertaking for ITER, management and staffing, general technical and administrative support, construction of equipment and installations and support for the project during construction.

2.   R&D in preparation of ITER operation

A focused physics and technology programme will exploit the relevant facilities and resources in the fusion programme, i.e. JET and other magnetic confinement devices, existing, future or those under construction (Tokamaks, Stellarators, RFPs). It will assess specific key ITER technologies, consolidate ITER project choices, and prepare for ITER operation through experimental and theoretical activities.

3.   Technology activities in preparation of DEMO

This entails the vigorous development of fusion materials and key technologies for fusion, including blankets, and the establishment of a dedicated project team to prepare for the construction of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) to qualify materials for DEMO. It will include irradiation testing and modelling of materials, studies of the DEMO conceptual design, and studies of the safety, environmental and socio-economic aspects of fusion energy.

4.   R&D activities for the longer term

The activities will include further development of improved concepts for magnetic confinement schemes with potential advantages for fusion power stations (focussed on the completion of the construction of the W7-X stellarator device), theory and modelling aimed at a comprehensive understanding of the behaviour of fusion plasmas and coordination, in the context of a keep-in-touch activity, of Member States' civil research activities on inertial confinement.

5.   Human resources, education and training

In view of the immediate and medium term needs of ITER, and for the further development of fusion, initiatives aimed at ensuring that adequate human resources will be available, in terms of numbers, range of skills and high-level training and experience will be pursued, in particular in relation to the physics and engineering of fusion.

6.   Infrastructures

The construction of the international fusion energy research project ITER will be an element of the new research infrastructures with a strong European dimension.

7.   Technology transfer processes

ITER will require new and more flexible organisational structures to enable the process of innovation and technological progress which it creates to be swiftly transferred to industry, so that the challenges can be met to enable European industry to become more competitive.

I.B.   NUCLEAR FISSION AND RADIATION PROTECTION

Objective

Establishing a sound scientific and technical basis in order to accelerate practical developments for the safer management of long-lived radioactive waste, enhancing in particular the safety performance, resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy and ensuring a robust and socially acceptable system of protection of man and the environment against the effects of ionising radiation.

Rationale

Nuclear power currently generates one third of all electricity consumed in the EU and, as the most significant source of base-load electricity that, during the operation of a nuclear power plant, does not emit CO2, constitutes an important element in the debate on the means of combating climate change and reducing Europe's dependence on imported energy. The European nuclear sector as a whole is typified by cutting-edge technology and provides highly skilled employment for several hundred thousand people. More advanced nuclear technology could offer the prospect of significant improvements in efficiency and use of resources, at the same time ensuring even higher safety standards and producing less waste than current designs.

There are, however, important concerns that affect the continued use of this energy source in the EU. Efforts are still required to ensure a continuation of the Community's outstanding safety record and the improvement of radiation protection continues to be a priority area. The key issues are operational reactor safety and management of long-lived waste, both of which are being addressed through continued work at the technical level, though allied political and societal inputs are also required. In all uses of radiation, throughout industry and medicine alike, the overriding principle is the protection of man and the environment. All thematic domains to be addressed here are characterised by an overriding concern to ensure high levels of safety. Similarly there are clearly identifiable needs throughout nuclear science and engineering relating to availability of research infrastructures and expertise. In addition, the individual technical areas are linked by key cross-cutting topics such as the nuclear fuel cycle, actinide chemistry, risk analysis and safety assessment and even societal and governance issues.

Research will also be needed to explore new scientific and technological opportunities and to respond in a flexible way to new policy needs that arise during the course of the Seventh Framework Programme.

Activities

1.   Management of radioactive waste

Implementation-oriented research and development activities on all remaining key aspects of deep geological disposal of spent fuel and long-lived radioactive waste and, as appropriate, demonstration of the technologies and safety, and to underpin the development of a common European view on the main issues related to the management and disposal of waste. Research on partitioning and transmutation and/or other concepts aimed at reducing the amount and/or hazard of the waste for disposal.

2.   Reactor systems

Research to underpin the continued safe operation of all relevant types of existing reactor systems (including fuel cycle facilities), taking into account new challenges such as life-time extension and development of new advanced safety assessment methodologies (both the technical and human element) including as regards severe accidents, and to assess the potential, the safety and waste-management aspects of future reactor systems, in the short and medium term, thereby maintaining the high safety standards already achieved within the EU and considerably improving the long-term management of radioactive waste.

3.   Radiation protection

Research, in particular on the risks from low doses, on medical uses and on the management of accidents, to provide a scientific basis for a robust, equitable and socially acceptable system of protection that will not unduly limit the beneficial and widespread uses of radiation in medicine and industry. Research to minimise the impact of nuclear and radiological terrorism and diversion of nuclear material.

4.   Infrastructures

Supporting the availability of, and cooperation between, research infrastructures such as material test facilities, underground research laboratories, radiobiology facilities and tissue banks, necessary to maintain high standards of technical achievement, innovation and safety in the European nuclear sector.

5.   Human resources, mobility and training

Supporting the retention and further development of scientific competence and human capacity (for instance through joint training activities) in order to guarantee the availability of suitably qualified researchers, engineers and employees in the nuclear sector over the longer term.

II.   NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES OF THE JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE (JRC)

Objective

To provide customer driven scientific and technical support to the Community policy-making process in the nuclear field, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies while flexibly responding to new policy demands.

Rationale

The JRC supports the objectives of the European strategy for energy supply, in particular that of meeting the Kyoto objectives. The Community has a recognised competence in many aspects of nuclear technology, and this is built on a solid basis of past successes in the domain. The usefulness of the JRC in its support to Community policies and in its contribution to the new trends in nuclear research are based on its scientific expertise and its integration in the international scientific community and on cooperation with other research centres as well as dissemination of knowledge. The JRC has competent staff and state-of-the-art facilities to carry out recognised scientific and technical work, aiming at keeping European research at the forefront through the quality of its scientific and technical work. The JRC supports the policy of the Community to maintain basic competences and expertise for the future by giving access to its infrastructures to other researchers and by training young scientists and fostering their mobility, thus sustaining nuclear know-how in Europe. New demand has emerged in particular in the external relations and security-related policies. In these cases, in-house and secure information, analyses and systems are needed which cannot always be obtained on the market.

The nuclear activities of the JRC aim to satisfy the R&D requirements to support both Commission and Member States. The objective of this programme is to develop and assemble knowledge and to provide input to the debate on nuclear energy production, its safety and reliability, its sustainability and control, its threats and challenges, including the assessment of innovative and future systems.

Activities

The JRC activities will focus on:

| 1. | nuclear waste management and environmental impact, aiming to understand the nuclear fuel processes from production of energy to waste disposal and to develop effective solutions for the management of high level nuclear waste following the two major options (direct disposal or partitioning and transmutation). Activities will also be developed to enhance knowledge and improve the processing or conditioning of long-lived waste and basic research into actinides; |
| --- | --- |

1.

nuclear waste management and environmental impact, aiming to understand the nuclear fuel processes from production of energy to waste disposal and to develop effective solutions for the management of high level nuclear waste following the two major options (direct disposal or partitioning and transmutation). Activities will also be developed to enhance knowledge and improve the processing or conditioning of long-lived waste and basic research into actinides;

| 2. | nuclear safety, in implementing research on existing as well as on new fuel cycles and on reactor safety of both western and Russian reactor types as well as on new reactor design. In addition the JRC will contribute to, and coordinate, the European contribution to the Generation IV International Forum R&D initiative, in which the best research organisations in the world are involved. The JRC should act as integrator of research in this area with the aim of ensuring the quality of the European contribution to GIF. The JRC will contribute exclusively to those areas that can improve safety and safeguard aspects of innovative fuel cycles, in particular characterisation, test and analysis of new fuels; the development of safety and quality goals, safety requirements and advanced evaluation methods for systems; |
| --- | --- |

2.

nuclear safety, in implementing research on existing as well as on new fuel cycles and on reactor safety of both western and Russian reactor types as well as on new reactor design. In addition the JRC will contribute to, and coordinate, the European contribution to the Generation IV International Forum R&D initiative, in which the best research organisations in the world are involved. The JRC should act as integrator of research in this area with the aim of ensuring the quality of the European contribution to GIF. The JRC will contribute exclusively to those areas that can improve safety and safeguard aspects of innovative fuel cycles, in particular characterisation, test and analysis of new fuels; the development of safety and quality goals, safety requirements and advanced evaluation methods for systems;

| 3. | nuclear security, in supporting the accomplishment of Community commitments, in particular the control of the fuel cycle facilities emphasising the back-end of the fuel cycle, the monitoring of the radioactivity in the environment, or the implementation of the additional protocol and the integrated safeguards, and the prevention of the diversion of nuclear and radioactive material associated with illicit trafficking in such material. |
| --- | --- |

3.

nuclear security, in supporting the accomplishment of Community commitments, in particular the control of the fuel cycle facilities emphasising the back-end of the fuel cycle, the monitoring of the radioactivity in the environment, or the implementation of the additional protocol and the integrated safeguards, and the prevention of the diversion of nuclear and radioactive material associated with illicit trafficking in such material.

In addition, the JRC will facilitate fact-based debate and informed decision-making on the energy mix appropriate to meet the European energy needs (including renewable sources of energy and nuclear power).

ANNEX II

FUNDING SCHEMES

Subject to the rules for participation established for the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme, the Community will support research and technological development activities, including demonstration activities in the specific programmes, through a range of funding schemes. These schemes will be used, either alone or in combination, to fund different categories of actions implemented throughout the Seventh Framework Programme.

1.   FUNDING SCHEMES IN FUSION ENERGY

In the field of fusion energy research, the particular nature of the activities in the area necessitates the implementation of specific arrangements. Financial support will be given to activities carried out on the basis of procedures set out in:

| 1.1. | the Contracts of Association, between the Commission and Member States or fully associated third countries or entities within Member States or fully associated third countries which provide for the execution of part of the Community fusion energy research programme according to Article 10 of the Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

1.1.

the Contracts of Association, between the Commission and Member States or fully associated third countries or entities within Member States or fully associated third countries which provide for the execution of part of the Community fusion energy research programme according to Article 10 of the Treaty;

| 1.2. | the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA), a multilateral agreement concluded between the Commission and organisations in, or acting for, Member States and associated third countries providing, inter alia, the framework for further research on fusion technology in associated organisations and in industry, use of the JET facilities and the European contribution to international cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

1.2.

the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA), a multilateral agreement concluded between the Commission and organisations in, or acting for, Member States and associated third countries providing, inter alia, the framework for further research on fusion technology in associated organisations and in industry, use of the JET facilities and the European contribution to international cooperation;

| 1.3. | the European Joint Undertaking for ITER, based on Articles 45 to 51 of the Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

1.3.

the European Joint Undertaking for ITER, based on Articles 45 to 51 of the Treaty;

| 1.4. | international agreements between Euratom and third countries covering activities in the field of fusion energy research and development, in particular the ITER Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

1.4.

international agreements between Euratom and third countries covering activities in the field of fusion energy research and development, in particular the ITER Agreement;

| 1.5. | any other multilateral agreement concluded between the Community and associated organisations, in particular the Agreement on Staff Mobility; |
| --- | --- |

1.5.

any other multilateral agreement concluded between the Community and associated organisations, in particular the Agreement on Staff Mobility;

| 1.6. | cost-sharing actions to promote and contribute to fusion energy research with bodies in the Member States or the third countries associated with the Seventh Framework Programme in which there is no Contract of Association. |
| --- | --- |

1.6.

cost-sharing actions to promote and contribute to fusion energy research with bodies in the Member States or the third countries associated with the Seventh Framework Programme in which there is no Contract of Association.

In addition to the above activities, actions to promote and develop human resources, fellowships, integrated infrastructure initiatives as well as specific support actions may be undertaken in particular to coordinate fusion energy research, to undertake studies in support of these activities and to support publications, information exchange, and training in order to promote technology transfer.

2.   FUNDING SCHEMES IN OTHER FIELDS

The activities in fields other than fusion energy under the Seventh Framework Programme will be funded through a range of funding schemes. These schemes will be used, either alone or in combination, to fund different categories of actions implemented throughout the Seventh Framework Programme.

The decisions for specific programmes, work programmes and calls for proposals will mention, as and when appropriate:

| — | the type(s) of scheme(s) used to fund different categories of actions, |
| --- | --- |

—

the type(s) of scheme(s) used to fund different categories of actions,

| — | the categories of participants (such as research organisations, universities, industry, public authorities) which can benefit from them, |
| --- | --- |

—

the categories of participants (such as research organisations, universities, industry, public authorities) which can benefit from them,

| — | the types of activities (research, development, demonstration, training, dissemination, transfer of knowledge and other related activities) which can be funded through each of them. |
| --- | --- |

—

the types of activities (research, development, demonstration, training, dissemination, transfer of knowledge and other related activities) which can be funded through each of them.

Where different funding schemes can be used, the work programmes may specify the funding scheme to be used for the topic on which proposals are invited.

The funding schemes are the following:

| (a) | To support actions which are primarily implemented on the basis of calls for proposals:






  1. | Collaborative projects

  Support to research projects carried out by consortia with participants from different countries, aiming at developing new knowledge, new technology, products or common resources for research. The size, scope and internal organisation of projects can vary from field to field and from topic to topic. Projects can range from small or medium-scale focused research actions to larger integrating projects which mobilise a significant volume of resources for achieving a defined objective. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

To support actions which are primarily implemented on the basis of calls for proposals:

1.

Collaborative projects

Support to research projects carried out by consortia with participants from different countries, aiming at developing new knowledge, new technology, products or common resources for research. The size, scope and internal organisation of projects can vary from field to field and from topic to topic. Projects can range from small or medium-scale focused research actions to larger integrating projects which mobilise a significant volume of resources for achieving a defined objective.

| 2. | Networks of excellence

  Support to joint research programmes implemented by a number of research organisations integrating their activities in a given field, carried out by research teams in the framework of longer-term cooperation. The implementation of these joint research programmes will require a formal commitment from the organisations integrating part of their resources and their activities. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Networks of excellence

Support to joint research programmes implemented by a number of research organisations integrating their activities in a given field, carried out by research teams in the framework of longer-term cooperation. The implementation of these joint research programmes will require a formal commitment from the organisations integrating part of their resources and their activities.

| 3. | Coordination and support actions

  Support to activities aimed at coordinating or supporting research (networking, exchanges, studies, conferences, etc). These actions may also be implemented by means other than calls for proposals. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Coordination and support actions

Support to activities aimed at coordinating or supporting research (networking, exchanges, studies, conferences, etc). These actions may also be implemented by means other than calls for proposals.

| 4. | Actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility

  Support for training and career development of researchers. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Actions to promote and develop human resources and mobility

Support for training and career development of researchers.

| (b) | To support actions implemented on the basis of decisions by the Council, based on a proposal from the Commission, the Community will provide financial support to multi-financed large-scale initiatives by the means of the following contributions:






  — | a financial contribution to the implementation of joint undertakings carried out on the basis of the procedures and provisions set out in Articles 45 to 51 of the Treaty, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

To support actions implemented on the basis of decisions by the Council, based on a proposal from the Commission, the Community will provide financial support to multi-financed large-scale initiatives by the means of the following contributions:

—

a financial contribution to the implementation of joint undertakings carried out on the basis of the procedures and provisions set out in Articles 45 to 51 of the Treaty,

| — | a financial contribution to the development of new infrastructures of European interest. |
| --- | --- |

—

a financial contribution to the development of new infrastructures of European interest.

The Community will implement the funding schemes in compliance with the provisions of the Regulation to be adopted for the rules for participation of undertakings, research centres and universities, the relevant State aid instruments, in particular the Community framework for State aid to research and development, as well as international rules in this area. In compliance with this international framework, it will be necessary to be able to adjust the scale and form of financial participation on a case-by-case basis, in particular if funding from other public sector sources is available, including other sources of Community financing such as the European Investment Bank (EIB).

In the case of participants to an indirect action established in a region lagging in development (convergence regions (8) and outermost regions), complementary funding from the Structural Funds will be mobilised wherever possible and appropriate.

3.   DIRECT ACTIONS — JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE

The Community will undertake activities implemented by the JRC, which are referred to as direct actions.

---

(1)  Opinion delivered on 15 June 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  
  OJ C 65, 17.3.2006, p. 9.

2

(3)  
  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

4

(5)  
  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

5

(6)  
  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 8.

6

(7)  Within the amount foreseen for fusion energy research, at least EUR 900 million will be reserved to activities other than the construction of ITER, listed in Annex I.

7

(8)  Convergence regions are defined in Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 of 11 July 2006 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 25). This includes regions eligible for funding from the Structural Funds under the Convergence objective and regions eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fund.

8

---

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/30 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/30

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/971/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme ‘Cooperation’ implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 400 of 30 December 2006
  )

Decision 2006/971/EC should read as follows:

COUNCIL DECISION

of 19 December 2006

concerning the specific programme ‘Cooperation’ implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/971/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 166(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2),

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary.

| (2) | The Framework Programme is structured in four types of activities: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (Cooperation), investigator-driven research based on the initiative of the research community (Ideas), support of training and career development of researchers (People), and support of research capacities (Capacities). Activities under ‘Cooperation’ as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this specific programme. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Framework Programme is structured in four types of activities: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (Cooperation), investigator-driven research based on the initiative of the research community (Ideas), support of training and career development of researchers (People), and support of research capacities (Capacities). Activities under ‘Cooperation’ as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this specific programme.

| (3) | The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred to as the rules for participation and dissemination) should apply to this specific programme. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred to as the rules for participation and dissemination) should apply to this specific programme.

| (4) | The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment.

| (5) | Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should be complementary to those undertaken under the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation which will contribute to closing the gap between research and innovation, and promote all forms of innovation. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should be complementary to those undertaken under the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation which will contribute to closing the gap between research and innovation, and promote all forms of innovation.

| (6) | Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty.

| (7) | This specific programme should provide a contribution to the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the constitution of a ‘risk-sharing finance facility’ in order to improve access to EIB loans. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

This specific programme should provide a contribution to the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the constitution of a ‘risk-sharing finance facility’ in order to improve access to EIB loans.

| (8) | Appropriate involvement of SMEs through concrete measures and specific actions for their benefit should be supported under this specific programme, in complementarity with other Community programmes. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Appropriate involvement of SMEs through concrete measures and specific actions for their benefit should be supported under this specific programme, in complementarity with other Community programmes.

| (9) | As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this specific programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect and should also be open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this specific programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect and should also be open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation.

| (10) | Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

| (11) | The implementation of the Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The implementation of the Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development.

| (12) | Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments.

| (13) | Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8). |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8).

| (14) | Since the measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially management measures, they should therefore be adopted by the management procedure provided for in Article 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (9). On the other hand, research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 4 of this Decision. Moreover, RTD actions involving research under the ‘Security’ theme represent a new and very sensitive area, in particular with regard to potential threats and security incidents. Therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Since the measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially management measures, they should therefore be adopted by the management procedure provided for in Article 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (9). On the other hand, research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 4 of this Decision. Moreover, RTD actions involving research under the ‘Security’ theme represent a new and very sensitive area, in particular with regard to potential threats and security incidents. Therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC.

| (15) | Each thematic area should have its own budget line in the general budget of the European Communities. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Each thematic area should have its own budget line in the general budget of the European Communities.

| (16) | In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (10) offers a reference framework, while respecting its voluntary nature, |
| --- | --- |

(16)

In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (10) offers a reference framework, while respecting its voluntary nature,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The specific programme ‘Cooperation’ for Community activities in the area of research and technological development, including demonstration activities, hereinafter the ‘specific programme’, is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.

Article 2

The specific programme shall support the activities for cooperation supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas:

| (a) | Health; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Health;

| (b) | Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Biotechnology; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Biotechnology;

| (c) | Information and communication technologies; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

Information and communication technologies;

| (d) | Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies;

| (e) | Energy; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

Energy;

| (f) | Environment (including climate change); |
| --- | --- |

(f)

Environment (including climate change);

| (g) | Transport (including Aeronautics); |
| --- | --- |

(g)

Transport (including Aeronautics);

| (h) | Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities;

| (i) | Space; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

Space;

| (j) | Security. |
| --- | --- |

(j)

Security.

Implementation of this specific programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty.

The objectives and the broad lines of these activities are set out in Annex I.

Article 3

In accordance with Annex II of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme shall be EUR 32 413 million, of which less than 6 % shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II.

Article 4

1.   All the research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

2.   The following fields of research shall not be financed under this programme:

| — | research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes, |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes,

| — | research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (11),

| — | research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer. |
| --- | --- |

—

research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer.

3.   Research on human stem cells, both adult and embryonic, may be financed, depending both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

Any application for financing for research on human embryonic stem cells shall include, as appropriate, details of licensing and control measures that will be taken by the competent authorities of the Member States as well as details of the ethical approval(s) that will be provided.

As regards the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, institutions, organisations and researchers shall be subject to strict licensing and control in accordance with the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

4.   The fields of research set out above shall be reviewed for the second phase of this programme (2010 to 2013) in the light of scientific advances.

Article 5

1.   The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the funding schemes established in Annex III to the Framework Programme.

2.   Annex III to this specific programme sets out the arrangements for a grant to the EIB for the establishment of a risk-sharing finance facility.

3.   Annex IV sets out an indicative list of possible joint technology initiatives that could be the subject of separate decisions and an indicative list of initiatives for the possible joint implementation of national research programmes that could be the subject of a separate decision on the basis of Article 169 of the Treaty.

4.   The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to this specific programme.

Article 6

1.   The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of this specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities set out in Annex I, the funding scheme to be used for the topic on which proposals are invited, and the timetable for implementation.

2.   The work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations, and the achievement of European added-value as well the impact on industrial competitiveness and the relevance for other Community policies. It shall be updated where appropriate.

3.   Proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects shall be selected considering the criteria set out in Article 15(1a) of the rules for participation and dissemination.

4.   The work programme may identify:

| (a) | organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee;

| (b) | support actions for the activities of specific legal entities. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

support actions for the activities of specific legal entities.

Article 7

1.   The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme.

2.   The management procedure laid down in Article 8(2) shall apply for the adoption of the following measures:

| (a) | the work programme referred to in Article 6 including the funding schemes to be used, the content of the calls for proposals as well as the evaluation and selection criteria to be applied; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the work programme referred to in Article 6 including the funding schemes to be used, the content of the calls for proposals as well as the evaluation and selection criteria to be applied;

| (b) | any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex II; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex II;

| (c) | the approval of the funding of actions under the thematic areas (a) — (g) and (i) referred to in Article 2, where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 1,5 million; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the approval of the funding of actions under the thematic areas (a) — (g) and (i) referred to in Article 2, where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 1,5 million;

| (d) | the approval of the funding of actions, other than those referred to in point (c) of this paragraph and the thematic area (j) referred to in Article 2, where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 0,6 million; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the approval of the funding of actions, other than those referred to in point (c) of this paragraph and the thematic area (j) referred to in Article 2, where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 0,6 million;

| (e) | the drawing up of the terms of reference for the evaluations provided for in Articles 7(2) and 7(3) of the Framework Programme. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

the drawing up of the terms of reference for the evaluations provided for in Articles 7(2) and 7(3) of the Framework Programme.

3.   The regulatory procedure laid down in Article 8(3) shall apply for the adoption of the following measures:

| (a) | the work programme regarding the thematic area referred to in point (j) of Article 2, and the approval of the funding of actions under that thematic area; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the work programme regarding the thematic area referred to in point (j) of Article 2, and the approval of the funding of actions under that thematic area;

| (b) | the approval of the funding of actions involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the approval of the funding of actions involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells.

Article 8

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee.

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.

3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down for in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.

4.   The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, and shall provide it with timely information on all RTD actions proposed or funded under this programme as specified in Annex V.

5.   The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

Article 9

The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring, assessment and review provided for in Article 7 of the Framework Programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

Article 10

This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 11

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006.

For the Council

The President

J. KORKEAOJA

ANNEX I

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, BROAD LINES OF THE THEMES AND ACTIVITIES

In this specific programme, support will be provided for trans-national cooperation at every scale across the European Union and beyond, in a number of thematic areas corresponding to major fields of the progress of knowledge and technology, where research must be supported and strengthened to address European social, economic, public health, environmental and industrial challenges.

The overarching aim is to contribute to sustainable development within the context of promoting research, the primary purpose of which is to increase knowledge, at the highest level of excellence.

The ten themes determined for Community action are the following:

| (1) | Health; |
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(1)

Health;

| (2) | Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Biotechnology; |
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(2)

Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Biotechnology;

| (3) | Information and communication technologies; |
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(3)

Information and communication technologies;

| (4) | Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; |
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(4)

Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies;

| (5) | Energy; |
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(5)

Energy;

| (6) | Environment (including climate change); |
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(6)

Environment (including climate change);

| (7) | Transport (including Aeronautics); |
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(7)

Transport (including Aeronautics);

| (8) | Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities; |
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(8)

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities;

| (9) | Space; |
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(9)

Space;

| (10) | Security. |
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(10)

Security.

Each theme is described in terms of the objective, the approach to implementation, and the activities including those involving large-scale initiatives (as set out indicatively in Annex IV), international cooperation, emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs.

The principle of sustainable development will be duly taken into account. According to the European policy of equal opportunities between women and men, set out in Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty, the activities of the specific programme will ensure the implementation of appropriate measures to promote gender equality and the participation of women researchers. Furthermore, considerations of the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of the research to be undertaken and its potential applications, as well as socio-economic impacts of scientific and technological development and foresight, will where relevant form a part of the activities under this specific programme.

Pluridisciplinary and cross-thematic research, including joint calls

Special attention will be paid to priority scientific and technological areas which cut across themes, such as marine sciences and technologies. Pluridisciplinarity will be encouraged by joint cross-thematic approaches to research and technology subjects relevant to more than one theme. Such cross-thematic approaches will be implemented, among others, through:

| — | the use of joint calls between themes where a research topic is clearly relevant to the activities under each of the respective themes, |
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the use of joint calls between themes where a research topic is clearly relevant to the activities under each of the respective themes,

| — | the special emphasis within the ‘emerging needs’ activity for cross-disciplinary research, |
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the special emphasis within the ‘emerging needs’ activity for cross-disciplinary research,

| — | the use of external advice, including from researchers, from a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds for establishing the work programme, |
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the use of external advice, including from researchers, from a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds for establishing the work programme,

| — | regular reporting on cross-thematic research areas as part of the overall monitoring, assessment and review of the programme, |
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regular reporting on cross-thematic research areas as part of the overall monitoring, assessment and review of the programme,

| — | for policy-relevant research, ensuring coherence with Community policies. |
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for policy-relevant research, ensuring coherence with Community policies.

Coordination between the themes in this specific programme and the actions under other specific programmes of the Seventh Framework Programme, such as those on research infrastructures in the ‘Capacities’ specific programme, will be ensured by the European Commission (12).

Adaptation to evolving needs and opportunities

The continued industrial relevance of the themes, and the continued participation of industry in them, will be ensured by relying, among other sources, on the work of the various ‘European technology platforms’. This specific programme, together with the contributions made by industry, will thereby contribute to the implementation of relevant Strategic Research Agendas such as those established and developed by the European technology platforms where these present genuine European added value. The broad research needs identified in available Strategic Research Agendas are already well reflected across the ten themes. European technology platforms, with possible participation of regional research-driven clusters, can play a role to facilitate and organise the participation of industry, including SMEs, in research projects relating to their specific field, including projects eligible for funding under the Framework Programme. The more detailed incorporation of their technical content will be reflected subsequently when formulating the detailed work programme for specific calls for proposals.

The continued relevance of the themes to the formulation, implementation and assessment of Community policies and regulations will also be ensured. This concerns policy areas such as those of health, safety, consumer protection, energy, the environment, development aid, fisheries, maritime affairs, agriculture, animal health and welfare, transport, education and training, information society and media, employment, social affairs, cohesion, and the establishment of an area for freedom, security and justice, along with pre-normative and co-normative research relevant to improving interoperability and the quality of standards and their implementation. In this context, platforms that bring together stakeholders with the research community to consider strategic research agendas relevant to social, environmental or other policy areas may play a role.

Under each theme, besides the activities defined, specific actions to respond to ‘emerging needs’ and ‘unforeseen policy needs’ will be implemented in an open and flexible way. The implementation of these actions will ensure a simple, coherent and coordinated approach throughout the specific programme and the funding of cross-disciplinary research cutting across or lying outside the themes.

| — | Future and emerging technologies: through specific support for research proposals aiming at identifying or further exploring new scientific and technological opportunities in a given field and/or in their combination with other relevant areas and disciplines through specific support for spontaneous research proposals, including by joint calls; to nurture novel ideas and radically new uses and to explore new options in research roadmaps in particular linked with a potential for significant breakthroughs; adequate coordination with the activities carried out under the ‘Ideas’ programme will be guaranteed in order to avoid overlap and ensure an optimum use of funding. This will be implemented through:






  — | open, ‘bottom up’ research on topics identified by researchers themselves to develop new scientific and technological opportunities (Adventure actions) or to assess new discoveries or newly-observed phenomena which could indicate risks or problems to society (Insight actions), |
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—

Future and emerging technologies: through specific support for research proposals aiming at identifying or further exploring new scientific and technological opportunities in a given field and/or in their combination with other relevant areas and disciplines through specific support for spontaneous research proposals, including by joint calls; to nurture novel ideas and radically new uses and to explore new options in research roadmaps in particular linked with a potential for significant breakthroughs; adequate coordination with the activities carried out under the ‘Ideas’ programme will be guaranteed in order to avoid overlap and ensure an optimum use of funding. This will be implemented through:

—

open, ‘bottom up’ research on topics identified by researchers themselves to develop new scientific and technological opportunities (Adventure actions) or to assess new discoveries or newly-observed phenomena which could indicate risks or problems to society (Insight actions),

| — | initiatives focused on specific, highly challenging objectives in emerging scientific and technological fields that promise major advances and a large potential impact on economic and social developments, and may involve groups of complementary projects (Pathfinder actions). |
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initiatives focused on specific, highly challenging objectives in emerging scientific and technological fields that promise major advances and a large potential impact on economic and social developments, and may involve groups of complementary projects (Pathfinder actions).

| — | Unforeseen policy needs: to respond in a flexible way to new policy needs that arise during the course of the Framework Programme, such as unforeseen developments or events requiring a quick reaction like new epidemics, emerging concerns in food safety, natural disaster responses or actions of solidarity. This will be implemented in close relationship with the relevant Community policies. The annual work programme may be altered in the event of urgent research needs. |
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Unforeseen policy needs: to respond in a flexible way to new policy needs that arise during the course of the Framework Programme, such as unforeseen developments or events requiring a quick reaction like new epidemics, emerging concerns in food safety, natural disaster responses or actions of solidarity. This will be implemented in close relationship with the relevant Community policies. The annual work programme may be altered in the event of urgent research needs.

Dissemination, knowledge transfer and broader engagement

The dissemination and transfer of knowledge is a key added-value of European research actions and measures will be taken to increase the use and impact of results by industry, policymakers and society. Dissemination will be considered an integral task under all thematic areas with appropriate restrictions for the security theme due to the confidentiality aspects of the activities, including through the funding of networking/brokerage initiatives, seminars and events, assistance by external experts and electronic information services. This will be implemented in each thematic area by means of:

| — | integration of dissemination and knowledge transfer actions within projects and consortia, through suitable provisions in the financing schemes and reporting requirements, |
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integration of dissemination and knowledge transfer actions within projects and consortia, through suitable provisions in the financing schemes and reporting requirements,

| — | offering targeted assistance to projects and consortia to provide them with access to the necessary skills to optimise the use of results, |
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offering targeted assistance to projects and consortia to provide them with access to the necessary skills to optimise the use of results,

| — | specific dissemination actions which take a proactive approach to disseminating results from across a range of projects, including those from previous Framework Programmes and other research programmes, and which target specific sectors or sets of stakeholders, with special emphasis on potential users, |
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specific dissemination actions which take a proactive approach to disseminating results from across a range of projects, including those from previous Framework Programmes and other research programmes, and which target specific sectors or sets of stakeholders, with special emphasis on potential users,

| — | dissemination to policymakers, including standardisation bodies, to facilitate the use of policy relevant results by the appropriate bodies at international, European, national or regional levels, |
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dissemination to policymakers, including standardisation bodies, to facilitate the use of policy relevant results by the appropriate bodies at international, European, national or regional levels,

| — | Cordis services to foster the dissemination of knowledge in a user-friendly way and the exploitation of research results, |
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Cordis services to foster the dissemination of knowledge in a user-friendly way and the exploitation of research results,

| — | initiatives to foster dialogue and debate on scientific issues and research results with a broader public beyond the research community, including civil society organisation. |
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initiatives to foster dialogue and debate on scientific issues and research results with a broader public beyond the research community, including civil society organisation.

Coordination of dissemination and knowledge transfer across the Framework Programme will be ensured. Complementary and synergies between this programme and other Community programmes will be ensured, in particular in the field of education with the aim of promoting careers in research. Actions to support innovation will be implemented by the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme.

SME participation

The optimal participation of small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will be facilitated across the thematic areas, in particular by improved financial and administrative procedures, and more flexibility in choosing the appropriate financial scheme. Furthermore, the research needs and potential of SMEs are duly taken into account in developing the content of the thematic areas of this specific programme, and areas which are of particular interest to SMEs will be identified in the work programme. Concrete measures, including support actions to facilitate SME participation, will be taken throughout the programme in the framework of a strategy to be developed under each theme. These strategies will be accompanied by quantitative and qualitative monitoring against the objectives set. The aim will be to enable at least 15 % of the funding available under this programme to go to SMEs.

Specific actions to support research for the benefit of SMEs or SME associations are included in the ‘Capacities’ specific programme, and actions to promote SME participation across the Framework Programme will be funded under the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme.

Ethical aspects

During the implementation of this specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, the principles reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: protection of human dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well as animals and the environment in accordance with Community law and the latest versions of relevant international conventions, guidelines and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its Additional Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration on the human genome and human rights adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions.

Account will also be taken of the Opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology (1991 to 1997) and the Opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (as from 1998).

In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of approaches existing in Europe, participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in the countries where the research will be carried out. At all events, national provisions apply and no research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will be supported by Community funding to be carried out in that Member State or country.

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review will also be implemented systematically by the Commission for proposals dealing with ethically sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately addressed. In specific cases an ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project.

No funding will be granted for research activities that are prohibited in all the Member States.

The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty requires the Community to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Community policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (13) requires that all experiments:

| — | be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental animals, |
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be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental animals,

| — | use the minimum number of animals, |
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use the minimum number of animals,

| — | involve animals with the lowest degree of neurophysiological sensitivity, and |
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involve animals with the lowest degree of neurophysiological sensitivity, and

| — | cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. |
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cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm.

Altering the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only if the aims are ethically justified and the conditions are such that the animals' welfare is guaranteed and the principles of biodiversity are respected.

During the implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of any developments.

Research on ethics related to scientific and technological developments will be carried out in the ‘Science in society’ part of the ‘Capacities’ specific programme.

Collaborative research

Collaborative research will constitute the bulk and the core of Community research funding. The objective is to establish, in the major fields of advancement of knowledge, excellent research projects and networks able to attract researchers and investments from Europe and the entire world, strengthening the European industrial and technological base and supporting Community policies.

This will be achieved by supporting collaborative research, which will include the active participation of industry, through the range of funding schemes: collaborative projects, networks of excellence, and coordination/support actions.

Joint technology initiatives

In a very limited number of cases, the scope of a RTD objective and the scale of the resources involved justify setting up long-term public private partnerships in the form of joint technology initiatives. These initiatives, mainly resulting from the work of European technology platforms and covering one or a small number of selected aspects of research in their field, will combine private sector investment and national and European public funding, including grant funding from the Research Framework Programme and loan finance from the European Investment Bank. Each Joint Technology Initiative will be decided individually, either on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty (this may include the creation of a joint undertaking) or on the basis of a modification of this specific programme in accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty.

Joint technology initiatives are identified in an open and transparent way on the basis of a series of criteria including:

| — | inability of existing instruments to achieve the objective, |
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inability of existing instruments to achieve the objective,

| — | scale of the impact on industrial competitiveness and growth, |
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scale of the impact on industrial competitiveness and growth,

| — | added-value of European-level intervention, |
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added-value of European-level intervention,

| — | the degree and clarity of definition of the objective and deliverables to be pursued, |
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the degree and clarity of definition of the objective and deliverables to be pursued,

| — | strength of the financial and resource commitment from industry, |
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strength of the financial and resource commitment from industry,

| — | importance of the contribution to broader policy objectives including benefit to society, |
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importance of the contribution to broader policy objectives including benefit to society,

| — | capacity to attract additional national support and leverage current or future industry funding. |
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capacity to attract additional national support and leverage current or future industry funding.

The nature of the joint technology initiatives must be clearly defined, in particular with regard to matters concerning:

| — | financial commitments; |
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financial commitments;

| — | duration of the commitment of the participants; |
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duration of the commitment of the participants;

| — | rules for entering and exiting the contract; |
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rules for entering and exiting the contract;

| — | intellectual property rights. |
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intellectual property rights.

Considering the particular scope and complexity of the joint technology initiatives, strong efforts will be made to ensure their transparent operation and that any allocation of Community funding by the joint technology initiatives will take place on the basis of the Framework Programme principles of excellence and competition.

Particular attention will be paid to the overall coherence and coordination between joint technology initiatives and national programmes and projects in the same fields (14), while respecting their existing implementation procedures, as well as to ensuring that the participation in their projects is open to a wide range of participants throughout Europe, and in particular SMEs.

An indicative list of joint technology initiatives is identified in Annex IV. Further joint technology initiatives may be identified on the basis of the above criteria and be proposed during the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme.

Coordination of non-Community research programmes

The action undertaken in this field will make use of two main tools: the ERA-NET scheme and the participation of the Community in jointly implemented national research programmes (Treaty Article 169). The action will also be used to enhance the complementarity and synergy between the Framework Programme and activities carried out in the framework of intergovernmental structures such as Eureka, EIROforum and COST. Financial support for the administration and coordination activities of COST will be provided so that COST can continue to contribute to coordination and exchanges between nationally funded research teams.

Where the actions are within the scope of one of the themes, they will be supported as an integral part of the activities under that theme. Where the actions are of a horizontal nature or not directly linked to the ten themes, they will be supported jointly across all of the relevant themes (15).

Where the actions are within the scope of another specific programme implementing the Seventh Framework Programme, they will be supported under that specific programme.

The ERA-NET scheme will develop and strengthen the coordination of national and regional research activities by:

| — | providing a framework for actors implementing public research programmes to step up the coordination of their activities. This will include support for new ERA-NETs as well as for the broadening and deepening of the scope of existing ERA-NETs, e.g. by extending their partnership, as well as mutually opening their programmes. Where appropriate, ERA-NETs could be applied for programme coordination between European regions and between Member States to enable their cooperation with large-scale initiatives, |
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providing a framework for actors implementing public research programmes to step up the coordination of their activities. This will include support for new ERA-NETs as well as for the broadening and deepening of the scope of existing ERA-NETs, e.g. by extending their partnership, as well as mutually opening their programmes. Where appropriate, ERA-NETs could be applied for programme coordination between European regions and between Member States to enable their cooperation with large-scale initiatives,

| — | in a limited number of cases, providing additional Community financial support for those participants that pool resources for the purpose of joint calls for proposals between their respective national and regional programmes (ERA-NET PLUS). |
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in a limited number of cases, providing additional Community financial support for those participants that pool resources for the purpose of joint calls for proposals between their respective national and regional programmes (ERA-NET PLUS).

The participation of the Community in national research programmes jointly implemented on the basis of Article 169 is especially relevant to European cooperation on a large scale in ‘variable geometry’ between Member States sharing common needs and/or interests. In well identified cases, such Article 169 initiatives will be launched in areas identified in close association with the Member States, including the possible cooperation with intergovernmental programmes, on the basis of the criteria defined in the Seventh Framework Programme decision.

An indicative list of initiatives for the joint implementation of national research programmes is identified in the description in Annex IV and could be the subject of a separate decision on the basis of Article 169 of the Treaty. Further initiatives may be identified and proposed during the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme.

International cooperation

International cooperation actions, showing European added-value and being of mutual interest, will support an international Science and Technology policy that has two interdependent objectives:

| — | to support and promote European competitiveness through strategic research partnerships with third countries including highly industrialised and emerging economies in science and technology by engaging the best third country scientists to work in and with Europe, |
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to support and promote European competitiveness through strategic research partnerships with third countries including highly industrialised and emerging economies in science and technology by engaging the best third country scientists to work in and with Europe,

| — | to address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit. |
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to address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit.

The international scientific cooperation policy of the Community will stress and develop cooperation to generate, share and use knowledge through equitable research partnerships taking into account the international, country, regional and socioeconomic context and knowledge base of partner countries. The strategic approach is to enhance EU competitiveness and global sustainable development through such partnerships between the EU and third countries at bilateral, regional and global levels based on mutual interest and benefit. To this end the EU's role as a global player should be also promoted through multilateral international research programmes. The international cooperation actions supported will be connected to mainstream policy issues in order to support fulfilling international commitments of the EU and contribute to sharing European values, competitiveness, socioeconomic progress, environmental protection and welfare under the umbrella of global sustainable development.

International cooperation will be implemented in this specific programme in each thematic area and across themes through:

| — | An enhanced participation of researchers and research institutions from all International Cooperation Partner countries and industrialised countries (16) in the thematic areas, with appropriate restrictions for the security theme for all third countries other than associated countries due to the confidentiality aspects. In addition, there will be a particular emphasis to encourage third country participation in identified areas of mutual interest. |
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An enhanced participation of researchers and research institutions from all International Cooperation Partner countries and industrialised countries (16) in the thematic areas, with appropriate restrictions for the security theme for all third countries other than associated countries due to the confidentiality aspects. In addition, there will be a particular emphasis to encourage third country participation in identified areas of mutual interest.

| — | Specific cooperation actions in each thematic area dedicated to third countries in the case of mutual interest in cooperating on particular topics to be selected on the basis of their scientific and technological level and needs. The identification of specific needs and priorities will be closely associated with relevant bilateral cooperation agreements and with ongoing multilateral and bi-regional dialogues between the EU and these countries or groups of countries. Priorities will be identified based on the particular needs, potential and level of economic development in the region or country. |
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Specific cooperation actions in each thematic area dedicated to third countries in the case of mutual interest in cooperating on particular topics to be selected on the basis of their scientific and technological level and needs. The identification of specific needs and priorities will be closely associated with relevant bilateral cooperation agreements and with ongoing multilateral and bi-regional dialogues between the EU and these countries or groups of countries. Priorities will be identified based on the particular needs, potential and level of economic development in the region or country.

To this end, an international cooperation strategy and implementation plan will be developed with specific targeted actions within or across the themes, e.g. in health, agriculture, sanitation, water, food security, social cohesion, energy, environment, fisheries, aquaculture and natural resources, sustainable economic policy and information and communication technologies.

These actions will serve as privileged tools for implementing the cooperation between the Community and these countries. Such actions are, in particular, actions aiming at reinforcing the research capacities and cooperative capacities of candidate, neighbourhood, and developing and emerging countries. The actions will be the subject of targeted calls and particular attention will be paid to facilitating access of the relevant third countries, notably developing countries, to the actions.

These activities will be implemented in coordination with international cooperation actions under the ‘People’ and the ‘Capacities’ specific programmes. An overall strategy for International Cooperation within the Framework Programme will underpin this activity.

THEMES

1.   HEALTH

Objective

Improving the health of European citizens and increasing the competitiveness and boosting the innovative capacity of European health-related industries and businesses, while addressing global health issues including emerging epidemics. Emphasis will be put on translational research (translation of basic discoveries in clinical applications including scientific validation of experimental results), the development and validation of new therapies, methods for health promotion and prevention including promotion of child health, healthy ageing, diagnostic tools and medical technologies, as well as sustainable and efficient healthcare systems.

Approach

This research will advance our understanding on how to promote good health more efficiently, to reduce the health differences across Europe, to prevent and treat major diseases and to deliver healthcare. Basic bio-medical research will be an integral part of this theme; multidisciplinary approaches are of particular importance in the health theme.

This research will help integrate the vast amount of genomics, epidemiological, biological and biotechnology data and develop key technologies for health-related industries with a view to developing knowledge and capacity for intervention. It will foster translational health research, which is essential to ensure practical benefits including the improvement of life quality from bio-medical research. It will allow Europe to contribute more effectively to international efforts combating diseases of global importance, as illustrated by the ongoing programme on ‘European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership’ (EDCTP) for combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (Article 169) (17). It will reinforce health policy-driven research at the European level and especially the comparisons of the models, systems and data of national databases. The networking of relevant databases is particularly important in this respect.

This research will help improve the competitiveness of European healthcare biotechnology and medical technology sectors, where SMEs are the main economic drivers, and pharmaceutical industries. It may include support for the European Technology Platform (18) on Innovative Medicines, aiming at overcoming the research bottlenecks in the drug development process. Special attention will be given to bridging the gap between research activities and exploitation by providing support for demonstrating proof of concept and clinical validation. This research will also contribute to the development of norms and standards for new advanced therapies (e.g. regenerative medicine) needed to help EU industry face worldwide competition. Global leadership in European research and innovation in the field of alternative testing strategies, in particular non-animal methods, should be ensured.

Gender aspects in research will be considered and integrated in the projects (19) whenever appropriate. Special attention will be given to communicating research outcomes and engaging in dialogue with civil society, in particular with patient groups, at the earliest possible stage, of new developments arising from bio-medical and genetics research. A wide dissemination and use of the results will also be assured.

The strategic issues, child health (20) and the health of the ageing population will receive specific attention and will have to be taken into account whenever appropriate across all activities in this theme, with priorities highlighted in the work programme. Other multi-disciplinary areas will also be included. This will ensure a visible and coherent approach to these issues across the Theme, whilst avoiding duplication.

Ethical, legal and socio-economic issues will be taken into account within each of the following activities (21).

Activities

Biotechnology, generic tools and medical technologies for human health

This activity aims at developing and validating the necessary tools and technologies that will make possible the production of new knowledge and its translation into practical applications in the area of health and medicine.

| — | High-throughput research: to catalyse progress in developing new research tools for modern biology including fundamental genomics that will enhance significantly data generation and improve data and specimen (bio-banks) standardisation, acquisition and analysis. The focus will be on new technologies for: sequencing; gene expression, genotyping and phenotyping; structural and functional genomics; bio-informatics and systems biology; other ‘omics’. |
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High-throughput research: to catalyse progress in developing new research tools for modern biology including fundamental genomics that will enhance significantly data generation and improve data and specimen (bio-banks) standardisation, acquisition and analysis. The focus will be on new technologies for: sequencing; gene expression, genotyping and phenotyping; structural and functional genomics; bio-informatics and systems biology; other ‘omics’.

| — | Detection, diagnosis and monitoring: to develop visualisation, imaging, detection and analytical tools and technologies for bio-medical research, for prediction, diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of diseases, and for support and guidance of therapeutic interventions. The focus will be on a multidisciplinary approach integrating areas such as: molecular and cellular biology, physiology, genetics, physics, chemistry, bio-medical engineering including nano-technologies, microsystems, devices and information technologies. Non- or minimally-invasive and quantitative methods and quality assurance aspects will be emphasised. |
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Detection, diagnosis and monitoring: to develop visualisation, imaging, detection and analytical tools and technologies for bio-medical research, for prediction, diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of diseases, and for support and guidance of therapeutic interventions. The focus will be on a multidisciplinary approach integrating areas such as: molecular and cellular biology, physiology, genetics, physics, chemistry, bio-medical engineering including nano-technologies, microsystems, devices and information technologies. Non- or minimally-invasive and quantitative methods and quality assurance aspects will be emphasised.

| — | Predicting suitability, safety and efficacy of therapies: to develop and validate the parameters, tools, methods and standards needed for bringing to the patient safe and effective new or improved bio-medicines (22). The focus will be on approaches such as pharmacogenomics, developing and validating biological markers, targeting and delivery approaches, in silico, in vitro (including alternatives to animal testing) and in vivo methods and models (23). |
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Predicting suitability, safety and efficacy of therapies: to develop and validate the parameters, tools, methods and standards needed for bringing to the patient safe and effective new or improved bio-medicines (22). The focus will be on approaches such as pharmacogenomics, developing and validating biological markers, targeting and delivery approaches, in silico, in vitro (including alternatives to animal testing) and in vivo methods and models (23).

| — | Innovative therapeutic approaches and interventions: to research, consolidate and ensure further developments in advanced therapies and technologies with broad potential application. The focus will be on gene and cell therapy, regenerative medicine, transplantation, immunotherapy and vaccines, and other medicines. Related technologies, such as advanced targeted delivery systems, advanced implants and prosthetics, and non- or minimally-invasive technology-assisted interventions will also be addressed. |
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Innovative therapeutic approaches and interventions: to research, consolidate and ensure further developments in advanced therapies and technologies with broad potential application. The focus will be on gene and cell therapy, regenerative medicine, transplantation, immunotherapy and vaccines, and other medicines. Related technologies, such as advanced targeted delivery systems, advanced implants and prosthetics, and non- or minimally-invasive technology-assisted interventions will also be addressed.

Translating research for human health

This activity aims to increase knowledge of biological processes and mechanisms involved in normal health and in specific disease situations, to transpose this knowledge into clinical applications including disease control and treatment, and to ensure that clinical (including epidemiological) data guide further research.

| — | Integrating biological data and processes: large-scale data gathering, systems biology.






  — | Large-scale data gathering: to use high-throughput technologies to generate data for elucidating the function of genes and gene products and their interactions in complex networks in important biological processes. The focus will be on: genomics; proteomics, ‘RNA-omics’; population genetics; comparative, structural and functional genomics. |
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Integrating biological data and processes: large-scale data gathering, systems biology.

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Large-scale data gathering: to use high-throughput technologies to generate data for elucidating the function of genes and gene products and their interactions in complex networks in important biological processes. The focus will be on: genomics; proteomics, ‘RNA-omics’; population genetics; comparative, structural and functional genomics.

| — | Systems biology: the focus will be on multidisciplinary research that will integrate a wide variety of biological data and will develop and apply system approaches to understand and model biological processes in all relevant organisms and at all levels of organisation. |
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Systems biology: the focus will be on multidisciplinary research that will integrate a wide variety of biological data and will develop and apply system approaches to understand and model biological processes in all relevant organisms and at all levels of organisation.

| — | Research on the brain and related diseases, human development and ageing.






  — | Brain and brain-related diseases: to better understand the integrated structure and dynamics of the brain, and to study brain diseases including relevant age-related illness (e.g. dementia, Parkinson's disease) and search for new therapies. The focus will be on gaining a global understanding of the brain by exploring brain functions, from molecules to cognition including neuroinformatics, and brain dysfunction, from synoptic impairment to neurodegeneration. Research will address neurological and psychiatric diseases and disorders, including regenerative and restorative therapeutic approaches. |
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Research on the brain and related diseases, human development and ageing.

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Brain and brain-related diseases: to better understand the integrated structure and dynamics of the brain, and to study brain diseases including relevant age-related illness (e.g. dementia, Parkinson's disease) and search for new therapies. The focus will be on gaining a global understanding of the brain by exploring brain functions, from molecules to cognition including neuroinformatics, and brain dysfunction, from synoptic impairment to neurodegeneration. Research will address neurological and psychiatric diseases and disorders, including regenerative and restorative therapeutic approaches.

| — | Human development and ageing: use of a wide variety of methodologies and tools to better understand the process of life-long development and healthy ageing. The focus will be on the study of human and model systems, including interactions with factors such as environment, genetics, behaviour and gender. |
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Human development and ageing: use of a wide variety of methodologies and tools to better understand the process of life-long development and healthy ageing. The focus will be on the study of human and model systems, including interactions with factors such as environment, genetics, behaviour and gender.

| — | Translational research in major infectious diseases: to confront major threats to public health.






  — | Anti-microbial drug resistance including fungal pathogens: the focus will be on combining basic research on molecular mechanisms of resistance, microbial ecology and host-pathogen interactions with clinical research towards new interventions to reduce the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant infections. |
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Translational research in major infectious diseases: to confront major threats to public health.

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Anti-microbial drug resistance including fungal pathogens: the focus will be on combining basic research on molecular mechanisms of resistance, microbial ecology and host-pathogen interactions with clinical research towards new interventions to reduce the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant infections.

| — | HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis: the focus will be on developing new therapies, diagnostic tools, preventive tools such as vaccines and chemical transmission barriers such as HIV microbicides. Research efforts will confront the three diseases at global level, but will also address specific European aspects of the three diseases as well as Hepatitis. Preclinical and early clinical research activities will be emphasised, and where relevant (e.g. for HIV/AIDS vaccines) collaboration with global initiatives is foreseen. |
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HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis: the focus will be on developing new therapies, diagnostic tools, preventive tools such as vaccines and chemical transmission barriers such as HIV microbicides. Research efforts will confront the three diseases at global level, but will also address specific European aspects of the three diseases as well as Hepatitis. Preclinical and early clinical research activities will be emphasised, and where relevant (e.g. for HIV/AIDS vaccines) collaboration with global initiatives is foreseen.

| — | Potentially new and re-emerging epidemics: the focus will be on confronting emerging pathogens with pandemic potential including zoonoses (e.g. SARS and highly pathogenic influenza). Where appropriate, provisions will be made for rapidly initiating collaborative research aimed at expediting development of new diagnostics, drugs and vaccines for efficient prevention, treatment, and control of infectious disease emergencies. |
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Potentially new and re-emerging epidemics: the focus will be on confronting emerging pathogens with pandemic potential including zoonoses (e.g. SARS and highly pathogenic influenza). Where appropriate, provisions will be made for rapidly initiating collaborative research aimed at expediting development of new diagnostics, drugs and vaccines for efficient prevention, treatment, and control of infectious disease emergencies.

| — | Translational research in other major diseases (24)







  — | Cancer: the focus will be on disease aetiology, new medicines and therapies; identifying and validating drug targets and biological markers that aid in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment; and assessing the effectiveness of preventive prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. |
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Translational research in other major diseases (24)

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Cancer: the focus will be on disease aetiology, new medicines and therapies; identifying and validating drug targets and biological markers that aid in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment; and assessing the effectiveness of preventive prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

| — | Cardiovascular disease: the focus will be on diagnosis, prevention, treatment and monitoring of heart and blood vessel diseases (including vascular aspects of stroke) using broad multidisciplinary approaches. |
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Cardiovascular disease: the focus will be on diagnosis, prevention, treatment and monitoring of heart and blood vessel diseases (including vascular aspects of stroke) using broad multidisciplinary approaches.

| — | Diabetes and obesity: for the former, the focus will be on aetiologies of the different types of diabetes, and their related prevention and treatment. For the latter, the focus will be on multidisciplinary approaches including genetics, life style and epidemiology. For both diabetes and obesity, special attention will be given to juvenile diseases and factors operating in childhood. |
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Diabetes and obesity: for the former, the focus will be on aetiologies of the different types of diabetes, and their related prevention and treatment. For the latter, the focus will be on multidisciplinary approaches including genetics, life style and epidemiology. For both diabetes and obesity, special attention will be given to juvenile diseases and factors operating in childhood.

| — | Rare diseases: the focus will be on Europe-wide studies of natural history, pathophysiology and on development of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This sector will include rare Mendelian phenotypes of common diseases. |
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Rare diseases: the focus will be on Europe-wide studies of natural history, pathophysiology and on development of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This sector will include rare Mendelian phenotypes of common diseases.

| — | Other chronic diseases: the focus will be on non-lethal diseases with a high impact on the quality of life at old age such as functional and sensory impairment and other chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, rheumatic and musculo-skeletal diseases and respiratory diseases including those induced by allergies). |
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Other chronic diseases: the focus will be on non-lethal diseases with a high impact on the quality of life at old age such as functional and sensory impairment and other chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, rheumatic and musculo-skeletal diseases and respiratory diseases including those induced by allergies).

Optimising the delivery of healthcare to European citizens

This activity aims at providing the necessary basis both for informed policy decisions on health systems and for more effective and efficient evidence-based strategies of health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis and therapy.

| — | Translating the results of clinical research outcome into clinical practice including better use of medicines, and appropriate use of behavioural and organisational interventions and new health therapies and technologies. Special attention will be given to patient safety including adverse effects of medication: to identify the best clinical practice; to understand decision making in clinical settings in primary and specialised care; and to foster applications of evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment. Focus will be on the benchmarking of strategies; investigating outcomes of different interventions including medicines, scientifically tested complementary and alternative medicines, and new health therapies and technologies, taking into consideration prescription strategies, some aspects of pharmacovigilance evidence, specificities of the patient (e.g. genetic susceptibility, age, gender and adherence) and cost benefits. |
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Translating the results of clinical research outcome into clinical practice including better use of medicines, and appropriate use of behavioural and organisational interventions and new health therapies and technologies. Special attention will be given to patient safety including adverse effects of medication: to identify the best clinical practice; to understand decision making in clinical settings in primary and specialised care; and to foster applications of evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment. Focus will be on the benchmarking of strategies; investigating outcomes of different interventions including medicines, scientifically tested complementary and alternative medicines, and new health therapies and technologies, taking into consideration prescription strategies, some aspects of pharmacovigilance evidence, specificities of the patient (e.g. genetic susceptibility, age, gender and adherence) and cost benefits.

| — | Quality, efficiency and solidarity of healthcare systems including transitional health systems, to allow countries to learn from the experience of other health systems and their sustainability, taking into account the importance of national contexts and population characteristics (ageing, mobility, migration, education, socioeconomic status and the changing world of work, etc). Focus will be on organisational, financial and regulatory aspects of health systems (assessing the cost, efficiency and benefits of different interventions including as regards patient safety), their implementation and their outcomes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and equity (including disadvantaged groups). Special attention will be paid to investment issues and human resources including home care strategies. The question of independence, life quality and mobility of the ageing population will be covered. |
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Quality, efficiency and solidarity of healthcare systems including transitional health systems, to allow countries to learn from the experience of other health systems and their sustainability, taking into account the importance of national contexts and population characteristics (ageing, mobility, migration, education, socioeconomic status and the changing world of work, etc). Focus will be on organisational, financial and regulatory aspects of health systems (assessing the cost, efficiency and benefits of different interventions including as regards patient safety), their implementation and their outcomes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and equity (including disadvantaged groups). Special attention will be paid to investment issues and human resources including home care strategies. The question of independence, life quality and mobility of the ageing population will be covered.

| — | Enhanced health promotion and disease prevention: to provide evidence for the best public health measures in terms of life styles, work and living circumstances and interventions at different levels and in different contexts. Focus will be on the wider determinants of health and how they interact at both the individual and community level (e.g. diet, stress, tobacco, alcohol and other substances, physical activity, cultural context, socio-economic and environmental factors). In particular, mental health will be addressed in a life-course perspective. |
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Enhanced health promotion and disease prevention: to provide evidence for the best public health measures in terms of life styles, work and living circumstances and interventions at different levels and in different contexts. Focus will be on the wider determinants of health and how they interact at both the individual and community level (e.g. diet, stress, tobacco, alcohol and other substances, physical activity, cultural context, socio-economic and environmental factors). In particular, mental health will be addressed in a life-course perspective.

International cooperation

International cooperation is an integral part of the Theme and is of particular importance for areas addressing global health problems, such as anti-microbial resistance, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, neglected diseases and emerging pandemics. This may also involve priority setting in the context of international initiatives, such as the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise. Subject to the consolidation of a long-term sustainable partnership in clinical research between Europe and Developing countries and subject to the integration of national programmes or activities from participating countries, further support may be provided to the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) in response to its achievements and future needs (25). The EDCTP programme will remain focused on advanced clinical testing for the development of new vaccines, microbicides and drugs against the three diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. For this purpose, the work programme may foresee a Community contribution to the EDCTP-European Economic Interest Grouping for carrying out the programme to be agreed by the Commission, including the reallocation of the Community contribution.

Specific cooperation actions will be implemented in the areas formulated through bi-regional dialogues in third Countries/Regions and international fora, as well as within the context of Millennium Development Goals. Such priority areas adapted to local needs and through partnerships may include: health policy research, health systems and healthcare service research, maternal and child health, reproductive health, control and surveillance of neglected communicable diseases and emerging unforeseen policy needs in those regions.

An annual subscription to the international Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation (HFSPO) (26) will be made jointly with the ‘Information and communication technologies’ theme. This will allow EU non-G8 Member States to fully benefit from the Human Frontier Science Programme (HFSP) and provide increased visibility for European research.

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

Research on emerging needs will be implemented on the basis of ‘bottom up’ and ‘focused’ initiatives, in coordination with other Themes and this will include a broad and inter-disciplinary research portfolio. Support for unforeseen policy needs may address, for example living and work conditions, health impact assessment, risk assessment, statistical indicators, management and communication in the public health domain, as well as obligations under international health treaties including the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (27) and the International Health Regulations (28). This will complement the health policy-driven research supported above.

2.   FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Objective

Building a European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (29) by bringing together science, industry and other stakeholders, to exploit new and emerging research opportunities that address social, environmental and economic challenges: the growing demand for safer, healthier, higher quality food and for sustainable use and production of renewable bio-resources, the increasing risk of epizootic and zoonotic diseases and food related disorders; threats to the sustainability and security of agricultural, aquaculture and fisheries production; and the increasing demand for high quality food, taking into account animal welfare and rural and coastal context and response to specific dietary needs of consumers.

Approach

This theme will strengthen the knowledge base, deliver the innovations and provide policy support for building and developing a European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE). Research will focus on the sustainable management, production and use of biological resources, in particular through life sciences and biotechnology and the convergence with other technologies, to provide new, safer, affordable, eco-efficient and competitive products from European agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, feed, food (30), health, forest based and related industries. Research will make important contributions to the implementation and formulation of Community policies and regulations and specifically address or support: the common agricultural policy; agriculture and trade issues; safety aspects of GMOs; food safety regulations; Community plant health legislation; Community animal health policy, disease control and welfare standards; environment and biodiversity; European forestry strategy; and the common fisheries policy aiming to provide sustainable development of fishing and aquaculture and the safety of seafood products. Research will also seek to develop new and existing indicators supporting analysis, development and monitoring of these policies.

Recognising the multifunctional role of agriculture, research will support the role and opportunities for rural economies to deliver sustainable development objectives.

Agro-food industries, of which 90 % are SMEs, will particularly benefit from many research activities, including targeted dissemination and technology transfer activities, in particular as regards the integration and uptake of advanced eco-efficient technologies, methodologies and processes and the development of standards. High-tech start-ups from the bio-, nano- and ICT are expected to provide important contributions to the areas of plant breeding, improved crops and plant protection, advanced detection and monitoring technologies for ensuring food safety and quality, and new industrial bio-processes.

Several European technology platforms, covering the areas of plant genomics and biotechnology, forestry and forest based industries, global animal health, farm animal breeding, food, aquaculture and industrial biotechnology, can contribute in setting common research priorities for this theme, in identifying possible future large-scale initiatives such as demonstration projects, and help ensure broad participation and integration of all stakeholders. Actions to enhance the coordination of national research programmes will be pursued wherever appropriate, in close coordination with ERA-Net projects, technology platforms and other relevant actors, such as the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) or any future European maritime research coordination structure.

Consideration of the social, ethical, gender, legal, environmental, economic and wider cultural aspects and potential risks and impacts (foresight) of the scientific and technological development will form a part of the activities, where relevant.

Activities

Sustainable production and management of biological resources from land, forest, and aquatic environments (31)

| — | Enabling research on the key long-term drivers of sustainable production and management of biological resources (micro-organisms, plants and animals) including the exploitation of biodiversity and of novel bio-active molecules within these biological systems. Research will include ’omics’ technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and converging technologies, and their integration within systems biology approaches, as well as the development of basic tools and technologies, including bio-informatics and relevant databases, and methodologies for identifying varieties within species groups. |
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Enabling research on the key long-term drivers of sustainable production and management of biological resources (micro-organisms, plants and animals) including the exploitation of biodiversity and of novel bio-active molecules within these biological systems. Research will include ’omics’ technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and converging technologies, and their integration within systems biology approaches, as well as the development of basic tools and technologies, including bio-informatics and relevant databases, and methodologies for identifying varieties within species groups.

| — | Increased sustainability and competitiveness, while safeguarding consumer health, decreasing environmental impacts, and taking account of climate change, in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture through the development of new technologies, equipment, monitoring systems, novel plants and production systems, crop management through selected plant breeding, plant health and optimised production systems, the improvement of the scientific and technical basis of fisheries management, and a better understanding of the interaction between different systems (agriculture and forestry; fisheries and aquaculture) across a whole ecosystem approach. Research into maintenance of autochthonous ecosystems, development of bio-control agents, and micro-biological dimension of biodiversity and metagenomics will be undertaken.






  — | For land-based biological resources, special emphasis will be placed on low input (e.g. pesticides and fertilisers), and organic production systems, improved management of resources and novel food and feeds, and novel plants (crops and trees) with respect to their composition, resistance to stress, ecological effect, nutrient and water use efficiency, and architecture. This will be supported through research into bio-safety, co-existence and traceability of novel plants systems and products, and monitoring and assessment of impact of genetically modified crops on environment and human health as well as the possibility of their broader benefit for society. |
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Increased sustainability and competitiveness, while safeguarding consumer health, decreasing environmental impacts, and taking account of climate change, in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture through the development of new technologies, equipment, monitoring systems, novel plants and production systems, crop management through selected plant breeding, plant health and optimised production systems, the improvement of the scientific and technical basis of fisheries management, and a better understanding of the interaction between different systems (agriculture and forestry; fisheries and aquaculture) across a whole ecosystem approach. Research into maintenance of autochthonous ecosystems, development of bio-control agents, and micro-biological dimension of biodiversity and metagenomics will be undertaken.

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For land-based biological resources, special emphasis will be placed on low input (e.g. pesticides and fertilisers), and organic production systems, improved management of resources and novel food and feeds, and novel plants (crops and trees) with respect to their composition, resistance to stress, ecological effect, nutrient and water use efficiency, and architecture. This will be supported through research into bio-safety, co-existence and traceability of novel plants systems and products, and monitoring and assessment of impact of genetically modified crops on environment and human health as well as the possibility of their broader benefit for society.

| — | Plant health and crop protection will be improved through better understanding of ecology, biology of pests, diseases, weeds and other threats of phytosanitary relevance and support to controlling disease outbreaks and enhancing sustainable pest and weed management tools and techniques. Improved methods will be developed for monitoring, preservation and enhancement of soil fertility. |
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Plant health and crop protection will be improved through better understanding of ecology, biology of pests, diseases, weeds and other threats of phytosanitary relevance and support to controlling disease outbreaks and enhancing sustainable pest and weed management tools and techniques. Improved methods will be developed for monitoring, preservation and enhancement of soil fertility.

| — | For biological resources from aquatic environments, emphasis will be placed on essential biological functions, safe and environmentally friendly production systems and feeds of cultured species and on fisheries biology, dynamics of mixed fisheries, interactions between fisheries activities and the marine ecosystem and on fleet-based, regional and multiannual management systems. |
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For biological resources from aquatic environments, emphasis will be placed on essential biological functions, safe and environmentally friendly production systems and feeds of cultured species and on fisheries biology, dynamics of mixed fisheries, interactions between fisheries activities and the marine ecosystem and on fleet-based, regional and multiannual management systems.

| — | Optimised animal health, production and welfare, across agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, inter alia, through:






  — | the exploitation of genetic knowledge, new breeding methods, improved understanding of animal physiology and behaviour; and |
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Optimised animal health, production and welfare, across agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, inter alia, through:

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the exploitation of genetic knowledge, new breeding methods, improved understanding of animal physiology and behaviour; and

| — | the better understanding and control of pests, parasites and infectious animal diseases and other threats to the sustainability and security of food production, including zoonoses. |
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the better understanding and control of pests, parasites and infectious animal diseases and other threats to the sustainability and security of food production, including zoonoses.

The latter will also be addressed by developing tools for monitoring, prevention and control, by underpinning and applied research on vaccines and diagnostics, studying the ecology of known or emerging infectious agents and other threats, including malicious acts, and impacts of different farming systems and climate.

New knowledge for the safe disposal of animal waste and improved management of by-products will also be developed.

| — | Providing the tools needed by policymakers and other actors to support the implementation of relevant strategies, policies and legislation and in particular to support the building of the European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) and the needs of rural and coastal development. The common fisheries policy will be supported through the development of adaptive approaches supportive to a whole ecosystem approach for the harvesting of marine resources. Research for all policies, including the common agricultural policy, will include socioeconomic studies and cost-benefit analysis, comparative investigations of different farming systems including multifunctional ones, cost-effective fisheries management systems, the rearing of non-food animals, interactions with forestry and studies to improve rural and coastal livelihoods. |
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Providing the tools needed by policymakers and other actors to support the implementation of relevant strategies, policies and legislation and in particular to support the building of the European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) and the needs of rural and coastal development. The common fisheries policy will be supported through the development of adaptive approaches supportive to a whole ecosystem approach for the harvesting of marine resources. Research for all policies, including the common agricultural policy, will include socioeconomic studies and cost-benefit analysis, comparative investigations of different farming systems including multifunctional ones, cost-effective fisheries management systems, the rearing of non-food animals, interactions with forestry and studies to improve rural and coastal livelihoods.

Fork to farm: Food (including seafood), health and well being

| — | Understanding consumer behaviour and consumer preferences as a major factor in the competitiveness of the food industry and the impact of food on the health, and well-being of the European citizen. The focus will be on consumer perception and attitudes towards food, including traditional food, understanding societal and cultural trends, and identifying determinants of food choice and consumer access to food. The research will include the development of data bases on food and nutrition research. |
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Understanding consumer behaviour and consumer preferences as a major factor in the competitiveness of the food industry and the impact of food on the health, and well-being of the European citizen. The focus will be on consumer perception and attitudes towards food, including traditional food, understanding societal and cultural trends, and identifying determinants of food choice and consumer access to food. The research will include the development of data bases on food and nutrition research.

| — | Understanding beneficial and harmful dietary factors as well as the specific needs and habits of population groups as a major controllable factor in the development and reduction of occurrence of diet-related diseases and disorders including obesity and allergies. This will involve the investigation of new dietary strategies, the development and application of nutrigenomics and systems biology, and the study of the interactions between nutrition, physiological and psychological functions. It could lead to reformulation of processed foods, and development of novel foods and ingredients, dietetic foods and foods with nutritional and health claims. The investigation of traditional, local, and seasonal foods and diets will also be important to highlight the impact of certain foods and diets on health, and to develop integrated food guidance. |
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Understanding beneficial and harmful dietary factors as well as the specific needs and habits of population groups as a major controllable factor in the development and reduction of occurrence of diet-related diseases and disorders including obesity and allergies. This will involve the investigation of new dietary strategies, the development and application of nutrigenomics and systems biology, and the study of the interactions between nutrition, physiological and psychological functions. It could lead to reformulation of processed foods, and development of novel foods and ingredients, dietetic foods and foods with nutritional and health claims. The investigation of traditional, local, and seasonal foods and diets will also be important to highlight the impact of certain foods and diets on health, and to develop integrated food guidance.

| — | Optimising innovation in the European food industry through the integration of advanced technologies into traditional food production including fermented food, tailored process technologies to enhance the functionality, quality and nutritional value of food including organoleptic aspects in food production including new foodstuffs. Development and demonstration of high-tech, eco-efficient processing and packaging systems, smart control applications and more efficient valorisation and management of by-products, wastes, water and energy. New research will also develop sustainable and novel technologies for animal feed, including safe feed processing formulations, and for feed quality control. |
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Optimising innovation in the European food industry through the integration of advanced technologies into traditional food production including fermented food, tailored process technologies to enhance the functionality, quality and nutritional value of food including organoleptic aspects in food production including new foodstuffs. Development and demonstration of high-tech, eco-efficient processing and packaging systems, smart control applications and more efficient valorisation and management of by-products, wastes, water and energy. New research will also develop sustainable and novel technologies for animal feed, including safe feed processing formulations, and for feed quality control.

| — | Assuring chemical and micro-biological safety and improving quality in the European food supply. This will include understanding the links between microbial ecology and food safety; developing methods and models addressing the integrity of the food supply chains; new detection methods, traceability and its further development, technologies and tools for risk assessment, including emerging risks, management, and communication, as well as enhancing the understanding of risk perception. This will also include science based methods for risk benchmarking in the field of food safety. |
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Assuring chemical and micro-biological safety and improving quality in the European food supply. This will include understanding the links between microbial ecology and food safety; developing methods and models addressing the integrity of the food supply chains; new detection methods, traceability and its further development, technologies and tools for risk assessment, including emerging risks, management, and communication, as well as enhancing the understanding of risk perception. This will also include science based methods for risk benchmarking in the field of food safety.

| — | Protecting both human health and the environment through a better understanding of the environmental impacts on and of food/feed chains. This will involve study of food contaminants and health outcomes, monitoring of environmental effects, developing enhanced tools and methods for the assessment and management of impacts on, and resistance of, food and feed chains to global changes in particular to the environment. Assuring quality and the integrity of the food chain requires new models for commodity chain analysis and total food chain management concepts, including consumer aspects. |
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Protecting both human health and the environment through a better understanding of the environmental impacts on and of food/feed chains. This will involve study of food contaminants and health outcomes, monitoring of environmental effects, developing enhanced tools and methods for the assessment and management of impacts on, and resistance of, food and feed chains to global changes in particular to the environment. Assuring quality and the integrity of the food chain requires new models for commodity chain analysis and total food chain management concepts, including consumer aspects.

Life sciences, biotechnology and bio-chemistry for sustainable non-food products and processes

| — | Strengthening the knowledge base and developing advanced technologies for terrestrial or marine bio-mass production for applications in industrial processes and in energy production. This will include plant, animal and microbial genomics and metabolomics to improve the productivity and composition of raw materials and bio-mass feedstocks for optimised conversion to high added-value products including biological resources utilisable in pharmaceutical industry and medicine, while exploiting natural or enhanced terrestrial and aquatic organisms as novel sources. This will fully incorporate life cycle analysis of bio-mass production practices, transportation, and storage and market deployment of bio-products. |
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Strengthening the knowledge base and developing advanced technologies for terrestrial or marine bio-mass production for applications in industrial processes and in energy production. This will include plant, animal and microbial genomics and metabolomics to improve the productivity and composition of raw materials and bio-mass feedstocks for optimised conversion to high added-value products including biological resources utilisable in pharmaceutical industry and medicine, while exploiting natural or enhanced terrestrial and aquatic organisms as novel sources. This will fully incorporate life cycle analysis of bio-mass production practices, transportation, and storage and market deployment of bio-products.

| — | Addressing the application of industrial bio-technologies within whole crop and forest bio-mass chains to realise the full potential of the bio-refinery approach (e.g. green chemicals), including socioeconomic, agronomic, and ecological and consumer aspects. This will be enhanced by an increased understanding and control of plant and microbial metabolism at the cellular and sub-cellular level, and how this is integrated into whole system performance in the production of high value commodities deploying bio-processes with increased yield, quality and purity of conversion products, including bio-catalytic process design. |
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Addressing the application of industrial bio-technologies within whole crop and forest bio-mass chains to realise the full potential of the bio-refinery approach (e.g. green chemicals), including socioeconomic, agronomic, and ecological and consumer aspects. This will be enhanced by an increased understanding and control of plant and microbial metabolism at the cellular and sub-cellular level, and how this is integrated into whole system performance in the production of high value commodities deploying bio-processes with increased yield, quality and purity of conversion products, including bio-catalytic process design.

| — | Using or developing bio-technologies for novel and improved high quality, high added-value and renewable forest-based products and processes to increase sustainability of wood and wood production, including timber, renewable materials and bio-energy stocks. |
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Using or developing bio-technologies for novel and improved high quality, high added-value and renewable forest-based products and processes to increase sustainability of wood and wood production, including timber, renewable materials and bio-energy stocks.

| — | Addressing the potential of biotechnology to detect, monitor, prevent, treat and remove pollution. |
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Addressing the potential of biotechnology to detect, monitor, prevent, treat and remove pollution.

| — | Maximising the economic value of waste and by-products through new and potentially energy-saving bio-processes, alone or in combination with plant systems and/or chemical catalysts. |
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Maximising the economic value of waste and by-products through new and potentially energy-saving bio-processes, alone or in combination with plant systems and/or chemical catalysts.

International cooperation

International cooperation is a priority aspect for food, agriculture and biotechnology research and will be strongly encouraged throughout the entire area. Research of specific interest for developing countries and emerging economies will be supported, taking into account millennium development goals and already ongoing activities. Specific actions will be undertaken to foster cooperation with priority partner regions and countries — particularly those involved in bi-regional dialogues and bilateral S&T agreements as well as neighbourhood countries and emerging economies and developing countries.

Furthermore, multilateral cooperation will be carried out to address either challenges requiring broad international efforts, such as the dimension and complexity of systems biology in plants and micro-organisms, or to address global challenges and EU international commitments (security and safety of food and drinking water, global spread of animal diseases, equitable use of biodiversity, the restoration, in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, of world fisheries to Maximum Sustainable Yield by 2015 and the influence of/on climate change).

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

Research on emerging needs may address, for example, the development of new concepts and technologies, such as on crisis management systems and the integrity of the food chain.

A flexible response to unforeseen policy needs will take particular account of relevant policies for building a European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy.

3.   INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Objective

Improve the competitiveness of European industry and enable Europe to master and shape the future developments of Information and communication technologies (ICT) so that the demands of its society and economy are met. ICT is at the very core of the knowledge-based society. Activities will strengthen Europe's scientific and technology base and ensure its global leadership in ICT, help drive and stimulate product, service and process innovation and creativity through ICT use and ensure that ICT progress is rapidly transformed into benefits for Europe's citizens, businesses, industry and governments. These activities will also help reduce the digital divide and social exclusion.

Approach

Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a unique, proven role in fostering innovation, creativity and competitiveness of all industry and service sectors. They are essential for addressing key societal challenges and modernising public services and they underpin progress in all science and technology fields. Europe must therefore master and shape the future developments of ICT and ensure that ICT-based services and products are taken up and used to deliver the maximum possible benefits for citizens and businesses.

These are the targets of the Community's information society policy, as highlighted in the i2010 initiative, aiming at a competitive convergent information economy in Europe, a significant rise in European investment in ICT research and innovation and a very high level of accessibility in the information society.

New ICT technologies will open up many new opportunities for higher-value products and services, many of which are in areas where Europe already enjoys industrial and technological leadership. Partnering at European level is the optimal approach to ICT investment. ICT research activity based on ‘open source’ development model is proving its utility as a source of innovation and increasing collaboration. More than ever before, such efforts are needed to keep pace with soaring research costs in an era of global competition, and increasingly complex and interdependent technologies.

The ICT theme prioritises strategic research around key technology pillars, ensures end-to-end integration of technologies and provides the knowledge and the means to develop a wide range of innovative ICT applications. The activities will leverage industrial and technological advance in the ICT sector and improve the competitive edge of important ICT-intensive sectors — both through innovative high-value ICT-based products and services and from new or improved organisational processes in businesses and administrations alike. The theme will also support other policies of the Community, such as health and environmental protection, by mobilising ICT to meet public and societal demands, in particular demands of people with special needs including the ageing population and the disabled.

Activities will cover collaboration and networking actions and could support joint technology initiatives (32) and national programme coordination initiatives (33). The priorities of the activities will include topics relying, among other sources, on the work of European technology platforms. Thematic synergies will also be developed with related activities in other specific programmes.

The active participation of small and medium-sized enterprises and other small entities in the activities is essential given their role in promoting innovation. They play vital roles in the development and nurturing of new visions in ICT and their applications and in transforming them into business assets.

Activities

ICT technology pillars:

| — | Nano-electronics, photonics and integrated micro/nano-systems: process, device, design and testing technologies and methodologies to improve size, density, performance, energy efficiency, manufacturing and cost-effectiveness for components, systems-on-a-chip, systems-in-a-package and integrated systems; basic photonic components for wide range of applications including ultra fast components; radio frequency (RF) systems; high-performance/high-density data storage systems; very large area/highly integrated display solutions; sensing, actuating, vision and imaging devices; ultra low power systems, power components, alternative energy sources/storage; heterogeneous technologies/systems integration; smart systems; multi-functional integrated micro-nano-bio-info-systems; large-area electronics; integration in different materials/objects; interfacing with living organisms; (self-)assembly of molecules or atoms into stable structures. |
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Nano-electronics, photonics and integrated micro/nano-systems: process, device, design and testing technologies and methodologies to improve size, density, performance, energy efficiency, manufacturing and cost-effectiveness for components, systems-on-a-chip, systems-in-a-package and integrated systems; basic photonic components for wide range of applications including ultra fast components; radio frequency (RF) systems; high-performance/high-density data storage systems; very large area/highly integrated display solutions; sensing, actuating, vision and imaging devices; ultra low power systems, power components, alternative energy sources/storage; heterogeneous technologies/systems integration; smart systems; multi-functional integrated micro-nano-bio-info-systems; large-area electronics; integration in different materials/objects; interfacing with living organisms; (self-)assembly of molecules or atoms into stable structures.

| — | Ubiquitous and unlimited capacity communication networks: cost-effective, reconfigurable and flexible mobile and broadband network technologies, systems and architectures, including terrestrial and satellite networks and optical switching and other technologies for high speed end-to-end connectivity; convergence of different fixed, mobile, wireless and broadcasting networks and services spanning from the personal area to the regional and global area; interoperability of wired and wireless communications services and applications, management of networked resources, service reconfigurability; complex networking of ad hoc intelligent multimedia devices, sensors and microchips. |
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Ubiquitous and unlimited capacity communication networks: cost-effective, reconfigurable and flexible mobile and broadband network technologies, systems and architectures, including terrestrial and satellite networks and optical switching and other technologies for high speed end-to-end connectivity; convergence of different fixed, mobile, wireless and broadcasting networks and services spanning from the personal area to the regional and global area; interoperability of wired and wireless communications services and applications, management of networked resources, service reconfigurability; complex networking of ad hoc intelligent multimedia devices, sensors and microchips.

| — | Embedded systems, computing and control: more powerful, secure, distributed, reliable and efficient hardware/software systems that can perceive, control and adapt to their environment while optimising the use of resources; methods and tools for system modelling, analysis, design, engineering and validation to master complexity; open composable architectures and scale-free platforms, middleware and distributed operating systems to enable truly seamless collaborative and ambient intelligent environments for sensing, actuation, computing, communication, storage, and service delivery; computing architectures incorporating heterogeneous, networked and reconfigurable components including compilation, programming and run-time support, high performance systems and services; control of large-scale, distributed, uncertain systems. |
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Embedded systems, computing and control: more powerful, secure, distributed, reliable and efficient hardware/software systems that can perceive, control and adapt to their environment while optimising the use of resources; methods and tools for system modelling, analysis, design, engineering and validation to master complexity; open composable architectures and scale-free platforms, middleware and distributed operating systems to enable truly seamless collaborative and ambient intelligent environments for sensing, actuation, computing, communication, storage, and service delivery; computing architectures incorporating heterogeneous, networked and reconfigurable components including compilation, programming and run-time support, high performance systems and services; control of large-scale, distributed, uncertain systems.

| — | Software, grids, security and dependability: technologies, tools and methods for dynamic and trusted software, architectures and middleware systems that underpin knowledge-intensive services, including their provision as utilities; service-oriented, interoperable and scale-free infrastructures, grid-like virtualisation of resources, including domain-specific platforms, network-centric operating systems; open source software; open standards platforms and collaborative approaches for development and validation of software, services and systems; composition tools including programming languages; mastering emergent behaviours of complex systems; improving dependability and resilience of large-scale, distributed and intermittently connected systems and services; secure and trusted systems and services, including privacy-aware access control and authentication, dynamic security and trust policies, dependability and trust meta-models. |
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Software, grids, security and dependability: technologies, tools and methods for dynamic and trusted software, architectures and middleware systems that underpin knowledge-intensive services, including their provision as utilities; service-oriented, interoperable and scale-free infrastructures, grid-like virtualisation of resources, including domain-specific platforms, network-centric operating systems; open source software; open standards platforms and collaborative approaches for development and validation of software, services and systems; composition tools including programming languages; mastering emergent behaviours of complex systems; improving dependability and resilience of large-scale, distributed and intermittently connected systems and services; secure and trusted systems and services, including privacy-aware access control and authentication, dynamic security and trust policies, dependability and trust meta-models.

| — | Knowledge, cognitive and learning systems: methods and techniques to acquire, create and interpret, represent and personalise, navigate and retrieve, share and deliver knowledge, recognising the semantic relationships in content for use by humans and machines; artificial systems that perceive, interpret and evaluate information and that can cooperate, act autonomously and learn; theories and experiments that move beyond incremental advances benefiting from insights into natural cognition, in particular learning and memory, also for the purpose of advancing systems for human learning. |
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Knowledge, cognitive and learning systems: methods and techniques to acquire, create and interpret, represent and personalise, navigate and retrieve, share and deliver knowledge, recognising the semantic relationships in content for use by humans and machines; artificial systems that perceive, interpret and evaluate information and that can cooperate, act autonomously and learn; theories and experiments that move beyond incremental advances benefiting from insights into natural cognition, in particular learning and memory, also for the purpose of advancing systems for human learning.

| — | Simulation, visualisation, interaction and mixed realities: tools for modelling, simulation, visualisation, interaction, virtual, augmented and mixed reality and their integration in end-to-end environments; tools for innovative design and for creativity in products, services and digital audio-visual media; more natural, intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces and new ways to interact with technology, machines, devices and other artefacts; language technology including multilingual and automatic machine translation systems. |
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Simulation, visualisation, interaction and mixed realities: tools for modelling, simulation, visualisation, interaction, virtual, augmented and mixed reality and their integration in end-to-end environments; tools for innovative design and for creativity in products, services and digital audio-visual media; more natural, intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces and new ways to interact with technology, machines, devices and other artefacts; language technology including multilingual and automatic machine translation systems.

| — | New perspectives in ICT drawing on other science and technology disciplines (mathematics and physics, materials, bio-technologies, life-sciences, chemistry, cognitive and social sciences, the humanities, etc.) are provided in the whole of the ICT theme. These are bringing breakthroughs that lead to innovation in ICT and to entirely new industry and service sectors. They span from miniaturisation of ICT devices to sizes compatible and interacting with living organisms (like novel ICT components and computing systems based on synthetic bio-molecular structures), to new computing and communication sciences inspired by the living world, to fully eco-compatible ICT devices inspired by natural systems, and to modelling and simulation of the living world (like simulation of human physiology across several biological levels). |
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New perspectives in ICT drawing on other science and technology disciplines (mathematics and physics, materials, bio-technologies, life-sciences, chemistry, cognitive and social sciences, the humanities, etc.) are provided in the whole of the ICT theme. These are bringing breakthroughs that lead to innovation in ICT and to entirely new industry and service sectors. They span from miniaturisation of ICT devices to sizes compatible and interacting with living organisms (like novel ICT components and computing systems based on synthetic bio-molecular structures), to new computing and communication sciences inspired by the living world, to fully eco-compatible ICT devices inspired by natural systems, and to modelling and simulation of the living world (like simulation of human physiology across several biological levels).

Integration of technologies:

| — | Personal environments: integration of multimodal interfaces, sensing techniques and micro-systems, personal communication and computing devices, ICT systems embodied in personal accessories, wearable systems and implants and their connection to services and resources, placing emphasis on integrating all facets of a person's presence and identity. |
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Personal environments: integration of multimodal interfaces, sensing techniques and micro-systems, personal communication and computing devices, ICT systems embodied in personal accessories, wearable systems and implants and their connection to services and resources, placing emphasis on integrating all facets of a person's presence and identity.

| — | Home environments: communication, monitoring, control and assistance of the home, buildings and public spaces; seamless interoperability and use of all devices taking account of cost efficiency, affordability, usability and safety; new services and new forms of interactive digital content and services including entertainment; access to information and management of knowledge. |
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Home environments: communication, monitoring, control and assistance of the home, buildings and public spaces; seamless interoperability and use of all devices taking account of cost efficiency, affordability, usability and safety; new services and new forms of interactive digital content and services including entertainment; access to information and management of knowledge.

| — | Robotic systems: flexible and dependable robot systems operating in human and unstructured environments and cooperating with people; networked and cooperating robots; miniaturised robots; humanoid technologies; modular design and modelling of integrated robotic systems. |
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Robotic systems: flexible and dependable robot systems operating in human and unstructured environments and cooperating with people; networked and cooperating robots; miniaturised robots; humanoid technologies; modular design and modelling of integrated robotic systems.

| — | Intelligent infrastructures: ICT tools making critical infrastructures more efficient and user-friendly, easier to adapt and maintain, more robust to usage and resistant to failures; data integration tools; ICT for systemic risk assessment, early warning and automated alerts, planning and decision support. |
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Intelligent infrastructures: ICT tools making critical infrastructures more efficient and user-friendly, easier to adapt and maintain, more robust to usage and resistant to failures; data integration tools; ICT for systemic risk assessment, early warning and automated alerts, planning and decision support.

Applications research:

| — | ICT meeting societal challenges: to ensure that all European citizens can reap the maximum benefit from ICT products and services, to improve inclusiveness, seamless access and interactivity of services of public interest, and to strengthen the innovation role of public sector services, improving their efficiency and effectiveness. |
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ICT meeting societal challenges: to ensure that all European citizens can reap the maximum benefit from ICT products and services, to improve inclusiveness, seamless access and interactivity of services of public interest, and to strengthen the innovation role of public sector services, improving their efficiency and effectiveness.

| — | For health: personal non-obtrusive systems that enable citizens to manage their well-being such as wearable or implantable monitoring devices and autonomous systems for supporting a healthy state; emerging techniques such as molecular imaging for improved prevention and individualised medicine; health knowledge discovery, management and application in clinical practice; modelling and simulation of organ functions; micro- and nano-robotic devices for minimally invasive surgical and therapeutic applications. |
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For health: personal non-obtrusive systems that enable citizens to manage their well-being such as wearable or implantable monitoring devices and autonomous systems for supporting a healthy state; emerging techniques such as molecular imaging for improved prevention and individualised medicine; health knowledge discovery, management and application in clinical practice; modelling and simulation of organ functions; micro- and nano-robotic devices for minimally invasive surgical and therapeutic applications.

| — | For governments at all levels: use of ICT in an interdisciplinary approach in public administrations combined with organisational change and new skills in order to deliver innovative, citizen-centric services for all; advanced ICT based research and solutions to improve democratic and participatory processes and the performance and quality of public sector services, interaction with and between administrations and governments, and support legislative and policy development processes in all stages of democracy. |
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For governments at all levels: use of ICT in an interdisciplinary approach in public administrations combined with organisational change and new skills in order to deliver innovative, citizen-centric services for all; advanced ICT based research and solutions to improve democratic and participatory processes and the performance and quality of public sector services, interaction with and between administrations and governments, and support legislative and policy development processes in all stages of democracy.

| — | For inclusion: to empower individuals and their communities and improve equal participation of all citizens in the information society, while preventing digital divides due to disability, low skills, poverty, geographic isolation, culture, gender or age, inter alia, through support to assistive technology, promoting independent living, increasing e-skills, and developing products and services designed-for-all. |
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For inclusion: to empower individuals and their communities and improve equal participation of all citizens in the information society, while preventing digital divides due to disability, low skills, poverty, geographic isolation, culture, gender or age, inter alia, through support to assistive technology, promoting independent living, increasing e-skills, and developing products and services designed-for-all.

| — | For mobility: integrated ICT-based safety systems for vehicles based on open, secure and dependable architectures and interfaces; interoperable cooperative systems for efficient, safe and environment-friendly transport, based on communication between vehicles and with the transport infrastructure and integrating accurate and robust location and navigation technologies; personalised, location-aware info-mobility and multi-modal services, including intelligent service solutions for tourism. |
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For mobility: integrated ICT-based safety systems for vehicles based on open, secure and dependable architectures and interfaces; interoperable cooperative systems for efficient, safe and environment-friendly transport, based on communication between vehicles and with the transport infrastructure and integrating accurate and robust location and navigation technologies; personalised, location-aware info-mobility and multi-modal services, including intelligent service solutions for tourism.

| — | In support of the environment, risk management and sustainable development: risk and emergency management; smart sensor networks to improve hazard forecasting, natural resources management including systems for reduction of pollutants; increasing energy efficiency; managing human response to environmental stresses and to sustain biodiversity; alert systems and timely and reliable public safety communication; assistive technologies and support systems for operation under harsh, hazardous or risky conditions; eco-efficient and sustainable production of ICT including electronics; advanced data and information management for environmental monitoring and risk assessment, contributing to Inspire; GMES and GEOSS. |
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In support of the environment, risk management and sustainable development: risk and emergency management; smart sensor networks to improve hazard forecasting, natural resources management including systems for reduction of pollutants; increasing energy efficiency; managing human response to environmental stresses and to sustain biodiversity; alert systems and timely and reliable public safety communication; assistive technologies and support systems for operation under harsh, hazardous or risky conditions; eco-efficient and sustainable production of ICT including electronics; advanced data and information management for environmental monitoring and risk assessment, contributing to Inspire; GMES and GEOSS.

| — | ICT for content, creativity and personal development:






  — | novel forms of interactive, non-linear and self-adaptive content including for entertainment and for design; creativity and enriched user-experience; cross-media content customisation and delivery; combining all-digital content production and management with emerging semantic technologies; user-oriented use, access to and creation of content; |
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ICT for content, creativity and personal development:

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novel forms of interactive, non-linear and self-adaptive content including for entertainment and for design; creativity and enriched user-experience; cross-media content customisation and delivery; combining all-digital content production and management with emerging semantic technologies; user-oriented use, access to and creation of content;

| — | technology-enhanced learning systems, tools and services, adapted to different learners in different contexts; issues underlying human learning including pedagogical theories when the process is mediated by using ICT; improving people's abilities to become active learners; |
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technology-enhanced learning systems, tools and services, adapted to different learners in different contexts; issues underlying human learning including pedagogical theories when the process is mediated by using ICT; improving people's abilities to become active learners;

| — | intelligent services for access to cultural heritage in digital form; access to and use of scientific resources; tools for communities to create new cultural memory based on living heritage; methods and tools for preservation of digital content; making digital objects usable by future users whilst keeping authenticity and integrity of their original creation and context of use. |
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intelligent services for access to cultural heritage in digital form; access to and use of scientific resources; tools for communities to create new cultural memory based on living heritage; methods and tools for preservation of digital content; making digital objects usable by future users whilst keeping authenticity and integrity of their original creation and context of use.

| — | ICT supporting businesses and industry:






  — | dynamic, network-oriented business systems, including their monitoring in real time, for product and service creation and delivery; decentralised control and management of intelligent items; digital business ecosystems, in particular software solutions (also based on grids) adaptable to the needs of small- and medium-sized organisations; collaboration services for distributed context-aware workspaces; augmented group presence, group management and sharing support; knowledge sharing and interactive services; |
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ICT supporting businesses and industry:

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dynamic, network-oriented business systems, including their monitoring in real time, for product and service creation and delivery; decentralised control and management of intelligent items; digital business ecosystems, in particular software solutions (also based on grids) adaptable to the needs of small- and medium-sized organisations; collaboration services for distributed context-aware workspaces; augmented group presence, group management and sharing support; knowledge sharing and interactive services;

| — | manufacturing including traditional industry: networked intelligent controls for high-precision manufacturing and low-resource utilisation; wireless automation and logistics for rapid plant reconfiguration; integrated environments for modelling, simulation, optimisation, presentation and virtual production; manufacturing technologies for miniaturised ICT systems and for systems interwoven with all kinds of materials and objects. |
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manufacturing including traditional industry: networked intelligent controls for high-precision manufacturing and low-resource utilisation; wireless automation and logistics for rapid plant reconfiguration; integrated environments for modelling, simulation, optimisation, presentation and virtual production; manufacturing technologies for miniaturised ICT systems and for systems interwoven with all kinds of materials and objects.

| — | ICT for trust and confidence:






  — | tools supporting the trust and confidence of ICT and its applications; multiple and federated identity management systems; authentication and authorisation techniques; systems meeting privacy needs deriving from new technological developments; rights and asset management; tools to protect against cyber threats, in coordination with other themes, in particular the ‘Security’ theme. |
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ICT for trust and confidence:

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tools supporting the trust and confidence of ICT and its applications; multiple and federated identity management systems; authentication and authorisation techniques; systems meeting privacy needs deriving from new technological developments; rights and asset management; tools to protect against cyber threats, in coordination with other themes, in particular the ‘Security’ theme.

International cooperation

International cooperation will be encouraged in the ICT theme to address issues of common interest aiming at interoperable solutions with strategic partners with high mutual benefits, and to contribute to the spread of the information society in emerging economies and developing countries. Specific actions will be identified for the countries or regions with which Europe needs to focus collaboration, with a particular emphasis on cooperation with emerging economies and developing countries and neighbourhood countries.

A subscription will be made available jointly with theme 1 ‘Health’ to the international Human Frontier Science Programme (HFSP) to promote interdisciplinary research and novel collaborations between scientists from different fields, and provide the possibility for non-G8 Member States to fully benefit from the programme.

Activities under this theme support the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) scheme, which allows RTD cooperation between its member regions (34).

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

A Future and Emerging Technologies activity will attract and foster trans-disciplinary research excellence in emerging ICT-related research domains. Focuses include: exploring the new miniaturisation and computing frontiers including for example the exploitation of quantum effects; harnessing the complexity of networked computing and communication systems including software; exploring new concepts of and experimenting with intelligent systems for new personalised products and services.

Research that aims at better understanding trends and impacts of ICT on society and the economy may include, for example: impacts of ICT on productivity, employment, skills and wages; ICT as a driver for innovation in public and business services; obstacles to wider and faster innovation and use of ICT; new business models and exploitation paths, in coordination with other themes where ICT will play an important role in changing the approach to production and services; usability, utility and acceptability of ICT-based solutions; privacy, security and trust of ICT infrastructures; ethical issues of ICT developments; links to ICT-related legal, regulatory and governance frameworks; analyses of ICT support to, and impact on, Community policies.

4.   NANO-SCIENCES, NANO-TECHNOLOGIES, MATERIALS AND NEW PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

Objective

Improve the competitiveness of European industry and generate knowledge to ensure its transformation from a resource-intensive to a knowledge-intensive industry, by generating step changes in knowledge and implementing decisive knowledge for new applications at the crossroads between different technologies and disciplines. This will benefit both new, high-tech industries and higher-value, knowledge-based traditional industries, with a special focus to the appropriate dissemination of RTD results to SMEs. These activities are primarily concerned with enabling technologies which impact all industrial sectors and many other Seventh Framework Programme themes.

Approach

To enhance its competitiveness, European industry needs radical innovations. It must concentrate its capabilities on high added-value products, related processes and technologies to meet customer requirements, as well as environmental, health and other societal expectations. Research is integral to meeting these competing challenges. The competitiveness of the industry of the future will largely depend on nano-technologies and their applications. RTD in nano-sciences and nano-technologies taken up by several areas can accelerate European industry's transformation. The EU has recognised leadership in fields such as in nano-sciences, nano-technologies, materials and production technologies which must be strengthened in order to secure and increase the EU position in a highly competitive global context. The competitiveness of more mature industries is also largely dependent on their capacity to integrate new technologies.

A key element of this theme is the effective integration of nanotechnology, materials sciences, design and new production methods so as to achieve and maximise the impacts for industrial transformation and, at the same time, supporting sustainable production and consumption. In this respect, materials with new properties are in particular important for the future competitiveness of European industry and the basis for technological progress in many areas. The theme will support industrial activities operating in synergy with other themes. Applications in all sectors and areas will be supported including materials sciences and technologies, high performance manufacturing and process technologies, nano-biotechnology and nano-electronics.

The medium-term approach is to focus on a convergence of knowledge and skills drawn from different disciplines exploiting application-driven scientific and technological synergies. In the long term the theme aims to capitalise on the enormous prospects of nano-sciences and nano-technologies for the creation of a true knowledge-based industry and economy. In both cases it will be essential to ensure uptake of the knowledge generated through effective dissemination and use of the results.

Strong contributions to industrial needs and complementarities through initiatives and funded projects will be ensured in particular through activities like the European technology platforms (e.g. in the potential areas of sustainable chemistry, energy, new manufacturing, power generation, industrial safety, nano-medicine, steel, textiles, ceramics, forest-based sector, etc) and possible support to joint technology initiatives.

The theme is particularly relevant to SMEs due to their needs and role in advancing and using technologies. Areas of particular relevance include: nano-instruments, -tools, and -devices as well as aerospace systems (due to the concentration of high-growth, knowledge-intensive SMEs in these sectors); technical textiles including their coating, (typical of a traditional sector undergoing a rapid transformation process affecting many SMEs); mechanical industries (e.g. machine tools- where European SMEs are world leaders); high added-value chemicals, as well as other sectors which involve many SMEs that will benefit from the introduction of new business models, materials and products.

Specific actions to coordinate programmes and joint activities conducted at national and regional level will be carried out through the ERA-NET and ERA-NET PLUS schemes so as to promote convergence of research programmes, and to reinforce critical mass and synergies within the European technology platforms. Industrial research will also benefit from the coordination of activities in areas such as metrology, toxicology, standards and nomenclature.

Activities

Nano-sciences and nano-technologies

The objective is to create materials and systems with pre-defined properties and behaviour, based on increased knowledge and experience with matter at the nano-scale. This will lead to a new generation of high added-value, competitive products and services with superior performance across a range of applications, while minimising any potential adverse environmental and health impacts. Interdisciplinarity, integrating theoretical and experimental approaches, will be promoted.

The focus will be:

| — | new knowledge of the interactions of atoms, molecules and their aggregations with both natural and artificial entities, |
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new knowledge of the interactions of atoms, molecules and their aggregations with both natural and artificial entities,

| — | the realisation of nano-structures, systems or materials using this knowledge, |
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the realisation of nano-structures, systems or materials using this knowledge,

| — | activities aiming at understanding or imitating the natural processes at nano-metric scale, |
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activities aiming at understanding or imitating the natural processes at nano-metric scale,

| — | processes for nano-fabrication, surface functionalisation, thin layers, self assembling properties, |
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processes for nano-fabrication, surface functionalisation, thin layers, self assembling properties,

| — | methods and processes for measuring and characterisation. |
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methods and processes for measuring and characterisation.

The research will also address the relevant instruments, tools, pilot lines and demonstration activities required for highly novel approaches to nanotechnology-based manufacturing in the most promising industrial sectors.

Moreover, the activity will focus on related challenges and the societal context and acceptance of nanotechnology. This will include research on all aspects of risk assessment (e.g. nano-toxicology and eco-toxicology), as well as safety, nomenclature, metrology and standards which are becoming increasingly important to pave the way for industrial applications. Specific actions may also be launched for establishing dedicated centres of knowledge and expertise as well as a focal point to implement the Commission's integrated and responsible approach towards nanotechnology as outlined in the associated Action Plan (35).

Materials

New advanced materials and surfaces with higher knowledge content, new functionalities and improved performance are increasingly critical for industrial competitiveness and sustainable development. According to the new models of manufacturing industry, it is the materials themselves which are becoming the first step in increasing the value of products and their performance, rather than the processing steps.

Research will focus on developing new knowledge-based multifunctional surfaces and materials with tailored properties and predictable performance for new products and processes as well as for their repair. The emphasis will be on high performance multifunctional materials with a wide range of applications.

This requires the control of intrinsic properties and performance, processing and production, and taking into account potential impacts on health and the environment throughout their entire life cycle. Emphasis will be placed on new advanced materials and systems obtained using the potential of nano-technologies and bio-technologies and/or ‘learning from nature’, in particular higher performance nano-materials, bio-materials, hybrid materials and artificial materials with electromagnetic properties not found in nature.

A multidisciplinary approach will be fostered, involving chemistry, physics, engineering sciences including computational modelling and increasingly the biological sciences. Materials characterisation, design and simulation are also essential to better understand materials phenomena, in particular the structure-property relationships at different scales; to improve materials assessment and reliability including resistance to ageing, and to extend the concept of virtual materials for materials design. The integration of nano-molecular-macro levels in chemical and materials technologies will be supported for developing new concepts and processes such as in catalysis, and process intensification and optimisation. Issues related to process development and scaling up and industrialisation of new materials will also be addressed.

New production

A new approach to manufacturing is required for the transformation of EU industry from a resource intensive to a sustainable knowledge-based industrial environment and will depend on the adoption of totally new attitudes towards the continued acquisition, deployment, protection and funding of new knowledge and its use, including towards sustainable production and consumption patterns. This entails creating the right conditions for industry to engage in continuous innovation (in industrial activities and production systems, including design, construction, devices, and services) and for developing generic production ‘assets’ (technologies, organisation and production facilities as well as human resources) while also meeting safety and environmental requirements.

The activities will focus on:

| — | the development and validation of new industrial models and strategies covering all aspects of product and process life-cycle, |
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the development and validation of new industrial models and strategies covering all aspects of product and process life-cycle,

| — | adaptive production systems that overcome existing process limitations and enable new manufacturing and processing methods, |
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adaptive production systems that overcome existing process limitations and enable new manufacturing and processing methods,

| — | networked production to develop tools and methods for cooperative and value-added operations at a global scale, |
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networked production to develop tools and methods for cooperative and value-added operations at a global scale,

| — | tools for the rapid transfer and integration of new technologies into the design and operation of manufacturing processes, |
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tools for the rapid transfer and integration of new technologies into the design and operation of manufacturing processes,

| — | the exploitation of multidisciplinary research networks and of the convergence of the nano-, micro-, bio-, geo-, info-, optical and cognitive technologies to develop new added-value hybrid technologies, products and engineering concepts and the possibility of new industries. |
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the exploitation of multidisciplinary research networks and of the convergence of the nano-, micro-, bio-, geo-, info-, optical and cognitive technologies to develop new added-value hybrid technologies, products and engineering concepts and the possibility of new industries.

Particular attention should be paid to promoting activities which support the adaptation and integration of SMEs to the new needs of the supply chain as well as to giving an impulse to the creation of high tech SMEs.

Integration of technologies for industrial applications

The integration of knowledge and technologies of the three areas of research above is essential in order to speed up the transformation of European industry and its economy, while adopting a safe, socially responsible and sustainable approach.

The research will focus on new applications and novel, step-change solutions responding to major challenges, as well as to the RTD needs including those identified by the different European technology platforms. The integration of new knowledge from nano-, materials-, and production-technologies will be supported in sectoral and cross-sectoral applications such as health, food, construction and building including cultural heritage, aerospace industry, transport, energy, chemistry, environment, information and communication, textiles, clothing and footwear, forest-based industry, steel, mechanical and chemical engineering, as well as in the generic subjects of industrial safety and measurement and testing.

International cooperation

The increasingly international dimension of industrial research requires a well-coordinated approach to working with third countries. International cooperation will therefore be important across the theme.

Specific actions may include: activities with industrialised countries and those having signed a S&T cooperation agreement in the fields of the theme; specific initiatives with emerging economies and developing countries to secure their access to knowledge; dialogue with major countries on a ‘code of conduct’ for the responsible and safe development of nanotechnology; and the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) scheme, which allows RTD cooperation between its member regions (36). Initiatives to coordinate and exchange research data will be encouraged (such as in environmental and health safety issues for nano-technologies), paving the way for a common understanding of regulatory needs by policymakers across the world.

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

Research on emerging needs will be implemented notably to develop and consolidate European capabilities in specific emerging and interdisciplinary research areas with high potential for the future. Any unforeseen policy needs will be addressed in a flexible way and may, for example, relate to standardisation, to support the safe transformation towards a knowledge based industry, or to potential environmental and health impacts arising from nano-technologies.

5.   ENERGY

Objective

Adapting the current energy system into a more sustainable one, less dependent on imported fuels based on a diverse mix of energy sources, in particular renewables, energy carriers and non-polluting sources; enhancing energy efficiency, including by rationalising use and storage of energy; addressing the pressing challenges of security of supply and climate change, whilst increasing the competitiveness of Europe's industries.

Approach

Current projections in the EU and worldwide show most of the crucial energy indicators (e.g. energy consumption, fossil fuel dependency, the finite nature of conventional oil and natural gas reserves, import dependency, CO2 emissions, energy prices) to be moving away from a sustainable and reliable energy system. Energy research will facilitate reversing these trends, striking a balance between increasing the efficiency, affordability, acceptability and security of existing technologies and sources of energy, whilst simultaneously aiming at a longer-term paradigm shift in the way Europe generates and consumes energy. Energy research will thus directly contribute to the success of Community policy and, in particular, the achievement of current and future EU energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Following a broad technology portfolio approach, in accordance with the conclusions of the 2000 Green Paper ‘Towards a European strategy for the security of energy supply’
   (37), the 2005 Green Paper on Energy Efficiency (38) and the 2006 Green Paper on a European strategy for sustainable competitive and secure energy (39), research will focus on the identification and development of cost-effective technologies for a more sustainable energy economy for Europe (and world-wide), based on affordable energy costs for our citizens and industries, and allow European industry to compete successfully on the global stage. Activities will address all time horizons, separately or in combination, and embrace the whole chain from fundamental and applied research and technological development through to large-scale technology demonstration, underpinned by cross-cutting and socioeconomic research to validate research results and to provide a rational basis for policy decisions and market framework development.

Wherever possible, an integrated approach will be adopted, stimulating the necessary feedback and cooperation between the various stakeholders concerned. Integrated actions that cut across or exploit the synergies between different research areas will be encouraged.

Strengthening the competitiveness of the European energy sector, in the face of severe global competition, is an important objective of this theme, providing the capability for European industry to maintain and develop its world leadership in key energy generation and energy efficiency technologies and materials. This will require large R & D efforts and international collaboration. In particular, SMEs are important actors in the energy sector play a major role in the energy chain and will be key to promoting innovation. Their strong participation in research and demonstration activities is essential and will be actively promoted.

The strategic research agendas and deployment strategies developed by European technology platforms are an important input for the research priorities in the theme. Such platforms are established on hydrogen and fuel cells and photovoltaics and the concept is being extended to bio-fuels, zero emission power generation and future electricity networks and other energy-related areas. Actions to enhance the coordination of national programmes will be pursued wherever appropriate.

Increasing efficiency throughout the energy system, from source to user, is essential and underpins the whole of the energy theme. Recognising their important contribution to future sustainable energy systems, renewables and end-use energy efficiency will be the major part of this theme. Particular attention will be paid to stimulating research, development and demonstration and promoting capacity building in this area. Synergies with the Intelligent Energy-Europe Programme component of the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme will be fully exploited in this regard. The potential for future large-scale initiatives integrating funding from various sources (e.g. JTI) will also be explored.

In order to strengthen the diffusion and use of the output of research, the dissemination of knowledge and transfer of results, including to policymakers, will be supported in all areas.

Activities

Hydrogen and fuel cells

The integrated research and deployment strategy developed by the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform provides the basis for a strategic, integrated programme for transport, stationary and portable applications, aimed at providing a strong technological foundation for building a competitive EU fuel cell and hydrogen supply and equipment industry. The programme will comprise: fundamental and applied research and technological development; demonstration projects at an appropriate scale to validate research results and provide feedback for further research; cross-cutting and socioeconomic research activities including infrastructure issues to underpin sound transition strategies and provide a rational basis for policy decisions and market framework development.

The industrial applied research, demonstration and cross-cutting activities of the programme could be implemented through a Joint Technology Initiative. This strategically managed, goal-oriented action will be complemented and closely coordinated with more upstream collaborative research effort aimed at achieving breakthrough on critical materials, processes and emerging technologies.

Renewable electricity generation

Research into, development and demonstration of integrated technologies for electricity production from renewables, suited to different regional conditions where sufficient economic and technical potential can be identified, in order to provide the means to raise substantially the share of renewable electricity production in the EU. Research should increase overall conversion efficiency, cost efficiency, significantly drive down the cost of electricity production from indigenous renewable energy resources including bio-degradable fraction of waste, enhance process reliability and further reduce the environmental impact and eliminate existing obstacles. Emphasis will be on photovoltaics, wind and bio-mass including CHP. Furthermore, research will aim at realising the full potential of other renewable energy sources: geothermal, thermal solar, ocean (e.g. wave, tidal power) and hydropower.

Renewable fuel production

Research into, development and demonstration of improved fuel production systems and conversion technologies for the sustainable production and supply chains of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels from bio-mass (including bio-degradable fraction of waste). Emphasis should be on new types of bio-fuels in particular for transport and electricity as well as on new production, storage and distribution routes for existing bio-fuels, including the integrated production of energy and other added-value products through bio-refineries. Aiming to deliver ‘source to user’ carbon benefits, research will focus on improving energy efficiency, enhancing technology integration and use of feedstock. Issues such as feedstock logistics, pre-normative research and standardisation for safe and reliable use in transport and stationary applications will be included. To exploit the potential for renewable hydrogen production, bio-mass, renewable electricity and solar energy driven processes will be supported.

Renewables for heating and cooling

Research into, development and demonstration of a portfolio of technologies and devices including storage technologies to increase the potential of active and passive heating and cooling from renewable energy sources to contribute to sustainable energy. The aim is to achieve substantial cost reductions, increase efficiencies, further reduce environmental impacts and optimise the use of technologies in different regional conditions where sufficient economic and technical potential can be identified. Research and demonstration should include new systems and components for industrial applications (incl. thermal seawater desalination), district and/or dedicated space heating and cooling, building integration and energy storage.

CO2 capture and storage technologies for zero emission power generation

Fossil fuels will inevitably continue to contribute a significant share of the energy mix for decades to come. To make this option compatible with the environment, particularly as regards climate change, drastic reductions in the adverse environmental impacts of fossil fuel use are needed, aiming at highly efficient and cost-effective power and/or heat generation with near zero emissions. The research into, development and demonstration of efficient, cost effective and reliable CO2 capture and storage technologies, in particular underground storage, are crucial across different types of CO2 geological reservoirs, aiming at decreasing the cost of CO2 capture and storage to less than EUR 20/tonne, with capture rates above 90 %, as well as proving the long-term stability, safety and reliability of CO2 storage.

Clean coal technologies

Coal fuelled power plants remain the workhorse of electricity generation worldwide, but have considerable potential for further efficiency gains and emissions reductions, particularly concerning CO2. To maintain competitiveness and contribute to the conservation of resources and the management of CO2 emissions, the research into, development and demonstration of clean coal and other solid hydrocarbons conversion technologies will be supported, both for existing and future power plants. Conversion technologies, including chemical processes, producing secondary energy carriers (including hydrogen) and liquid and gaseous fuels will also be supported. This will significantly increase plant efficiency and reliability, minimise pollutant emissions and reduce overall costs, under various operating conditions. Looking towards future zero emission power generation, these activities will be linked to and prepare for CO2 capture and storage technologies and co-utilisation of bio-mass.

Smart energy networks

To facilitate the transition to a more sustainable energy system, a wide-ranging R & D effort is required to increase the efficiency, flexibility, safety, reliability and quality of the European electricity and gas systems and networks notably within the context of a more integrated European energy market. For electricity networks, the goals of transforming the current electricity grids into a resilient and interactive (customers/operators) service network, controlling the real time flows and removing the obstacles to the large-scale deployment and effective integration of renewable energy sources and distributed generation (e.g. fuel cells, micro turbines, reciprocating engines), will necessitate the research, development and demonstration of key enabling technologies (e.g. innovative ICT solutions, storage technologies for RES, power electronics and superconducting devices) including the development of new control and reliability tools for electricity systems. For gas networks, the objective is to demonstrate more intelligent and efficient processes and systems for gas transport and distribution, including the effective integration of renewable energy sources and the use of bio-gas in the existing networks.

Energy efficiency and savings

The vast potential for final and primary energy consumption savings and improvements in energy efficiency (40) need to be harnessed through the research into, optimisation, validation and demonstration of new concepts, optimisation of proved and new concepts and technologies for buildings, services and industry. This incorporates the combination of sustainable strategies and technologies for increased energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy and co- and poly-generation and the integration of demand management measures and devices at large scale in cities and communities, and the demonstration of minimum climate impact buildings (eco-buildings). These large-scale actions may be supported by innovative R & D addressing specific components or technologies, e.g. for poly-generation and eco-buildings (including lighting). A key aim is the optimisation of the local community energy system, balancing a significant reduction in energy demand with the most affordable and sustainable supply solution, including the use of new fuels in dedicated fleets (41).

Knowledge for energy policymaking

Development of tools, methods and models to assess the main economic and social issues related to energy technologies. Activities will include the building of databases and scenarios for an enlarged EU and the assessment of the impact of energy and energy-related policies on security of supply, environment, society, competitiveness of the energy industry and issues of public acceptability. Of particular importance is the impact of technological progress on Community policies. Activities will include scientific support for policy development.

International cooperation

Given the global nature of the challenges, threats and opportunities, international collaboration is an increasingly important element of energy research. Specific actions will support strategically important multi-lateral cooperation initiatives, such as the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE), the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) and the Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition (JREC). Other specific actions will be supported, addressing issues such as the environmental consequences of energy policies, energy supply inter-dependency, technology transfer and capacity building and will engage emerging economies with significant energy needs.

International Scientific Cooperation in the field of energy will also support the aim of the EU Energy Initiative for poverty eradication and sustainable development (EUEI) launched at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), namely to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through the provision of reliable and affordable access to sustainable energy for the poor.

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

Research on emerging needs will help to identify and explore new scientific and technological opportunities in the domain of energy supply, conversion use and sustainability, often in combination with other areas and disciplines, such as biotechnology and new materials and production processes. Unforeseen policy needs for which a quick reaction might be required include, for example, the developments of international climate change actions and the response to severe disruptions or instabilities in energy supply or price.

6.   ENVIRONMENT (INCLUDING CLIMATE CHANGE)

Objective

Sustainable management of the environment and its resources through advancing our knowledge of the interactions between the climate, biosphere, ecosystems and human activities, and developing new technologies, tools and services, in order to address in an integrated way global environmental issues. Emphasis will be put on prediction of climate, ecological, earth and ocean systems changes, on tools and on technologies for monitoring, prevention, mitigation of and adaptation to environmental pressures and risks including on health, as well as for the sustainability of the natural and man-made environment.

Approach

Protecting the environment is essential for the quality of life of current and future generations as well as for economic growth. Given that the Earth's natural resources and the man-made environment are under pressure from growing population, urbanisation, construction, continuous expansion of the agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, transport and energy sectors, land use as well as climate variability and warming at local, regional and global scales, the challenge facing the EU is to ensure continuous and sustainable growth while at the same time reducing negative environmental impacts. EU-wide cooperation is motivated by the facts that countries, regions and cities face common environmental problems and that critical mass is needed given the scale, scope and high level of complexity of environmental research. Such cooperation also facilitates common planning, use of connected and interoperable databases, and the development of common indicators, of assessment methodologies and of coherent and large-scale observation and forecasting systems. Furthermore international cooperation is necessary for the completion of knowledge and the promotion of better management at a global level.

Research under this topic (42) will contribute to the implementation of international commitments of EU and Member States such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto and Montreal protocols, post-Kyoto protocol initiatives, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants and the World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, including the EU Water Initiative (as well as promoting sustainable production and consumption). It will also contribute to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Group on the Earth Observation (GEO) initiative and take into account the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. In addition, it will support the research needs arising from existing and emerging Community legislation and policies (e.g. Natura 2000, Reach), the implementation of the Sixth Environmental Action Programme, associated thematic strategies (e.g. marine, soil strategies) and other emerging strategies (e.g. the mercury strategy), and the action plans on environmental technologies and on environment and health.

The promotion of innovative environmental technologies will contribute to achieving sustainable use of resources, to mitigating and adapting to climate change, and to protecting the ecosystems and the man-made environment. Research will also contribute to technological developments that will improve the market positioning of European enterprises, in particular of SMEs, in areas such as environmental technologies. European technology platforms, such as those on water supply and sanitation, sustainable chemistry, construction, and forestry, confirm the need for EU level action and the implementation of relevant parts of their research agendas will be supported in the activities below.

Coordination of national programmes will be reinforced by broadening and deepening the scope of existing ERA-NETs in environmental research (43).

Specific attention will be paid to strengthening the dissemination of Community research outcomes — also through the exploitation of synergies with complementary funding mechanisms at Community and Member State levels — and to stimulating their uptake by relevant end-users, targeting in particular policymakers.

Where relevant, integrated concepts, tools and management strategies will be developed under the activities below. Coordination with cross-cutting issues (44) will be ensured. Activities will take the socioeconomic aspects of policies and technologies into account where relevant.

Activities

Climate change, pollution, and risks

Pressures on environment and climate

Integrated research on the functioning of climate and the earth and marine system, including the polar regions, is needed in order to observe and analyse how these systems evolved in the past and predict their future evolution including observations, experimental studies and advanced modelling and taking into account the anthropogenic forcing. This will enable the development of effective adaptation and mitigation measures to climate change and its impacts. Advanced climate change models from the global to the local scale will be developed and validated. These models will be applied to assess changes, potential impacts and critical thresholds (e.g. for ocean acidity). Changes in atmospheric composition and in the water cycle will be studied and risk based approaches will be developed taking into account changes in droughts, storms and floods patterns. Quantification and study of carbon and greenhouse gases (including aerosols) budget will be undertaken. Pressures on environmental quality and on climate from natural and anthropogenic pollution of the air, water and soil will be investigated as well as the interactions between the atmosphere, the stratospheric ozone layer, land surface, ice and oceans. Consideration will be given to feedback mechanisms and abrupt changes (e.g. ocean circulation), and to impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, including the effects of sea level rise on coastal zones, and impacts on sensitive areas such as mountain regions.

Environment and health

Multidisciplinary research on interactions of environmental and climate risk factors and human health is needed to support the Environment and Health action plan and the integration of public health concerns and disease characterisation related to emerging environmental risks. Research will focus on the impact of global change (climate change, land use, globalisation) multiple exposures via different exposure routes, identification of pollution sources and new or emerging environmental stressors and vectors (e.g. indoor and outdoor environment, issues related to urban environment, air pollution, electromagnetic fields, noise and exposure to toxic substances including development of integrated risk assessment and methodologies for hazardous substances), and their potential health effects. Research will also aim at integrating research activities on human bio-monitoring regarding scientific aspects, methodologies and tools to develop a coordinated and coherent approach. It will include European cohort studies, with attention to vulnerable population groups, and methods and tools for improved risk characterisation, assessment and comparisons of risks and health impacts. Research will develop bio-markers and modelling tools taking into account combined exposures, variations in vulnerability and uncertainty. It will also deliver advanced methods and decision support tools (indicators, data bases, cost-benefit and multi-criteria analyses, health impact assessment, burden of disease and sustainability analysis) for risk analysis, validation and linkage of models and systems, and for management and communication which are supporting policy development, assessment and monitoring.

Natural hazards

Managing natural disasters requires a multi-risk approach, combining risk specific needs with comprehensive planning. There is a need for improved knowledge, methods and integrated framework for the assessment of hazards, vulnerability and risks. Furthermore, mapping, prevention, detection and mitigation strategies including consideration of economic and social factors need to be developed. Disasters related to climate (such as storms, droughts, forest fires, landslides, avalanches, floods and other extreme events), and geological hazards (such as earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis) and their impact will be studied. This research will allow the underlying processes to be better understood. It will also allow for the detection, prediction and forecasting methods to be improved on the basis of deterministic and probabilistic approaches. It will underpin the development of early warning and information and rapid response systems aiming also to reduce the vulnerability of human settlements. Societal repercussions of major natural hazards will be quantified, including impacts on ecosystems.

Sustainable management of resources

Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources and biodiversity

Research activities will be targeted to improve the knowledge basis and develop advanced models and tools needed for the sustainable management of resources and the creation of sustainable consumption patterns. This will enable the prediction of the behaviour of ecosystems and their restoration, and the mitigation of degradation and loss of important structural and functional elements of ecosystems (for biodiversity, water, soil and marine resources). Research on ecosystem modelling will take account of protection and conservation practices. Innovative approaches to develop economic activities from ecosystem services will be promoted. Integrated approaches will be developed to prevent and combat desertification, land degradation and erosion (including rational use of water), to stop biodiversity loss and to mitigate negative consequences of human interference. Research will also address sustainable use and management of forests, landscape and urban environment including post-industrialised zones addressing in particular planning, and sustainable waste management. The research will benefit from and contribute to the development of open, distributed, inter-operable data management and information systems and will underpin assessments, foresight, and services related to natural resources and their use.

Management of marine environments

Specific research is required to improve our understanding of the impacts of human activities on the ocean and seas and on the resources of the marine environment, including the pollution and eutrophication of regional seas and coastal areas. Research activities in aquatic environments including coastal, regional and deep sea ecosystems and seabed, will be carried out in order to observe, monitor and predict the behaviour of this environment and enhance understanding of the sea and the sustainable use of ocean resources. The impact of human activities on the ocean will be assessed through integrated approaches taking into account marine biodiversity, ecosystem processes and services, ocean circulation and seabed geology. Development of concepts and tools for the support of strategies for the sustainable use of the ocean and its resources will be undertaken. This will include methodologies, information systems and databases, assessment tools of policies and instruments.

Environmental technologies

Environmental technologies for observation, simulation, prevention, mitigation, adaptation, remediation and restoration of the natural and man-made environment

New or improved environmental technologies are needed to reduce the environmental impact of human activities, protect the environment and manage resources more efficiently and to develop new products, processes and services more beneficial for the environment than existing alternatives. Research will target in particular: technologies preventing or reducing environmental risks, mitigating hazards and disasters, mitigating climate change and the loss of biodiversity; technologies promoting sustainable production and consumption; technologies for managing natural resources or treating pollution more efficiently, in relation to water, soil, air, marine and other resources including urban environment and waste (including waste recycling). Cross-cutting coordination will be ensured with other related themes.

Protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, including human habitat

Technologies for the environmentally sound and sustainable management of the human environment including the built environment, urban areas, landscape, as well as for the protection, conservation and restoration of cultural heritage from environmental pollution, including environment impact assessment, models and tools for risk evaluation, advanced and non-destructive techniques for damage diagnosis, new products and methodologies for restoration, mitigation and adaptation strategies for the sustainable management of both movable and immovable cultural assets.

Technology assessment, verification and testing

Research will focus on the risk and performance assessment of technologies, including processes products and services, and the further development of related methods such as the life cycle analysis. Moreover, focus will be given to: long-term opportunities, market potential and socioeconomical aspects of environmental technologies; forest based sector technology, water supply and sanitation Platform, sustainable chemistry Platform; chemicals risk assessment focusing on intelligent testing strategies and methods for minimising animal testing, risk quantification techniques; and research support to the development of the European environmental technologies Verification and Testing system, complementing third party assessment instruments.

Earth observation and assessment tools for sustainable development

Earth and ocean observation systems and monitoring methods for the environment and sustainable development

Research activities will be devoted to the development and integration of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) for environment and sustainable development issues in the framework of the GEO initiative (45) to which Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) is complementary. Interoperability between observation systems, information management and data sharing, and optimisation of information for understanding, modelling and predicting environment phenomena and related human activities will be addressed. These activities will focus on natural hazards, climate change, weather, ecosystems, natural resources, water, land use, environment and health, and biodiversity (including the aspects of risk assessment, forecasting methods and assessment tools) in order to produce advances for the GEOSS societal benefit areas and contribute to GMES.

Forecasting methods and assessment tools for sustainable development taking into account differing scales of observation.

Tools are needed to quantitatively assess the environmental and research policy contribution to competitiveness and sustainable development, including assessments of market-based and regulatory approaches as well as the impacts of current trends in production and consumption patterns. Such tools will include models that consider the links between the economy, environment and society and hence beneficial and efficient strategies of adaptation and prevention. Overall assessment of the global environmental change including interaction between ecosystems and socioeconomic systems will be part of this interdisciplinary research. Research will also seek to improve existing indicators and develop new ones to assess sustainable development policy priorities, and to analyse the linkages between them, taking into account the existing set of EU sustainable development indicators. The analysis of technology, socioeconomic drivers, externalities and governance, sustainability impact assessment as well as foresight studies, will be included. Areas of application include land use and marine policies, urban development, biodiversity and the economic, political and social conflicts related to climate change.

International cooperation

Environmental problems have invariably a transboundary, regional or global dimension and international cooperation will be an important aspect in this theme. Particular areas relate to EU international commitments, such as climate change, biodiversity, desertification, water resource management and chemicals and wastes conventions as well as the Johannesburg Summit decisions on sustainable development as well as other regional conventions. Attention will also be given to relevant research actions stemming from EU environmental strategies and action plans (46).

Scientific and technological partnerships with developing countries and emerging economies will contribute to the Millennium Development Goals in several fields (e.g. prevention and mitigation of the impact of climate change and natural disasters, reverse the loss of environmental resources, improvement of water management, supply and sanitation, prevention and combat of desertification, sustainable production and consumption and facing the environmental challenges of urbanisation), areas where SMEs could also play a key role. Particular attention will be given to the relation between global environmental issues and the regional and local development problems relating to natural resources, biodiversity, ecosystems, land use, natural and man-made hazards and risks, climate change, environmental technologies, environment and health as well as on policy analysis tools. Cooperation with industrialised countries will enhance access to global research excellence; scientists from developing countries should be actively involved in particular regarding better scientific understanding of sustainable development aspects.

The establishment of the GEOSS for Earth observation will promote international cooperation for understanding Earth systems and sustainability issues, and coordinated data collection for scientific and policy purposes with the involvement of public and private stakeholders.

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

Research on emerging needs in this theme may address questions such as the interactions between people, ecosystems and the biosphere or new risks related to natural, man induced and technologically induced disasters.

Support to respond to unforeseen environmental policy needs could, for example, relate to sustainability impact assessments of new policies such as in environment, maritime policy, standards and regulations.

7.   TRANSPORT (INCLUDING AERONAUTICS)

Objective

Based on technological and operational advances and on the European transport policy, develop integrated, safer, ‘greener’ and ‘smarter’ pan-European transport systems for the benefit of all citizens, and society and climate policy, respecting the environment and natural resources; and securing and further developing the competitiveness attained by the European industries in the global market.

Approach

The European transport system is a vital element to European economic and social prosperity. It serves key roles in the transportation of people and goods in a local, regional, national, European and international context. This theme will address some of the ongoing challenges, as recognised in the White Paper on Transport (47), in improving the contributions that transport systems make to society and industrial competitiveness within an enlarged EU, whilst minimising the negative impacts and consequences of transport in relation to the environment, energy usage, security and public health.

A new integrated approach will be taken which links all transport modes, addresses the socioeconomic and technological dimensions of research and knowledge development, and encapsulates both innovation and the policy framework.

The various technology platforms set up in this field (ACARE for aeronautics and air transport, ERRAC for rail transport, ERTRAC for road transport, Waterborne for waterborne transport, hydrogen and fuel cells) have elaborated long-term visions and Strategic Research Agendas (SRA) which constitute useful inputs to the definition of this theme and complement the needs of policymakers and expectations of society. Selected aspects of the SRAs may justify setting up joint technology initiatives. ERA-NET activities present opportunities to facilitate further trans-national coordination for specific topics within the Transport sector and will be pursued wherever appropriate.

Activities of particular relevance to SMEs include efforts to ensure robust technology-driven supply chains in the various sectors; enabling SMEs to access research initiatives; and facilitating the role and start-up of high-tech SMEs, particularly in the advanced transport technologies and ’services-related’ activities specific to transport as well as the development of systems and applications in satellite navigation domains.

Existing policy needs as well as the development, assessment and implementation of new policies (for example maritime policy and the implementation of the Single European Sky), will be addressed within and across the different activity lines. The work will include studies, models and tools that deal with strategic monitoring and forecasting and integrate knowledge relating to the main economic, social, safety, security and environmental issues for transport. Activities supporting cross-cutting thematic topics will focus on transport specificities, for example security aspects as an inherent requirement to the transport system; the use of alternative energy sources in transport applications; and monitoring of environmental effects of transport, including climate change; and measures to improve the economic integration. Environmental research should cover ways of reducing the adverse impact of transport and optimising traffic and should include boosting transport efficiency.

Support will also be given to dissemination and exploitation activities and impact assessments, with particular attention to the specific user needs including those of the disadvantaged and policy requirements in the transport sector.

Activities

Aeronautics and air transport

Activities will contribute to key Community policies as well as to the implementation of the ACARE Strategic Research Agenda. The quantitative objectives correspond to the 2020 time horizon of this Agenda. The scope of the research includes all aircraft, passenger travel and airside related aspects of the air transport system.

| — | The greening of air transport: Developing technologies to reduce the environmental impact of aviation with the aim to halve the emitted carbon dioxide (CO2), cut specific emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 80 % and halve the perceived noise. Research will focus on furthering green engine technologies including alternative fuels technology as well as improved vehicle efficiency of fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft (including helicopters and tiltrotors), new intelligent low-weight structures, and improved aerodynamics. Issues such as improved aircraft operations at the airport (airside and landside) and air traffic management, manufacturing, maintenance, and recycling processes will be included. |
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The greening of air transport: Developing technologies to reduce the environmental impact of aviation with the aim to halve the emitted carbon dioxide (CO2), cut specific emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 80 % and halve the perceived noise. Research will focus on furthering green engine technologies including alternative fuels technology as well as improved vehicle efficiency of fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft (including helicopters and tiltrotors), new intelligent low-weight structures, and improved aerodynamics. Issues such as improved aircraft operations at the airport (airside and landside) and air traffic management, manufacturing, maintenance, and recycling processes will be included.

| — | Increasing time efficiency: Realising a step-change in aviation in order to accommodate the projected growth of three times more aircraft movements by improving punctuality in all weather conditions and reducing significantly the time spent in travel-related procedures at airports while maintaining safety. Research will develop and implement an innovative Air Traffic Management (ATM) system within the context of the SESAR (48) initiative, by integrating air, ground and space components, together with traffic flow management and more aircraft autonomy. Design aspects of aircraft to improve handling of passengers and cargo, novel solutions for efficient airport use and connecting air transport to the overall transport system will also be addressed. The most efficient coordination of the development of ATM systems in Europe will be ensured through the SESAR initiative (49). |
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Increasing time efficiency: Realising a step-change in aviation in order to accommodate the projected growth of three times more aircraft movements by improving punctuality in all weather conditions and reducing significantly the time spent in travel-related procedures at airports while maintaining safety. Research will develop and implement an innovative Air Traffic Management (ATM) system within the context of the SESAR (48) initiative, by integrating air, ground and space components, together with traffic flow management and more aircraft autonomy. Design aspects of aircraft to improve handling of passengers and cargo, novel solutions for efficient airport use and connecting air transport to the overall transport system will also be addressed. The most efficient coordination of the development of ATM systems in Europe will be ensured through the SESAR initiative (49).

| — | Ensuring customer satisfaction and safety: Introducing a quantum leap in passenger choice and schedule flexibility, whilst achieving a five-fold reduction in accident rate. New technologies will enable a wider choice of aircraft/engine configurations ranging from wide body to smaller size vehicles including rotorcraft, increased levels of automation in all the elements of the system, including the piloting. Focus will also be on improvements for passengers' comfort, well being and new services, cabin logistic systems and active and passive safety measures with special emphasis on the human element. Research will include the adaptation of airport and air traffic operations to different type of vehicles and 24-hour utilisation at acceptable community noise levels. |
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Ensuring customer satisfaction and safety: Introducing a quantum leap in passenger choice and schedule flexibility, whilst achieving a five-fold reduction in accident rate. New technologies will enable a wider choice of aircraft/engine configurations ranging from wide body to smaller size vehicles including rotorcraft, increased levels of automation in all the elements of the system, including the piloting. Focus will also be on improvements for passengers' comfort, well being and new services, cabin logistic systems and active and passive safety measures with special emphasis on the human element. Research will include the adaptation of airport and air traffic operations to different type of vehicles and 24-hour utilisation at acceptable community noise levels.

| — | Improving cost efficiency: Fostering a competitive supply chain able to halve the time-to-market, and reduce product development and operational costs, resulting in more affordable transport for the citizen. Research will focus on improvements to the whole business process, from conceptual design to product development, manufacturing and in-service operations including the integration of the supply chain. It will include improved simulation capabilities and automation, technologies and methods for the realisation of innovative and zero-maintenance, including repair and overhaul, aircraft, as well as lean aircraft, airport and air traffic management operations. |
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Improving cost efficiency: Fostering a competitive supply chain able to halve the time-to-market, and reduce product development and operational costs, resulting in more affordable transport for the citizen. Research will focus on improvements to the whole business process, from conceptual design to product development, manufacturing and in-service operations including the integration of the supply chain. It will include improved simulation capabilities and automation, technologies and methods for the realisation of innovative and zero-maintenance, including repair and overhaul, aircraft, as well as lean aircraft, airport and air traffic management operations.

| — | Protection of aircraft and passengers: Preventing hostile action of any kind to incur injury, loss, damage or disruption to travellers or citizens due to the effects of aircraft misuse. Research will focus on the relevant elements of the air transport system including security measures in cabin and cockpit designs, automatic control and landing in the case of unauthorised use of aircraft, protection against external attacks, as well as security aspects of airspace management and airport operations. |
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Protection of aircraft and passengers: Preventing hostile action of any kind to incur injury, loss, damage or disruption to travellers or citizens due to the effects of aircraft misuse. Research will focus on the relevant elements of the air transport system including security measures in cabin and cockpit designs, automatic control and landing in the case of unauthorised use of aircraft, protection against external attacks, as well as security aspects of airspace management and airport operations.

| — | Pioneering the air transport of the future: Exploring more radical, environmentally efficient, accessible and innovative technologies that might facilitate the step change required for air transport in the second half of this century and beyond. Research will address aspects such as new propulsion and lifting concepts, new ideas for the interior space of airborne vehicles including design, new airport concepts, new methods of aircraft guidance and control, alternative methods of air transport system operation and its integration with other transport modes. |
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Pioneering the air transport of the future: Exploring more radical, environmentally efficient, accessible and innovative technologies that might facilitate the step change required for air transport in the second half of this century and beyond. Research will address aspects such as new propulsion and lifting concepts, new ideas for the interior space of airborne vehicles including design, new airport concepts, new methods of aircraft guidance and control, alternative methods of air transport system operation and its integration with other transport modes.

Sustainable surface transport (rail, road and waterborne)

| — | The greening of surface transport: Developing technologies and knowledge for reduced pollution (air including greenhouse gases, water and soil) and environmental impact on such areas as climate change, health, biodiversity and noise. Research will improve the cleanliness and energy-efficiency of power-trains (e.g. hybrid-solutions) and promote the use of alternative fuels, including hydrogen and fuel cells as mid- and long-term options, taking into account cost-efficiency and energy efficiency considerations. Activities will cover infrastructure, vehicles, vessels and component technologies, including overall system optimisation. Research in developments specific to transport will include manufacturing, construction, operations, maintenance, diagnostics, repair, inspection, dismantling, disposal, recycling, end of life strategies and interventions at sea in case of accident. |
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The greening of surface transport: Developing technologies and knowledge for reduced pollution (air including greenhouse gases, water and soil) and environmental impact on such areas as climate change, health, biodiversity and noise. Research will improve the cleanliness and energy-efficiency of power-trains (e.g. hybrid-solutions) and promote the use of alternative fuels, including hydrogen and fuel cells as mid- and long-term options, taking into account cost-efficiency and energy efficiency considerations. Activities will cover infrastructure, vehicles, vessels and component technologies, including overall system optimisation. Research in developments specific to transport will include manufacturing, construction, operations, maintenance, diagnostics, repair, inspection, dismantling, disposal, recycling, end of life strategies and interventions at sea in case of accident.

| — | Encouraging and increasing modal shift and decongesting transport corridors (50). Developing and demonstrating seamless door-to-door transport for people and goods as well as technologies and systems to ensure effective intermodality, including in the context of rail and waterborne transport competitiveness. This includes activities addressing the interoperability and operational optimisation of local, regional, national and European transport networks, systems and services and their intermodal integration in an integrated approach. The activities will aim at European-wide strategies, optimised use of infrastructure including terminals and specialised networks, improved transport, traffic and information management, enhanced freight logistics, passenger intermodality and modal shift strategies to encourage energy efficient means of transport. Intelligent systems, new vehicle/vessel concepts and technologies including loading and unloading operations as well as user interfaces will be developed. Knowledge for policymaking will include infrastructure pricing and charging, assessments of Community transport policy measures and trans-European networks policy and projects. |
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Encouraging and increasing modal shift and decongesting transport corridors (50). Developing and demonstrating seamless door-to-door transport for people and goods as well as technologies and systems to ensure effective intermodality, including in the context of rail and waterborne transport competitiveness. This includes activities addressing the interoperability and operational optimisation of local, regional, national and European transport networks, systems and services and their intermodal integration in an integrated approach. The activities will aim at European-wide strategies, optimised use of infrastructure including terminals and specialised networks, improved transport, traffic and information management, enhanced freight logistics, passenger intermodality and modal shift strategies to encourage energy efficient means of transport. Intelligent systems, new vehicle/vessel concepts and technologies including loading and unloading operations as well as user interfaces will be developed. Knowledge for policymaking will include infrastructure pricing and charging, assessments of Community transport policy measures and trans-European networks policy and projects.

| — | Ensuring sustainable urban mobility for all citizens, including the disadvantaged: Focusing on the mobility of people and goods by research on the ’next generation vehicle’ and its market take-up, bringing together all elements of a clean, energy efficient, safe and intelligent road transport system. Research on new transport and mobility concepts, innovative organisational and mobility management schemes and high quality public transport will aim at ensuring access for all and high levels of intermodal integration. Innovative strategies for clean urban transport (51) will be developed and tested. Particular attention will be paid to non-polluting modes of transport, demand management, rationalisation of private transport, and information and communication strategies, services and infrastructures. Tools and models supporting policy development and implementation will cover transport and land use planning including the relationship with growth and employment. |
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Ensuring sustainable urban mobility for all citizens, including the disadvantaged: Focusing on the mobility of people and goods by research on the ’next generation vehicle’ and its market take-up, bringing together all elements of a clean, energy efficient, safe and intelligent road transport system. Research on new transport and mobility concepts, innovative organisational and mobility management schemes and high quality public transport will aim at ensuring access for all and high levels of intermodal integration. Innovative strategies for clean urban transport (51) will be developed and tested. Particular attention will be paid to non-polluting modes of transport, demand management, rationalisation of private transport, and information and communication strategies, services and infrastructures. Tools and models supporting policy development and implementation will cover transport and land use planning including the relationship with growth and employment.

| — | Improving safety and security: Developing technologies and intelligent systems to protect vulnerable persons such as drivers, riders, passengers, crew, and pedestrians. Advanced engineering systems and risk analysis methodologies will be developed for the design and operation of vehicles, vessels and infrastructures. Emphasis will be placed on integrative approaches linking human elements, structural integrity, preventive, passive and active safety including monitoring systems, rescue and crisis management. Safety will be considered as an inherent component of the total transport system embracing infrastructures, freight (goods and containers), transport users and operators, vehicles and vessels and measures at policy and legislative levels, including decision support and validation tools; security will be addressed wherever it is an inherent requirement to the transport system. |
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Improving safety and security: Developing technologies and intelligent systems to protect vulnerable persons such as drivers, riders, passengers, crew, and pedestrians. Advanced engineering systems and risk analysis methodologies will be developed for the design and operation of vehicles, vessels and infrastructures. Emphasis will be placed on integrative approaches linking human elements, structural integrity, preventive, passive and active safety including monitoring systems, rescue and crisis management. Safety will be considered as an inherent component of the total transport system embracing infrastructures, freight (goods and containers), transport users and operators, vehicles and vessels and measures at policy and legislative levels, including decision support and validation tools; security will be addressed wherever it is an inherent requirement to the transport system.

| — | Strengthening competitiveness: Improving the competitiveness of transport industries, ensuring sustainable, efficient and affordable transport services and creating new skills and job opportunities by research and developments. Technologies for advanced industrial processes will include design, manufacturing, assembly, construction and maintenance and will aim at decreasing life cycle costs and development lead-times. Emphasis will be placed on innovative and improved product and system concepts and transport services ensuring higher customer satisfaction. New production organisation including the supply chain management and distribution systems will be developed. |
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Strengthening competitiveness: Improving the competitiveness of transport industries, ensuring sustainable, efficient and affordable transport services and creating new skills and job opportunities by research and developments. Technologies for advanced industrial processes will include design, manufacturing, assembly, construction and maintenance and will aim at decreasing life cycle costs and development lead-times. Emphasis will be placed on innovative and improved product and system concepts and transport services ensuring higher customer satisfaction. New production organisation including the supply chain management and distribution systems will be developed.

Support for the European global satellite navigation system (Galileo and EGNOS)

The European Global Satellite Navigation system, encompasses Galileo and EGNOS, and provides a worldwide positioning and timing infrastructure (52).

| — | Exploiting the full potential: promoting growth in the use of the services ranging from open to commercial access, safety-of-life to ‘search and rescue’ and public regulated service; transport management applications including freight and hazardous materials transportation; exploiting by-product services; demonstrating the benefits and efficiencies of satellite navigation. |
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Exploiting the full potential: promoting growth in the use of the services ranging from open to commercial access, safety-of-life to ‘search and rescue’ and public regulated service; transport management applications including freight and hazardous materials transportation; exploiting by-product services; demonstrating the benefits and efficiencies of satellite navigation.

| — | Providing the tools and creating the appropriate environment: ensuring safe and secure use of services, mainly through certification in key application domains; preparing and confirming the adequacy of services to new policies and legislation, including their implementation; addressing public regulated services according to the approved policy of access; developing essential digital topology, cartography, geodesy data and systems for use in navigation applications; addressing safety and security needs and requirements. |
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Providing the tools and creating the appropriate environment: ensuring safe and secure use of services, mainly through certification in key application domains; preparing and confirming the adequacy of services to new policies and legislation, including their implementation; addressing public regulated services according to the approved policy of access; developing essential digital topology, cartography, geodesy data and systems for use in navigation applications; addressing safety and security needs and requirements.

| — | Adapting receivers to requirements and upgrading core technologies: improving receiver performances, integrating low-power consumption and miniaturisation technologies, completing in-door navigation coverage, coupling with radio frequency identification devices, exploiting software receiver technology, combining with other functions such as telecommunication, supporting key navigation ground-based infrastructure technology to ensure robustness and flexibility. |
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Adapting receivers to requirements and upgrading core technologies: improving receiver performances, integrating low-power consumption and miniaturisation technologies, completing in-door navigation coverage, coupling with radio frequency identification devices, exploiting software receiver technology, combining with other functions such as telecommunication, supporting key navigation ground-based infrastructure technology to ensure robustness and flexibility.

| — | Supporting infrastructure evolution: preparing second generation system, adapting to evolving user demands and market forecasts, taking advantage of infrastructure internationalisation to address global markets and developing world-wide standards. |
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Supporting infrastructure evolution: preparing second generation system, adapting to evolving user demands and market forecasts, taking advantage of infrastructure internationalisation to address global markets and developing world-wide standards.

International cooperation

International cooperation is an important component of the RTD activities in this field, and will be encouraged where there are interests for industry and policy makers. Broad topic areas for specific actions will be considered where there is market attraction (for example global trade development and connecting networks and services at continental and intercontinental level); opportunities to access and acquire science and technology that is complementary to the current European knowledge and of mutual benefit; and where Europe responds to global needs (for example climate change) or contributes to international standards and global systems (for example applied logistics and satellite navigation infrastructure).

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

Initiatives under emerging needs will support research that responds to critical events and challenges of future transportation systems for example novel transport and vehicle concepts, automation, mobility or organisation.

Unforeseen policy needs that may require specific transport-related research could include broad societal issues such as the changes in the demographics, lifestyles and expectations of society for transport systems; as well as emerging risks or problems of high importance to European society.

8.   SOCIO-ECONOMIC SCIENCES AND THE HUMANITIES

Objective

Generating an in-depth, shared understanding of complex and interrelated socio-economic challenges Europe is confronted with, such as growth, employment and competitiveness, social cohesion, social, cultural and educational challenges in an enlarged EU, sustainability, environmental challenges, demographic change, migration and integration, quality of life and global interdependence, in particular with the view of providing an improved knowledge base for policies in the fields concerned.

Approach

The research priorities address key societal, economic and cultural challenges facing Europe and the world now and in the future. The proposed research agenda constitutes a coherent approach to addressing these challenges. The development of a socio-economic and humanities knowledge base on these key challenges will make a significant contribution to promoting shared understanding across Europe and to the resolution of wider international problems. The research priorities will help improve the formulation, implementation, impact and assessment of policy including regulatory measures in many Community policy areas at the European, national, regional and local levels, and a substantial international perspective is included in most of the research.

In addition to socio-economic and socio-cultural research and foresight an emphasis will be placed on humanities research, which will provide different perspectives and make an essential contribution across the theme on, for example, the historical, cultural and philosophical aspects, including relevant language, identity and values questions.

The work could also build upon relevant national research programmes, complementing the research activities below, and taking advantage of the ERA-NET scheme and the possible use of Article 169. For certain issues, use may also be made of social platforms to discuss future research agendas; these would involve the research community and societal stakeholders.

The research will be facilitated by research infrastructures which generate new research data, including through surveys (both quantitative and qualitative), make available existing data for international comparative research, and provide access to source materials and advanced research tools as well as to the results of existing research in many fields. Some of these actions will be carried out through the Infrastructures element of the Capacities programme and others by projects under this theme. The research will rely on access to and the use of official statistics.

Specific dissemination actions targeted at particular groups and the general public will be undertaken, including workshops and conferences for researchers to exchange views with policy makers and other stakeholders, and the diffusion of results using various media.

Appropriate coordination of socio-economic and humanities research and foresight elements across the Cooperation and other specific programmes will be assured.

Activities

Growth, employment and competitiveness in a knowledge society

This will aim to develop and integrate research on the issues affecting growth, employment and competitiveness in order to provide an improved and integrated understanding of these issues for the continued development of a knowledge society. It will benefit policy and support progress towards achieving these objectives. The research will integrate the following aspects of the question:

| — | The changing role of knowledge throughout the economy, including the role of different types of knowledge, skills and competences on a global scale, formal and informal education and lifelong learning, and intangible goods and investment. |
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The changing role of knowledge throughout the economy, including the role of different types of knowledge, skills and competences on a global scale, formal and informal education and lifelong learning, and intangible goods and investment.

| — | Economic structures, structural change including spatial aspects such as regionalisation and internationalisation, and productivity issues, including the role of the services sector, of finance, demographics, demand and the processes of long-term change. |
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Economic structures, structural change including spatial aspects such as regionalisation and internationalisation, and productivity issues, including the role of the services sector, of finance, demographics, demand and the processes of long-term change.

| — | Institutional and policy questions, including macroeconomic policy, labour markets, social and welfare systems, national and regional institutional contexts, and policy coherence and coordination. |
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Institutional and policy questions, including macroeconomic policy, labour markets, social and welfare systems, national and regional institutional contexts, and policy coherence and coordination.

Research will address important new challenges and opportunities from increased globalisation, emerging economies, relocation, and EU enlargement; as well as socio-economic stability, the role of technology and international transfer of technology, various forms of innovation and economic renewal, outsourcing and insourcing, youth and youth policy, economic and social entrepreneurship, and the economic potential of European cultural heritage and the creative sector. Employment questions will include unemployment and underemployment.

Combining economic, social and environmental objectives in a European perspective

This aims to support the societal goal of combining economic, social and environmental objectives and so improve the basis for sustainable development. The research in this activity will address two interrelated issues:

| — | How European socio-economic models and those outside Europe have fared in combining the objectives, the conditions under which this occurred including the role of dialogue, social partnership, sectoral transformation, institutional change and their ability to confront new challenges. |
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How European socio-economic models and those outside Europe have fared in combining the objectives, the conditions under which this occurred including the role of dialogue, social partnership, sectoral transformation, institutional change and their ability to confront new challenges.

| — | Economic cohesion between regions and urban and regional development in an enlarged EU; and social cohesion (including inequalities, social protection and social services, taxation policies, ethnic relations and migration, education and social exclusion, and health) as well as its relation to social problems such as poverty, housing, crime, delinquency and drugs. |
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Economic cohesion between regions and urban and regional development in an enlarged EU; and social cohesion (including inequalities, social protection and social services, taxation policies, ethnic relations and migration, education and social exclusion, and health) as well as its relation to social problems such as poverty, housing, crime, delinquency and drugs.

In addressing these issues, consideration will be given to

| — | the existence of trade-offs or synergies between the economic, social, environmental objectives in the world context, |
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the existence of trade-offs or synergies between the economic, social, environmental objectives in the world context,

| — | the interaction between environment (53), energy and society, |
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the interaction between environment (53), energy and society,

| — | long-term sustainability, |
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long-term sustainability,

| — | issues for developing countries, |
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issues for developing countries,

| — | spatial aspects including urban planning, the role of cities, metropolitan and other city regions and related governance issues, |
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spatial aspects including urban planning, the role of cities, metropolitan and other city regions and related governance issues,

| — | cultural issues; and the socioeconomic impact of European policies and legislation. |
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cultural issues; and the socioeconomic impact of European policies and legislation.

The question of welfare states as a development resource, and the employment and housing of migrants and their descendants, will also be addressed.

Major trends in society and their implications

The aim is to understand and assess the causes and implications of particular key trends in society that have major consequences for European citizens, their quality of life and for policies, and thus to provide an underpinning for many policy areas. Empirical and theoretical research will address initially three major trends:

| — | Demographic change including ageing, fertility and migration. The broad societal and economic implications and issues will be addressed, including societal and economic potential of active ageing, the effects on pension systems, the challenges of migration and integration and the implications for urban development. |
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Demographic change including ageing, fertility and migration. The broad societal and economic implications and issues will be addressed, including societal and economic potential of active ageing, the effects on pension systems, the challenges of migration and integration and the implications for urban development.

| — | Changes in the related aspects of lifestyles, families, work, consumption (including consumer protection aspects), health and quality of life including child, youth and disabilities issues and reconciliation of work and family life. |
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Changes in the related aspects of lifestyles, families, work, consumption (including consumer protection aspects), health and quality of life including child, youth and disabilities issues and reconciliation of work and family life.

| — | Cultural interactions in an international perspective including traditions from different societies, diversity of populations including ethnic groups, multicultural issues, differing identities, languages and religious practices, and possible issues in this context including discrimination, racism, xenophobia and intolerance. |
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Cultural interactions in an international perspective including traditions from different societies, diversity of populations including ethnic groups, multicultural issues, differing identities, languages and religious practices, and possible issues in this context including discrimination, racism, xenophobia and intolerance.

Gender issues, inequalities and changing values will be included. In addition, changes in criminality and crime perception will be examined, as will changes in corporate social responsibility.

Europe in the world

The aim is to understand changing interactions and interdependencies between world regions including emerging and developing regions and their implications for the regions concerned, especially for Europe, and the related issue of addressing emerging threats and risks in a world context and their connection to human rights, freedoms and well-being. The research will involve two related tracks:

| — | Flows of trade, finance, investment, migration and their impact; uneven development, poverty and sustainability; economic and political relations, global governance including international institutions. This will explore cultural interactions including media and religions and distinctive non-European approaches. |
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Flows of trade, finance, investment, migration and their impact; uneven development, poverty and sustainability; economic and political relations, global governance including international institutions. This will explore cultural interactions including media and religions and distinctive non-European approaches.

| — | Conflicts, their causes and resolution, and fostering peace; the relation between security and destabilising factors such as poverty, crime, environmental degradation, resource scarcity, uneven development, financial instability and debt; terrorism, its causes and consequences; security-related policies and perceptions of insecurity and civil-military relations. |
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Conflicts, their causes and resolution, and fostering peace; the relation between security and destabilising factors such as poverty, crime, environmental degradation, resource scarcity, uneven development, financial instability and debt; terrorism, its causes and consequences; security-related policies and perceptions of insecurity and civil-military relations.

In both, Europe's role in the world, the development of multilateralism and international law, the promotion of democracy and fundamental rights including different notions of these, and Europe as seen from outside, will be addressed.

The citizen in the European Union

In the context of the future development of the EU, the aim is to improve understanding of, first, the issues involved in achieving a sense of democratic ‘ownership’ and active participation by citizens as well as effective and democratic governance at all levels including innovative governance processes to enhance citizens' participation and the cooperation between public and private actors, and, second, Europe's diversities and commonalities in terms of culture, religion, institutions, law, history, languages and values. The research will address:

| — | Participation (including youth, minorities and gender aspects), representation, accountability and legitimacy; the European public sphere, media and democracy; various forms of governance in the EU including economic and legal governance and the role of the public and private sectors, policy processes and opportunities to shape policies; the role of civil society; citizenship and rights; the implications of enlargement; and related values of the population. |
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Participation (including youth, minorities and gender aspects), representation, accountability and legitimacy; the European public sphere, media and democracy; various forms of governance in the EU including economic and legal governance and the role of the public and private sectors, policy processes and opportunities to shape policies; the role of civil society; citizenship and rights; the implications of enlargement; and related values of the population.

| — | European diversities and commonalities, including their historical origins and evolution; differences in institutions (including norms, practices, laws); cultural heritage; various visions and perspectives for European integration and enlargement including the views of the populations; identities including European identity; approaches to multiple coexisting cultures; the role of language, the arts and religions; attitudes and values. |
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European diversities and commonalities, including their historical origins and evolution; differences in institutions (including norms, practices, laws); cultural heritage; various visions and perspectives for European integration and enlargement including the views of the populations; identities including European identity; approaches to multiple coexisting cultures; the role of language, the arts and religions; attitudes and values.

Socioeconomic and scientific indicators

With a view to improving the use of indicators in policy, the aim is to develop a more profound understanding of their use in policy development and implementation and to propose improvements in indicators and methods for their use. The research will address:

| — | How indicators are used in policy objectives, policy development and implementation, in a variety of fields and from macro to micro levels, the adequacy of existing indicators and their use, techniques to analyse them and proposals for new indicators and sets of indicators. |
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How indicators are used in policy objectives, policy development and implementation, in a variety of fields and from macro to micro levels, the adequacy of existing indicators and their use, techniques to analyse them and proposals for new indicators and sets of indicators.

| — | How evidence-based policy might be better supported by indicators and methods for their use; indicators for policy with multiple objectives, for policy coordination and for regulation; support by official statistics for such indicators. |
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How evidence-based policy might be better supported by indicators and methods for their use; indicators for policy with multiple objectives, for policy coordination and for regulation; support by official statistics for such indicators.

| — | Use of indicators and related approaches for evaluation of research programmes including impact assessment. |
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Use of indicators and related approaches for evaluation of research programmes including impact assessment.

Foresight activities

The aim is to provide national, regional and Community policy-makers and others with foresight knowledge for the early identification of long-term challenges and areas of common interest that can help them formulate policy. Four types of activities will be covered:

| — | Wide socioeconomic foresight on a limited number of key challenges and opportunities for the Community, exploring issues such as the future and implications of ageing, migration, globalisation of the production and dissemination of knowledge, changes in crime and major risks. |
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Wide socioeconomic foresight on a limited number of key challenges and opportunities for the Community, exploring issues such as the future and implications of ageing, migration, globalisation of the production and dissemination of knowledge, changes in crime and major risks.

| — | More focused thematic foresight on the developments in emerging research domains or those cutting across existing domains, as well as on the future of scientific disciplines. |
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More focused thematic foresight on the developments in emerging research domains or those cutting across existing domains, as well as on the future of scientific disciplines.

| — | Foresight on research systems and policies in Europe and elsewhere and on the future of key actors involved. |
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Foresight on research systems and policies in Europe and elsewhere and on the future of key actors involved.

| — | Mutual learning and cooperation between national and/or regional foresight initiatives; cooperation between EU, third country and international foresight initiatives. |
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Mutual learning and cooperation between national and/or regional foresight initiatives; cooperation between EU, third country and international foresight initiatives.

International cooperation

Given the strong international dimension of the research, international cooperation will be developed in all areas of the theme. Specific international cooperation actions will be undertaken on a number of selected subjects on a multilateral and bilateral basis identified on the basis of the needs of the partner countries as well as those of Europe.

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

Research on emerging needs will offer a space for researchers to identify and address research challenges not specified above. It will encourage innovative thinking about challenges facing Europe not being widely discussed up to now or other relevant combinations of issues, perspectives and disciplines. Research to respond to unforeseen policy needs will also be undertaken, in close consultation with those involved in policy.

9.   SPACE

Objective

Supporting a European Space Programme focusing on applications such as GMES with benefits for citizens and for the competitiveness of the European space industry. This will contribute to the development of a European space policy, complementing efforts by Member States and by other key players, including the European Space Agency (ESA).

Approach

In this field, the Community will contribute to the definition of common objectives based on user requirements and policy objectives; to the coordination of activities, to the avoidance of duplications, to the facilitation of interoperability and to the improvement of cost-effectiveness. It will also contribute to the definition of standards. The European space policy (54) will serve the objectives of the public authorities and decision-makers while strengthening the competitiveness of the European industry. It will be implemented through a European Space Programme, and the Seventh Framework Programme will contribute to support or complement research and technological development actions provided by other stakeholders, public and private, in Europe.

Actions in this theme will support Community policy objectives, for example in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, environment, telecommunications, security, development, health, humanitarian aid, transport, science, education as well as ensuring that Europe is involved in regional and international cooperation. Space tools are also foreseen to contribute to law enforcement in some of these fields.

With particular focus on the use of existing capabilities in Europe, the activities set out in this priority aim primarily at: the exploitation of space assets for the implementation of applications, in particular GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) which together with Galileo represents the flagship of the European space policy, as well as space exploration efforts; and enabling technologies supporting the strategic role of the European Union.

Application-oriented activities are expected to be complementary to actions carried out under other themes in the ‘Cooperation’ specific programme (notably those carried out under ‘Environment’ in connection with earth observation and GEOSS, and those carried out under ‘Information and communication technologies’). Thematic synergies will also be developed with related activities in other specific programmes. Complementary actions are envisaged through the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the Education and Training Programme.

Research and technology transfer activities in the theme could be particularly appealing for SMEs developing innovative technologies, needing familiarisation with new space technology opportunities (spin-in), or developing application for their own space technologies to other markets (spin-off).

Management of certain parts of the space activities could be entrusted to existing external entities, such as ESA (55), and other entities and agencies at European or national level. In the case of GMES, research activities could be implemented through a Joint Technology Initiative (see Annex III).

Activities

Space-based applications at the service of the European Society

| — | Global monitoring for environment and security (GMES)

  The objective is to develop appropriate satellite based monitoring and early warning systems, including for the safety of citizens, as unique and globally available data sources and to consolidate and stimulate evolution of their operational use. This programme will also provide support to the development of operational GMES services, which enable decision-makers to better anticipate or mitigate crisis situations and issues relating to the management of the environment and security and the handling of natural disasters, starting with ‘fast-track’ services on Emergency Response, Land Monitoring and Marine Services. Research activities should mainly contribute to maximise the use of GMES data collected from space-borne sources and to integrating these with data from other observation systems in complex products designed to deliver information and customised services to end-users through an efficient data integration and information management. Other satellite technologies (e.g. Communication, Navigation) will be integrated, where necessary, into the development of GMES services. Research activities should also contribute to enhance monitoring techniques and associated instrument technologies, to develop where necessary new space-based systems or improve the interoperability of existing ones, and to enable their use in (pre-)operational services responding to specific types of demand. Research should support the development of sustainable space-based and in situ (including ground-based and airborne) systems in particular: for land monitoring, ocean monitoring and crisis management, with frequent, high-resolution imagery for zones of high importance, including sensitive, urban and rapidly evolving zones; for risk prevention and risk management and all kinds of emergency, enhancing convergence with non-space systems.






  — | In the environmental domain, the demands include the acquisition of independent knowledge on the state and evolution of sustainable use of renewable resources (such as vegetation and forests), wetlands, desertification, land cover including snow and ice, and land use, the food supply, agricultural environment and fishing, carbon sinks and stocks; atmospheric processes and chemistry; and conditions of seas. The EC Sixth Environmental Action Plan on environmental policies monitoring climate change, air, soil and water quality will be considered. |
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Global monitoring for environment and security (GMES)

The objective is to develop appropriate satellite based monitoring and early warning systems, including for the safety of citizens, as unique and globally available data sources and to consolidate and stimulate evolution of their operational use. This programme will also provide support to the development of operational GMES services, which enable decision-makers to better anticipate or mitigate crisis situations and issues relating to the management of the environment and security and the handling of natural disasters, starting with ‘fast-track’ services on Emergency Response, Land Monitoring and Marine Services. Research activities should mainly contribute to maximise the use of GMES data collected from space-borne sources and to integrating these with data from other observation systems in complex products designed to deliver information and customised services to end-users through an efficient data integration and information management. Other satellite technologies (e.g. Communication, Navigation) will be integrated, where necessary, into the development of GMES services. Research activities should also contribute to enhance monitoring techniques and associated instrument technologies, to develop where necessary new space-based systems or improve the interoperability of existing ones, and to enable their use in (pre-)operational services responding to specific types of demand. Research should support the development of sustainable space-based and in situ (including ground-based and airborne) systems in particular: for land monitoring, ocean monitoring and crisis management, with frequent, high-resolution imagery for zones of high importance, including sensitive, urban and rapidly evolving zones; for risk prevention and risk management and all kinds of emergency, enhancing convergence with non-space systems.

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In the environmental domain, the demands include the acquisition of independent knowledge on the state and evolution of sustainable use of renewable resources (such as vegetation and forests), wetlands, desertification, land cover including snow and ice, and land use, the food supply, agricultural environment and fishing, carbon sinks and stocks; atmospheric processes and chemistry; and conditions of seas. The EC Sixth Environmental Action Plan on environmental policies monitoring climate change, air, soil and water quality will be considered.

| — | In the security domain demands include improving acquisition, access and exchange of data and information needed in the context of emergency relief response and management. Support is to be given for prevention/mitigation, monitoring, risk management and assessment of natural and technological hazards as well as to humanitarian aid for the purpose of proper need assessment and emergency planning in the context of natural disasters (such as forest fires, floods and earthquakes) and humanitarian crises (refugees, internally displaced persons, etc.). Support is also to be considered for the implementation of the Community policies such as the establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, and in the domain of border surveillance. |
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In the security domain demands include improving acquisition, access and exchange of data and information needed in the context of emergency relief response and management. Support is to be given for prevention/mitigation, monitoring, risk management and assessment of natural and technological hazards as well as to humanitarian aid for the purpose of proper need assessment and emergency planning in the context of natural disasters (such as forest fires, floods and earthquakes) and humanitarian crises (refugees, internally displaced persons, etc.). Support is also to be considered for the implementation of the Community policies such as the establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, and in the domain of border surveillance.

| — | Security aspects (complementary to security research and to GMES activities)

  The EC SPASEC Report (56) underlined that space services play such a key role in the well-being of European society that protection of critical infrastructure in the space sector is a priority. This may need services and capabilities for surveillance of space based assets as well as protection for terrestrial infrastructure. The space surveillance system could for example provide information concerning the main characteristics of satellites (e.g. orbital parameters, activity status), the main characteristics of potentially threatening debris (e.g. trajectory, physical parameters) and pertinent information related to space weather and near-Earth objects. Feasibility studies and the financing of demonstration projects can be foreseen in this area. |
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Security aspects (complementary to security research and to GMES activities)

The EC SPASEC Report (56) underlined that space services play such a key role in the well-being of European society that protection of critical infrastructure in the space sector is a priority. This may need services and capabilities for surveillance of space based assets as well as protection for terrestrial infrastructure. The space surveillance system could for example provide information concerning the main characteristics of satellites (e.g. orbital parameters, activity status), the main characteristics of potentially threatening debris (e.g. trajectory, physical parameters) and pertinent information related to space weather and near-Earth objects. Feasibility studies and the financing of demonstration projects can be foreseen in this area.

| — | Applications of satellite communications

  The objective is to support innovative satellite communication applications and services, seamlessly integrated in global electronic communication networks, for citizens and enterprises in application sectors encompassing civil protection, security, e-government, telemedicine, tele-education, search and rescue, tourism and leisure activities, transport including fleet management and personal navigation, agriculture, forestry and meteorology. Research emphasis will be on the development of new applications and the deployment of demonstration missions and pre-operational systems where satellite communications represent an efficient response to these needs in terms of GMES downstream services. |
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Applications of satellite communications

The objective is to support innovative satellite communication applications and services, seamlessly integrated in global electronic communication networks, for citizens and enterprises in application sectors encompassing civil protection, security, e-government, telemedicine, tele-education, search and rescue, tourism and leisure activities, transport including fleet management and personal navigation, agriculture, forestry and meteorology. Research emphasis will be on the development of new applications and the deployment of demonstration missions and pre-operational systems where satellite communications represent an efficient response to these needs in terms of GMES downstream services.

Exploration of space

| — | The objective is to provide R & D support and maximise scientific added-value through synergies with initiatives of ESA or other entities and agencies at European or national level in the field of space exploration, including related technology transfer implications, and to facilitate access by the scientific community to results/data acquired during exploration missions undertaken in the frame of the European Space Programme. Research activities will be carried out, in particular, through supporting actions, feasibility studies and pre-operational projects. Additional dimensions will have to be considered: the intrinsic international cooperation opportunities and the importance of keeping awareness and disseminating results. |
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The objective is to provide R & D support and maximise scientific added-value through synergies with initiatives of ESA or other entities and agencies at European or national level in the field of space exploration, including related technology transfer implications, and to facilitate access by the scientific community to results/data acquired during exploration missions undertaken in the frame of the European Space Programme. Research activities will be carried out, in particular, through supporting actions, feasibility studies and pre-operational projects. Additional dimensions will have to be considered: the intrinsic international cooperation opportunities and the importance of keeping awareness and disseminating results.

| — | Supporting actions and feasibility studies are also envisaged as a means to better coordinate efforts for the development of space-borne telescopes and detectors as well as for data analysis in space sciences. Actions in this context will complement relevant national and international programmes (notably by ESA) and will aim at examining international cooperation opportunities. |
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Supporting actions and feasibility studies are also envisaged as a means to better coordinate efforts for the development of space-borne telescopes and detectors as well as for data analysis in space sciences. Actions in this context will complement relevant national and international programmes (notably by ESA) and will aim at examining international cooperation opportunities.

RTD for strengthening space foundations

| — | Space technology

  In general the objective is to support the increase of the competitiveness, cost-effectiveness and independent access of the European space technology sector at large.
  In particular that objective could be met through space research and the development for long-term needs including space transportation, for example by: assessing the long-term needs; contributing to system studies taking into account the end-user requirements; contributing to upstream technology research for the next generation of space transportation and propulsion systems. |
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Space technology

In general the objective is to support the increase of the competitiveness, cost-effectiveness and independent access of the European space technology sector at large.

In particular that objective could be met through space research and the development for long-term needs including space transportation, for example by: assessing the long-term needs; contributing to system studies taking into account the end-user requirements; contributing to upstream technology research for the next generation of space transportation and propulsion systems.

| — | Space sciences

  The objective is to contribute to the development of advanced technologies to be used in space sciences. Space sciences not only provide deep insights into the structure of the universe, improved understanding of Planet Earth and the Solar System, and a new approach to bio-medicine and life and physical sciences, they are also a strong driving force for new technology developments with many subsequent applications of benefit to society. The Seventh Framework Programme should complement the ongoing scientific programmes where gaps are identified and be in support of scientific activities including on-board the International Space Station (ISS). Supporting activities aiming at facilitating access to scientific data including those obtained from previous missions are also envisaged. |
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Space sciences

The objective is to contribute to the development of advanced technologies to be used in space sciences. Space sciences not only provide deep insights into the structure of the universe, improved understanding of Planet Earth and the Solar System, and a new approach to bio-medicine and life and physical sciences, they are also a strong driving force for new technology developments with many subsequent applications of benefit to society. The Seventh Framework Programme should complement the ongoing scientific programmes where gaps are identified and be in support of scientific activities including on-board the International Space Station (ISS). Supporting activities aiming at facilitating access to scientific data including those obtained from previous missions are also envisaged.

International cooperation

Exploitation and exploration of space are, by nature, global ventures. Effective international space cooperation will help to raise the Union's political standing in the world, strengthen its economic competitiveness and enhance its reputation for scientific excellence. Cooperation in the space sector will also support Community's external policy objectives (e.g. support for developing countries, neighbourhood countries).

In this respect, focus will be on developing an overall strategy in international space cooperation as well as an efficient coordination mechanism involving all relevant European players.

Space has to be considered a privileged sector for developing international activities, in particular in cooperation with main and emerging space powers, such as Russia, the United States, China, India, Canada, Japan, Ukraine and other countries carrying out space activities.

Efforts will be pursued to promote the use of space-based solutions in support of sustainable development and prevention of risks in the context of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, particularly in Africa. This is coherent with the global approach taken by GMES with regard to the monitoring of the environment (57) and security.

To provide better opportunities for efficient collaboration and to ensure that best international expertise in the space field is integrated in the European Space Programme, specific cooperation actions will be used for bi-or multilateral projects, international and global initiatives and cooperation with emerging economies and developing countries. Activities will include assessing and monitoring of international commitments.

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

Research on emerging needs will enable innovative solutions to technological developments in the space research area, and possible adaptations and applications in other fields (e.g. resources management, biological processes, and new materials). Research to respond to unforeseen policy needs may address topics such as providing space based solutions in support of developing countries, developing new space-observation and communication tools and methods related to relevant Community policies and contributions to social inclusion.

10.   SECURITY

Objective

To develop the technologies and knowledge for building capabilities needed to ensure the security of citizens from threats such as terrorism, natural disasters and crime, while respecting fundamental human rights including privacy; to ensure optimal and concerted use of available and evolving technologies to the benefit of civil European security, to stimulate the cooperation of providers and users for civil security solutions, improving the competitiveness of the European security industry and delivering mission-oriented research results to reduce security gaps.

Approach

Security in Europe is a precondition of prosperity and freedom. The Security Research theme has an exclusively civil application focus and it supports the implementation of Community policies and initiatives relevant to security such as the establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, transport, health (including the EU Health Security Programme (58), civil protection (including natural and industrial disasters), energy, environment and external policies. Through this, the theme will contribute to growth and employment and the competitiveness of the European security industry. It will facilitate the various national and international actors to cooperate and coordinate in order to avoid unnecessary duplication and to explore synergies wherever possible. It will be aimed at filling capability gaps and will provide clear added-value to security needs in Europe. The respect of privacy and civil liberties will be a guiding principle throughout the theme. It will not work on any technology for lethal and/or destructive weapons.

The special requirements concerning confidentiality are to be enforced but the transparency of research findings is not to be unnecessary restricted. In addition, areas are to be identified that permit the present transparency of research findings.

These non-defence activities at Community level will address four civil security mission areas which have been identified in response to specific challenges of high political relevance and European added-value with regard to threats and potential security incidents, and three areas of cross-cutting interest. Each mission area covers six phases which vary in time and emphasis. These six phases are: identify (incident-related), prevent (threat-related), protect (target-related), prepare (operation-related), respond (crisis-related) and recover (consequence-related); they describe what efforts to undertake in the respective phases. The first four phases refer to efforts of avoiding an incident and mitigating its potential negative impacts, the last two refer to efforts of coping with the incident situation and longer-term consequences.

For each phase of the individual mission areas, a specific group of capabilities becomes relevant which those responsible for the security of the citizens need to possess in order to effectively cope with threats and incidents. The capabilities indicate how the efforts would be undertaken and will in several cases contribute to more than one phase and/or mission area. Acquiring the capabilities is based on a combination of knowledge, technologies and organisational measures. This theme will also address ways of ensuring an effective connection between the enhanced knowledge and technologies, better use of common ICT-systems in the fields of different operations, and processes developed and their actual implementation by the various end-users, in order to achieve improvements in European security capabilities.

Research will in particular focus on filling capability gaps by developing technologies and skills required by the specific mission area and identified by a ‘top-down’ approach guided by a dialogue with end-users, in conformity with objectives and priorities. As end-users of the security research, public authorities, the private sector and EU citizens will be fully involved in the identification of the security research requirements to be addressed. A ‘System Analysis’ approach will be adopted to conduct an analysis of civil security gaps and their R & D requirements in each mission area. The activities will include the analysis of the security requirements of civil business. This identification of research requirements should be continuously an important element of research under this Theme.

This capability gap driven approach will be complemented by a ‘bottom-up’ approach which scopes and examines technologies in order to assess how they could be utilised to enhance European security. An important aspect is to draw on the excellence of the supply side (e.g. industry, universities, research centres) to bring forward innovative security solutions.

Research will be multidisciplinary and mission-oriented, it will range from technology and methodology development, to technology and systems integration, demonstration and validation. A multi-purpose nature of technologies is encouraged to maximise the scope for their application, and to foster cross-fertilisation and take-up of available and evolving technologies for the civil security sector. The Security Research theme will aim at preparing medium to long-term effective solutions which are sufficiently adaptable and innovative to defy relevant threats. It will also complement and integrate the technology- and more systems-oriented research relevant to civil security which is carried out in other themes.

Security research needs specific implementation rules to take into account its special nature with the aim of protecting sensitive information related to security, and to providing sufficient information on the results for the Member States and end-users.

Research will be focused exclusively on civil security applications. Recognising that there are areas of dual use technology relevant to both civilian and military applications, a suitable framework will be established to coordinate with the activities of the European Defence Agency (EDA). Moreover, to provide mutual information and to avoid unnecessary duplication of funding a coordination of security research with other activities at national and European level will be established.

The involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the activities is as strongly encouraged as that of authorities and organisations responsible for the security of the citizens. The longer term research agenda elaborated by the European Security Research Advisory Board (ESRAB) (59) will support the definition of the content and structure of the research in this theme.

Activities

Activities will address the following mission areas:

| — | Security of citizens: Activities will concentrate on threat aspects of potential incidents of a transnational importance, such as offenders, equipment and resources used by them or as mechanisms of attack. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which primarily relate to the phases ‘identify’, ‘prevent’ and ‘prepare’ and ‘respond’. The ambition is both to avoid an incident and to mitigate its potential consequences. To build up the required capabilities with the aim of providing civil protection, including bio-security and protection against risks arising from crime and terrorist attacks, emphasis will be on issues such as: threat (e.g. Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, CBRN) awareness (e.g. intelligence gathering, collection, exploitation, sharing; alerting), detection (e.g. hazardous substances, explosives, agents B or C, individuals or groups, suspect behaviour), identification and authentification (e.g. of persons, type and amount of substances), prevention (e.g. control of access and movements, with respect to financial resources, control of financial structures), preparedness (e.g. risk assessment; CBRN protection, control of intentionally released biological and chemical agents; assessment of levels for strategic reserves such as manpower, skills, equipment, consumables; with respect to large-scale events, etc.), neutralisation (e.g. missiles, communications, vehicles, non-destructive systems) and containment of effects of terrorist attacks and crime, law enforcement data processing. |
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Security of citizens: Activities will concentrate on threat aspects of potential incidents of a transnational importance, such as offenders, equipment and resources used by them or as mechanisms of attack. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which primarily relate to the phases ‘identify’, ‘prevent’ and ‘prepare’ and ‘respond’. The ambition is both to avoid an incident and to mitigate its potential consequences. To build up the required capabilities with the aim of providing civil protection, including bio-security and protection against risks arising from crime and terrorist attacks, emphasis will be on issues such as: threat (e.g. Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, CBRN) awareness (e.g. intelligence gathering, collection, exploitation, sharing; alerting), detection (e.g. hazardous substances, explosives, agents B or C, individuals or groups, suspect behaviour), identification and authentification (e.g. of persons, type and amount of substances), prevention (e.g. control of access and movements, with respect to financial resources, control of financial structures), preparedness (e.g. risk assessment; CBRN protection, control of intentionally released biological and chemical agents; assessment of levels for strategic reserves such as manpower, skills, equipment, consumables; with respect to large-scale events, etc.), neutralisation (e.g. missiles, communications, vehicles, non-destructive systems) and containment of effects of terrorist attacks and crime, law enforcement data processing.

| — | Security of infrastructures and utilities: Activities will concentrate on targets of an incident or disaster of transnational importance, examples for infrastructures include large-scale event sites, significant sites of political (e.g. parliament buildings) or symbolic (e.g. particular monuments) value and utilities being those for energy (including oil, electricity, gas), water, transport (including air, sea, land), communication (including broadcasting), financial, administrative, public health, etc. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which primarily relate to the phases ‘protect’ but also ‘prepare’. The ambition is both to avoid an incident and to mitigate its potential consequences. To build up the required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: analysing, modelling and assessing vulnerabilities of physical infrastructure and its operations; securing existing and future public and private critical networked infrastructures, systems and services with respect to their physical, logical and functional side; control and alert systems to allow for quick response in case of an incident; protection against cascading effects of an incident, defining and designing criteria to build new secure infrastructures and utilities. |
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Security of infrastructures and utilities: Activities will concentrate on targets of an incident or disaster of transnational importance, examples for infrastructures include large-scale event sites, significant sites of political (e.g. parliament buildings) or symbolic (e.g. particular monuments) value and utilities being those for energy (including oil, electricity, gas), water, transport (including air, sea, land), communication (including broadcasting), financial, administrative, public health, etc. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which primarily relate to the phases ‘protect’ but also ‘prepare’. The ambition is both to avoid an incident and to mitigate its potential consequences. To build up the required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: analysing, modelling and assessing vulnerabilities of physical infrastructure and its operations; securing existing and future public and private critical networked infrastructures, systems and services with respect to their physical, logical and functional side; control and alert systems to allow for quick response in case of an incident; protection against cascading effects of an incident, defining and designing criteria to build new secure infrastructures and utilities.

| — | Intelligent surveillance and border security: Activities will deal with issues relevant to all the consecutive tiers of European border security strategy, starting with visa application procedures in embassies and consular posts (first level), cross-border cooperation (second level), measures at the border crossing points at land borders, harbours and airports as well as between the border crossing points at green and blue borders (third level) and finally activities inside the European external borders (fourth level) such as exchange of information, compensatory measures, Schengen Information System (SIS), Judicial and Police, Customs and Border Guard cooperation (PCB). A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which primarily relate to the phases ‘identify’, ‘prevent’ and ‘protect’. The ambition is both to avoid an incident and to mitigate its potential consequences.
  To build up the required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of all security relevant systems, equipment, tools and processes used at border crossing points (e.g. identification of accessing people, non-invasive detection of people and goods, tracking of substances, sampling, spatial recognition including data capture and analysis, etc.); improving the security of Europe's land and sea borders (e.g. through non-invasive and underwater detection of vehicles, tracking of vehicles, spatial recognition including data capture and analysis, surveillance, remote operations, etc.); maritime security; assessment and management of (illegal) migration flows. A suitable framework will be established to coordinate with the activities of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders. |
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Intelligent surveillance and border security: Activities will deal with issues relevant to all the consecutive tiers of European border security strategy, starting with visa application procedures in embassies and consular posts (first level), cross-border cooperation (second level), measures at the border crossing points at land borders, harbours and airports as well as between the border crossing points at green and blue borders (third level) and finally activities inside the European external borders (fourth level) such as exchange of information, compensatory measures, Schengen Information System (SIS), Judicial and Police, Customs and Border Guard cooperation (PCB). A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which primarily relate to the phases ‘identify’, ‘prevent’ and ‘protect’. The ambition is both to avoid an incident and to mitigate its potential consequences.

To build up the required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of all security relevant systems, equipment, tools and processes used at border crossing points (e.g. identification of accessing people, non-invasive detection of people and goods, tracking of substances, sampling, spatial recognition including data capture and analysis, etc.); improving the security of Europe's land and sea borders (e.g. through non-invasive and underwater detection of vehicles, tracking of vehicles, spatial recognition including data capture and analysis, surveillance, remote operations, etc.); maritime security; assessment and management of (illegal) migration flows. A suitable framework will be established to coordinate with the activities of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders.

| — | Restoring security and safety in case of crisis: Activities will focus on technologies providing an overview of, and support for diverse emergency management operations, such as in civil protection (including natural disasters and industrial accidents), humanitarian aid and rescue tasks. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which primarily relate to the phases ‘prepare’, ‘respond’ and ‘recover’. The ambition is to mitigate the consequences of the incident. To build up the required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: general organisational and operational preparedness to cope with security incidents (e.g. inter-organisational coordination and emergency communication, assessment of strategic reserves, strategic inventories, etc.), crisis management (e.g. integrated means of alert and management, assessment of the incident and priority requirements, integration of heterogeneous actors and resources, evacuation and isolation, neutralisation and containment of effects of terrorist attacks and crime, etc.), intervention in hostile environment, emergency humanitarian aid and the management of the consequences and cascading effects of a security incident (e.g. the functioning of the public healthcare system, business continuity, confidence building measures, restoring the disrupted or destroyed functioning of society, etc.). |
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Restoring security and safety in case of crisis: Activities will focus on technologies providing an overview of, and support for diverse emergency management operations, such as in civil protection (including natural disasters and industrial accidents), humanitarian aid and rescue tasks. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which primarily relate to the phases ‘prepare’, ‘respond’ and ‘recover’. The ambition is to mitigate the consequences of the incident. To build up the required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: general organisational and operational preparedness to cope with security incidents (e.g. inter-organisational coordination and emergency communication, assessment of strategic reserves, strategic inventories, etc.), crisis management (e.g. integrated means of alert and management, assessment of the incident and priority requirements, integration of heterogeneous actors and resources, evacuation and isolation, neutralisation and containment of effects of terrorist attacks and crime, etc.), intervention in hostile environment, emergency humanitarian aid and the management of the consequences and cascading effects of a security incident (e.g. the functioning of the public healthcare system, business continuity, confidence building measures, restoring the disrupted or destroyed functioning of society, etc.).

The above areas will be supported by activities in the following areas of cross-cutting interest:

| — | Security Systems Integration, interconnectivity and interoperability: Activities related to intelligence, information gathering and civil security will enable and/or contribute to the performance of technology required for building up the above listed capabilities, thus focusing on cross-cutting issues such as: enhancing the interoperability and intercommunication of systems, equipment, services and processes, including law enforcement, fire fighting, civil defence and medical information infrastructures, while ensuring their reliability, protection of confidentiality and integrity of information, traceability of all transactions and their processing, etc. Activities will also address standardisation and training matters (including such with respect to cultural, human and organisational interoperability). |
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Security Systems Integration, interconnectivity and interoperability: Activities related to intelligence, information gathering and civil security will enable and/or contribute to the performance of technology required for building up the above listed capabilities, thus focusing on cross-cutting issues such as: enhancing the interoperability and intercommunication of systems, equipment, services and processes, including law enforcement, fire fighting, civil defence and medical information infrastructures, while ensuring their reliability, protection of confidentiality and integrity of information, traceability of all transactions and their processing, etc. Activities will also address standardisation and training matters (including such with respect to cultural, human and organisational interoperability).

| — | Security and society: Activities are of a cross-cutting nature and should be conducted by interacting between natural sciences, technology and other sciences, in particular political, social and human sciences. The focus will be on targeted cultural and socioeconomic, as well as systemic risk analyses, scenario building and other research activities related to subjects such as: Security as an evolving concept (comprehensive analyses of security-related needs, in order to define the main functional requirements to address the fluctuating security landscape); interdependencies, vulnerabilities due to disasters and new threats (e.g. in the field of terrorism and organised crime); the attitude of citizens in crisis situations (e.g. perception of terrorism and crime, behaviour of crowds, public understanding of civil rights and socio-cultural forms of protection and acceptance of security (and safety) controls); preparedness and readiness of the citizen in case of terrorist attacks; issues related to communication between authorities and citizens in crisis situations; raising public awareness for threats; citizens' guidance on the internal security advisory and assistance systems in the Member States and at EU level; behavioural, psychological and other relevant analyses of terrorist offenders; ethical issues with respect to personal data protection and integrity of information. Research will also be directed into developing statistical indicators on crime to permit assessments of changes in criminality. |
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Security and society: Activities are of a cross-cutting nature and should be conducted by interacting between natural sciences, technology and other sciences, in particular political, social and human sciences. The focus will be on targeted cultural and socioeconomic, as well as systemic risk analyses, scenario building and other research activities related to subjects such as: Security as an evolving concept (comprehensive analyses of security-related needs, in order to define the main functional requirements to address the fluctuating security landscape); interdependencies, vulnerabilities due to disasters and new threats (e.g. in the field of terrorism and organised crime); the attitude of citizens in crisis situations (e.g. perception of terrorism and crime, behaviour of crowds, public understanding of civil rights and socio-cultural forms of protection and acceptance of security (and safety) controls); preparedness and readiness of the citizen in case of terrorist attacks; issues related to communication between authorities and citizens in crisis situations; raising public awareness for threats; citizens' guidance on the internal security advisory and assistance systems in the Member States and at EU level; behavioural, psychological and other relevant analyses of terrorist offenders; ethical issues with respect to personal data protection and integrity of information. Research will also be directed into developing statistical indicators on crime to permit assessments of changes in criminality.

| — | Security research coordination and structuring: This area provides the platform for activities to coordinate and structure national, European and international security research efforts, to develop synergies between civil, security and defence research as well as to coordinate between the demand and the supply side of security research. Activities will also focus on the improvement of relevant legal conditions and procedures. |
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Security research coordination and structuring: This area provides the platform for activities to coordinate and structure national, European and international security research efforts, to develop synergies between civil, security and defence research as well as to coordinate between the demand and the supply side of security research. Activities will also focus on the improvement of relevant legal conditions and procedures.

International cooperation

International cooperation in the Security Research activities will be implemented in line with internal and external aspects of Community policies. Due to the particular sensitivity of this area, international cooperation will be considered on a case-by-case basis with respect to the countries involved. Particular requirements and criteria for international cooperation may be specified in the work programme.

Specific international cooperation actions will be considered where there is mutual benefit, such as research relating to security activities of global applicability, e.g. management of large-scale disasters.

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs

The Security Research theme is by nature and design flexible. Activities will allow the accommodation of as yet unknown future security threats including disasters, and related policy needs that may arise. This flexibility will complement the mission-oriented character of the research activities set out above.

ANNEX II

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT

The indicative breakdown is as follows:

| (in EUR million) |
| --- |
| Health | 6 100 |
| Food, agriculture and fisheries, biotechnology | 1 935 |
| Information and communication technologies | 9 050 |
| Nano-sciences, nano-technologies, materials and new production technologies | 3 475 |
| Energy | 2 350 |
| Environment (including climate change) | 1 890 |
| Transport (including aeronautics) | 4 160 |
| Socio-economic sciences and the humanities | 623 |
| Space | 1 430 |
| Security | 1 400 |
| Total
   (60)
   (61)
   (62)
   (63) | 32 413 |

(in EUR million)

Health

6 100

Food, agriculture and fisheries, biotechnology

1 935

Information and communication technologies

9 050

Nano-sciences, nano-technologies, materials and new production technologies

3 475

Energy

2 350

Environment (including climate change)

1 890

Transport (including aeronautics)

4 160

Socio-economic sciences and the humanities

623

Space

1 430

Security

1 400

Total
   (60)
   (61)
   (62)
   (63)

32 413

ANNEX III

RISK-SHARING FINANCE FACILITY

In accordance with Annex II, the Community will provide a contribution (coordination and support action) to the European Investment Bank (EIB) which will be a risk-sharing partner for the risk-sharing finance facility (RSFF). RSFF, which will be co-funded by the Community and the EIB, is aimed at fostering private sector investment across Europe in research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) as well as innovation.

| — | adding value in areas where the market cannot provide the required funding; and |
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adding value in areas where the market cannot provide the required funding; and

| — | providing catalytic effect in leveraging private investment. |
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providing catalytic effect in leveraging private investment.

The Community contribution will be committed to RSFF in line with the provisions set out in Annex II.

The EIB will lend funds raised from international financial markets and provide guarantees to its financing partners in accordance with its standard rules, regulations and procedures.

It will use this contribution on a ‘first come, first served basis’, as provisions and capital allocation within the Bank to cover part of the risks associated with its operations supporting eligible European RTD actions.

Based on its financial evaluation, the EIB will assess the level of financial risks and decide the value of the provision and capital allocation.

The risk assessment and grading, and the resulting decisions on provisioning and capital allocation, will follow standard procedures of the Bank, under its Structured Finance Facility, approved and monitored by its shareholders and as updated and modified from time to time. They will not be altered as a result of the Community contribution.

The risk to the Community budget is limited to the amounts paid or committed to be paid. There will be no contingent liability for the Community budget, as any remaining risk is borne by the EIB.

The Community contribution will be disbursed annually based on a multiannual plan and taking into account the evolution of demand. The annual amount will be established in the work programme, on the basis of the activity report and forecasts presented by the EIB.

The multiannual plan will be funded from each of the contributing themes and, if appropriate, adapted in accordance with the principle of proportional contributions.

| — | The eligibility of Community RTD actions.
  Joint technology initiatives’, collaborative projects, networks of excellence and research for the benefit of SMEs funded by the Community shall be automatically eligible provided their objectives fall within the scope of the contributing themes of this specific programme. Legal entities established in third countries other than Associated Countries are also eligible if they participate in the Seventh Framework Programme indirect actions and their costs are eligible for Community funding.
  Other European actions (such as Eureka) shall be eligible provided they concern research, technological development or demonstration activities within the scope of the contributing themes responding to European research principles and criteria and that the borrowers or guarantee beneficiaries are legal entities established in Member States or Associated Countries.
  RSFF will be offered in all Member States and associated countries in order to ensure that all legal entities, irrespective of size (including SMEs and research organisations, including universities) in all Member States, may benefit from this facility for the funding of their activities in eligible actions.
  Innovation activities of a commercial nature are eligible for RSFF only via the use of the EIB's own contribution.
  In accordance with the Regulation on Rules for Participation adopted pursuant to Article 167 of the Treaty, the agreement will also establish procedures for the Community to object, in duly justified cases, to the use of the Community contribution by the EIB. |
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The eligibility of Community RTD actions.

Joint technology initiatives’, collaborative projects, networks of excellence and research for the benefit of SMEs funded by the Community shall be automatically eligible provided their objectives fall within the scope of the contributing themes of this specific programme. Legal entities established in third countries other than Associated Countries are also eligible if they participate in the Seventh Framework Programme indirect actions and their costs are eligible for Community funding.

Other European actions (such as Eureka) shall be eligible provided they concern research, technological development or demonstration activities within the scope of the contributing themes responding to European research principles and criteria and that the borrowers or guarantee beneficiaries are legal entities established in Member States or Associated Countries.

RSFF will be offered in all Member States and associated countries in order to ensure that all legal entities, irrespective of size (including SMEs and research organisations, including universities) in all Member States, may benefit from this facility for the funding of their activities in eligible actions.

Innovation activities of a commercial nature are eligible for RSFF only via the use of the EIB's own contribution.

In accordance with the Regulation on Rules for Participation adopted pursuant to Article 167 of the Treaty, the agreement will also establish procedures for the Community to object, in duly justified cases, to the use of the Community contribution by the EIB.

| — | The rules for defining the share of the financial risk that will be covered by the Community contribution and the risk threshold beyond which the EIB can use the Community contribution as well as sharing of corresponding income.
  The level of the Community contribution for each operation shall depend on the financial risk evaluation carried out by the EIB. The level of total provisioning and capital allocation for the majority of RSFF operations is expected to fall within the range of 15 % to 25 % of the nominal value of such operations. In no case shall the level of total provisioning and capital allocation amounts of the Community contribution exceed 50 % of the nominal loan or guarantee value. There will be risk sharing under each operation. |
| --- | --- |

—

The rules for defining the share of the financial risk that will be covered by the Community contribution and the risk threshold beyond which the EIB can use the Community contribution as well as sharing of corresponding income.

The level of the Community contribution for each operation shall depend on the financial risk evaluation carried out by the EIB. The level of total provisioning and capital allocation for the majority of RSFF operations is expected to fall within the range of 15 % to 25 % of the nominal value of such operations. In no case shall the level of total provisioning and capital allocation amounts of the Community contribution exceed 50 % of the nominal loan or guarantee value. There will be risk sharing under each operation.

| — | The arrangements by which the Community will monitor the EIB lending and guarantee operations related to the Community contribution, including operations through the EIB financing partners. |
| --- | --- |

—

The arrangements by which the Community will monitor the EIB lending and guarantee operations related to the Community contribution, including operations through the EIB financing partners.

The EIB may only use the Community contribution for operations approved between the date of entry into force of this specific programme and 31 December 2013.

Interests and incomes generated by the Community contribution during this period shall be reported annually by the EIB to the Commission, which shall inform the European Parliament and the Council. In accordance with Article 18(2) of the financial regulation, they shall be considered as assigned revenues to the RSFF and entered into the budget.

When adopting the work programme, the Commission may decide to reallocate, for the purpose of any other indirect actions of the contributing themes of this specific programme, any amount not used by RSFF and, therefore, recovered from the EIB, after the mid-term evaluation referred to in Annex II of the Framework Programme. The mid-term evaluation will include an external assessment of the impact of the RSFF.

The Commission will closely monitor the effective use of the Community Contribution, including ex-post assessments of the successful features of the action, and regularly report to the programme committee. In addition, the Commission will include main findings in this respect to the annual report on research and technological development activities which it will send to the European Parliament and the Council pursuant to Article 173 of the Treaty.

ANNEX IV

JOINT TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES AND COORDINATION OF NON-COMMUNITY RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

Joint technology initiatives (64)

The research areas for an indicative list of joint technology initiatives are identified below based on the criteria set out in Annex I. These joint technology initiatives address a diverse range of challenges. Accordingly, structures must be designed on a case-by-case basis so that they address the particular characteristics of the research area in question. In each case, a specific structure would be identified for the purpose of implementing the agreed research agenda of the joint technology initiative and bring together the necessary public and private investments and coordination of European efforts. The Community could grant an amount for the implementation of the research agenda on the basis of separate proposals. Further joint technology initiatives may be identified on the basis of the criteria specified in Annex I and be proposed during the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme.

Innovative medicines initiative

The Innovative Medicines Joint Technology Initiative aims at increasing the competitiveness of the European Pharmaceutical sector by providing a coordinated approach to overcome the research bottlenecks in the drug development process, reducing drug development time and clinical attrition rate for new medicines. This will enable faster access to more targeted medicines and an earlier return on research investment and thus leverage more private investment for further research.

Pre-competitive research, as defined through the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) of the Innovative Medicines Initiative will include: development of tools and methods to better predict the suitability, safety and efficacy of drugs, intelligent infrastructures for data integration and knowledge management through close cooperation between industry, academia and clinical centres at all necessary steps. It will also address education and training gaps to ensure that Europe has the skills to translate research results into benefits for the patient. Close cooperation between the European Community and the Industry and other stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, patients, academia, clinicians, etc., will be ensured, as well as the mobilisation of public and private funds. The implementation of the SRA will be carried out via the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), the appropriate public-private partnership structure to be established especially for this purpose.

Nano-electronics technologies 2020

Nano-electronics is of high strategic importance for European competitiveness because its products are key enablers for innovation in other sectors (multimedia, telecommunications, transport, health, environment, industrial processing, etc.). It requires that R & D and innovation efforts are better structured, optimised and integrated into a larger process involving all actors crucial to achieving a successful outcome in the domain.

The initiative will address the needs for silicon-based technologies throughout four technology domains: (i) the shrinking of logic and memory devices to increase performance and reduce costs, (ii) the development of value-added functions, include sensing, actuating and packaging functions, and their embedding with logic and memory to form complex System-on-Chip or System-in-Package solutions, (iii) equipment and materials, and (iv) design automation.

Embedded computing systems

Embedded computing systems — the invisible electronics and software that impart intelligence to products and processes — are of strategic importance to the competitiveness of important European industrial sectors such as automotive, avionics, consumer electronics, telecommunications, medical systems and manufacturing. Furthermore, the increasing connectivity of these devices creates potential for entirely new markets and societal applications in which Europe must be well placed to benefit from.

The Joint Technology Initiative on Embedded Computing Systems will pull together and focus the research effort, leveraging private and public investment to share the high risks and maintain a high level of ambition. The initiative will address the design, development and deployment of ubiquitous, interoperable and cost-effective, yet powerful, safe and secure electronic and software systems. It will deliver reference designs that offer standard architectural approaches for given ranges of applications, middleware that enable seamless connectivity and interoperability, integrated design software tools and methods for rapid development and prototyping, as well as new approaches for interaction between computers and the real world.

Hydrogen and fuel cells initiative

Hydrogen and fuel cells are energy technologies that can bring about a paradigm shift in the way Europe produces and uses energy, offering massive development potential towards long-term independent sustainable energy supply and providing Europe with a crucial competitive edge. The transition to a hydrogen-oriented economy implies large research and capital investment in the creation of new industries, new supply chain structures, infrastructure and human resources.

The Joint Technology Initiative will define and execute a target-oriented European programme of industrial research, technological development and demonstration to deliver robust hydrogen and fuel cell technologies developed to the point of commercial take-off. The main themes of the JTI research agenda will be: fuel cell development for all application sectors and ranges; sustainable hydrogen supply, including production, distribution, storage and delivery; integrated, large-scale demonstration of maturing and advanced technologies in a real operational context; and, market framework preparatory activities. This will be implemented on the basis of a sound and continuously developing EU technology roadmap and business case, detailing transition strategies and long-term goals and implementation milestones.

Aeronautics and air transport

Europe must remain at the forefront of key technologies if it is to have sustainable, innovative and competitive aeronautics and air transport industries in the future. The development of green technologies is key to ensuring the competitiveness of the entire air transport sector. Innovative technologies are of paramount importance in order to maintain competitiveness in areas of increasing competitive pressure and to regain competitiveness in areas where Europe has the potential for establishing a substantial market share, such as regional transport. As an RTD-intensive industry, the existing competitiveness of the European aeronautical and air transport companies in world markets has been built on significant private research investments (typically 13 to 15 % of the turnover) over many decades. Given the specificities of the sector, new developments often depend on effective cooperation between the public and the private sector.

Certain aspects of the ACARE Strategic Research Agenda require a scale of effect and continuity of purpose which requires a Joint Technology Initiative focusing on a coherent and dedicated programme of research on advanced technologies and fostering aspects such as integration, large-scale validation, and demonstration.

In the field of Aeronautics and Air Transport, different areas would be addressed, such as environmentally friendly and cost efficient air transport system (The Green Air Transport System), and air traffic management in support of the Single European Sky policy and SESAR initiative.

Global monitoring for environment and security (GMES)

Europe needs autonomous capability based on a European standard for global monitoring. This will considerably help Europe and its industries in this area, where its competitors are investing heavily in the development of standards for global monitoring systems.

GMES has to respond to the political mandate expressed in the Council Resolution of 13 November 2001 on the launch of the initial period of global monitoring for environment and security (GMES) (65) that followed the June 2001 Gothenburg Summit, the Action Plan on GMES presented in February 2004 (66), and its inclusion in the ‘Initiative for Growth’ and the ‘Quick-start’ list.

The future of GMES depends on significant long-term investments by both users and infrastructure providers (both public and private). For this it is essential that GMES assert its a clear and coherent image of itself, which can be easily identified by users, public authorities and industry. Independently of the specific application areas of GMES, this will involve a set of accepted standards, validation mechanisms and policies, under a single political responsibility.

To that purpose a GMES management structure in the form of a Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) could be set up to bring together all relevant players with their resources, notably user organisations at both national and European level.

A JTI for GMES should ensure a strong coordination of GMES-related activities, including through the following functions:

| — | consolidation of user requirements for each application area of GMES, |
| --- | --- |

—

consolidation of user requirements for each application area of GMES,

| — | overseeing and supporting of the development of GMES operational services, associated capacities and infrastructures, |
| --- | --- |

—

overseeing and supporting of the development of GMES operational services, associated capacities and infrastructures,

| — | validation of such services, where appropriate, |
| --- | --- |

—

validation of such services, where appropriate,

| — | development of mechanisms aiming at ensuring long-term access to data (data buying). |
| --- | --- |

—

development of mechanisms aiming at ensuring long-term access to data (data buying).

A GMES JTI would also be an effective vehicle to promote an active involvement of the private sector, in that it would act as a coordinating and funding agent for industry (including SMEs) and other potential contractors wishing to contribute to the implementation of GMES through the relevant competitive processes.

GMES will give Europe leadership in an area of management and use of major infrastructures, including strategic space capacities. It could also provide a basis for an efficient exploitation of finite natural resources by both public and private entities. It will, thus, help to improve productivity in many sectors which have a need for coherent and up-to-date information on available assets.

Coordination of non-Community research programmes (67)

An indicative list of initiatives for the joint implementation of national research programmes are identified below and could be the subject of a separate decision on the basis of Article 169 of the Treaty. Further initiatives may be identified and proposed during the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme.

In the case of each decision, if and when adopted, a dedicated implementation structure would be set up, together with the organisational structure and appropriate governance bodies necessary for the implementation of the action. In accordance with Annex II, the Community could provide financial support to the initiatives and could participate actively in the implementation by the means which are most appropriate for the action.

Article 169 initiative in the field of Baltic Sea research

The aim will be to launch and implement a joint R & D programme integrating a number of national programmes in the field of marine science and sustainable development of the Baltic Sea. In line with a number of international, European and regional conventions dealing with the Baltic Sea, this initiative will enable the creation of a platform for synthesising and disseminating findings in the field and will create the necessary R & D to support sustainable development of the Baltic Sea.

Article 169 initiative in the field of ambient assisted living

A joint R & D programme on ambient assisted living will aim at bringing together national research efforts to address how ICT can enhance the quality of life of elderly people and extend the time they can live independently in their home environment and their surroundings. This includes for example assistance to carry out daily activities, facilitating social contacts, health and activity monitoring and enhancing safety and security. Focus will be the integration of devices, systems and services into cost-effective, reliable and trusted solutions. This initiative will aim at a large-scale European cooperation with sufficient critical mass and long-term commitment.

Article 169 initiative in the field of metrology

The aim will be to launch and implement a cohesive joint metrology R & D programme integrating a number of national programmes, which will enable Europe to respond to the growing demands for cutting-edge metrology as a tool for innovation, supporting scientific research and policy. The initiative will support, in particular, the objectives of the European National Measurement Systems delivered via the National Metrology Laboratory networks.

ANNEX V

INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY THE COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 8(4)

1.

Information on individual projects, enabling the monitoring of the entire lifetime of each proposal, covering in particular:





  —

| — | submitted proposals, |
| --- | --- |

submitted proposals,

| — | evaluation results for each proposal, |
| --- | --- |

—

evaluation results for each proposal,

| — | grant agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

grant agreements,

| — | completed projects. |
| --- | --- |

—

completed projects.

2.

Information on the outcome of each call and project implementation, covering in particular:





  —

| — | results of each call, |
| --- | --- |

results of each call,

| — | outcome of negotiations on grant agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

outcome of negotiations on grant agreements,

| — | project implementation, including payment data and outcome of projects. |
| --- | --- |

—

project implementation, including payment data and outcome of projects.

3.

Information on programme implementation, including relevant information at the level of the Framework Programme, the specific programme and each theme.

This information (in particular, on proposals, their evaluation and grant agreements) should be provided in a uniform structured electronically-readable and treatable format accessible through an IT-based information and reporting system which readily enables data analysis.

---

(1)  Opinion of 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  
  OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 10.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

4

(5)  
  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 19.8.2006, p. 3).

5

(6)  
  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

6

(7)  
  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

7

(8)  
  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

8

(9)  
  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

9

(10)  
  OJ L 75, 22.3.2005, p. 67.

10

(11)  Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads may be financed.

11

(12)  With a view to facilitating the implementation of the programme, for each meeting of the programme committee as defined in the agenda, the Commission will reimburse, in accordance with its established guidelines, the expenses of one representative per Member State, as well as one expert/adviser per Member State for those agenda items where a Member State requires specific expertise.

12

(13)  
  OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as amended by Directive 2003/65/EC and of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32).

13

(14)  In particular with the activities carried out by the intergovernmental structure Eureka. In addition, the experience gained by Eureka clusters could be relevant to joint technology initiatives in related areas.

14

(15)  This could include possible joint implementation of programmes in the field of Metrology.

15

(16)  As defined in the Rules for Participation and Dissemination.

16

(17)  Other new important initiatives regarding the coordination of national research programmes may be supported where needed.

17

(18)  Strategic research agendas of other European technology platforms may be supported where they are of major importance for health-related industries.

18

(19)  Risk factors, biological mechanisms, causes, clinical manifestation, consequences and treatment of disease and disorders often differ between women and men. Therefore, all activities funded within this theme must reflect the possibility of such differences in their research protocols, methodologies and analysis of results.

19

(20)  Support will in particular be given to specific clinical studies to provide evidence for the appropriate use of off-patent products currently used off label in paediatric populations.

20

(21)  Specific research on ethical, legal and socioeconomic issues will be undertaken in the Theme Socioeconomic Sciences and the Humanities under the specific programme ‘Cooperation’, and in the specific programme ‘Capacities’.

21

(22)  For conventional medicines (Pharmaceuticals and Bio-pharmaceuticals), these issues could be addressed by a Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines.

22

(23)  Replacement, refinement, reduction alternatives to animal usage in biomedical research.

23

(24)  Aspects of palliative medicine and the use of active ingredients will be taken into account.

24

(25)  The Commission will carry out an evaluation of the EDCTP.

25

(26)  The European Community is a member of the HFSP Organisation (HFSPO) and has funded HFSP under previous Framework Programmes.

26

(27)  Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Decision 2004/513/EC.

27

(28)  International Health Regulations 2005 — Resolution 58.3 of the 58th World Health Assembly, 23 May 2005.

28

(29)  The term ‘bio-economy’ includes all industries and economic sectors that produce, manage and otherwise exploit biological resources (and related services, supply or consumer industries), such as agriculture, food, fisheries, forestry, etc.

29

(30)  Food includes seafood.

30

(31)  Complementary research relating to sustainable management and conservation is addressed under ‘Environment including climate change’. Research on other tools and technologies that support sustainable production and management will be done under the relevant themes.

31

(32)  These could include selected aspects of research in the areas of nanoelectronics technologies, embedded computing systems.

32

(33)  This could include possible joint implementation of programmes in the field of ambient-assisted living.

33

(34)  The agreement for scientific and technical cooperation in the domains of IMS concluded between the European Community and the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea and the EFTA States of Norway and Switzerland.

34

(35)  Commission Communication, Nanosciences and nanotechnologies: an action plan for Europe 2005 to 2009 — COM(2005) 243.

35

(36)  The agreement for scientific and technical cooperation in the domains of IMS is between the European Community and the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea and the EFTA States of Norway and Switzerland.

36

(37)  COM(2002) 279, 29.11.2000.

37

(38)  COM(2005) 265.

38

(39)  COM(2006) 105.

39

(40)  As recognised by the Green Paper on Energy Efficiency or ‘Doing more for less’ — COM(2005) 265, 22.6.2005.

40

(41)  Building upon the experience of the Concerto and Civitas initiatives supported in the Sixth Framework Programme.

41

(42)  Complementary research relating to the production and use of biological resources is addressed under the ‘Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology’ theme.

42

(43)  This could include joint implementation of programmes in Baltic Sea research, and new ERA-NETs.

43

(44)  As regards environmental technologies, coordination with CIP is particularly important.

44

(45)  Including financial support for the GEO secretariat.

45

(46)  Examples are the Killarney recommendations for Biodiversity Research Priorities for the 2010 Target (Malahide conference in 2004), the EU Action Plan on Climate Change in the Context of Development Cooperation (2004), priority actions identified by the Committee for Science and Technology of the UNCCD, EU and global strategies addressing chemicals and pesticides safe management, etc.

46

(47)  
  ‘European Transport Policy for 2010: time to decide’ — COM(2001) 370.

47

(48)  SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) — European air traffic control infrastructure modernisation related to the Single European Sky implementation.

48

(49)  For this purpose, the establishment of a Joint Undertaking for the coordination of ATM activities is envisaged.

49

(50)  In view of the objective to re-establish the modal split of 1998 activities addressing one single mode will concentrate on rail and waterborne transport.

50

(51)  Building upon the experiences of the Civitas Initiative.

51

(52)  The research activities will be managed by the European GNSS Supervisory Authority.

52

(53)  Global environment change will be mainly dealt in the theme environment.

53

(54)  
  ‘European space policy: Preliminary Elements’ — COM(2005) 208.

54

(55)  Within the terms of the Framework Agreement between the European Community and the European Space Agency (OJ L 261, 6.8.2004, p. 64).

55

(56)  Report of the Panel of Experts on Space and Security (March 2005).

56

(57)  For example, the Kyoto Protocol, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, UN Biodiversity Convention, 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development conclusions and 2005 G-8 Summit conclusions.

57

(58)  With the objective to improve preparedness and response to deliberate releases of biological and/or chemical agents.

58

(59)  Established in the course of the three years, Preparatory Action for Security Research (PASR 2004 to 2006).

59

(60)  Including joint technology initiatives (including financial plan, etc.) and the part of the coordination and international cooperation activities to be funded within the themes.

60

(61)  The aim will be to enable at least 15 % of the funding of the programme to go to SMEs.

61

(62)  Including a contribution of up to EUR 800 million to the European Investment Bank for its Risk-Sharing Finance Facility, as referred to in Annex III. The themes will contribute on a proportional basis, except the Socioeconomic Sciences and the Humanities theme, which does not contribute to RSFF.

62

An amount of the order of EUR 400 million will be committed in annual instalments for the period 2007 to 2010.

(63)  Of which at least EUR 210 million and up to EUR 250 million for COST, subject to the mid-term evaluation. This financial support will be provided through a grant which will be paid on the basis of a grant agreement between the Commission and a legal entity designated by COST as its implementing agent and communicated to the Commission by the General Secretariat of the Council and identified in the work programme.

63

(64)  The list of proposed JTIs is solely indicative and could be adjusted in the light of future developments. Each JTI will be decided individually (see Annex I, Chapter ‘Scientific and technological objectives, broad lines of the themes and activities’).

64

(65)  
  OJ C 350, 11.12.2001, p. 4.

65

(66)  
  ‘Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES): Establishing a GMES capacity by 2008 — (Action Plan (2004-2008)’ — COM(2004) 65, 3.2.2004.

66

(67)  The list is solely indicative and the proposed initiatives are subject of separate decisions on the basis of Article 169 (see Annex I, Chapter ‘Scientific and technological objectives, broad lines of the themes and activities’).

67

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| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/81 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/81

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/972/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme: ‘Ideas’ implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 400 of 30 December 2006
  )

Decision 2006/972/EC should read as follows:

COUNCIL DECISION

of 19 December 2006

concerning the specific programme: ‘Ideas’ implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/972/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 166(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2),

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, (2007 to 2013) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, (2007 to 2013) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary.

| (2) | The Framework Programme is structured in four types of activities: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (Cooperation), investigator-driven research based on initiatives of the research community (Ideas), support of training and career development of researchers (People), and support of research capacities (Capacities). Activities under ‘Ideas’ as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this specific programme. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Framework Programme is structured in four types of activities: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (Cooperation), investigator-driven research based on initiatives of the research community (Ideas), support of training and career development of researchers (People), and support of research capacities (Capacities). Activities under ‘Ideas’ as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this specific programme.

| (3) | This specific programme should follow an ‘investigator-driven’ approach: it should support ‘frontier research’ projects carried out by researchers on subjects of their choice. It should be implemented in a flexible and user-friendly manner, in a spirit of openness with respect to all the related actors, and taking account of relevant scientific practices. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

This specific programme should follow an ‘investigator-driven’ approach: it should support ‘frontier research’ projects carried out by researchers on subjects of their choice. It should be implemented in a flexible and user-friendly manner, in a spirit of openness with respect to all the related actors, and taking account of relevant scientific practices.

| (4) | Proposals for ‘frontier research’ should be evaluated on the basis of the sole criterion of excellence as judged by peer review and should put the emphasis on inter- and multidisciplinary, high-risk pioneering projects and new groups and new generation researchers as well as established teams. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Proposals for ‘frontier research’ should be evaluated on the basis of the sole criterion of excellence as judged by peer review and should put the emphasis on inter- and multidisciplinary, high-risk pioneering projects and new groups and new generation researchers as well as established teams.

| (5) | This specific programme should be implemented according to the principles of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency, transparency, and accountability, by means of a European Research Council (ERC) consisting of an independent Scientific Council composed of scientists, engineers and scholars of the highest repute, representing the European research community in all its breadth and depth, supported by a lean and cost-effective dedicated implementation structure which would be set-up as an Executive Agency in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 of 19 December 2002 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes (4). |
| --- | --- |

(5)

This specific programme should be implemented according to the principles of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency, transparency, and accountability, by means of a European Research Council (ERC) consisting of an independent Scientific Council composed of scientists, engineers and scholars of the highest repute, representing the European research community in all its breadth and depth, supported by a lean and cost-effective dedicated implementation structure which would be set-up as an Executive Agency in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 of 19 December 2002 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes (4).

| (6) | The Commission should be responsible for the implementation of this specific programme and should act as the guarantor of the European Research Council's autonomy and integrity, as well as its functional efficacy. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The Commission should be responsible for the implementation of this specific programme and should act as the guarantor of the European Research Council's autonomy and integrity, as well as its functional efficacy.

| (7) | To guarantee the ERC's autonomy, the Commission should ensure that positions of the Scientific Council on the scientific orientation and aspects of programme implementation are respected, and that the dedicated implementation structure follows strictly, efficiently and with the necessary flexibility, the objectives and requirements of this specific programme. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

To guarantee the ERC's autonomy, the Commission should ensure that positions of the Scientific Council on the scientific orientation and aspects of programme implementation are respected, and that the dedicated implementation structure follows strictly, efficiently and with the necessary flexibility, the objectives and requirements of this specific programme.

| (8) | To guarantee the ERC's integrity, the Commission should ensure that this specific programme is implemented in accordance with the objectives set. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

To guarantee the ERC's integrity, the Commission should ensure that this specific programme is implemented in accordance with the objectives set.

| (9) | The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) should apply to this programme. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) should apply to this programme.

| (10) | The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside, in particular, those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside, in particular, those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment.

| (11) | Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty.

| (12) | As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this specific programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect and should also be open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this specific programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect and should also be open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation.

| (13) | Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

| (14) | Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (5) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (6) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (5) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (6) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments.

| (15) | Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (7), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (8) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (9). |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (7), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (8) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (9).

| (16) | Since the measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially management measures, they should therefore be adopted by the advisory or management procedure provided for in Articles 3 and 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (10). On the other hand, research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 3 of this Decision, therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

Since the measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially management measures, they should therefore be adopted by the advisory or management procedure provided for in Articles 3 and 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (10). On the other hand, research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 3 of this Decision, therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC.

| (17) | The implementation and management of the activity under this specific programme will be reviewed and evaluated on an on-going basis to assess its achievements and to adjust and improve procedures on the basis of experience. As regards the ERC structures and mechanisms, the mid term review of the Seventh Framework Programme, based on an independent review against the criteria of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency and transparency and with the full involvement of the Scientific Council, may show the need for further improvements necessitating appropriate amendments. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

The implementation and management of the activity under this specific programme will be reviewed and evaluated on an on-going basis to assess its achievements and to adjust and improve procedures on the basis of experience. As regards the ERC structures and mechanisms, the mid term review of the Seventh Framework Programme, based on an independent review against the criteria of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency and transparency and with the full involvement of the Scientific Council, may show the need for further improvements necessitating appropriate amendments.

| (18) | The ‘Ideas’ specific programme should have its own budget line in the General Budget of the European Communities. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

The ‘Ideas’ specific programme should have its own budget line in the General Budget of the European Communities.

| (19) | The importance of this specific programme is recognised as being an overall priority means to attain the objectives of excellence, management simplification and European added value in ‘frontier research’ contributed by Community research in addition to the efforts already undertaken at national level. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

The importance of this specific programme is recognised as being an overall priority means to attain the objectives of excellence, management simplification and European added value in ‘frontier research’ contributed by Community research in addition to the efforts already undertaken at national level.

| (20) | It responds to the recommendations of the report by ERCEG (11) set up by the Copenhagen European Council (November 2002), reiterated by successive Councils (November 2003, 11 March 2004, 25 to 26 March 2004, 26 November 2004) and endorsed by the European Parliament (12). This specific programme is in line with the Lisbon strategy and the European Council of Barcelona which set the target of raising European research efforts to 3 % of EU GDP. |
| --- | --- |

(20)

It responds to the recommendations of the report by ERCEG (11) set up by the Copenhagen European Council (November 2002), reiterated by successive Councils (November 2003, 11 March 2004, 25 to 26 March 2004, 26 November 2004) and endorsed by the European Parliament (12). This specific programme is in line with the Lisbon strategy and the European Council of Barcelona which set the target of raising European research efforts to 3 % of EU GDP.

| (21) | In the implementation of this specific programme adequate attention should be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (13) offers a reference framework, while respecting their voluntary nature, |
| --- | --- |

(21)

In the implementation of this specific programme adequate attention should be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (13) offers a reference framework, while respecting their voluntary nature,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

1.   The specific programme ‘Ideas’ for Community activities in the area of ‘frontier research’, hereinafter the ‘specific programme’, is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.

2.   The specific programme shall be ‘investigator-driven’, supporting research carried out across all fields by individual national or transnational teams in competition at the European level. The detailed objectives and the broad lines of those activities are set out in Annex I.

Article 2

In accordance with Annex II of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme shall be EUR 7 510 million, of which not more than 5 % shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure (14).

Article 3

1.   All research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

2.   The following fields of research shall not be financed under this programme:

| — | research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes, |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes,

| — | research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (15),

| — | research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer. |
| --- | --- |

—

research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer.

3.   Research on human stem cells, both adult and embryonic, may be financed, depending both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

Any application for financing for research on human embryonic stem cells shall include, as appropriate, details of licensing and control measures that will be taken by the competent authorities of the Member States as well as details of the ethical approval(s) that will be provided.

As regards the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, institutions, organisations and researchers shall be subject to strict licensing and control in accordance with the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

4.   The fields of research set out in paragraph 2 shall be reviewed for the second phase of this programme (2010 to 2013) in the light of scientific advances.

Article 4

1.   The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme.

2.   The Commission shall establish a European Research Council (ERC), which shall be the means for implementing the specific programme.

3.   The European Research Council shall consist of an independent Scientific Council, supported by a dedicated implementation structure, as described in Annex I. It shall operate according to the principles of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency, transparency and accountability.

4.   The Commission shall act as the guarantor of the European Research Council's autonomy and integrity, ensure the proper execution of the tasks entrusted to it and provide the European Parliament and the Council with an annual report on the ERC's operations and realisation of the objectives set out in the specific programme.

Article 5

1.   The Scientific Council shall be composed of scientists, engineers and scholars of the highest repute and appropriate expertise, ensuring a diversity of research areas, acting in their personal capacity, independent of extraneous interests.

The Commission shall appoint the members of the Scientific Council following an independent and transparent procedure for their identification agreed with the Scientific Council including a consultation of the scientific community and a report to the European Parliament and the Council (16).

Their term of office shall be limited to 4 years, renewable once on a basis of a rotating system which will ensure the continuity of the Scientific Council's work.

2.   The Scientific Council shall act in accordance with the mandate set out in Annex I.

3.   The Scientific Council shall establish:

| (a) | the overall strategy for the ERC; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the overall strategy for the ERC;

| (b) | the work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, to be adopted pursuant to Article 6(1); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, to be adopted pursuant to Article 6(1);

| (c) | the methods and procedures for peer review and proposal evaluation on the basis of which the proposals to be funded will be determined; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the methods and procedures for peer review and proposal evaluation on the basis of which the proposals to be funded will be determined;

| (d) | its position on any matter which from a scientific perspective may enhance the achievements and impact of the specific programme, and the quality of the research carried out; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

its position on any matter which from a scientific perspective may enhance the achievements and impact of the specific programme, and the quality of the research carried out;

| (e) | a code of conduct addressing, inter alia, the avoidance of conflicts of interest. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

a code of conduct addressing, inter alia, the avoidance of conflicts of interest.

4.   The Scientific Council shall exclusively act in the interest of achieving the specific programme's scientific, technological and scholarly objectives, according to the principles set out in Article 4(3).

Article 6

1.   The Commission shall adopt the work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities contained in Annex I, the associated funding, and the timetable for implementation.

2.   The work programme shall take account of the state of science and technology in Europe and anticipate developments. It shall be updated as and where appropriate.

3.   The work programme shall specify the criteria on which proposals under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected. For individual projects the sole criterion of excellence shall be applicable. For coordination and support actions, project-related criteria may be applicable.

4.   The work programme may identify:

| (a) | organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee;

| (b) | support actions for the activities of specific legal entities. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

support actions for the activities of specific legal entities.

5.   The Commission shall ensure that the implementation of the specific programme is in accordance with the principles set out in Article 4(3) as well as with the overall strategy referred to in Article 5(3)(a) and the work programme referred to in Article 5(3)(b) and the methods and positions established by the Scientific Council as defined under Article 5(3)(c) and 5(3)(d). The Commission shall ensure that the dedicated implementation structure follows strictly, efficiently and with the necessary flexibility, the objectives and requirements of this specific programme alone.

6.   As regards the tasks set out in Article 5(3), the Commission shall abstain from following the position of the Scientific Council only when it considers that the provisions of this specific programme have not been respected. In this case, the Commission may adopt measures to maintain continuity in the implementation of the specific programme and the achievement of its objectives, duly motivating such measures.

7.   The advisory procedure referred to in Article 8(2) shall apply for the adoption of the work programme referred to in Article 6(1).

8.   The management procedure referred to in Article 8(3) shall apply for the adoption of the work programme when there is a difference of substance with the position of the Scientific Council in accordance with Article 6(6).

9.   The regulatory procedure referred to in Article 8(4) shall apply for the adoption of RTD actions involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells.

Article 7

1.   The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to this specific programme.

2.   The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the funding schemes defined in Annex III of the Framework Programme.

Article 8

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee.

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.

4.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down for in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.

5.   The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, and shall provide it with timely information about all actions proposed or funded under this programme as specified in Annex II.

6.   The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

Article 9

The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring, assessment and review provided for in Article 7 and Annex I Section II (Ideas) of the Framework Programme to be conducted concerning the activities covered by the specific programme.

Article 10

This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 11

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006.

For the Council

The President

J. KORKEAOJA

ANNEX I

SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES AND BROAD LINES OF THE ACTIVITIES

Investigator-driven ‘frontier research’, within the framework of activities commonly understood as ‘basic research’, is a key driver of wealth and social progress, as it opens new opportunities for scientific and technological advance, and is instrumental in producing new knowledge leading to future applications and markets.

Despite many achievements and a high level of performance in a large number of fields, Europe is not making the most of its research potential and resources, and urgently needs a strengthened capacity to generate knowledge and translate such knowledge into economic and social value and growth.

Objectives

The objective of the specific programme ‘Ideas’ is to reinforce excellence, dynamism and creativity in European research and improve the attractiveness of Europe for the best researchers from both European and third countries, as well as for industrial research investment, by providing a Europe-wide competitive funding structure, in addition to and not replacing national funding, for ‘frontier research’ executed by individual teams. Communication and dissemination of research results is an important aspect of this programme.

For its implementation, a European Research Council (ERC), consisting of an independent Scientific Council and a lean and cost-effective dedicated implementation structure, will be created by the Commission under this specific programme. The ERC will operate according to the principles of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency, transparency and accountability, and will support investigator-driven projects in ‘frontier research’, carried out by individual teams competing at the European level, within and across all fields of research.

By promoting ‘frontier research’ from across the EU, the specific programme will aim to put European research in a leading position, opening the way to creating new and often unexpected scientific and technological results and new areas for research. It will stimulate the flow of ideas and allow Europe better to exploit its research assets and foster innovation in the drive towards a dynamic knowledge-based society, with long-term benefits for the competitiveness of European economies and well being.

Programme Implementation

For the implementation of this specific programme, the Commission will establish, at the start, the two key structural components of the ERC — an independent Scientific Council and a dedicated implementation structure.

The administrative and staffing costs for the ERC relating to the Scientific Council and dedicated implementation structure will be consistent with lean and cost-effective management; administrative expenditure will be kept to a minimum, consistent with ensuring the resources necessary for high quality implementation, in order to maximise funding for frontier research (17).

The Scientific Council

The tasks of the Scientific Council, as established in Article 5, will be as follows:

| 1. | Scientific strategy:






  — | establish the overall scientific strategy for the programme, in the light of scientific opportunities and European scientific needs; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Scientific strategy:

—

establish the overall scientific strategy for the programme, in the light of scientific opportunities and European scientific needs;

| — | on a permanent basis, in accordance with the scientific strategy, ensure the establishment of the work programme and necessary modifications, including calls for proposals and criteria and, as may be required, the definition of specific topics or target groups (e.g. young/emerging teams). |
| --- | --- |

—

on a permanent basis, in accordance with the scientific strategy, ensure the establishment of the work programme and necessary modifications, including calls for proposals and criteria and, as may be required, the definition of specific topics or target groups (e.g. young/emerging teams).

| 2. | Scientific management, monitoring and quality control of programme implementation:






  — | as appropriate, from a scientific perspective, establish positions on implementation and management of calls for proposals, evaluation criteria, peer review processes including the selection of experts and the methods for peer review and proposal evaluation, on the basis of which the proposal to be funded will be determined under the supervision of the Scientific Council; as well as any other matter affecting the achievements and impact of the specific programme, and the quality of the research carried out; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Scientific management, monitoring and quality control of programme implementation:

—

as appropriate, from a scientific perspective, establish positions on implementation and management of calls for proposals, evaluation criteria, peer review processes including the selection of experts and the methods for peer review and proposal evaluation, on the basis of which the proposal to be funded will be determined under the supervision of the Scientific Council; as well as any other matter affecting the achievements and impact of the specific programme, and the quality of the research carried out;

| — | monitor quality of operations and evaluate programme implementation and achievements and make recommendations for corrective or future actions. |
| --- | --- |

—

monitor quality of operations and evaluate programme implementation and achievements and make recommendations for corrective or future actions.

| 3. | Communication and dissemination:






  — | assure communication with the scientific community and key stakeholders on the activities and achievements of the programme and the deliberations of the ERC; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

Communication and dissemination:

—

assure communication with the scientific community and key stakeholders on the activities and achievements of the programme and the deliberations of the ERC;

| — | regularly report to the Commission on its activities. |
| --- | --- |

—

regularly report to the Commission on its activities.

The Scientific Council will have full authority over decisions on the type of research to be funded and act as guarantor of the quality of the activity from the scientific perspective.

The Scientific Council may independently select a Secretary-General who will act under its authority. The Secretary-General will, inter alia, assist the Scientific Council in ensuring its effective liaison with the dedicated implementation structure and with the Commission, an in monitoring the effective implementation of its strategy and positions as carried by the dedicated implementation structure.

Administrative assistance may be provided for the Chair and vice-chairs of the Scientific Council.

Dedicated implementation structure

The dedicated implementation structure will be responsible for all aspects of administrative implementation and programme execution, as provided for in the annual work programme. It will, in particular, implement the evaluation procedures, peer review and selection process according to the principles established by the Scientific Council and will ensure the financial and scientific management of the grants. The dedicated implementation structure will keep the Scientific Council informed of its activities.

The management of the ERC will be carried out by staff recruited for that purpose, including officials from EU institutions, and will cover only the real administrative needs in order to assure the stability and continuity necessary for an effective administration.

Role of the Commission

The Commission will act as the guarantor of the ERC's full autonomy and integrity. It will ensure that the ERC acts in accordance with the principles of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency and transparency, and that it follows precisely the strategy and implementation methodology established by the Scientific Council. In particular the Commission will:

| — | ensure the establishment of a dedicated implementation structure and the delegation of tasks and responsibilities to it, |
| --- | --- |

—

ensure the establishment of a dedicated implementation structure and the delegation of tasks and responsibilities to it,

| — | appoint the Director and the Senior Staff of the dedicated implementation structure taking into account the views of the Scientific Council, |
| --- | --- |

—

appoint the Director and the Senior Staff of the dedicated implementation structure taking into account the views of the Scientific Council,

| — | adopt the work programme and the positions regarding implementing methodology, as defined by the Scientific Council, |
| --- | --- |

—

adopt the work programme and the positions regarding implementing methodology, as defined by the Scientific Council,

| — | ensure that proposals are retained, and projects financed, solely on the basis of their ranking order resulting from the peer review; any change in the rank order of peer review must be explicitly endorsed by the Scientific Council, |
| --- | --- |

—

ensure that proposals are retained, and projects financed, solely on the basis of their ranking order resulting from the peer review; any change in the rank order of peer review must be explicitly endorsed by the Scientific Council,

| — | regularly inform the programme committee on the implementation of the programme, |
| --- | --- |

—

regularly inform the programme committee on the implementation of the programme,

| — | draw up, in cooperation with the Scientific Council, an annual report on the ERC's operations and realisation of the objectives set out in the specific programme and submit it to the Council and the Parliament. |
| --- | --- |

—

draw up, in cooperation with the Scientific Council, an annual report on the ERC's operations and realisation of the objectives set out in the specific programme and submit it to the Council and the Parliament.

Activities

This programme will promote world class ‘frontier research’. The term ‘frontier research’ reflects a new understanding of basic research. On one hand it denotes that basic research in science and technology is of critical importance to economic and social welfare, and on the other that research at and beyond the frontiers of current understanding is an intrinsically risky venture, progressing on new and most challenging research areas and is characterised by an absence of disciplinary boundaries.

The programme will support individual projects, which may be carried out in any field of basic scientific and technological research which falls within the scope of Community research under this Framework Programme, including engineering, socioeconomic sciences and the humanities. As appropriate, specific research topics or target groups (e.g. new generation researchers/emerging teams) may be taken into account, following the objectives of the programme and needs for efficient implementation. Particular attention will be paid to emerging and fast-growing areas at the frontier of knowledge, and at the interface between disciplines.

An ‘investigator-driven’ approach will be followed. This means that the programme will support projects carried out by researchers on subjects of their choice within the scope of calls for proposals. Proposals will be evaluated on the sole criterion of excellence as judged by peer review, taking account of excellence in new groups, new generation researchers, as well as established teams, and paying particular attention to proposals which are highly pioneering and involve correspondingly high scientific risks.

The programme will support projects carried out by individual teams which may be of national or transnational character. An individual team consists of an individual principal investigator and, as appropriate, other individuals, members of the team (18).

Review

The implementation and management of the activity will be reviewed and evaluated on an on-going basis to assess its achievements and to adjust and improve procedures on the basis of experience. In the context of the interim evaluation referred to in Article 7(2) of the Framework Programme, an independent review will also be carried out of the ERC's structures and mechanisms, against the criteria of scientific excellence, autonomy, efficiency and transparency and with the full involvement of the Scientific Council. This will include the process and criteria for the selection of the members of the Scientific Council. The review will explicitly look at the advantages and disadvantages of a structure based on an Executive Agency, and a structure based on Article 171 of the Treaty. On the basis of this review, these structures and mechanisms should be modified as appropriate. The Commission will ensure that all the necessary preparatory work, including any legislative proposals which it considers necessary, is undertaken and presented to the European Parliament and the Council, as required by the Treaty, with a view to a transition to any modified structure required, as soon as possible. To this end the Framework Programme will be adapted or supplemented in co-decision pursuant to Article 166(2) of the Treaty. The progress report referred to in Article 7(2) of the Framework Programme, preceding the interim evaluation, will give initial findings on the functioning of the ERC.

Ethical aspects

During the implementation of this specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, the principles reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: protection of human dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well as of animals and the environment in accordance with Community law and relevant international conventions, guidelines and codes of conduct, such as the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its Additional Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration on the human genome and human rights adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions.

Account will also be taken of the Opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology (1991 to 1997) and the Opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (as from 1998).

In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of approaches existing in Europe, participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in the countries where the research will be carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will be supported by Community funding to be carried out in that Member State or country.

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review will also be implemented systematically by the Commission for proposals dealing with ethically sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately addressed. In specific cases an ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project.

No funding will be granted for research activities that are prohibited in all the Member States.

The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty requires that the Community pays full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Community policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (19) requires that all experiments be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental animals; use the minimum number of animals; involve animals with the lowest degree of neurophysiological sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Altering the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only if the aims are ethically justified and the conditions are such that the animals' welfare is guaranteed and the principles of biodiversity are respected.

During the implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of any developments.

ANNEX II

Information to be provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 8(5)

1.

Information on actions, enabling the entire lifetime of each proposal to be monitored, covering in particular:





  —

| — | submitted proposals, |
| --- | --- |

submitted proposals,

| — | evaluation results for each proposal, |
| --- | --- |

—

evaluation results for each proposal,

| — | grant agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

grant agreements,

| — | completed actions. |
| --- | --- |

—

completed actions.

2.

Information on the outcome of each call and implementation of actions, covering in particular:





  —

| — | results of each call, |
| --- | --- |

results of each call,

| — | conclusion of grant agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

conclusion of grant agreements,

| — | implementation of actions, including payment data and outcome of actions. |
| --- | --- |

—

implementation of actions, including payment data and outcome of actions.

3.

Information on programme implementation, including relevant information at the level of the Framework Programme and the specific programme.

This information (in particular, on proposals, their evaluation and grant agreements) should be provided in a uniform structured electronically-readable and treatable format accessible through an IT-based information and reporting system which readily enables data analysis.

---

(1)  Opinion delivered on 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  
  OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 10.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 11, 16.1.2003, p. 1.

4

(5)  
  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

5

(6)  
  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 19.8.2006, p. 3).

6

(7)  
  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

7

(8)  
  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

8

(9)  
  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

9

(10)  
  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

10

(11)  ERCEG — European Research Council Expert Group; The ERCEG was set up on the initiative of the Danish Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, during the Danish EU Presidency, December 2003.

11

(12)  Report on Science and Technology Guidelines for future European Union Policy to support research, A6-0046/2005, 28.2.2005.

12

(13)  
  OJ L 75, 22.3.2005, p. 67.

13

(14)  Including the administrative expenditure of the European Research Council.

14

(15)  Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads may be financed.

15

(16)  Involvement of the Scientific Council is not applicable for the process of the selection of the founding members of the Scientific Council.

16

(17)  With a view to facilitating the implementation of the programme, for each meeting of the programme committee as defined in the agenda, the Commission will reimburse, in accordance with its established guidelines, the expenses of one representative per Member State, as well as one expert/adviser per Member State for those agenda items where a Member State requires specific expertise.

17

(18)  In accordance with the Rules for Participation, the participation of more than one legal entity is not excluded.

18

(19)  
  OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2003/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32).

19

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| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/91 |
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22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/91

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Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/973/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme ‘People’ implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 400 of 30 December 2006
  )

Decision 2006/973/EC should read as follows:

COUNCIL DECISION

of 19 December 2006

concerning the specific programme ‘People’ implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/973/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 166(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2),

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, (2007 to 2013) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) (3) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. |
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(1)

In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, (2007 to 2013) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) (3) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary.

| (2) | The Framework Programme is structured into four types of activity: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (Cooperation), investigator-driven research based on the initiative of the research community (Ideas), support of training and career development of researchers (People), and support of research capacities (Capacities). Activities under ‘People’ as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this specific programme. |
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(2)

The Framework Programme is structured into four types of activity: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (Cooperation), investigator-driven research based on the initiative of the research community (Ideas), support of training and career development of researchers (People), and support of research capacities (Capacities). Activities under ‘People’ as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this specific programme.

| (3) | The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the framework programme (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) should apply to this specific programme. |
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(3)

The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the framework programme (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) should apply to this specific programme.

| (4) | The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. |
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(4)

The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment.

| (5) | Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should be complementary to those undertaken under the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation which will contribute to closing the gap between research and innovation, and promote all forms of innovation. |
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(5)

Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should be complementary to those undertaken under the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation which will contribute to closing the gap between research and innovation, and promote all forms of innovation.

| (6) | Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty. |
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(6)

Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty.

| (7) | The international dimension is a fundamental component of human resources in research and development in Europe. As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, this specific programme is open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and is also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. Moreover, all actions, as well as dedicated actions in this specific programme are open to participation of individual researchers from third countries. |
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(7)

The international dimension is a fundamental component of human resources in research and development in Europe. As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, this specific programme is open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and is also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. Moreover, all actions, as well as dedicated actions in this specific programme are open to participation of individual researchers from third countries.

| (8) | Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
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(8)

Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

| (9) | The implementation of the Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development. |
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(9)

The implementation of the Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development.

| (10) | Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments. |
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(10)

Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments.

| (11) | Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8). |
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(11)

Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8).

| (12) | The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially management measures, and should therefore be adopted by the management procedure provided for in Article 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (9). On the other hand research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 4 of this Decision. Therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC. |
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(12)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially management measures, and should therefore be adopted by the management procedure provided for in Article 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (9). On the other hand research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 4 of this Decision. Therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC.

| (13) | In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, the working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (10) offers a reference framework, while respecting its voluntary nature. |
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(13)

In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, the working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (10) offers a reference framework, while respecting its voluntary nature.

| (14) | This programme aims at creating a genuine European labour market for researchers as a further development and implementation of the integrated strategy on human resources in research and development in Europe on the basis of the ‘Mobility Strategy for the ERA’ (11) and the ‘Researchers in the ERA: one profession, multiple careers’ (12), and takes into account the Council conclusions on human resources in R & D of 18 April 2005. |
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(14)

This programme aims at creating a genuine European labour market for researchers as a further development and implementation of the integrated strategy on human resources in research and development in Europe on the basis of the ‘Mobility Strategy for the ERA’ (11) and the ‘Researchers in the ERA: one profession, multiple careers’ (12), and takes into account the Council conclusions on human resources in R & D of 18 April 2005.

| (15) | The ‘People’ programme aims to increase the human R & D potential in Europe in terms of both quality and quantity, including by recognising the ’profession’ of researcher with a view to maintaining the excellence in basic research and the organic development of technological research, and encouraging European researchers' mobility from, to and throughout Europe. Moreover, it should help to provide the right conditions in order to attract the best foreign researchers to carry out research in Europe, |
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(15)

The ‘People’ programme aims to increase the human R & D potential in Europe in terms of both quality and quantity, including by recognising the ’profession’ of researcher with a view to maintaining the excellence in basic research and the organic development of technological research, and encouraging European researchers' mobility from, to and throughout Europe. Moreover, it should help to provide the right conditions in order to attract the best foreign researchers to carry out research in Europe,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The specific programme ‘People’ for Community activities in the area of research and technological development, including demonstration activities, hereinafter the ‘specific programme’, is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.

Article 2

The specific programme shall support the activities for ‘People’, stimulating people to enter into the profession of researcher, strengthening, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human potential in research and technology in Europe including as regards the potential of women. The activities supporting training and career development of researchers, referred to as ‘Marie Curie Actions’, shall focus on the key aspects of skills and career development and strengthened links with national systems.

The objectives and the broad lines of those activities are set out in Annex.

Article 3

The amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme shall be EUR 4 750 million, of which less than 6 % shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

Article 4

1.   All research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

2.   The following fields of research shall not be financed under this programme:

| — | research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes, |
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research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes,

| — | research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (13), |
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research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (13),

| — | research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer. |
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research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer.

3.   Research on human stem cells, both adult and embryonic, may be financed, depending both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

Any application for financing for research on human embryonic stem cells shall include, as appropriate, details of licensing and control measures that will be taken by the competent authorities of the Member States as well as details of the ethical approval(s) that will be provided.

As regards the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, institutions, organisations and researchers shall be subject to strict licensing and control in accordance with the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

4.   The fields of research set out above shall be reviewed for the second phase of this programme (2010 to 2013) in the light of scientific advances.

Article 5

1.   The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the funding schemes established in Annex III to the Framework Programme.

2.   The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to this specific programme.

Article 6

1.   The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and activities set out in Annex, the funding scheme to be used for the actions on which proposals are invited, and the timetable for implementation.

2.   The work programme shall take account of relevant research, research training and career development activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations, and the achievement of European added value as well as the impact on industrial competitiveness and the relevance for other Community policies. It shall be updated where appropriate.

3.   Proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected considering the criteria set out in Article 15(1b) of the rules for participation and dissemination.

4.   The work programme may identify:

| (a) | organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee; |
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(a)

organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee;

| (b) | support actions for the activities of specific legal entities. |
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(b)

support actions for the activities of specific legal entities.

Article 7

1.   The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme.

2.   The management procedure laid down in Article 8(2) shall apply for the adoption of the following measures:

| (a) | the work programme referred to in Article 6 including the funding schemes to be used, the content of the calls for proposals as well as the evaluation and selection criteria to be applied; |
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(a)

the work programme referred to in Article 6 including the funding schemes to be used, the content of the calls for proposals as well as the evaluation and selection criteria to be applied;

| (b) | the approval of the funding of activities referred to in Article 2, where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 0,6 million; |
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(b)

the approval of the funding of activities referred to in Article 2, where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 0,6 million;

| (c) | the drawing up of the terms of reference for the evaluations provided for in Articles 7(2) and 7(3) of the Framework Programme. |
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(c)

the drawing up of the terms of reference for the evaluations provided for in Articles 7(2) and 7(3) of the Framework Programme.

3.   The regulatory procedure laid down in Article 8(3) shall apply for the approval of the funding of activities involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells.

Article 8

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.

3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.

4.   The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, and shall provide it with timely information on all RTD actions proposed or funded under this programme as specified in Annex II.

5.   The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

Article 9

The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring, assessment and review provided for in Article 7 of the Framework Programme Decision to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

Article 10

This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 11

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006.

For the Council

The President

J. KORKEAOJA

ANNEX I

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, BROAD LINES OF THE THEMES AND ACTIVITIES

Introduction

One of the main competitive edges in science and technology is the quantity and quality of its human resources. As a prerequisite for increasing Europe's capacity and performance in research and technological development and for consolidating and further developing the European Research Area, the overall strategic aim of this programme is to make Europe more attractive to researchers. This shall be done by pursuing a considerable structuring effect throughout Europe on the organisation, performance and quality of research training, on the active career development of researchers, on knowledge-sharing through researchers between sectors and research organisations, on increasing partnership between industry and academia, and on strong participation by women and early-stage researchers in research and development.

The programme will be implemented by systematic investments in people, mainly through a coherent set of ‘Marie Curie Actions’, particularly taking into account the European added-value in terms of their structuring effect on the European Research Area. Building on the experience with the ‘Marie Curie Actions’ under previous Framework Programmes, these actions address researchers in terms of their skills and competence development at all stages of their careers, from initial research training specifically intended for young people, to career development and life-long training in the public and private sector. Mobility, both trans-national and intersectoral, is fundamental to this programme. Increasing the mobility of researchers and strengthening the resources of those institutions which attract researchers internationally will encourage centres of excellence around the European Union. Recognition of experiences acquired in different sectors and countries, and adequate working conditions are also key elements throughout the ‘Marie Curie Actions’. Special measures to encourage early-stage researchers and support the early stages of scientific careers', as well as measures to reduce ‘brain drain’, such as reintegration grants, will be introduced.

The ‘Marie Curie Actions’ are open to all domains of research and technological development addressed under the Treaty. Research fields are chosen freely by the applicants. Nevertheless the possibility is retained to target certain activities under the programme, for example regarding scientific disciplines and technological areas, participating regions, types of research organisations and researcher population, in order to respond to the evolution of Europe's requirements in the area of research training, mobility, career development and knowledge sharing. To ensure training and mobility within new research and technology areas, appropriate coordination with other parts of the Framework Programme will be ensured, including the possibility for joint calls.

A strong participation by enterprises, including SMEs, is considered a crucial added value for this programme. The enhancement of industry-academia cooperation in terms of research training, career development and knowledge sharing, taking into account the protection of intellectual property rights, is encouraged throughout the ‘Marie Curie Actions’, while a dedicated action is addressing industry-academia pathways and partnerships, with special attention being given to SMEs.

The international dimension, as a fundamental component of human resources in research and development in Europe, will be addressed in terms of career development without discrimination, as well as of strengthening and enriching international cooperation through researchers and attracting research talent to Europe. The international dimension will be incorporated throughout the ‘Marie Curie Actions’ and in addition will be subject to self-standing actions.

Due account will be taken of the principles of sustainable development and gender equality. The programme aims to ensure gender mainstreaming by encouraging equal opportunities in all ‘Marie Curie Actions’ and by benchmarking gender participation (a target of at least 40 % participation by women). In addition, the actions will be designed to assist researchers to get established on a more stable career path and to ensure that researchers can achieve an appropriate work/life balance, taking into account their family situation, and to contribute to facilitate resuming a research career after a break. Furthermore, considerations of the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of the research to be undertaken and its potential applications, as well as socioeconomic impacts of scientific and technological development and foresight, will be addressed under this specific programme where relevant.

In order to fully exploit Europe's potential for becoming more attractive to researchers, the ‘Marie Curie Actions’ will create concrete synergies with other actions both within the framework of the Community research policy, as well as within actions under other Community policies, e.g. on education, cohesion and employment. Such synergies will also be sought with actions at regional, national and international level. Actions on linking science education to careers, and research and coordination actions on new methods in science education are foreseen under the Science in society part of the ‘Capacities’ programme (14).

Ethical aspects

During the implementation of this specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, the principles reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: protection of human dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well as animals and the environment in accordance with Community law and the latest versions of relevant international conventions, guidelines and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its Additional Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration on the human genome and human rights adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions.

Account will also be taken of the Opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology (1991 to 1997) and the Opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (as from 1998).

In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of approaches existing in Europe, participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in the countries where the research will be carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will be supported by Community funding to be carried out in that Member State or country.

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review will also be implemented systematically by the Commission for proposals dealing with ethically sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately addressed. In specific cases an ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project.

No funding will be granted for research activities that are prohibited in all the Member States.

The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty requires the Community to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Community policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (15) requires that all experiments be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental animals; use the minimum number of animals; involve animals with the lowest degree of neurophysiological sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Altering the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only if the aims are ethically justified and the conditions are such that the animals' welfare is guaranteed and the principles of biodiversity are respected.

During the implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of any developments.

Research on ethics related to scientific and technological developments will be carried out in the ‘Science in society’ part of the ‘Capacities’ specific programme.

Activities

The following ‘Marie Curie Actions’ will be supported:

Initial training of researchers

This action supports the initial training of researchers, typically directed at the first four years (or full-time equivalent) of their careers, plus up to one additional year if necessary for the completion of the initial training. Through a trans-national networking mechanism, aimed at structuring a substantial share of the high-quality initial research training capacity throughout Member States and associated countries in both public and private sectors, the action aims to improve researchers' career perspectives in both sectors, thereby also enhancing the attraction of young people to research careers.

The action will be implemented through support to competitively selected networks of complementary organisations from different countries engaged in research training. In this frame support is foreseen for the best early-stage researchers to join established research teams. The networks will be built on a joint research training programme, responding to well identified training needs in defined scientific or technological areas, with appropriate references to interdisciplinary and newly emerging supra-disciplinary fields. These training programmes will address in particular the development and broadening of the research competences of the early stage researchers. Training will be primarily focused on scientific and technological knowledge through research on individual projects, complemented by training modules addressing other relevant skills and competences, e.g. in the field of management and financing of research projects and programmes, intellectual property rights and other exploitation methods of research results, entrepreneurship, ethical aspects, communication and societal outreach.

The joint research training programme should be coherent in terms of quality standards, with due provision for supervision and mentoring arrangements. The joint training programme should exploit complementary competences of the participants in the network, including from enterprises, as well as other synergies. It shall require the mutual recognition of the quality of the training and, if possible, of diplomas and other certificates awarded. Particular attention will be paid to the problems concerning the long-term employment of researchers.

Direct or indirect involvement of organisations from different sectors is considered essential in this action, including (lead-) participation by private enterprises in appropriate fields. A single research organisation or twinning participations are eligible under this action, if it is clearly demonstrated that the necessary elements of the research training programme are effectively addressed in cooperation with a wider set of partners, without these being formally part of the network.

Community support under this action would comprise:

| — | the recruitment of early-stage researchers to be trained, |
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the recruitment of early-stage researchers to be trained,

| — | the possibility for setting up academic chairs in higher education institutions or equivalent positions in other research organisations and enterprises for experienced researchers, with a view to transferring new knowledge and strengthening supervision of the early-stage researchers trained in a network, |
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the possibility for setting up academic chairs in higher education institutions or equivalent positions in other research organisations and enterprises for experienced researchers, with a view to transferring new knowledge and strengthening supervision of the early-stage researchers trained in a network,

| — | networking and the organisation of short training events (conferences, summer schools and specialised training courses), open to both trainees of the network and to researchers from outside the network. |
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networking and the organisation of short training events (conferences, summer schools and specialised training courses), open to both trainees of the network and to researchers from outside the network.

Life-long training and career development

This action targets experienced researchers at different stages of their careers, by enhancing their individual competence diversification in terms of acquisition of multi- or interdisciplinary skills or the undertaking of inter-sectoral experiences. The aim is to support researchers in attaining and/or strengthening a leading independent position, e.g. principal investigator, professor or other senior position in education or enterprise. The action will also assist researchers to resume a career in research after a break or to (re)integrate researchers into a research career in Member States and associated countries, including in their country of origin, after a mobility experience.

Researchers addressed under this action should have at least four years of full-time or equivalent research experience or a doctorate; as the action is directed at life-long training and career development, it is however expected that the researchers will typically have a more senior profile in terms of experience.

This action will be implemented through:

| (i) | support for individual trans-national intra-European fellowships awarded directly at Community level, to the best or most promising researchers from Member States and associated countries, based on an application made by the researchers in conjunction with the host organisations; |
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(i)

support for individual trans-national intra-European fellowships awarded directly at Community level, to the best or most promising researchers from Member States and associated countries, based on an application made by the researchers in conjunction with the host organisations;

| (ii) | co-funding of regional, national or international programmes in the field of research training and career development where this fulfils the criteria of European added value, transparency and openness, targeting a competitive selection of existing or new regional, national and international funding programmes that focus on the objectives set for this action, based on individual-driven mobility. These programmes are to apply an open, merit-based competition for the applying researchers, founded on international peer-review, without limitations regarding their origin and/or destination. These programmes are expected to offer adequate working conditions for the final beneficiaries. |
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(ii)

co-funding of regional, national or international programmes in the field of research training and career development where this fulfils the criteria of European added value, transparency and openness, targeting a competitive selection of existing or new regional, national and international funding programmes that focus on the objectives set for this action, based on individual-driven mobility. These programmes are to apply an open, merit-based competition for the applying researchers, founded on international peer-review, without limitations regarding their origin and/or destination. These programmes are expected to offer adequate working conditions for the final beneficiaries.

Applicants for the co-funding modality would be key actors in capacity building of human resources in research on their respective territories. They would typically be organisations falling in one of the following categories:

| — | official public bodies responsible for funding and managing fellowship programmes, e.g. ministries, state committees for research, research academies or agencies; |
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official public bodies responsible for funding and managing fellowship programmes, e.g. ministries, state committees for research, research academies or agencies;

| — | other public or private bodies, including large research organisations, that finance and manage fellowship programmes either with an official mandate or recognised by public authorities, such as agencies established by governments under private law with a public service mission, charities, etc.; |
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other public or private bodies, including large research organisations, that finance and manage fellowship programmes either with an official mandate or recognised by public authorities, such as agencies established by governments under private law with a public service mission, charities, etc.;

| — | bodies at international level that run comparable schemes at European level as part of their mission. |
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bodies at international level that run comparable schemes at European level as part of their mission.

For the co-funding modality, the Community will primarily contribute to the financing of fellowships complying with the requirements and aims of this action, notably in terms of trans-national mobility. International competition between researchers will remain central in order to ensure highest quality of research under this activity.

Both implementation modes will be run in parallel from the beginning, with the co-funding mode initially on a controlled scale allowing for the necessary experience to be gained. In the course of the Framework Programme an impact assessment of the two modes will determine the implementation modalities for the remainder of the programme.

Industry-academia partnerships and pathways

This action seeks to open and foster dynamic pathways between public research organisations and private commercial enterprises, including in particular SMEs, as well as traditional manufacturing industries. Activities will be based on longer term cooperation programmes with a view to increasing intersectoral mobility and increasing the transfer and sharing of knowledge (including project management, IPR management and product development) as well as promoting mutual understanding of the different cultural settings and skill requirements of both sectors.

The action will be implemented in a flexible way, inter alia based on good practices on industry-academia partnership throughout the EU, through cooperation programmes between organisations from both sectors from at least two different Member States or associated States, with support for human resources interactions within that framework. Community support will take one or more of the following forms:

| — | staff secondments between both sectors within the partnership, with a view of reinforcing the intersectoral cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

—

staff secondments between both sectors within the partnership, with a view of reinforcing the intersectoral cooperation;

| — | temporary hosting in both sectors of experienced researchers recruited from outside the partnership; |
| --- | --- |

—

temporary hosting in both sectors of experienced researchers recruited from outside the partnership;

| — | networking and the organisation of workshops and conferences enhancing the inter-sectoral experience and knowledge exchange, in order to reach a larger number of staff members from both sectors; |
| --- | --- |

—

networking and the organisation of workshops and conferences enhancing the inter-sectoral experience and knowledge exchange, in order to reach a larger number of staff members from both sectors;

| — | as an SME specific measure a contribution to small equipment related to their participation in the cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

—

as an SME specific measure a contribution to small equipment related to their participation in the cooperation.

The international dimension

Recognising the international dimension as a fundamental component of human resources in R & D in Europe, this dimension is addressed through dedicated actions both in terms of career development of European researchers and in terms of strengthening international cooperation through researchers.

The career development of researchers from Member States and associated countries will be supported through:

| (i) | outgoing international fellowships, with mandatory return, for experienced researchers within the framework of life-long training and competence diversification, to acquire new skills and knowledge; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

outgoing international fellowships, with mandatory return, for experienced researchers within the framework of life-long training and competence diversification, to acquire new skills and knowledge;

| (ii) | return and international reintegration grants for experienced researchers after an international experience. Under this action the networking of researchers from Member States and associated countries abroad will also be supported with a view to keep them actively informed about and involved in developments in the European Research Area. |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

return and international reintegration grants for experienced researchers after an international experience. Under this action the networking of researchers from Member States and associated countries abroad will also be supported with a view to keep them actively informed about and involved in developments in the European Research Area.

The international cooperation through researchers will be supported through:

| (i) | incoming international fellowships in order to attract highly qualified third-country researchers to Member States and associated countries, for knowledge enhancement for Europe and to build up high-level connections. Researchers from developing countries or from countries with emerging economies may benefit from support for a return phase. Networking of third-country researchers in Member States and associated countries, with a view to structuring and developing their contacts with their regions of origin, will also be supported; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

incoming international fellowships in order to attract highly qualified third-country researchers to Member States and associated countries, for knowledge enhancement for Europe and to build up high-level connections. Researchers from developing countries or from countries with emerging economies may benefit from support for a return phase. Networking of third-country researchers in Member States and associated countries, with a view to structuring and developing their contacts with their regions of origin, will also be supported;

| (ii) | partnerships between several research organisations in Europe and one or more organisations in:






  — | countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(ii)

partnerships between several research organisations in Europe and one or more organisations in:

—

countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy;

| — | countries with which the Community has an S & T Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

—

countries with which the Community has an S & T Agreement.

On the basis of joint programmes Community support will be provided for short exchanges of early-stage and experienced researchers, for the organisation of mutually beneficial conferences and other events, as well as for the development of a systematic exchange of good practices with a direct bearing on issues regarding human resources in research and development.

These actions will be implemented in line with the international activities under the ‘Cooperation’ and ‘Capacities’ programmes.

Specific actions

In support of the creation of a genuine European labour market for researchers, a coherent set of accompanying actions is to be implemented, with a view to removing obstacles to mobility and to enhancing the career perspectives of researchers in Europe. These actions will aim, in particular, at raising stakeholders and general public awareness, including through ‘Marie Curie’ awards, at stimulating and supporting action at Member State level and at complementing Community actions. The specific actions will also include incentive measures for public institutions that promote mobility, quality and profile of researchers, where these activities fulfil the criteria of European added-value, openness and transparency.

ANNEX II

Information to be provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 8(5)

1.

Information on actions, enabling the monitoring of the entire lifetime of each proposal, covering in particular:





  —

| — | submitted proposals, |
| --- | --- |

submitted proposals,

| — | evaluation results for each proposal, |
| --- | --- |

—

evaluation results for each proposal,

| — | grant agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

grant agreements,

| — | completed actions. |
| --- | --- |

—

completed actions.

2.

Information on the outcome of each call and implementation of actions, covering in particular:





  —

| — | results of each call, |
| --- | --- |

results of each call,

| — | outcome of negotiations on grant agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

outcome of negotiations on grant agreements,

| — | implementation of actions, including payment data and outcome of actions. |
| --- | --- |

—

implementation of actions, including payment data and outcome of actions.

3.

Information on programme implementation, including relevant information at the level of the Framework Programme, the specific programme and each activity.

This information (in particular, on proposals, their evaluation and grant agreements) should be provided in a uniform structured electronically-readable and treatable format accessible through an IT-based information and reporting system which readily enables data analysis.

---

(1)  Opinion delivered on 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  
  OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 10.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

4

(5)  
  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 18.8.2006, p. 3).

5

(6)  
  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

6

(7)  
  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

7

(8)  
  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

8

(9)  
  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

9

(10)  
  OJ L 75, 22.3.2005, p. 67.

10

(11)  Communication from the Commission ‘A Mobility Strategy for the European Research Area’ — COM(2001) 331, 20.6.2001 and Council Resolution 2001/C367/01.

11

(12)  Communication from the Commission ‘Researchers in the European Research Area: one profession, multiple careers’ — COM(2003) 436, 18.7.2003 — and Council Resolution 2003/C282/01.

12

(13)  Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads may be financed.

13

(14)  With a view to facilitating the implementation of the programme, for each meeting of the programme committee as defined in the agenda, the Commission will reimburse, in accordance with its established guidelines, the expenses of one representative per Member State, as well as one expert/adviser per Member State for those agenda items where a Member State requires specific expertise.

14

(15)  
  OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as amended by Directive 2003/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32).

15

---

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/101 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/101

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/974/EC of 19 December 2006 on the specific programme: ‘Capacities’ implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 400 of 30 December 2006
  )

Decision 2006/974/EC should read as follows:

COUNCIL DECISION

of 19 December 2006

on the specific programme: ‘Capacities’ implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2006/974/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 166(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2),

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary.

| (2) | The Framework Programme is structured in four types of activities: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (Cooperation), investigator-driven research based on the initiative of the research community (Ideas), support of training and career development of researchers (People), and support of research capacities (Capacities). Activities under ‘Capacities’ as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this specific programme. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Framework Programme is structured in four types of activities: trans-national cooperation on policy-defined themes (Cooperation), investigator-driven research based on the initiative of the research community (Ideas), support of training and career development of researchers (People), and support of research capacities (Capacities). Activities under ‘Capacities’ as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this specific programme.

| (3) | The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) should apply to this specific programme. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) should apply to this specific programme.

| (4) | The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment.

| (5) | Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should be complementary to those undertaken under the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation which will contribute to closing the gap between research and innovation, and promote all forms of innovation. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should be complementary to those undertaken under the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation which will contribute to closing the gap between research and innovation, and promote all forms of innovation.

| (6) | Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty.

| (7) | This specific programme should provide a contribution to the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the constitution of a ‘Risk-sharing finance facility’ in order to improve access to EIB loans. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

This specific programme should provide a contribution to the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the constitution of a ‘Risk-sharing finance facility’ in order to improve access to EIB loans.

| (8) | As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this specific programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect and should be also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this specific programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect and should be also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation.

| (9) | Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

| (10) | The implementation of the Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The implementation of the Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development.

| (11) | Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments.

| (12) | Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8). |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8).

| (13) | Since the measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially management measures, they should therefore be adopted by the management procedure provided for in Article 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (9). On the other hand research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 4 of this Decision. Therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Since the measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially management measures, they should therefore be adopted by the management procedure provided for in Article 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (9). On the other hand research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 4 of this Decision. Therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC.

| (14) | The ‘Capacities’ specific programme should have its own budget line in the General Budget of the European Communities. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The ‘Capacities’ specific programme should have its own budget line in the General Budget of the European Communities.

| (15) | In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, the working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers offers a reference framework, while respecting its voluntary nature, |
| --- | --- |

(15)

In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, the working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers offers a reference framework, while respecting its voluntary nature,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The specific programme ‘Capacities’ for Community activities in the area of research and technological development, including demonstration activities, hereinafter the ‘specific programme’ is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.

Article 2

The specific programme shall support the activities for ‘Capacities’, supporting key aspects of European research and innovation capacities as follows:

| (a) | research infrastructures; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

research infrastructures;

| (b) | research for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

research for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);

| (c) | regions of knowledge; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

regions of knowledge;

| (d) | research potential; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

research potential;

| (e) | science in society; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

science in society;

| (f) | support for the coherent development of research policies; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

support for the coherent development of research policies;

| (g) | activities of international cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

activities of international cooperation.

Implementation of this specific programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty.

The objectives and the broad lines of these activities are set out in Annex I.

Article 3

In accordance with Annex II of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme shall be EUR 4 097 million, of which less than 6 % shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II.

Article 4

1.   All research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

2.   The following fields of research shall not be financed under this programme:

| — | research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes, |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes,

| — | research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (10),

| — | research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer. |
| --- | --- |

—

research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer.

3.   Research on human stem cells, both adult and embryonic, may be financed, depending both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

Any application for financing for research on human embryonic stem cells shall include, as appropriate, details of licensing and control measures that will be taken by the competent authorities of the Member States as well as details of the ethical approval(s) that will be provided.

As regards the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, institutions, organisations and researchers shall be subject to strict licensing and control in accordance with the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

4.   The fields of research set out above shall be reviewed for the second phase of this programme (2010 to 2013) in the light of scientific advances.

Article 5

1.   The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the funding schemes established in Annex III to the Framework Programme.

2.   Annex III to this specific programme sets out the arrangements for a grant to the European Investment Bank for the establishment of a risk-sharing finance facility.

3.   Annex IV to this specific programme sets out a possible initiative for the joint implementation of national research programmes that could be the subject of a separate decision on the basis of Article 169 of the Treaty.

4.   The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to this specific programme.

Article 6

1.   The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities set out in Annex I, the funding scheme to be used for the topic which proposals are invited, and the timetable for implementation.

2.   The work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations, and the achievement of European added value as well as the impact on industrial competitiveness and the relevance for other Community policies. It shall be updated where appropriate.

3.   Proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected considering the criteria set out in Article 15(1a) of the rules for participation and dissemination.

4.   The work programme may identify:

| (a) | organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee;

| (b) | support actions for the activities of specific legal entities. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

support actions for the activities of specific legal entities.

Article 7

1.   The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme.

2.   The management procedure laid down in Article 8(2) shall apply for the adoption of the following measures:

| (a) | the work programme referred to in Article 6 including the funding schemes to be used, the content of the calls for proposals and the evaluation and selection criteria to be applied; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the work programme referred to in Article 6 including the funding schemes to be used, the content of the calls for proposals and the evaluation and selection criteria to be applied;

| (b) | any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex II; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex II;

| (c) | the approval of the funding of activities referred to in points (a) to (g) of Article 2, where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to, or more than, EUR 0,6 million; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the approval of the funding of activities referred to in points (a) to (g) of Article 2, where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to, or more than, EUR 0,6 million;

| (d) | the drawing up of the terms of reference for the evaluations provided for in Articles 7(2) and 7(3) of the Framework Programme. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the drawing up of the terms of reference for the evaluations provided for in Articles 7(2) and 7(3) of the Framework Programme.

3.   The regulatory procedure laid down in Article 8(3) shall apply for the approval of the funding of activities involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells.

Article 8

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down for in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.

3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down for in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.

4.   The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, and shall provide it with timely information on all RTD actions proposed or funded under this programme as specified in Annex V.

5.   The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

Article 9

The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring, assessment and review provided for in Article 7 of the Framework Programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

Article 10

This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 11

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006.

For the Council

The President

J. KORKEAOJA

ANNEX I

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, BROAD LINES OF THE THEMES AND ACTIVITIES

INTRODUCTION

This specific programme will enhance research and innovation capacities throughout Europe and ensure their optimal use. This aim will be achieved through:

| — | optimising the use and development of research infrastructures, |
| --- | --- |

—

optimising the use and development of research infrastructures,

| — | strengthening innovative capacities of SMEs and their ability to benefit from research, |
| --- | --- |

—

strengthening innovative capacities of SMEs and their ability to benefit from research,

| — | supporting the development of regional research-driven clusters, |
| --- | --- |

—

supporting the development of regional research-driven clusters,

| — | unlocking the research potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions, |
| --- | --- |

—

unlocking the research potential in the EU's convergence and outermost regions,

| — | bringing science and society closer together for the harmonious integration of science and technology in European society, |
| --- | --- |

—

bringing science and society closer together for the harmonious integration of science and technology in European society,

| — | supporting the coherent development of research policies, and |
| --- | --- |

—

supporting the coherent development of research policies, and

| — | actions and measures in support of international cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

—

actions and measures in support of international cooperation.

The principle of sustainable development and gender equality will be duly taken into account. Furthermore, considerations of the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of the research to be undertaken and its potential applications, as well as socioeconomic impacts of scientific and technological development and foresight, will where relevant form a part of the activities under this specific programme.

Actions for the coordination of non-Community programmes may be undertaken in this specific programme making use of the ERA-NET scheme and the participation of the Community in jointly implemented national research programmes (Article 169 of the Treaty) as described in the Cooperation specific programme.

Synergies and complementarities will be sought with other community policies and programmes such as Community's regional and cohesion policy, the Structural Funds, the Competitiveness and Innovation programme and relevant Education and Training Programmes (11).

Ethical aspects

During the implementation of this specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, the principles reflected in the Charter of fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: protection of human dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well as animals and the environment in accordance with Community law and the latest versions of relevant international conventions, guidelines and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its Additional Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration on the human genome and human rights adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions.

Account will also be taken of the Opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology (1991 to 1997) and the Opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (as from 1998).

In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of approaches existing in Europe, participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in the countries where the research will be carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will be supported by Community funding to be carried out in that Member State or country.

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review will also be implemented systematically by the Commission for proposals dealing with ethically sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately addressed. In specific cases an ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project.

No funding will be granted for research activities that are prohibited in all the Member States.

The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty requires the Community to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Community policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (12) requires that all experiments be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental animals; use the minimum number of animals; involve animals with the lowest degree of neurophysiological sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Altering the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only if the aims are ethically justified and the conditions are such that the animals' welfare is guaranteed and the principles of biodiversity are respected.

During the implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of any developments.

Research on ethics related to scientific and technological developments will be carried out in the ‘Science in society’ part in this programme.

1.   RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES

Objective

Optimising the use and development of the best research infrastructures existing in Europe, and helping to create in all fields of science and technology new research infrastructures of pan-European interest needed by the European scientific community to remain at the forefront of the advancement of research, and able to help industry to strengthen its base of knowledge and its technological know how.

Approach

For Europe to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world, modern and effective research infrastructures are critical in achieving science and technology leadership. Research infrastructures play a key role in the creation of knowledge and technology and in their diffusion, application and exploitation, thus fostering innovation and contributing to the development of the European Research Area. Access to them is more and more indispensable in all fields of science and technology and for evidence-based policy-making. Many Research Infrastructures have evolved from large facilities dedicated almost exclusively to a specific discipline, into service facilities for a broad variety of scientific communities. Enabled by information and communication technology, recent concepts of infrastructure are also expanding to include distributed systems of hardware, software and contents with an enormous cumulative value as repositories of knowledge in many diverse disciplines.

The proposed action will in particular contribute to the development, exploitation and preservation of knowledge, through its support to research infrastructures based both on a bottom-up, excellence-driven approach and a targeted approach. The strategic upgrade of information and communication based e-Infrastructures and virtual infrastructures is also seen as a driver in changing the way science is conducted. Member States will remain central in the development and financing of infrastructures.

The term ‘Research infrastructures’ in the context of the Community Framework Programme for research and technological development refers to facilities, resources or services that are needed by the research community to conduct research in all scientific and technological fields. This definition covers, including the associated human resources:

| — | major equipment or set of instruments used for research purposes, |
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major equipment or set of instruments used for research purposes,

| — | knowledge-based resources such as collections, archives, structured information or systems related to data management, used in scientific research, |
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knowledge-based resources such as collections, archives, structured information or systems related to data management, used in scientific research,

| — | enabling Information and Communication Technology-based infrastructures such as grid, computing, software and communications, |
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enabling Information and Communication Technology-based infrastructures such as grid, computing, software and communications,

| — | any other entity of a unique nature that is used for scientific research. |
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any other entity of a unique nature that is used for scientific research.

Only research infrastructures or networks of research infrastructures with clear interest for the European scientific community (academic, public and industrial), in terms of performance and access, can be considered for support. They must contribute significantly to the development of European research capacities.

Regarding thematic research infrastructures in the ‘Cooperation’ specific programme, overall coordination will be ensured by this programme.

Activities

The activities will cover the following lines of action:

| — | optimising the utilisation of existing research infrastructures and improving their performance, |
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optimising the utilisation of existing research infrastructures and improving their performance,

| — | foster the development of new research infrastructures (or major upgrades to existing ones) of pan-European interest, building primarily on the work of ESFRI (European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures), |
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foster the development of new research infrastructures (or major upgrades to existing ones) of pan-European interest, building primarily on the work of ESFRI (European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures),

| — | support measures including support to emerging needs. |
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support measures including support to emerging needs.

1.1.   Existing research infrastructures

The research infrastructure actions will aim at strengthening European capacities and performance of specific research infrastructures, and increasing user communities' involvement in opportunities offered by research infrastructures and their commitment towards investment in top-level research. The activities will consist of the support to an optimisation of the European Research Infrastructures through ‘Integration’ of capacities and efforts, leading to the most effective use of facilities, resources and services in all fields of science and technology and fostering ‘Transnational Access’ to existing infrastructures.

1.1.1.   Integrating Activities

World-class research infrastructures need huge and long-term investments in resources (human and financial). They should be used and exploited by an as large as possible community of scientist and customer industries on a European scale. In addition, the optimisation and reinforcement of the Research Infrastructures capacities and performance at Community level need to be continuously promoted and improved to respond to emerging and growing scientific needs. This can be better achieved through the stimulation of their use and development, including upgrades, in a coordinated way.

The Community should contribute to this objective through the promotion of Integrating Activities. They will ensure that European researchers, including researchers from industry, including SMEs and peripheral and outermost regions, may have access to the best research infrastructures to conduct their research, by supporting the integrated provision of infrastructure related services to the research community at European level and at international level where appropriate. Integrating activities should also aim at structuring better, on a European scale, the way research infrastructures operate, and at fostering their joint development in terms of capacity and performance.

Integrating Activities for existing research infrastructures will be implemented through:

| — | ‘bottom-up’ calls to catalyse the mutual coordination and the pooling of resources among infrastructures operators with the aim of fostering a culture of cooperation between them. Such activities should also aim at structuring better, on a European scale, the way research infrastructures operate and the way they can be accessed by potential users, at fostering their joint development in terms of capacity and performance and at promoting their coherent and cross-disciplinary use, |
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‘bottom-up’ calls to catalyse the mutual coordination and the pooling of resources among infrastructures operators with the aim of fostering a culture of cooperation between them. Such activities should also aim at structuring better, on a European scale, the way research infrastructures operate and the way they can be accessed by potential users, at fostering their joint development in terms of capacity and performance and at promoting their coherent and cross-disciplinary use,

| — | ‘targeted calls’ when such focused actions will be clearly beneficial to support potentially important research infrastructures in the long term, and speeding up their emergence at Community level. They will be implemented in close cooperation with the activities taking place in the thematic areas to ensure that all the actions undertaken at European level in the Community framework respond to the needs for research infrastructures in their respective area. Domains can already be identified (13) for better use and strengthening of existing European infrastructures, fulfilling long-term strategic needs of academic, public and industrial research stakeholders and the society at large, such as for life sciences and its applications, information and communication technologies, the development of industrial research including metrology, support for sustainable development and in particular in the area of environment, and for social sciences and humanities. |
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‘targeted calls’ when such focused actions will be clearly beneficial to support potentially important research infrastructures in the long term, and speeding up their emergence at Community level. They will be implemented in close cooperation with the activities taking place in the thematic areas to ensure that all the actions undertaken at European level in the Community framework respond to the needs for research infrastructures in their respective area. Domains can already be identified (13) for better use and strengthening of existing European infrastructures, fulfilling long-term strategic needs of academic, public and industrial research stakeholders and the society at large, such as for life sciences and its applications, information and communication technologies, the development of industrial research including metrology, support for sustainable development and in particular in the area of environment, and for social sciences and humanities.

1.1.2.   ICT based e-Infrastructures

The deployment of e-Infrastructures provides essential services for the research communities, based upon complex processes designed to bring the power of distributed ICT based resources (computing, connectivity, instrumentation) to virtual communities. The reinforcement of a European approach and of related European activities in this domain can make a significant contribution to boosting European research potential and its exploitation, consolidating e-Infrastructures as a cornerstone of the European Research Area, a ‘forerunner’ of cross discipline innovation and a driver in changing the way science is conducted. It may also contribute to integrate research teams from peripheral and outermost regions.

The activities proposed for e-Infrastructure, based on targeted calls for proposals, will aim at fostering the further development and evolution of high-capacity and high-performance communication (GÉANT) and grid empowered infrastructures as well as of European high-end computing capabilities stressing the need to support the reinforcement of world class distributed supercomputing facilities, data storage and advanced visualisation facilities. The activities will also aim at fostering the adoption by user communities where appropriate, enhancing their global relevance and increasing the level of trust and confidence, building on the achievements of GÉANT and grid infrastructures and based on open standards for interoperability.

It will be necessary to support in a coordinated way digital libraries, archives, data storage, data curation and the necessary pooling of resources, at European level, to organise the data repositories for the scientific community and future generations of scientists. The aspects of enhanced trust and confidence of the data layer of the e-Infrastructures will be addressed. The activities proposed will also aim at anticipating and integrating new requirements and solutions to facilitate the emergence of large-scale test-beds designed to experiment with new disruptive technologies and to address new user requirements, including e-learning. The eIRG (e-Infrastructure Reflection Group) will assist on a regular basis with strategic recommendations.

1.2.   New research infrastructures

This specific programme will help to promote the creation of new research infrastructures (including major upgrades of existing ones) focusing mainly on preparatory phases and on ‘unique’ infrastructures with a crucial and pan-European impact for the development of relevant scientific fields in Europe.

1.2.1.   Design Studies for new research infrastructures

To promote the creation of new research infrastructures, though a bottom-up approach of calls for proposals, by funding exploratory awards and feasibility studies for new infrastructures.

1.2.2.   Support to construction of New Infrastructures

To promote the creation of new research infrastructures in accordance with the principle of ‘variable geometry’, building primarily upon the work conducted by ESFRI on the development of a European roadmap for new research infrastructures. The work programme will identify priority projects for possible Community support.

The activity related to the construction of new infrastructures will be implemented in a two-stage approach on the basis of a list of criteria established in the Framework Programme.

| — | Stage 1: supporting the preparatory phase
  This first stage will involve calls restricted to the priority projects identified by the work programme. The preparatory phase would involve the preparation of the detailed construction plans, of the legal organisation, of the management and multiannual planning of the forecasted research infrastructure and the final agreement between stakeholders. During this preparatory phase the Commission will act as a ‘facilitator’, in particular, in facilitating financial engineering mechanisms for the construction phase. |
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Stage 1: supporting the preparatory phase

This first stage will involve calls restricted to the priority projects identified by the work programme. The preparatory phase would involve the preparation of the detailed construction plans, of the legal organisation, of the management and multiannual planning of the forecasted research infrastructure and the final agreement between stakeholders. During this preparatory phase the Commission will act as a ‘facilitator’, in particular, in facilitating financial engineering mechanisms for the construction phase.

| — | Stage 2: supporting the construction phase
  In the second stage, building on the achieved technical, legal, administrative and financial agreements, using notably the complementarity between national and Community instruments (such as the Structural funds or the European Investment bank) and taking into account, where appropriate, the potential for scientific excellence of the convergence regions as well as the outermost regions, the construction plans would be implemented with the possible involvement of private financial institutions. The Framework Programme financial support for the construction phase may be provided to those priority projects for which there is a critical need for such support. In these cases, decisions will be taken through a mechanism that will depend on the nature and the level of funding required (e.g. direct grant; European Investment Bank loans, the access to which may be facilitated through the risk-sharing finance facility (Annex III); Article 171 of the Treaty). |
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Stage 2: supporting the construction phase

In the second stage, building on the achieved technical, legal, administrative and financial agreements, using notably the complementarity between national and Community instruments (such as the Structural funds or the European Investment bank) and taking into account, where appropriate, the potential for scientific excellence of the convergence regions as well as the outermost regions, the construction plans would be implemented with the possible involvement of private financial institutions. The Framework Programme financial support for the construction phase may be provided to those priority projects for which there is a critical need for such support. In these cases, decisions will be taken through a mechanism that will depend on the nature and the level of funding required (e.g. direct grant; European Investment Bank loans, the access to which may be facilitated through the risk-sharing finance facility (Annex III); Article 171 of the Treaty).

1.3.   Support Measures, including support to emerging needs

Strong coordination within the EU in formulating and adopting a European policy on Research Infrastructures is key to the success of this activity. Throughout the whole programme there will therefore be measures to support such coordination, including supporting the development of international cooperation.

These activities would be carried out mainly following periodic calls for proposals. They would be aimed at stimulating, in particular, the coordination of national programmes through ERA-NET actions, at supporting analysis of emerging needs, at supporting the work of ESFRI and eIRG, at the effective implementation of the programme (e.g. supporting conferences, expert contracts, impact studies, etc.) as well as the international dimension of the activities carried out under this specific programme. In the context of international cooperation, the activities carried out under this specific part of the capacity programme will also allow to identify the needs of specific third countries and mutual interests on which specific cooperation actions could be based and, on the basis of targeted calls, to develop cross-links between key research infrastructures in third countries and those within the European Research Area.

2.   RESEARCH FOR THE BENEFIT OF SMEs

Objectives

Strengthening the innovation capacity of European SMEs and their contribution to the development of new technology based products and markets by helping them outsource research, increase their research efforts, extend their networks, better exploit research results and acquire technological know how bridging the gap between research and innovation.

Approach

SMEs are at the core of European industry. They should be a key component of the innovation system and in the chain of transformation of knowledge into new products, processes and services. Faced with an increasing competition in the internal market and globally, European SMEs need to increase their knowledge and research intensity, enhance the exploitation of research, expand geographically their business activities and internationalise their knowledge networks. Most Member States' actions relevant to SMEs do not encourage and support trans-national research cooperation and technology transfer. Actions at EU level are necessary to complement and enhance the impact of actions undertaken at national and regional level.

Specific actions will be implemented to support SMEs or SME associations in need of outsourcing research: mainly low-to medium-technology SMEs with little or no research capability. Research-intensive SMEs may participate as providers of research services or outsource research to complement their core research capability. These actions will be carried out in the entire field of science and technology with a bottom-up approach. Actions will include support of demonstration and other activities to facilitate the exploitation of research results, ensuring complementarity with the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme. The evaluation of the project proposals will take due account of the expected economic impact for the SMEs. Financial means will be allocated through two schemes: Research for SMEs and Research for SME associations.

The first targets mainly low- to medium-technology SMEs with little or no research capability, but also research intensive SMEs who need to outsource research to complement their core research capability. The second targets SME associations which are normally best placed to know or identify the common technical problems of their members, to act on their behalf, and to promote the effective dissemination and take-up of the results.

Coordination and support actions under ‘Research for the benefit of SMEs’ will include the coordination of national/regional programmes targeting SMEs and supporting best practice, dissemination and exploitation of results, enhancing access of SMEs to the Seventh Framework Programme and assessing the impact.

Actions could also build upon relevant national research programmes, complementing the research activities below (14).

In addition to these specific actions, the participation of SMEs across the Framework Programme will be encouraged and facilitated. The research needs and potential of SMEs are duly taken into account in developing the content of the thematic areas of the ‘cooperation’ programme, which will be implemented through projects of different sizes and scope depending on the field and topic.

During the implementation of the Community RTD Framework Programme, complementarity and synergy will be ensured with the actions of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme to encourage and facilitate the participation of SMEs in the Community RTD Framework Programme.

Activities

The following two SME specific schemes will be implemented:

Research for SMEs

This scheme supports small groups of innovative SMEs to solve common or complementary technological problems. Projects, which are relatively short term, must be centred on the innovation needs of the SMEs which outsource research to RTD performers and must demonstrate a clear exploitation potential for the SMEs concerned.

Research for SME associations

This scheme supports SME associations to develop technical solutions to problems common to a large number of SMEs in specific industrial sectors or segments of the value chain through research needed, for example, to develop or conform to European norms and standards, and to meet regulatory requirements in areas such as health, safety and environmental protection. Projects, which can have a duration of several years, must be driven by the SME associations which outsource research to RTD performers for the benefit of their members and must involve a number of individual SMEs.

Common features of the schemes

| — | Other enterprises and end-users can participate in the schemes if it is in the interest of the SMEs or the SME associations. |
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Other enterprises and end-users can participate in the schemes if it is in the interest of the SMEs or the SME associations.

| — | The projects should include, in addition to research, activities to promote the take-up and effective exploitation of the research results, such as, testing, demonstration, training, technology transfer, knowledge management and IPR protection. For Research for SME associations, projects should also include activities to disseminate effectively the research results to the members of the SME associations, and if appropriate, more widely. |
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The projects should include, in addition to research, activities to promote the take-up and effective exploitation of the research results, such as, testing, demonstration, training, technology transfer, knowledge management and IPR protection. For Research for SME associations, projects should also include activities to disseminate effectively the research results to the members of the SME associations, and if appropriate, more widely.

| — | Special rules will apply for ownership and access rights for the two schemes. |
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Special rules will apply for ownership and access rights for the two schemes.

The clear focus will be to support research projects. In addition, support will be granted to national schemes providing financial means to SMEs or SME associations to prepare proposals for actions under ‘Research for the benefit of SMEs’ with the aim of encouraging the establishment of new national schemes or expansion of the existing ones.

3.   REGIONS OF KNOWLEDGE

Objectives

Strengthening the research potential of European regions, in particular by encouraging and supporting the development, across Europe, of regional ‘research-driven clusters’ associating universities, research centres, enterprises and regional authorities.

Approach

Regions are increasingly recognised as important players in the EU's research and development landscape. At the same time evidence indicates that investment in R & D improves regional attractiveness while increasing competitiveness of local businesses. R & D intensive clusters rang among the best drivers of such investment activity resulting in direct gains in local competitive advantage with beneficial effects in terms of growth and jobs. The 2003 Pilot Action Regions of Knowledge (15) confirmed the importance of such clusters and the interest to support and encourage their development.

This action will enable European regions to strengthen their capacity for investing in RTD, while maximising their potential for a successful involvement of their stakeholders in European research projects and facilitating the emergence of clusters, thereby promoting regional development in Europe. Actions will facilitate the creation of regional clusters which contribute to the development of the European Research Area. Increased and more focused use of Structural Funds for R & D investment and activities will be also pursued by improving synergies between regional and research policies primarily by producing regional research strategies which regional authorities can integrate into their economic development strategy.

Attention will be paid specifically to cooperation between adjacent regions in different Member States.

‘Regions of knowledge’ aims at supporting the definition and implementation of optimal policies and strategies for the development of R & D driven clusters. In particular it will improve the relevance and effectiveness of regional research agendas through mutual learning; promote and strengthen cooperation between clusters; and contribute to strengthening the sustainable development of existing R & D driven clusters as well as foster seed-beds to create new ones, in particular in emerging Regions of knowledge. Support will be provided in particular for demand-driven and problem-oriented projects addressing specific technological areas or sectors (16).

This action will apply to all regions, including Convergence (17) ones.

Activities

Projects would normally involve regional authorities, regional development agencies, universities, research centres, and industry as well as where appropriate technology transfer, financial or civil society organisations. Regions of knowledge projects will cover the following activities:

| — | Analysis, development and implementation of research agendas of regional or cross-border clusters and cooperation between them. These will include analysis as well as an implementation plan focusing on R & D capacity and priorities. Projects will use foresight, benchmarking or other methods, demonstrating expected benefits, such as strengthened links between clusters involved, optimised involvement in European research projects and higher impacts on regional development. They could also prepare for interregional pilot actions. These activities aim in particular at encouraging improved complementarity between Community regional funds and other Community and national funds. |
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Analysis, development and implementation of research agendas of regional or cross-border clusters and cooperation between them. These will include analysis as well as an implementation plan focusing on R & D capacity and priorities. Projects will use foresight, benchmarking or other methods, demonstrating expected benefits, such as strengthened links between clusters involved, optimised involvement in European research projects and higher impacts on regional development. They could also prepare for interregional pilot actions. These activities aim in particular at encouraging improved complementarity between Community regional funds and other Community and national funds.

| — | ‘Mentoring’ of regions with a less developed research profile by highly developed ones based on R & D focused cluster building. Transnational regional consortia will mobilise and associate research actors in academia, industry and government to deliver ‘guidance’ solutions with and for technologically less developed regions. |
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‘Mentoring’ of regions with a less developed research profile by highly developed ones based on R & D focused cluster building. Transnational regional consortia will mobilise and associate research actors in academia, industry and government to deliver ‘guidance’ solutions with and for technologically less developed regions.

| — | Initiatives to improve integration of research actors and institutions in regional economies, through their interactions at cluster level. These will include transnational activities to improve links between research stakeholders and the local business communities as well as relevant activities between clusters. With the aim of demonstrating benefits of integration, these activities could contribute to the identification of RTD complementarities. |
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Initiatives to improve integration of research actors and institutions in regional economies, through their interactions at cluster level. These will include transnational activities to improve links between research stakeholders and the local business communities as well as relevant activities between clusters. With the aim of demonstrating benefits of integration, these activities could contribute to the identification of RTD complementarities.

Support will also be provided for activities to promote systematic mutual information exchange as well as interactions between similar projects and where appropriate, with actions of other relevant Community programmes (e.g. analysis and synthesis workshops, round-tables, publications), emphasising the involvement notably of candidate and Associated Countries as well as Member States which joined the EU after 1 May 2004.

4.   RESEARCH POTENTIAL

Objective

Stimulating the realisation of the full research potential of the enlarged Union by unlocking and developing existing or emerging excellence in the EU's convergence regions and outermost regions, and helping to strengthen the capacities of their researchers to successfully participate in research activities at Community level.

Approach

In order to support the realisation of the full research potential of the enlarged Union, a dedicated action will seek to unlock the potential of research groups, in particular in the convergence regions and outermost regions of the European Union, that are currently not using their possibilities to the full or that are in need of new knowledge and support to exploit their potential. The actions will very much build on past and existing measures such as the European Centres of Excellence in the then Acceding and Candidate Countries in the Fifth Community Framework Programme and Marie Curie Host fellowships for Transfer of Knowledge. They will also complement efforts to be undertaken by the European Social Fund under the new Cohesion Policy (2007 to 2013) focusing on developing human potential for research at national level in the eligible areas.

By focusing on the strengthening and expansion of the collaborations of such research groups with research centres in other EU Member States or associated countries, an important contribution will be made to unlocking their potential and with that to their long-term sustained development. Through optimising their international exposure and recognition, leadership potential and quality of their scientists, the visibility of these research groups will be increased and their participation in the European Research Area facilitated.

Activities

The action will favour in particular strategic partnerships, including twinning, between research groups both from public and private sector, in the convergence regions or outermost regions of the EU, selected on the basis of quality and high potential, with well established research groups elsewhere in Europe. Particular emphasis will be put on the expected longer-term effects of the partnership both at EU and regional level. With a view to realising their full potential (i.e. to strengthen their knowledge, to develop additional competence including in research management, or to gain visibility), the action will comprise support to the selected research groups in the qualifying regions in the frame of the research programmes developed within the strategic partnerships for:

| — | exchange know-how and experience through trans-national two-way secondments of research staff between the selected centres in the qualifying regions and one or more partner organisations in another EU Member State or associated country, with in-built obligatory return mechanisms for seconded staff originating from the selected centres in the qualifying regions, |
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exchange know-how and experience through trans-national two-way secondments of research staff between the selected centres in the qualifying regions and one or more partner organisations in another EU Member State or associated country, with in-built obligatory return mechanisms for seconded staff originating from the selected centres in the qualifying regions,

| — | the recruitment by the selected centres, of existing or emerging excellence, of incoming experienced researchers, including managers, for involvement in transfer of knowledge and/or in the training of researchers, including as a means to particularly encourage the return of nationals having left the country, |
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the recruitment by the selected centres, of existing or emerging excellence, of incoming experienced researchers, including managers, for involvement in transfer of knowledge and/or in the training of researchers, including as a means to particularly encourage the return of nationals having left the country,

| — | the acquisition and development of certain research equipment and the development of a material environment for the selected centres of existing or emerging excellence in support of the research programmes developed within the strategic partnership, |
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the acquisition and development of certain research equipment and the development of a material environment for the selected centres of existing or emerging excellence in support of the research programmes developed within the strategic partnership,

| — | the organisation of workshops and conferences to facilitate knowledge transfer at regional, national and international level involving both the selected centres' own research staff and invited researchers, from other countries in the frame of the development of the selected centres' international training capacity and reputation; participation of the research staff of the centres selected under the scheme at international conferences or short term training events, for knowledge sharing, network building and to expose them to a more international environment, |
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the organisation of workshops and conferences to facilitate knowledge transfer at regional, national and international level involving both the selected centres' own research staff and invited researchers, from other countries in the frame of the development of the selected centres' international training capacity and reputation; participation of the research staff of the centres selected under the scheme at international conferences or short term training events, for knowledge sharing, network building and to expose them to a more international environment,

| — | dissemination and promotional activities to ensure increased visibility of the selected centres and their activities. |
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dissemination and promotional activities to ensure increased visibility of the selected centres and their activities.

In addition, and independently of this support measures, the action will provide evaluation facilities through which any research centre in the qualifying regions, whether or not applying for funding, can obtain an international independent expert evaluation of the level of their overall research quality and infrastructures. This evaluation would be carried out by high-level, independent international experts nominated by the Commission.

5.   SCIENCE IN SOCIETY

Objective

With a view to building an open, effective and democratic European Knowledge society, the aim is to stimulate the harmonious integration of scientific and technological endeavour and associated research policies in the European social web, by encouraging at European scale reflection and debate on science and technology, and their relation with the whole spectrum of society and culture.

Approach

‘Science in society’ represents a significant expansion and extension of the pilot work undertaken in the Sixth Framework Programme, commensurate with the raised ambition of the European research policy.

The development of European societies largely depends on their capacity to create, exploit and disseminate knowledge and, from there, continuously to innovate. Scientific research, as part of the ‘knowledge triangle’ of research, education and innovation, plays a major role in this regard, and should remain one of the driving forces in promoting growth, welfare and sustainable development.

To achieve this aim, it is imperative that a social and cultural environment conducive to successful and exploitable research be created. This means that legitimate societal concerns and needs are taken on board, entailing an enhanced democratic debate with a more engaged and informed public, and better conditions for collective choices on scientific issues, and the possibility for civil society organisations to outsource research in relation to their concerns. It should also establish a climate favourable to scientific vocations, a new surge of research investments and the subsequent dissemination of knowledge upon which the Lisbon strategy is built. This activity will also aim at the full integration of women into the scientific world.

This section of the Capacities programme will then focus on the development of a set of conditions by which such a conducive environment becomes the norm rather than the exception in Europe.

The risk of a scientific divide within our societies needs to be addressed in the first place. It separates those who do not have access to relevant knowledge from the few who do; those who are not able to influence policy-making in research from those who are. This leads to the ambiguous feelings expressed by citizens regarding the potential benefits from science and technology, and their effective subordination to public scrutiny. On the one hand, they readily invite more research to address the outstanding problems of the present time (diseases, pollution, epidemics, unemployment, etc) and to better anticipate their possible impacts in the future. On the other hand, they cannot help showing distrust for certain uses of science and possible interferences of vested interests in decision-making processes.

Among the causes for an often less than satisfactory integration of science in society are the following:

| — | insufficient public participation in priority-setting and in establishing science policy directions, which would allow a wider debate on possible associated risks and consequences, |
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insufficient public participation in priority-setting and in establishing science policy directions, which would allow a wider debate on possible associated risks and consequences,

| — | growing reservations with regard to certain scientific developments, the feeling of lack of control, and open questions concerning the respect of fundamental values, |
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growing reservations with regard to certain scientific developments, the feeling of lack of control, and open questions concerning the respect of fundamental values,

| — | the perceived isolation of the world of science from the everyday realities of economic and social life, |
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the perceived isolation of the world of science from the everyday realities of economic and social life,

| — | questioning the objectivity of scientific evidence made available to public policy-making, |
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questioning the objectivity of scientific evidence made available to public policy-making,

| — | insufficient quality of scientific information available to the public. |
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insufficient quality of scientific information available to the public.

The chosen approach aims to:

| — | render more inclusive and transparent the mechanisms for access to, and validation of the expertise necessary to underpin more robust policies, |
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render more inclusive and transparent the mechanisms for access to, and validation of the expertise necessary to underpin more robust policies,

| — | set landmarks for an ethically sound research endeavour in the light of fundamental rights, |
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set landmarks for an ethically sound research endeavour in the light of fundamental rights,

| — | allow Europe to play a more active role on the world stage, in the debate and promotion of shared values, equal opportunities and societal dialogue, |
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allow Europe to play a more active role on the world stage, in the debate and promotion of shared values, equal opportunities and societal dialogue,

| — | bridge the gap between those who have a scientific education and those who do not, promote a taste for scientific culture in the direct neighbourhood of all citizens (calling upon cities, regions, foundations, science centres, museums, civil society organisations, etc.), |
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bridge the gap between those who have a scientific education and those who do not, promote a taste for scientific culture in the direct neighbourhood of all citizens (calling upon cities, regions, foundations, science centres, museums, civil society organisations, etc.),

| — | encourage a societal dialogue on research policy, and stimulate civil society organisations to become more involved in research activities, |
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encourage a societal dialogue on research policy, and stimulate civil society organisations to become more involved in research activities,

| — | explore ways to improve governance of the European research and innovation system, |
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explore ways to improve governance of the European research and innovation system,

| — | provide an image of science and researchers which is meaningful to all, especially to young people, |
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provide an image of science and researchers which is meaningful to all, especially to young people,

| — | promote the progress of women in scientific careers and better use their professional and scientific talents for the benefit of all, |
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promote the progress of women in scientific careers and better use their professional and scientific talents for the benefit of all,

| — | renew science communication, favouring modern means to achieve higher impact, helping scientists to work closely with media professionals. |
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renew science communication, favouring modern means to achieve higher impact, helping scientists to work closely with media professionals.

‘Science in society’ will be implemented through:

| — | policy-related actions and research supported directly from this theme, |
| --- | --- |

—

policy-related actions and research supported directly from this theme,

| — | cooperation between Member States, identifying common goals, and reinforcing national practices, in the spirit of the open method of coordination, |
| --- | --- |

—

cooperation between Member States, identifying common goals, and reinforcing national practices, in the spirit of the open method of coordination,

| — | promoting, supporting and monitoring the uptake and impact of ‘Science in society’ issues in other parts of the Framework Programme (18). The overall coordination of issues related to Science in society both across the Framework Programme and within other relevant Community activities (e.g. relating to education and culture) will be ensured by this theme. |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting, supporting and monitoring the uptake and impact of ‘Science in society’ issues in other parts of the Framework Programme (18). The overall coordination of issues related to Science in society both across the Framework Programme and within other relevant Community activities (e.g. relating to education and culture) will be ensured by this theme.

Three action lines will be pursued.

First action line: A more dynamic governance of the science and society relationship

Strengthening and improving the European science system

There is such an expectation placed upon the European science system to sustain our innovation potential that society must gain a deeper insight into its constituents, its own economy, its regulations and its habits. Three aspects of broad significance, focusing on the actors and dynamics of the European Research Area, will be tackled:

| — | improving the use, and monitoring the impact, of scientific advice and expertise for policy-making in Europe (including risk management), and developing practical tools and schemes (e.g. electronic networks), |
| --- | --- |

—

improving the use, and monitoring the impact, of scientific advice and expertise for policy-making in Europe (including risk management), and developing practical tools and schemes (e.g. electronic networks),

| — | promoting trust and self-regulation in the scientific community, |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting trust and self-regulation in the scientific community,

| — | encouraging the debate on information dissemination, including access to scientific results and the future of scientific publications, taking also into account measures to improve access by the public. |
| --- | --- |

—

encouraging the debate on information dissemination, including access to scientific results and the future of scientific publications, taking also into account measures to improve access by the public.

Broader engagement to anticipate and clarify political, societal and ethical issues

Society's aspirations and concerns, and fundamental ethical principles, need to be better integrated throughout the research process, creating a more secure and constructive environment for researchers and for society as a whole. Three aspects come into play, as follows:

| — | broader engagement on science-related questions, |
| --- | --- |

—

broader engagement on science-related questions,

| — | conditions for an informed debate on ethics and science, |
| --- | --- |

—

conditions for an informed debate on ethics and science,

| — | greater emphasis on discussion within the research community of the social aspects of research. |
| --- | --- |

—

greater emphasis on discussion within the research community of the social aspects of research.

Better understanding of the place of science and technology (S & T) in society

In order to address the relationship between science and society through sound policies, the knowledge accumulated in the history, S & T heritage, sociology and philosophy of sciences needs to be expanded, consolidated and spread at European level. To this end, scholars from these disciplines should form networks to structure research and debates capable of revealing the real participation of science in building a European society and identity, stressing in particular:

| — | relationships between science, democracy and law, |
| --- | --- |

—

relationships between science, democracy and law,

| — | research on ethics in science and technology, |
| --- | --- |

—

research on ethics in science and technology,

| — | the reciprocal influence of science and culture, |
| --- | --- |

—

the reciprocal influence of science and culture,

| — | the role and the image of scientists, |
| --- | --- |

—

the role and the image of scientists,

| — | public understanding of science and promotion of public debate. |
| --- | --- |

—

public understanding of science and promotion of public debate.

The evolving role of universities

Work will aim at supporting the appropriate reforms enabling universities to fully play their role in the creation, dissemination and sharing of knowledge, together with industry and society at large (in line with Community initiatives on university-based research). The emphasis will be on:

| — | defining better framework conditions for more efficient university research, |
| --- | --- |

—

defining better framework conditions for more efficient university research,

| — | promoting the establishment of structured partnerships with the business sector, having regard to universities' research management capacities, |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting the establishment of structured partnerships with the business sector, having regard to universities' research management capacities,

| — | reinforcing knowledge-sharing between universities and society at large. |
| --- | --- |

—

reinforcing knowledge-sharing between universities and society at large.

Second action line: Strengthening potential, broadening horizons

Gender and research

Based on policy orientations contained in the Commission staff working paper and Council conclusions (19) and other relevant Community policy orientations, a framework for positive actions will be implemented to reinforce the role of women in scientific research, and to enhance the gender dimension of research. This framework will provide the context for policy debate, monitoring, coordination and underpinning research. It will comprise:

| — | strengthening the role of women in scientific research and in scientific decision-making bodies, |
| --- | --- |

—

strengthening the role of women in scientific research and in scientific decision-making bodies,

| — | gender dimension of research, |
| --- | --- |

—

gender dimension of research,

| — | mainstreaming gender in Community research policy and programmes. |
| --- | --- |

—

mainstreaming gender in Community research policy and programmes.

Young people and science

Activities will be designed to attract more people from all backgrounds into scientific careers, foster links across generations, and raise the level of scientific literacy generally. European exchanges and cooperation will concentrate on science teaching methods adapted to young audiences, support for science teachers (concepts, materials), developing the linkages between schools and professional life. In addition, events with a broad European scope may be supported which bring together distinguished scientists — as ‘role models’ — and aspiring young scientists. Underpinning research will be addressed, taking into account social contexts and cultural values. Three aspects have been retained:

| — | supporting formal and informal science education in schools as well as through science centres and museums and other relevant means, |
| --- | --- |

—

supporting formal and informal science education in schools as well as through science centres and museums and other relevant means,

| — | reinforcing links between science education and science careers, |
| --- | --- |

—

reinforcing links between science education and science careers,

| — | research and coordination actions on new methods in science education. |
| --- | --- |

—

research and coordination actions on new methods in science education.

Third action line: Science and society communicate

Activities will promote effective two-way communication channels that enable the public and policy-makers to engage with science, and scientists to engage with the public. The approach will favour closer cooperation and exchange of best practice between scientists and media professionals, but also a greater involvement of target groups, namely children and young people, researchers going to the public, and the specialised press. The effort will focus on:

| — | the provision of reliable and timely scientific information for the press and other media, |
| --- | --- |

—

the provision of reliable and timely scientific information for the press and other media,

| — | training actions to bridge the gap between the media and the scientific community, |
| --- | --- |

—

training actions to bridge the gap between the media and the scientific community,

| — | encouraging a European dimension at science events targeting the public, |
| --- | --- |

—

encouraging a European dimension at science events targeting the public,

| — | promoting science by audio-visual means via European co-productions and the circulation of science programmes, |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting science by audio-visual means via European co-productions and the circulation of science programmes,

| — | promoting excellent trans-national research and science communication by the means of popular prizes, |
| --- | --- |

—

promoting excellent trans-national research and science communication by the means of popular prizes,

| — | research aimed at enhancing inter-communication concerning science, both in its methods and its products, to raise mutual understanding between the scientific world, and the wider audience of policy-makers, the media and the general public. |
| --- | --- |

—

research aimed at enhancing inter-communication concerning science, both in its methods and its products, to raise mutual understanding between the scientific world, and the wider audience of policy-makers, the media and the general public.

6.   SUPPORT FOR THE COHERENT DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH POLICIES

Objective

Enhancing the effectiveness and coherence of national and Community research policies and their articulation with other policies, improving the impact of public research and its links with industry, and strengthening public support and its leverage effect on investment by private actors.

Approach

The activities undertaken in this part will support the coherent development of research policies, complementing the coordination activities under the Cooperation programme, and contributing to Community policies and initiatives (e.g. legislation, recommendations and guidelines) that aim to improve the coherence and impact of Member States' policies.

These activities will contribute to the implementation of the Lisbon strategy, in particular to the 3 % investment in research objective, by assisting Member States and the Community in developing more effective research and development policies. The aim is to improve public research and its links with industry and foster private investment in research by strengthening public support and its leverage effect on private investment. This calls for adaptability of research policies, the mobilisation of a broader range of instruments, coordination of efforts across national boundaries and the mobilisation of other policies to create better framework conditions for research.

Activities

Two action lines will be pursued (20):

First action line: Monitoring and analysis of research-related public policies and industrial strategies, including their impact

The objective is to provide information, evidence and analyses in support of the design, implementation, evaluation and trans-national coordination of public policies. This will include:

| — | an information and intelligence service (Erawatch) to support evidence-based research policymaking and to contribute to the realisation of the European Research Area (ERA) by providing a better understanding of the nature, constituent elements and evolution of national and regional research policies, initiatives and systems. This will include regular analyses, from a European perspective, of issues relevant to research policymaking, notably: factors driving the evolution of research systems and their implications for policies and governance structures; emerging issues/challenges and policy options; and a review at the European level of Member States' progress towards ERA and the 3 % objective, |
| --- | --- |

—

an information and intelligence service (Erawatch) to support evidence-based research policymaking and to contribute to the realisation of the European Research Area (ERA) by providing a better understanding of the nature, constituent elements and evolution of national and regional research policies, initiatives and systems. This will include regular analyses, from a European perspective, of issues relevant to research policymaking, notably: factors driving the evolution of research systems and their implications for policies and governance structures; emerging issues/challenges and policy options; and a review at the European level of Member States' progress towards ERA and the 3 % objective,

| — | an industrial research investment monitoring activity to provide a self-consistent and complementary source of information to help steer public policy and to allow firms to benchmark their R & D investment strategies, inter alia, in sectors of key interest to the EU economy. This will include periodic scoreboards of firm-and sector-level R & D investment, surveys of private R & D investment trends, analysis of factors affecting R & D investment decisions and practices of firms, analysis of economic impacts, and assessment of policy implications, |
| --- | --- |

—

an industrial research investment monitoring activity to provide a self-consistent and complementary source of information to help steer public policy and to allow firms to benchmark their R & D investment strategies, inter alia, in sectors of key interest to the EU economy. This will include periodic scoreboards of firm-and sector-level R & D investment, surveys of private R & D investment trends, analysis of factors affecting R & D investment decisions and practices of firms, analysis of economic impacts, and assessment of policy implications,

| — | development and analysis of indicators on research activity and its impact on the economy. This will include the preparation and publication of national and regional science and technology key figures and scoreboards using official statistical indicators wherever appropriate; the assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of Member States’ R & D systems; and the analysis of the EU's position and performance in scientific and technological research. |
| --- | --- |

—

development and analysis of indicators on research activity and its impact on the economy. This will include the preparation and publication of national and regional science and technology key figures and scoreboards using official statistical indicators wherever appropriate; the assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of Member States’ R & D systems; and the analysis of the EU's position and performance in scientific and technological research.

These activities will be carried out in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre as well as through studies and expert groups.

Second action line: Coordination of research policies

The aim is to strengthen, on a voluntary basis, the coordination of research policies via:

| — | actions to support the implementation of the open method of coordination, and |
| --- | --- |

—

actions to support the implementation of the open method of coordination, and

| — | trans-national cooperation initiatives undertaken at national or regional level on issues of common interest, involving where appropriate other stakeholders (including industry, European organisations and civil society organisations). |
| --- | --- |

—

trans-national cooperation initiatives undertaken at national or regional level on issues of common interest, involving where appropriate other stakeholders (including industry, European organisations and civil society organisations).

These activities will address issues of common interest related to research and other relevant policies that should be mobilised for the realisation of the ERA and the attaining of the EU 3 % research investment goal. They will: contribute to the development of more effective national and regional policies through mutual learning and peer-review; encourage concerted or joint initiatives between groups of countries and regions interested in areas involving a strong trans-national dimension or spill-over; and where appropriate, identify issues requiring complementary and mutually reinforcing action at Community and Member States’ level.

Initiatives undertaken by several countries and regions may cover activities such as peer-review of national and regional policies, exchange of experience and personnel, joint evaluations and impact assessments, and the development and implementation of joint initiatives.

7.   ACTIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Objective

To become competitive and play a leading role at world level, the European Community needs a strong and coherent international science and technology policy. The international actions carried out under the different programmes within the Framework programme will be implemented in the context of an overall international cooperation strategy.

This international policy has three interdependent objectives:

| — | to support European competitiveness through strategic partnerships with third countries in selected fields of science and by engaging the best third country scientists to work in and with Europe, |
| --- | --- |

—

to support European competitiveness through strategic partnerships with third countries in selected fields of science and by engaging the best third country scientists to work in and with Europe,

| — | to facilitate contacts with partners in third countries with the aim of providing better access to research carried out elsewhere in the world, |
| --- | --- |

—

to facilitate contacts with partners in third countries with the aim of providing better access to research carried out elsewhere in the world,

| — | to address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit. |
| --- | --- |

—

to address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit.

Approach

In order to identify and establish the priority areas of research of mutual interest and mutual benefit with targeted third countries (International Cooperation Partner Countries (21) for the specific international cooperation actions of the Cooperation specific programme ongoing policy dialogues and partnership networks will be enhanced with the different regions in these third countries to provide input to help implement these actions. Coherence of national activities on international scientific cooperation will be enhanced by supporting the coordination of national programmes (of Member States and Associated countries) through multilateral coordination of national RTD policies and activities. Cooperation with third countries in the Framework Programme will be targeted in particular at the following groups of countries (22):

| — | candidate countries (23), |
| --- | --- |

—

candidate countries (23),

| — | Mediterranean partner countries (MPC), Western Balkans countries (WBC) (24) as well as the Eastern European and Central Asian countries (25) (EECA), |
| --- | --- |

—

Mediterranean partner countries (MPC), Western Balkans countries (WBC) (24) as well as the Eastern European and Central Asian countries (25) (EECA),

| — | developing countries, focusing on the particular needs of each country or region concerned (26), |
| --- | --- |

—

developing countries, focusing on the particular needs of each country or region concerned (26),

| — | emerging economies (26). |
| --- | --- |

—

emerging economies (26).

The theme-oriented international cooperation research actions are carried out under the Cooperation specific programme. The international actions in the area of human potential are carried out under the People specific programme. Horizontal support actions and measures with a focus other than a specific thematic or interdisciplinary area covered in the ‘Cooperation’ programme will be implemented, and could be supplemented, in a limited number of cases, by specific cooperation actions of mutual interest. The overall coordination of the international cooperation actions under the different programmes will be strengthened with a view to ensuring a coherent approach and developing synergies with other Community instruments (e.g. IPA, European Neighbouring Policy Instrument, ALA Regulation, and Development Aid schemes). Taking into account the experience gained through INTAS and building on its work in the framework of cooperation with the Eastern European and Central Asian countries, activities providing continuity will be undertaken through this programme and the ‘Cooperation’ and ‘People’ programmes.

The Commission will ensure the coordination of international cooperation activities throughout the entire Framework Programme including policy dialogue with partner countries, regions and international forums.

Activities

The main activities to develop jointly agreed international scientific cooperation policies are:

Bi-regional coordination of S & T cooperation including priority setting and definition of S & T cooperation policies

Community S & T cooperation for priority setting will be based on a comprehensive policy dialogue with partner countries and regions in recognition of their socio-cultural conditions and research capacities. This dialogue for S & T cooperation is carried out at multiple levels, such as through international fora (the various UN conventions), institutionalised bi-regional dialogues (27) including: Asia-Europe Meetings (ASEM); Latin America, Caribbean and EU (EU-LAC); the Mediterranean and Western Balkan Partnerships; the EU-ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) States and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (28), and bilateral and multilateral agreements as well as through informal trans-regional meetings of scientists and other societal partners.

The highest priority will be given to the strengthening of bi-regional/bilateral dialogues to guide and set the framework for international S & T cooperation and joint identification of research areas for mutual interest and benefit. Such dialogue and partnership in S & T constitutes the most effective way of achieving globally and mutually agreed objectives, with respect to regional and country level specific needs. Consequently, international S & T cooperation in the Framework Programme will be governed in a coherent way through integrated research policy formulation resulting from these dialogues and from S & T agreements (29).

These initiatives will be implemented through specific international cooperation activities that will develop the bi-regional dialogue in close consultation with Member States, Associated Countries and International Cooperation Partner Countries.

This priority setting and the definition of S & T Cooperation policies will have direct and measurable impacts on the other activities foreseen for International S & T Cooperation under the Capacities specific programme, namely: enhancement and development of S & T Agreements, S & T Cooperation Partnerships and a positive synergistic effect on the coordination of national policies and activities on international S & T cooperation.

Within the framework of S & T Agreements, in accordance with the defined priorities, the identification of new, emerging elements deserving actions and endorsement at political level to be implemented by the themes will be given priority.

In addition, the participation of scientists in national research programmes of third countries will allow the full exploitation of the possibilities of the S & T Agreements and will allow the scientists to acquire knowledge of third country research systems and their cultures in a reciprocal way. For this, the Framework Programme will cover the cost of research participation of scientists from Member States and associated countries in the national research programmes of the third countries where there is mutual interest and benefit. Such collaboration will take place on a competitive basis.

The joint projects developed within above dialogues and S & T cooperation Agreements will be needs-driven and will have significant size in terms of partnerships, competences and financing as well as having an important socioeconomic impact. The projects will be targeted specifically on the priorities identified through the policy dialogue of S & T cooperation within the regional fora, and there will be specific calls per region or groups of International Cooperation Partner Countries. The output of these dialogues will contribute to the determination of the priorities and needs for the specific international cooperation actions in the different themes in the Cooperation specific programme.

Bilateral coordination for the enhancement and development of S & T partnerships

The realisation of identified priorities will be further elaborated and turned into actions by setting up equitable S & T Cooperation Partnerships regrouping multiple stakeholders (partners from research, industry, government and civil society) for research capacity building and research actions. These have proved to be the most suitable mechanism to mobilise the strengths of these partners synergistically. These Partnerships will require pluridisciplinary approaches to tackle diverse needs on a global, regional and/or country level.

The development of S & T Partnerships will be based on bi-regional leadership and coordination of political initiatives in defined priority areas. These will be operated by steering groups composed by a limited number of representatives from each region, open to all partners in the regions concerned, taking into account their interests and research capacities. These partnerships will promote joint research activities and permanent policy dialogue on the efficiency and effectiveness of the cooperation implemented as well as on identification of future needs.

Supporting coordination of national policies and activities of Member States and associated countries on international S & T cooperation

In order to promote/encourage an effective and efficient international scientific Community cooperation strategy at EU level, a continuous coordination of national policies is essential to realise commitments undertaken through the S & T bi-regional and bilateral dialogues.

This coordination will reinforce the efficiency and impact of the ongoing bilateral S & T cooperation initiatives between Member States and International Cooperation Partner Countries and enhance the positive synergies between them. It will also enhance complementarities between Community and Member States S & T cooperation activities.

Furthermore it will support the implementation of a ‘shared vision’ by facilitating innovative programmatic approaches and working more closely among and with Member States in developing and implementing a coherent cooperation in EU science and technology.

ANNEX II

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT (in EUR million)

| Research infrastructures (30) | 1 715 |
| --- | --- |
| Research for the benefit of SMEs | 1 336 |
| Regions of knowledge | 126 |
| Research potential | 340 |
| Science in society | 330 |
| Coherent development of research policies | 70 |
| Activities of international cooperation | 180 |
| Total | 4 097 |

Research infrastructures (30)

1 715

Research for the benefit of SMEs

1 336

Regions of knowledge

126

Research potential

340

Science in society

330

Coherent development of research policies

70

Activities of international cooperation

180

Total

4 097

ANNEX III

RISK-SHARING FINANCE FACILITY

In accordance with Annex II, the Community will provide a contribution (coordination and support action) to the European Investment Bank (EIB) which will be a risk-sharing partner for the risk-sharing finance facility (RSFF). RSFF, which will be co-funded by the Community and the EIB, is aimed at fostering private sector investment across Europe in research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) as well as innovation.

The Community contribution will increase the capacity of the Bank to manage risk, thus allowing for (i) a larger volume of EIB lending and guarantee operations for a certain level of risk, and (ii) the financing of riskier European RTD actions that would not be possible without such Community support, thus helping overcome market deficiencies. It will aim at:

| — | adding value in areas where the market cannot provide the required funding, and |
| --- | --- |

—

adding value in areas where the market cannot provide the required funding, and

| — | providing catalytic effect in leveraging private investment. |
| --- | --- |

—

providing catalytic effect in leveraging private investment.

The Community contribution will be committed to RSFF in line with the provisions set out in Annex II.

The EIB will lend funds raised from international financial markets and provide guarantees to its financing partners in accordance with its standard rules, regulations and procedures.

It will use this contribution on a ‘first come, first served basis’, as provisions and capital allocation within the Bank to cover part of the risks associated with its operations supporting eligible European RTD actions.

Based on its financial evaluation, the EIB will assess the level of financial risks and decide the value of the provision and capital allocation.

The risk assessment and grading, and the resulting decisions on provisioning and capital allocation, will follow standard procedures of the Bank, under its Structured Finance Facility, approved and monitored by its shareholders and as updated and modified from time to time. They will not be altered as a result of the Community contribution.

The risk to the Community budget is limited to the amounts paid or committed to be paid. There will be no contingent liability for the Community budget, as any remaining risk is borne by the EIB.

The Community contribution will be disbursed annually based on a multiannual plan and taking into account the evolution of demand. The annual amount will be established in the work programme, on the basis of the activity report and forecasts presented by the EIB.

The agreement to be concluded with the EIB, following close consultations with Member States, will establish terms and conditions under which the Community funds can be used as provisions and capital allocation. It will include the following terms and conditions:

| — | The eligibility of Community RTD actions. By default, the development of research infrastructures funded by the Community under this Specific programme shall be automatically eligible. Legal entities established in third countries other than Associated Countries are also eligible if they participate in the Seventh Framework Programme indirect actions and their costs are eligible for Community funding. Other research infrastructures of European interest could also be considered.
  RSFF will be offered in all Member States and Associated Countries in order to ensure that all legal entities, irrespective of size (including SMEs and research organisations, including universities) in all Member States, may benefit from this facility for the funding of their activities in eligible actions.
  Innovation activities of a commercial nature are eligible for RSFF only via the use of the EIB's own contribution. |
| --- | --- |

—

The eligibility of Community RTD actions. By default, the development of research infrastructures funded by the Community under this Specific programme shall be automatically eligible. Legal entities established in third countries other than Associated Countries are also eligible if they participate in the Seventh Framework Programme indirect actions and their costs are eligible for Community funding. Other research infrastructures of European interest could also be considered.

RSFF will be offered in all Member States and Associated Countries in order to ensure that all legal entities, irrespective of size (including SMEs and research organisations, including universities) in all Member States, may benefit from this facility for the funding of their activities in eligible actions.

Innovation activities of a commercial nature are eligible for RSFF only via the use of the EIB's own contribution.

| — | In accordance with the Regulation on Rules for Participation adopted pursuant to Article 167 of the Treaty, the agreement will also establish procedures for the Community to object, in duly justified cases, to the use of the Community contribution by the EIB. |
| --- | --- |

—

In accordance with the Regulation on Rules for Participation adopted pursuant to Article 167 of the Treaty, the agreement will also establish procedures for the Community to object, in duly justified cases, to the use of the Community contribution by the EIB.

| — | The rules for defining the share of the financial risk that will be covered by the Community contribution and the risk threshold beyond which the EIB can use the Community contribution as well as sharing of corresponding income.
  The level of the Community contribution for each operation shall depend on the financial risk evaluation carried out by the EIB. The level of total provisioning and capital allocation for the majority of RSFF operations is expected to fall within the range of 15 % to 25 % of the nominal value of such operations. In no case shall the level of total provisioning and capital allocation amounts of the Community contribution exceed 50 % of the nominal loan or guarantee value. There will be risk sharing under each operation. |
| --- | --- |

—

The rules for defining the share of the financial risk that will be covered by the Community contribution and the risk threshold beyond which the EIB can use the Community contribution as well as sharing of corresponding income.

The level of the Community contribution for each operation shall depend on the financial risk evaluation carried out by the EIB. The level of total provisioning and capital allocation for the majority of RSFF operations is expected to fall within the range of 15 % to 25 % of the nominal value of such operations. In no case shall the level of total provisioning and capital allocation amounts of the Community contribution exceed 50 % of the nominal loan or guarantee value. There will be risk sharing under each operation.

| — | The arrangements by which the Community will monitor the EIB lending and guarantee operations related to the Community contribution, including operations through the EIB financing partners. |
| --- | --- |

—

The arrangements by which the Community will monitor the EIB lending and guarantee operations related to the Community contribution, including operations through the EIB financing partners.

The EIB may use the Community contribution only for operations approved between the date of entry into force of this specific programme and 31 December 2013.

Interests and incomes generated by the Community contribution during this period shall be reported annually by the EIB to the Commission, which shall inform the European Parliament and the Council. In accordance with Article 18(2) of the Financial Regulation, they shall be considered as assigned revenues to the RSFF and entered into the budget.

When adopting the work programme, the Commission may decide to reallocate, for the purpose of any other indirect actions of the ‘Research Infrastructure’ of this specific programme, any amount not used by RSFF and, therefore, recovered from the EIB, after mid-term evaluation referred to in Annex II of the Framework Programme. The mid-term evaluation will include an external assessment of the impact of the RSFF.

The Commission will closely monitor the effective use of the Community Contribution, including ex-post assessments of the successful features of the action, and regularly report to the Programme Committee. In addition, the Commission will include main findings in this respect to the annual report on research and technological development activities which it will send to the European Parliament and the Council pursuant to Article 173 of the Treaty.

ANNEX IV

JOINT IMPLEMENTATION OF NON-COMMUNITY RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

One initiative for the joint implementation of national research programmes is identified below, on an indicative basis, and could be the subject of a separate decision on the basis of Article 169 of the Treaty. Further initiatives may be identified and proposed during the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme.

Were such a decision to be taken, a dedicated implementation structure would be set up, together with the organisational structure and appropriate governance bodies necessary for the implementation of the action. In accordance with Annex II, the Community could provide financial support to the initiative up to the amount set out in Annex II and could participate actively in the implementation by the means which are most appropriate for the action.

Article 169 (EC Treaty) initiative in the field of Research Performing SMEs

The aim will be to launch and implement a joint R & D programme for the benefit of research performing SMEs with the objective of boosting their research and innovation capability. Building on Eureka, it will stimulate and support transnational R & D projects led by such SMEs. This initiative complements other SME-targeted actions carried out in the context of the Seventh Framework Programme.

The Community will provide financial support for the initiative and will participate in the implementation by the means which are most appropriate for the action.

ANNEX V

INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY THE COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 8(4)

1.

Information on actions, enabling the monitoring of the entire lifetime of each proposal, covering in particular:





  —

| — | submitted proposals, |
| --- | --- |

submitted proposals,

| — | evaluation results for each proposal, |
| --- | --- |

—

evaluation results for each proposal,

| — | grant agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

grant agreements,

| — | completed actions. |
| --- | --- |

—

completed actions.

2.

Information on the outcome of each call and implementation of actions, covering in particular:





  —

| — | the results of each call, |
| --- | --- |

the results of each call,

| — | the outcome of negotiations on grant agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

the outcome of negotiations on grant agreements,

| — | implementation of actions, including payment data and outcome of actions. |
| --- | --- |

—

implementation of actions, including payment data and outcome of actions.

3.

This information (in particular, on proposals, their evaluation and grant agreements) should be provided in a uniform structured electronically-readable and treatable format accessible through an IT-based information and reporting system which readily enables data analysis.

---

(1)  Opinion of 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  
  OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 10.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

4

(5)  
  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 19.8.2006, p. 3).

5

(6)  
  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

6

(7)  
  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

7

(8)  
  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

8

(9)  
  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

9

(10)  Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads may be financed.

10

(11)  With a view to facilitating the implementation of the programme, for each meeting of the programme committee as defined in the agenda, the Commission will reimburse, in accordance with its established guidelines, the expenses of one representative per Member State, as well as one expert/adviser per Member State for those agenda items where a Member State requires specific expertise.

11

(12)  
  OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2003/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32).

12

(13)  Also identified by ESFRI.

13

(14)  This could include possible joint implementation of programmes targeting research performing SMEs, building on Eureka.

14

(15)  A pilot action on ‘Regions of knowledge’ was introduced into the 2003 Community budget at the initiative of the European Parliament. This was followed by another Call for proposals under the Sixth Community Framework Programme for RTD (2004) under the ‘Coherent development of policies’ programme.

15

(16)  This does not exclude the combination of different technological areas where relevant.

16

(17)  Convergence regions are those set out in Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 of 11 July 2006 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 (JO L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 25, corrigendum OJ L 239, 1.9.2006, p. 248). This includes ‘convergence’ objective regions, regions eligible for funding from the Cohesion fund, and outermost regions.

17

(18)  Include the running of the ethical review procedures for proposals addressing sensitive issues under the ‘Cooperation’ specific programme.

18

(19)  
  ‘Women and science: excellence and innovation — gender equality in science’ — SEC(2005) 370; Council conclusions of 18 April 2005.

19

(20)  The activities related to strengthening and improving the European science system, such as questions of scientific advice and expertise and contributing to ‘better regulation’, are addressed by the Science in society part of this specific programme.

20

(21)  See Rules for participation.

21

(22)  At present nine Mediterranean Partner Countries and six countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia are part of the European Neighbouring Policy.

22

(23)  Other than associated Candidate Countries.

23

(24)  Other than associated potential Candidate Countries.

24

(25)  Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

25

(26)  Noting that Latin America includes both developing countries and emerging economies.

26

(27)  Bi-regional dialogue in this context means the dialogue between the Member States, the EC and the third countries concerned.

27

(28)  Which also could involve the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC) and the Science and Technology Centre (STCU).

28

(29)  Considering the Community's interests, agreements have been concluded with all major industrialised or emerging economy partners, and with almost all countries included in the European Neighbourhood Policy.

29

(30)  Including a contribution of up to EUR 200 million to the European Investment Bank for its Risk-Sharing Finance Facility, as referred to in Annex III. An amount in the order of EUR 100 million will be committed in annual instalments for the period 2007 to 2010

30

---

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/126 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/126

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/975/EC of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 400 of 30 December 2006
  )

Decision 2006/975/EC should read as follows:

COUNCIL DECISION

of 19 December 2006

concerning the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

(2006/975/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 166(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2),

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, (2007 to 2013) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, (2007 to 2013) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary.

| (2) | The Joint Research Centre, hereinafter referred to as ‘the JRC’ should carry out so-called direct R & D activities under a JRC specific programme implementing the EC Framework Programme. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Joint Research Centre, hereinafter referred to as ‘the JRC’ should carry out so-called direct R & D activities under a JRC specific programme implementing the EC Framework Programme.

| (3) | In implementing its mission, the JRC should provide the EU policy-making process with customer-driven scientific and technical support, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies and responding to new policy demands. In order to achieve its mission the JRC should carry out research of the highest comparable European quality, including by maintaining its own level of scientific excellence. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In implementing its mission, the JRC should provide the EU policy-making process with customer-driven scientific and technical support, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies and responding to new policy demands. In order to achieve its mission the JRC should carry out research of the highest comparable European quality, including by maintaining its own level of scientific excellence.

| (4) | The direct actions conducted by the JRC should be implemented by the present specific programme. In implementing this specific programme in accordance with its mission, the JRC should place particular emphasis on areas of key concern for the Union: prosperity in a knowledge-intensive society, solidarity, sustainability and responsible management of resources, security and freedom, and Europe as world partner. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The direct actions conducted by the JRC should be implemented by the present specific programme. In implementing this specific programme in accordance with its mission, the JRC should place particular emphasis on areas of key concern for the Union: prosperity in a knowledge-intensive society, solidarity, sustainability and responsible management of resources, security and freedom, and Europe as world partner.

| (5) | This specific programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking into account the relevant need of JRC's user and Community polices, as well as respecting the objective of protecting the Community's financial interests. The research activities carried out under the programme should be adapted where appropriate to these needs and to scientific and technological developments and aim to achieve scientific excellence. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

This specific programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking into account the relevant need of JRC's user and Community polices, as well as respecting the objective of protecting the Community's financial interests. The research activities carried out under the programme should be adapted where appropriate to these needs and to scientific and technological developments and aim to achieve scientific excellence.

| (6) | The rules for participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) relating to direct actions should also apply to the R & D activities carried out under this specific programme. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The rules for participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) relating to direct actions should also apply to the R & D activities carried out under this specific programme.

| (7) | For the purpose of implementing this programme, in addition to cooperation covered by the Agreement on the European Economic Area or by an Association Agreement, it may be appropriate to engage in international cooperation activities, in particular on the basis of Article 170 of the Treaty, with third countries and international organisations. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

For the purpose of implementing this programme, in addition to cooperation covered by the Agreement on the European Economic Area or by an Association Agreement, it may be appropriate to engage in international cooperation activities, in particular on the basis of Article 170 of the Treaty, with third countries and international organisations.

| (8) | In support to EU enlargement and integration, the JRC aims at promoting the integration of new Member States' organisations and researchers in its activities in particular on the implementation of the scientific and technological components of the Community acquis, as well as an increased cooperation with those from Candidate Countries. A progressive opening is also envisaged towards the Neighbouring Countries, specifically on priority topics of the European Neighbourhood Policy. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

In support to EU enlargement and integration, the JRC aims at promoting the integration of new Member States' organisations and researchers in its activities in particular on the implementation of the scientific and technological components of the Community acquis, as well as an increased cooperation with those from Candidate Countries. A progressive opening is also envisaged towards the Neighbouring Countries, specifically on priority topics of the European Neighbourhood Policy.

| (9) | Research activities carried out within this specific programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Research activities carried out within this specific programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

| (10) | The JRC should continue to generate additional resources through competitive activities; these include participation to the indirect actions of the Framework Programme, third party work and to a lesser extent the exploitation of intellectual property. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The JRC should continue to generate additional resources through competitive activities; these include participation to the indirect actions of the Framework Programme, third party work and to a lesser extent the exploitation of intellectual property.

| (11) | Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments.

| (12) | Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8). |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8).

| (13) | The Commission should in due course arrange for an independent assessment to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by this programme. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The Commission should in due course arrange for an independent assessment to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by this programme.

| (14) | The JRC's Board of Governors has been consulted on the scientific and technological content of this specific programme, |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The JRC's Board of Governors has been consulted on the scientific and technological content of this specific programme,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The specific programme related to the direct actions in research, technological development and demonstration to be carried out by the Joint Research Centre, hereinafter the ‘specific programme’ is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013.

Article 2

The specific programme shall establish the activities for the non-nuclear actions of the Joint Research Centre, providing customer driven scientific and technical support to the Community policymaking process, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies and responding to new policy demands.

The objectives and the broad lines of those activities are set out in the Annex.

Article 3

In accordance with Annex II of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme shall be EUR 1 751 million.

Article 4

1.   All research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

2.   The following fields of research shall not be financed under this programme:

| — | research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes, |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes,

| — | research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable (9),

| — | research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer. |
| --- | --- |

—

research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer.

3.   Research on human stem cells, both adult and embryonic, may be financed, depending both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

Any application for financing for research on human embryonic stem cells shall include, as appropriate, details of licensing and control measures that will be taken by the competent authorities of the Member States as well as details of the ethical approval(s) that will be provided.

As regards the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, institutions, organisations and researchers shall be subject to strict licensing and control in accordance with the legal framework of the Member State(s) involved.

4.   The fields of research set out above shall be reviewed for the second phase of this programme (2010 to 2013) in the light of scientific advances.

Article 5

1.   The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the direct actions as established in Annex III to the Framework Programme.

2.   The rules for participation and dissemination relating to direct actions shall apply to the specific programme.

Article 6

1.   The Commission shall draw up a multiannual work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities set out in the Annex, and the timetable for implementation.

2.   The multiannual work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, Associated States and European and international organisations. It shall be updated where appropriate.

Article 7

The Commission shall arrange for the independent assessment provided for in Article 7 of the Framework Programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

Article 8

This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 9

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006.

For the Council

The President

J. KORKEAOJA

ANNEX

1.   Objective

To provide customer-driven scientific and technical support to the Community policymaking process, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies and responding to new policy demands.

2.   Approach

The JRC will reinforce its customer-driven orientation, and its strong networking with the scientific community, in the specific context of growth, sustainable development and security by:

| — | flexibly responding to the developing needs and requirements of the European policymakers, |
| --- | --- |

—

flexibly responding to the developing needs and requirements of the European policymakers,

| — | focusing attention on issues which are important in terms of societal concern, which have a research component and which have a dominant Community dimension, |
| --- | --- |

—

focusing attention on issues which are important in terms of societal concern, which have a research component and which have a dominant Community dimension,

| — | developing partnerships with research centres, universities, industry, public authorities, regulatory bodies in the Member States and with third countries and international bodies; |
| --- | --- |

—

developing partnerships with research centres, universities, industry, public authorities, regulatory bodies in the Member States and with third countries and international bodies;

| — | reinforcing its competencies and facilities, |
| --- | --- |

—

reinforcing its competencies and facilities,

| — | the JRC has focused its resources to respond to the S/T challenges arising from the complex and multi-faceted aspects of Community policy related issues. It has done so by organising its activities around the main policy areas and by establishing synergies with other sources of S/T support available in the Member States. It will further enhance this capacity, also by collaborating with EU Agencies, other EU Institutions, notably with the European Parliament, and authorities in the Member States, |
| --- | --- |

—

the JRC has focused its resources to respond to the S/T challenges arising from the complex and multi-faceted aspects of Community policy related issues. It has done so by organising its activities around the main policy areas and by establishing synergies with other sources of S/T support available in the Member States. It will further enhance this capacity, also by collaborating with EU Agencies, other EU Institutions, notably with the European Parliament, and authorities in the Member States,

| — | increasing transparency when setting its research priorities by making the criteria for these priorities publicly available. |
| --- | --- |

—

increasing transparency when setting its research priorities by making the criteria for these priorities publicly available.

An integrated approach to the provision of S/T support to policies represents a key feature of this specific programme. Indeed, in various areas the need for understanding interactions between technological change, scientific developments, innovation and competitiveness and different regulatory and policy approaches (e.g. economic instruments, voluntary schemes and flexible mechanisms) is very acute. A strong research base will underpin such objectives. The participation in the direct actions of the Framework Programme will strive to maximise complementarity with the institutional programme outlined in section 3 below.

The JRC will strengthen its position in the European Research Area, by facilitating access to its facilities by European and non-European researchers, including early-stage scientists. It will increase its cooperation with other public and private research organisations, consistently improve the scientific quality of its own activities and contribute more scientifically to training, which will remain a high priority for the JRC.

Dissemination of knowledge among the various stakeholders involved in this process will represent a key feature of the approach and efforts should be made to increase the involvement of SMEs in research actions. Activities will also be aimed at the support to the implementation and monitoring of legislation and at the dissemination of best practises in the context of EU-25, Candidate and Neighbouring Countries.

The JRC will respond to the call for ‘better regulation’ of the new Lisbon agenda by underpinning ex-ante as well as ex-post policy assessment and appraisals, supporting the Commission evidence-based policy initiatives. Furthermore, requirements issued in the context of policy implementation and monitoring will lead to the setting up of fit-for-purpose support activities insofar as they are research based.

New challenges associated with the growing need to respond to crises, emergencies, and pressing political imperatives will be met by building up capacities and facilities in selected areas to provide adequate support in an EU context.

Community external and security-related policies will exercise new demands upon the JRC throughout the duration of the Seventh Framework Programme. These areas of work will be supported by in-house and secure information/analysis systems to respond at short notice. By the same token, the global and international dimension of the JRC's work will also develop further in the present programme.

A specific part of the JRC's resources is devoted to exploratory research, to develop new knowledge and new competencies. Resources are invested in exploratory research as ‘seed money’ which might yield practical results at a later stage and, if successful, will contribute to the activities of the JRC in the medium to long term.

When requested in the context of its support for thematic policies, the JRC will engage into specific exercises leading to a better exploitation (including dissemination when feasible) of relevant EU-wide research results. In doing so it will enhance the benefits of knowledge society. Where and when appropriate, research conducted by the JRC should be coordinated with the research undertaken under the ‘Themes’ of the ‘Cooperation’ specific programme, in order to avoid overlap and duplication.

3.   Activities

3.1.   Policy Theme 1: Prosperity in a knowledge intensive society

3.1.1.   Agenda 1.1 Competitiveness and Innovation

Fostering EU competitiveness, transparency of internal market and trade will be pursued by the production and dissemination of internationally accepted references and the promotion of a common European measurement system. Comparability of measurement results will be fostered through the provision of quality assurance tools like reference materials, reference measurements, validated methods and data in a broad range of policy related areas such as:

| — | safety of chemicals and products including cosmetics, through the development of a system of reference for integrated chemical risk assessment and by S/T support to the chemicals legislation including support (training) to the preparation of European Chemicals Agency (ECA), |
| --- | --- |

—

safety of chemicals and products including cosmetics, through the development of a system of reference for integrated chemical risk assessment and by S/T support to the chemicals legislation including support (training) to the preparation of European Chemicals Agency (ECA),

| — | alternative (non-animal) testing approaches and intelligent testing strategies, |
| --- | --- |

—

alternative (non-animal) testing approaches and intelligent testing strategies,

| — | food safety, quality and authenticity; feed safety; biotechnology, |
| --- | --- |

—

food safety, quality and authenticity; feed safety; biotechnology,

| — | eEnergy (cleaner and renewable energy sources and carriers), |
| --- | --- |

—

eEnergy (cleaner and renewable energy sources and carriers),

| — | security and protection of the citizen, |
| --- | --- |

—

security and protection of the citizen,

| — | environment and health. |
| --- | --- |

—

environment and health.

This reference work will be pursued in close cooperation with Member State institutions, international standardisation bodies (ISO, CEN, Codex Alimentarius, AOAC), regulatory authorities and industry. The JRC maintain a role as Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) in the areas of genetically modified food and feed, food contact materials and feed additives and take up a role as CRL in further related fields of its competence.

The JRC will pursue the development of advanced econometric modelling and sensitivity analysis techniques in a wide range of policy fields, in macro-economic modelling, short term analysis of financial and business cycles and the development and assessment of composite indicators.

The JRC will also continue to apply the financial econometrics and statistics tools in the area of financial services (for instance, clearing and settlement and banking directives). It will remain involved in a variety of initiatives by providing support to ex ante and ex post assessments (including impact assessments) by developing specific indicators and carrying out analyses.

The JRC will increase its support to the development of Community policy on international trade, with particular emphasis on the impact of trade policy on sustainable development and competitiveness.

The Lisbon agenda for growth and jobs will be supported by direct quantitative socioeconomic analysis — also in relation to the ‘better regulation’ principle — in a number of policy areas like macro-economic stability and growth, financial services, aspects of competitiveness, lifelong learning and the human capital dimension of the Lisbon strategy, agriculture, climate change, sustainable energy and transport systems. The JRC will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between education provision and the needs of the knowledge society, of circulation of knowledge, of factors affecting equity in education and how efficient use of educational resources can be achieved.

At the core of competitiveness and environment objectives are the eco-efficient technologies which will continue to be identified and assessed by the European Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Bureau and by input to the implementation and monitoring of the Environmental Technology Action Plan. The conditions under which these technologies are developed will be studied, to identify the barriers to their dissemination, to assess performance targets and use and to analyse the measures to improve their uptake.

Support to competitiveness will also be provided through activities such as:

| — | support to the setting up and maintenance of European standards such as Eurocodes, Euronorms, IEC, ISO norms and European Reference Materials, |
| --- | --- |

—

support to the setting up and maintenance of European standards such as Eurocodes, Euronorms, IEC, ISO norms and European Reference Materials,

| — | developing standards for environmental and security monitoring systems and harmonised data access in the context of Inspire (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe) and GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security), |
| --- | --- |

—

developing standards for environmental and security monitoring systems and harmonised data access in the context of Inspire (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe) and GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security),

| — | strengthening the European Measurement Infrastructure by interlaboratory comparisons in support to accreditation/certification processes. |
| --- | --- |

—

strengthening the European Measurement Infrastructure by interlaboratory comparisons in support to accreditation/certification processes.

The JRC will also provide its scientific/technical support for the development of risk assessment and management procedures as a tool for European decision-making.

3.1.2.   Agenda 1.2 European Research Area

The JRC will contribute directly to European Research Area by increasing its scientific networking, training and mobility of researchers, access to research infrastructures and collaborative research. It will participate in European technology platforms, joint technology initiatives and Article 169 actions where relevant. Special attention will be paid to involving partners in the new Member States and Candidate Countries.

The JRC will provide support to evidence-based research policy-making at both Community and Member State levels.

This strategic support to research policy-making will be complemented by providing technology assessments of the research priorities in individual thematic areas.

The consolidation, development and dissemination of science and technology foresight methods will also be promoted at European level.

3.1.3.   Agenda 1.3 Energy and Transport

The JRC will focus its energy activities on a smooth transition to less carbon intensive and renewable sources and carriers of energy (including hydrogen), increased efficiency of energy systems and improved safety and security of energy supply. The objectives of the JRC in the area of energy are:

| — | to provide a sustainable energy reference system feeding the Community policy needs with S/T expertise on technological innovation and evolution (all energy sources and end-use energy efficiency), |
| --- | --- |

—

to provide a sustainable energy reference system feeding the Community policy needs with S/T expertise on technological innovation and evolution (all energy sources and end-use energy efficiency),

| — | to act as reference centre for pre-normative performance verification and certification of selected technologies (i.e. cleaner fossil, bio-mass, photovoltaic, fuel cell and hydrogen), |
| --- | --- |

—

to act as reference centre for pre-normative performance verification and certification of selected technologies (i.e. cleaner fossil, bio-mass, photovoltaic, fuel cell and hydrogen),

| — | to provide information on reliability of energy supply for Europe and on the availability of renewable energy resources. In addition, the JRC will facilitate a fact-based debate and informed decision-making on the appropriate energy mix to meet the European energy needs. |
| --- | --- |

—

to provide information on reliability of energy supply for Europe and on the availability of renewable energy resources. In addition, the JRC will facilitate a fact-based debate and informed decision-making on the appropriate energy mix to meet the European energy needs.

The JRC will contribute to the development of sustainable transport in Europe by focusing on:

| — | the environment with research on emission control and related impacts on ecosystems; the potential to reduce emissions by emerging technologies under different policy scenarios, |
| --- | --- |

—

the environment with research on emission control and related impacts on ecosystems; the potential to reduce emissions by emerging technologies under different policy scenarios,

| — | the techno-economic dimension with research on the assessment of externalities, improved fuels and engines, alternative vehicles concepts and the impact of innovation on competitiveness and economic growth as well as to assessments of transport policy options, |
| --- | --- |

—

the techno-economic dimension with research on the assessment of externalities, improved fuels and engines, alternative vehicles concepts and the impact of innovation on competitiveness and economic growth as well as to assessments of transport policy options,

| — | the social dimension, with activities including research in spatial, urban planning, impacts on health and awareness raising. Efforts will also be devoted to aspects of safety and security of air, land and maritime transport. |
| --- | --- |

—

the social dimension, with activities including research in spatial, urban planning, impacts on health and awareness raising. Efforts will also be devoted to aspects of safety and security of air, land and maritime transport.

Energy and transport are the main sectors responsible for pollution affecting the air quality. The JRC will support the EU thematic strategy on air pollution (CAFE Clean Air for Europe) with particular attention on characterisation and apportioning of emissions from various sources in support to the development of emission abatement strategies. Harmonisation/normalisation of reference tests and methodologies for measurement of emissions will be undertaken.

3.1.4.   Agenda 1.4 Information society

The JRC will support the formulation of information society technology policies and instruments contributing to a competitive European knowledge society by generating prospective analyses and strategies related to the knowledge society. Growth, solidarity, inclusion and sustainability will be points of attention. The JRC will also contribute to the implementation of the Community policies closely linked with or strongly benefiting from information society technology developments. This covers applications in e-business, e-health, personal security, home environment, e-learning, e-governance, and environment as well as the determination of the potential for new developments in the pursuit of the overall European strategies on growth, inclusion and quality of life and ICT for trust and confidence.

The JRC will work on ‘convergence’ in the IST area with the aim of assessing potential impact on society in terms of competitiveness, privacy, ownership and social inclusion. Convergence applications will be pursued in the area of health (bio-sensors, nanotechnology and cognitive sciences), security (sensors, public security and personal integrity) and environment (monitoring technologies and sustainable environmental management).

3.1.5.   Agenda 1.5 Life Sciences and Biotechnology

Life sciences and biotechnology are pertinent to many policy areas where they can significantly contribute to the Community objectives. This potential is broadly recognised in health, agriculture, food, environment and other sectors where applications are being rapidly developed. The provision of reference materials and validated methods requires access to and control of a broad range of advanced bio-technological instruments. In the context of its collaboration with competent national organisations, the JRC will further develop its competencies in this area in view of the legislative and regulatory context.

In particular, the JRC will carry out studies on the socioeconomic impact of selected applications of biotechnology and life sciences in support of future legislation. With an integrated effort in nano-biotechnology, physics, biology and chemistry applied to detection techniques the JRC will contribute to the development of new strategies and technologies for environment and health monitoring, (eco) toxicology studies, food and feed chain control and security.

Activities will be developed, inter alia, in the following areas:

| (1) | Biotechnology and health-related aspects:






  — | provision of quality assurance tools for genetic testing, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(1)

Biotechnology and health-related aspects:

—

provision of quality assurance tools for genetic testing,

| — | studies on genome-based diagnostic applications and drug development (e.g. pharmacogenomics), |
| --- | --- |

—

studies on genome-based diagnostic applications and drug development (e.g. pharmacogenomics),

| — | development and validation of advanced methods for refining, reducing and replacing animal tests for bio-technological pharmaceuticals, for predicting the toxicity of chemicals by in vitro cell cultures, high throughput techniques and toxicogenomics, |
| --- | --- |

—

development and validation of advanced methods for refining, reducing and replacing animal tests for bio-technological pharmaceuticals, for predicting the toxicity of chemicals by in vitro cell cultures, high throughput techniques and toxicogenomics,

| — | identification and assessment of novel bio-informatic methodologies in support to ‘omics’ approaches, integrating physiological responses modulated by individual susceptibility and life style factors, |
| --- | --- |

—

identification and assessment of novel bio-informatic methodologies in support to ‘omics’ approaches, integrating physiological responses modulated by individual susceptibility and life style factors,

| — | development of a methodological framework for properly considering risk modifiers in human health risk assessment, |
| --- | --- |

—

development of a methodological framework for properly considering risk modifiers in human health risk assessment,

| — | assessment of environmental and health impacts of nano-technologies including nano-toxicology. |
| --- | --- |

—

assessment of environmental and health impacts of nano-technologies including nano-toxicology.

| (2) | Biotechnology in agriculture, food and feed:






  — | prospective studies on emerging bio-technological applications in food production (e.g. functional food, cloned farm animals and molecular ‘pharming’ crops), |
| --- | --- | --- |

(2)

Biotechnology in agriculture, food and feed:

—

prospective studies on emerging bio-technological applications in food production (e.g. functional food, cloned farm animals and molecular ‘pharming’ crops),

| — | GMO detection, identification and quantification (includes validation of high throughput screening methods, and quality assurance tools for GMOs of next generations), |
| --- | --- |

—

GMO detection, identification and quantification (includes validation of high throughput screening methods, and quality assurance tools for GMOs of next generations),

| — | studies on the coexistence of GM/non-GM crops; studies on the economics of GM crops. |
| --- | --- |

—

studies on the coexistence of GM/non-GM crops; studies on the economics of GM crops.

3.2.   Policy Theme 2: Solidarity and the responsible management of resources

3.2.1.   Agenda 2.1 Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries

The JRC will with its research support European policies for Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries covering all the three dimensions of sustainability:

| — | Production aspects: support to implementation, control and monitoring of the CAP (Single Payment Schemes, Cross compliance and Farm Advisory Systems), including Integrated Administration and Control Systems for arable lands and permanent crop registers, and implementation of rural/urban cadastre to support market and investment (using positioning/navigation techniques). Crop production forecast based on growth simulation models, area frame techniques, remote sensing and an agro-phenological network. Support to the implementation of an EU farmer insurance system. Support to the methodological aspects of the new EU agriculture statistical system (including LUCAS). |
| --- | --- |

—

Production aspects: support to implementation, control and monitoring of the CAP (Single Payment Schemes, Cross compliance and Farm Advisory Systems), including Integrated Administration and Control Systems for arable lands and permanent crop registers, and implementation of rural/urban cadastre to support market and investment (using positioning/navigation techniques). Crop production forecast based on growth simulation models, area frame techniques, remote sensing and an agro-phenological network. Support to the implementation of an EU farmer insurance system. Support to the methodological aspects of the new EU agriculture statistical system (including LUCAS).

| — | Environmental aspects: assessing implications of good agricultural and environmental conditions and studying impacts and effectiveness of agri-environmental measures on soil and water conditions, biodiversity and European landscapes. Analysing links between agricultural, rural development and regional policies and their impacts on European land use changes through the development of indicators and spatial models. Evolution of promotion measures for low input and organic agriculture and soil fertility. Supporting the development of targeted territorial strategies for the implementation of rural development programmes. Assessing the impact of climate change on agriculture in view of adaptation measures. Contribution to mitigation of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by dedicated energy crops and by energy recovery from agri-wastes. |
| --- | --- |

—

Environmental aspects: assessing implications of good agricultural and environmental conditions and studying impacts and effectiveness of agri-environmental measures on soil and water conditions, biodiversity and European landscapes. Analysing links between agricultural, rural development and regional policies and their impacts on European land use changes through the development of indicators and spatial models. Evolution of promotion measures for low input and organic agriculture and soil fertility. Supporting the development of targeted territorial strategies for the implementation of rural development programmes. Assessing the impact of climate change on agriculture in view of adaptation measures. Contribution to mitigation of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by dedicated energy crops and by energy recovery from agri-wastes.

| — | Producer/consumer aspects: strategic policy analyses in areas such as: impact of the CAP reform on the sustainability of farming systems; responsiveness of agriculture to consumer demands: food characterisation and control, impact of quality assurance (QA) and certification schemes managed within supply chains, and responsiveness to environmental and animal welfare standards; projection and policy impact analyses of main European agricultural commodities in terms of production, world market, prices, income and consumer welfare; impact of changes in trade policy and world commodity markets; agricultural policies in rural development in conjunction with other policies. Specific attention will be given to the impact of CAP Reform in the new Member States and Candidate Countries and the analysis of impacts/effects of rural development policies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Producer/consumer aspects: strategic policy analyses in areas such as: impact of the CAP reform on the sustainability of farming systems; responsiveness of agriculture to consumer demands: food characterisation and control, impact of quality assurance (QA) and certification schemes managed within supply chains, and responsiveness to environmental and animal welfare standards; projection and policy impact analyses of main European agricultural commodities in terms of production, world market, prices, income and consumer welfare; impact of changes in trade policy and world commodity markets; agricultural policies in rural development in conjunction with other policies. Specific attention will be given to the impact of CAP Reform in the new Member States and Candidate Countries and the analysis of impacts/effects of rural development policies.

Common fisheries policy objectives will be addressed by improving the quality and timeliness of scientific data and by developing processes for the assessment of the economic and social impact of management options. New technologies, including fish origin identification based on DNA analysis, will be used to identify non-compliance. Attention will be paid to techniques which favour stakeholder involvement. In line with the Community's emerging maritime policy, the feasibility of services developed for fisheries — such as vessel monitoring by remote sensing and electronic reporting — will be extended to merchant vessel identification. The impact of a growing aquaculture sector, including in environmental, and socioeconomic terms, will be assessed.

3.2.2.   Agenda 2.2 Natural resources

The JRC is participating in the work towards a holistic approach related to monitoring change and analysing impacts and pressures on natural resources aiming to develop integrated concepts for sustainable development. In complement to the Agenda 2.1, this research will be closely aligned to the EU's seven thematic environmental strategies. It will pay attention to the sharing of environmental information and feed the development of GMES by playing an important role in its research activities. Applications will conform to Inspire principles.

More specifically, activities will concentrate on:

| — | Water management in the context of the Water Framework Directive and maritime policy with attention to ecological quality of inland and coastal water of Europe, pollutant cycles, harmonised measurements of chemical and biological contaminants, dynamic modelling and pan-European information systems. |
| --- | --- |

—

Water management in the context of the Water Framework Directive and maritime policy with attention to ecological quality of inland and coastal water of Europe, pollutant cycles, harmonised measurements of chemical and biological contaminants, dynamic modelling and pan-European information systems.

| — | Soil protection initiatives identified in the Soil Framework Directive, with focus on streamlining the flow of soil information in Europe, the definition of common criteria and methods for delineating risk areas of soil threats, and approaches for soil monitoring. |
| --- | --- |

—

Soil protection initiatives identified in the Soil Framework Directive, with focus on streamlining the flow of soil information in Europe, the definition of common criteria and methods for delineating risk areas of soil threats, and approaches for soil monitoring.

| — | Life-cycle analysis approaches to track resources from extraction through use, recycling and ultimate disposal of materials. Sustainable production and consumption of natural resources and materials, and the environmental impact and sustainability of products under different technology and policy scenarios. |
| --- | --- |

—

Life-cycle analysis approaches to track resources from extraction through use, recycling and ultimate disposal of materials. Sustainable production and consumption of natural resources and materials, and the environmental impact and sustainability of products under different technology and policy scenarios.

| — | Forestry; a system for monitoring Community forests will be established with information on forest fires, forest ecological condition and forest resources. Activities will cover forest biodiversity indicators, tools for the analysis of post-fire impacts, analysis of interactions of forest fires, soils and climate change, and the integration of information related to forests resources available from Member States. |
| --- | --- |

—

Forestry; a system for monitoring Community forests will be established with information on forest fires, forest ecological condition and forest resources. Activities will cover forest biodiversity indicators, tools for the analysis of post-fire impacts, analysis of interactions of forest fires, soils and climate change, and the integration of information related to forests resources available from Member States.

| — | Provision of continuing technical support to the development of Inspire: contribution to the EU shared environment information system (in close cooperation with the European Environment Agency and Eurostat). |
| --- | --- |

—

Provision of continuing technical support to the development of Inspire: contribution to the EU shared environment information system (in close cooperation with the European Environment Agency and Eurostat).

| — | Impact assessment of structural and cohesion programmes and support to the definition and evaluation of Community regional policies by means' of territorial indicators at regional and urban level. |
| --- | --- |

—

Impact assessment of structural and cohesion programmes and support to the definition and evaluation of Community regional policies by means' of territorial indicators at regional and urban level.

3.2.3.   Agenda 2.3 Environment and Health

The link between environment and health represent a new focus of attention at European level. The JRC will contribute to this emerging policy field by:

| — | the development and validation of methods for monitoring pathways and assessing exposure: ambient air (air quality), indoor air (products, smoke), drinking water and food (including contact materials, contaminants in food chain). A contribution to the development of total human exposure approach is foreseen notably in the area of chemicals, |
| --- | --- |

—

the development and validation of methods for monitoring pathways and assessing exposure: ambient air (air quality), indoor air (products, smoke), drinking water and food (including contact materials, contaminants in food chain). A contribution to the development of total human exposure approach is foreseen notably in the area of chemicals,

| — | the assessment of health effects through experimental work, bio-monitoring, toxicogenomic analyses, computational techniques and analytical tools, |
| --- | --- |

—

the assessment of health effects through experimental work, bio-monitoring, toxicogenomic analyses, computational techniques and analytical tools,

| — | exploiting knowledge derived from the two items above in order to contribute to the future development of an integrated environment and health system, in line with the policy framework on environment and health information being developed under the EU Action Plan. |
| --- | --- |

—

exploiting knowledge derived from the two items above in order to contribute to the future development of an integrated environment and health system, in line with the policy framework on environment and health information being developed under the EU Action Plan.

3.2.4.   Agenda 2.4 Climate change

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a central objective of the Kyoto protocol. Assessing the potential for reducing GHG emissions (mitigation measures) in a common framework is therefore a key item in the JRC agenda. Quality assessment, verification and analysis of GHG emission data will be pursued, especially in difficult sectors such as agriculture and forestry. Similar work will address the issue of verification in the context of carbon trading.

Adaptation to climate change has become imperative and the JRC will continue to collect and assess data related to climate impacts on various vulnerable sectors of the European economy. This includes agriculture, forestry, water resources and natural risks. Assessing hazards related to climate change will focus on the incidence at European level of floods, droughts, forest fires, storms, deterioration of air quality and coastal and marine processes.

Adequate knowledge of the signals and impacts of climate change around the world is necessary. Global monitoring techniques will be further developed to assess changes in the atmosphere, oceans and terrestrial biosphere which either drive or result from climate change. This work forms part of the European contribution to the global observing systems formally endorsed by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (contribution to the Global Climate Observation System). Similar work will address the verification of carbon trading associated with the Kyoto Protocol's flexible mechanisms (Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism) and future regimes beyond 2012. The JRC will engage in a 3rd phase of the TREES (Tropical Ecosystem Environment observations by Satellites) programme, to update the preceding assessments of global forest cover.

The JRC will collaborate with other modelling centres around Europe to develop trade-off scenarios and cost-benefit analyses. Of particular relevance for the Seventh Framework Programme is the analysis of options for the post-Kyoto period which will open discussions on integrating climate policies in other sectoral policies.

3.3.   Policy Theme 3: Freedom, security and justice

3.3.1.   Agenda 3.1 Internal Security

JRC will give S/T support to Community policies related to the establishment of the area of freedom, security and justice, and customs in particular through its research activities. The focus will be on applying IT and systems analysis competencies to the protection against crime and fraud, smuggling and illicit trafficking; the protection of citizens and critical infrastructures against terrorism; and migration and border management. Technical support to integrated border management (e.g. interoperability) will also be provided.

Activities will include support to:

| — | the capacity to detect and monitor fraud against the Community budget and diversion of funds through automatic intelligence gathering and advanced analytical techniques applied to large datasets, |
| --- | --- |

—

the capacity to detect and monitor fraud against the Community budget and diversion of funds through automatic intelligence gathering and advanced analytical techniques applied to large datasets,

| — | assessing threats and vulnerabilities of critical infrastructures in key sectors at the Union level (e.g. information systems, financial systems, industrial plants, public buildings, transport systems and infrastructures, communication networks, financial networks, navigation systems, electricity and gas/oil infrastructures, food distribution systems, etc.), |
| --- | --- |

—

assessing threats and vulnerabilities of critical infrastructures in key sectors at the Union level (e.g. information systems, financial systems, industrial plants, public buildings, transport systems and infrastructures, communication networks, financial networks, navigation systems, electricity and gas/oil infrastructures, food distribution systems, etc.),

| — | the prevention, preparedness and risk management of scenarios triggered by intentional acts (sabotage of industrial installations, blasts, impacts, biological and chemical agents, attacks to food systems) on infrastructures, |
| --- | --- |

—

the prevention, preparedness and risk management of scenarios triggered by intentional acts (sabotage of industrial installations, blasts, impacts, biological and chemical agents, attacks to food systems) on infrastructures,

| — | border security and management through standards and testing for bio-metric sensors, monitoring systems to detect illicit trafficking, monitoring migration flows, |
| --- | --- |

—

border security and management through standards and testing for bio-metric sensors, monitoring systems to detect illicit trafficking, monitoring migration flows,

| — | information gathering in the field of transport of goods by air, sea, road, using various tracking technologies, |
| --- | --- |

—

information gathering in the field of transport of goods by air, sea, road, using various tracking technologies,

| — | the EU crisis room structure (ARGUS) and crisis response mechanisms. |
| --- | --- |

—

the EU crisis room structure (ARGUS) and crisis response mechanisms.

3.3.2.   Agenda 3.2 Disasters and Response

In the context of natural and technological disasters and accidents, the JRC will foster a better capacity to understand and deal with vulnerabilities, risks, early warning, alert systems, monitoring and damage assessment, prevention and mitigation measures. In particular it will contribute to the improvement of Community response capacity and crisis management in terms of rapid response, monitoring, damage assessments (e.g., in the context of the Civil Protection Mechanism and Solidarity fund intervention).

The Major Accidents Hazards Bureau will contribute to safety management through monitoring accidents and incidents and drawing lessons learned, specifically in Seveso II installations.

With respect to natural disasters, the JRC will focus on the development of early warning and alert systems drawing upon models, earth observation technologies, and measurement networks for a variety of situations across Europe including floods, droughts, oil spills, earthquakes, forest fires, avalanches, landslides and storms. Multi-hazard risks will be studied for the Mediterranean/Black Sea basin and the fringes of the Atlantic Ocean. Reporting on and drawing lessons from natural disasters will be continued. Work in this agenda will also be conducted in support to the development of GMES services related to crisis and emergencies.

3.3.3.   Agenda 3.3 Food and Feed Safety and Quality

Activities will be in line with the Fork to Farm concept. The JRC will provide validation of methods and harmonised procedures for a broad range of food and feed types. It will also reinforce its ability to deal with food and feed crises by its expertise in food and feed analysis and by entering new areas where needed. Attention will be paid to a close cooperation with the European Food Safety Authority.

Specific domains of action will cover:

| — | validation of molecular biology and hyphenated techniques for food and feed control e.g. in the area of allergens, functional and organic food, |
| --- | --- |

—

validation of molecular biology and hyphenated techniques for food and feed control e.g. in the area of allergens, functional and organic food,

| — | areas related to food and health where future legislation is expected (e.g. microbiology, functional and organic food, allergens, health claims in labelling), |
| --- | --- |

—

areas related to food and health where future legislation is expected (e.g. microbiology, functional and organic food, allergens, health claims in labelling),

| — | areas related to feed safety for existing legislation (e.g. feed additive authorisations), |
| --- | --- |

—

areas related to feed safety for existing legislation (e.g. feed additive authorisations),

| — | microbiology for food and feed, validation of bio-molecular detection methods for micro-organisms, in particular for pathogens in food and water, |
| --- | --- |

—

microbiology for food and feed, validation of bio-molecular detection methods for micro-organisms, in particular for pathogens in food and water,

| — | validation of analytical methods for the detection of banned substances, of contaminants, feed additives and animal proteins, compliance with labelling Directives and for designation of origin (e.g. isotopic methods), |
| --- | --- |

—

validation of analytical methods for the detection of banned substances, of contaminants, feed additives and animal proteins, compliance with labelling Directives and for designation of origin (e.g. isotopic methods),

| — | electronic traceability along the feed-food chain. |
| --- | --- |

—

electronic traceability along the feed-food chain.

3.4.   Policy Theme 4: Europe as world partner

The JRC will support Community decision-making in the framework of external policy instruments (development cooperation, trade and instruments responding to crises and peaceful conflict prevention including the instruments for Stability and Humanitarian Aid).

3.4.1.   Agenda 4.1 Global Security

The JRC will, through its research, enhance its support to Community reconstruction and humanitarian aid programmes through novel technologies (including space, geo-spatial analysis, web intelligence, real-time information systems) to serve several levels of intervention (from preparedness to rapid response and field operations) in order to address the identification of forgotten crises, early warning of potential crises, humanitarian needs assessment and relief, integrated crisis response and post-crisis damage assessment. Support for international humanitarian aid will also be provided through an extension of the functionalities of the Global Disaster Alert and Response System, to cover a broad range of humanitarian disasters in close cooperation with the UN Agencies (especially its Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs).

The JRC will establish a global geo-spatial database and contribute to services (rapid mapping) in support of crisis management and security; inter-operability of systems and standards for supporting data exchange between systems, notably with Council SitCen and EU Satellite Centre. This activity is undertaken in the context of the development of future GMES pilot services.

The JRC will provide S/T support in relation to the implementation of measures in the context of the envisaged Instrument for Stability, addressing trans-border challenges and longer-term global stability and security issues. JRC will work on the issue of proliferation of WMD and dual-use goods and technologies, including export control, border control, supply chain security, and country profiling. Systems to be further developed for that purpose include export control classification systems, intelligence based systems, data warehousing and multi-lingual web mining intelligence tools. Strong integration with the relevant JRC activities under the Euratom specific programme is foreseen.

Remote sensing analysis techniques and systems for integration and analysis of multiple source data (including earth observation and open source) are central to the approach; they will be used in support to the implementation of the Community's external policy activities such as those relevant for the Kimberley process and mechanisms for monitoring illegal trade including in timber and dual use items. These activities will contribute to the global dimension of the GMES initiative.

3.4.2.   Agenda 4.2 Development Cooperation

An Observatory for Sustainable Development and Environment will initially be established in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries. Environmental diagnostics and country profiles, scenario building and cross policy interactions will be the three components served by the information gathering and communication system lying at the heart of the Observatory. The provision of long-term observation of resources and environmental parameters (e.g. on land cover, forest cover, fires, biodiversity, coastal zones, climate vulnerability, etc.) will support trends analyses. The development will be carried out in close collaboration with the GMES initiative and the Africa Monitoring for Environment and Sustainable Development programme.

The global crop monitoring component of the observatory will be developed in the context of food security and the Community initiative on poverty eradication and sustainable development. Research work will focus on new methods for assessing food supply and needs, food security information systems and vulnerability assessments.

End products delivered will be ‘client driven’, i.e. in this particular case be designed in a way that they respond to the needs and are manageable by Developing Countries.

Cooperation with major actors (UNEP, FAO, Eumetsat, WFP, ESA GMES-GMFS) will be reinforced.

Ethical aspects

During the implementation of this specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, the principles reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: protection of human dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well as animals and the environment in accordance with Community law and the latest versions of relevant international conventions and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its Additional Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration on the human genome and human rights adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions.

Account will also be taken of the Opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology (1991 to 1997) and the Opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (as from 1998).

In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of approaches existing in Europe, participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in the countries where the research will be carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will be supported by Community funding to be carried out in that Member State or country.

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review will also be implemented systematically by the Commission for proposals dealing with ethically sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately addressed. In specific cases an ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project.

The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty requires the Community to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Community policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (10) requires that all experiments be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental animals; use the minimum number of animals; involve animals with the lowest degree of neurophysiological sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Altering the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only if the aims are ethically justified and the conditions are such that the animals' welfare is guaranteed and the principles of biodiversity are respected.

During the implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of any developments.

---

(1)  Opinion delivered on 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  
  OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 10.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

4

(5)  
  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 19.8.2006, p. 3).

5

(6)  
  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

6

(7)  
  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

7

(8)  
  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

8

(9)  Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads may be financed.

9

(10)  
  OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as amended by Directive 2003/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32).

10

---

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/139 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/139

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/976/Euratom of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011)

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 400 of 30 December 2006
  )

Decision 2006/976/Euratom should read as follows:

COUNCIL DECISION

of 19 December 2006

concerning the specific programme implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011)

(2006/976/Euratom)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular the first paragraph of Article 7 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2),

Having consulted the Scientific and Technical Committee,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Council Decision 2006/970/2006/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities, (2007 to 2011) (3) (hereinafter referred to as the Framework Programme), the Framework Programme is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Council Decision 2006/970/2006/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities, (2007 to 2011) (3) (hereinafter referred to as the Framework Programme), the Framework Programme is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary.

| (2) | The Framework Programme is structured in two types of activities: (i) indirect actions in fusion energy research and research on nuclear fission and radiation protection, and (ii) direct actions for activities of the Joint Research Centre in the field of nuclear energy. The activities under (i) should be implemented by this specific programme. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Framework Programme is structured in two types of activities: (i) indirect actions in fusion energy research and research on nuclear fission and radiation protection, and (ii) direct actions for activities of the Joint Research Centre in the field of nuclear energy. The activities under (i) should be implemented by this specific programme.

| (3) | The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) should apply to this programme. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred to as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) should apply to this programme.

| (4) | The Framework Programme should complement other EU actions in the area of the research policy that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon strategy, alongside in particular those on education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Framework Programme should complement other EU actions in the area of the research policy that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon strategy, alongside in particular those on education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment.

| (5) | With reference to the Council Decision of 26 November 2004 amending the directives of negotiations on ITER, the realisation of ITER in Europe, in a broader approach to fusion energy, will be the central feature of the activities on fusion research carried out under the Framework Programme. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

With reference to the Council Decision of 26 November 2004 amending the directives of negotiations on ITER, the realisation of ITER in Europe, in a broader approach to fusion energy, will be the central feature of the activities on fusion research carried out under the Framework Programme.

| (6) | The EU activities to contribute to the realisation of ITER, and in particular those necessary for starting the construction of ITER at Cadarache and executing the ITER Technology R & D during the Framework Programme should be steered by a joint undertaking within the meaning of Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The EU activities to contribute to the realisation of ITER, and in particular those necessary for starting the construction of ITER at Cadarache and executing the ITER Technology R & D during the Framework Programme should be steered by a joint undertaking within the meaning of Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty.

| (7) | Aspects of research and technological development in the field of nuclear fission science and technology may also be amenable to implementation through Joint Undertakings established under Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Aspects of research and technological development in the field of nuclear fission science and technology may also be amenable to implementation through Joint Undertakings established under Title II, Chapter 5 of the Treaty.

| (8) | In accordance with Article 101 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of nuclear research, and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this specific programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect and should be also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

In accordance with Article 101 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of nuclear research, and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this specific programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect and should be also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation.

| (9) | Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

| (10) | The Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development.

| (11) | Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5) laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments.

| (12) | Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8). |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8).

| (13) | Each thematic area should have its own budget line in the General Budget of the European Communities. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Each thematic area should have its own budget line in the General Budget of the European Communities.

| (14) | In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers offers a reference framework, while respecting its voluntary nature, |
| --- | --- |

(14)

In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers offers a reference framework, while respecting its voluntary nature,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The specific programme for nuclear research and training activities in the fields of Fusion Energy, Nuclear Fission and Radiation Protection under the Seventh Euratom Framework Programme, hereinafter the ‘specific programme’, is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011.

Article 2

The specific programme shall support the activities for research and training on nuclear energy, supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in the following thematic areas:

| (a) | fusion energy research; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

fusion energy research;

| (b) | research on nuclear fission and radiation protection. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

research on nuclear fission and radiation protection.

The objectives and the broad lines of those activities are set out in the Annex.

Article 3

In accordance with Article 3 of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme shall be EUR 2 234 million, of which up to 15 % shall be for the Commission's administrative expenditure. This amount shall be allocated as follows:

| (EUR million) |
| --- |
| Fusion energy research (9) | 1 947 |
| Nuclear fission and radiation protection | 287 |

(EUR million)

Fusion energy research (9)

1 947

Nuclear fission and radiation protection

287

Article 4

All research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

Article 5

1.   The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the funding schemes established in Annex II to the Framework Programme.

2.   The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to this specific programme.

Article 6

1.   The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities set out in the Annex, the funding schemes to be used for the topic on which proposals are invited, and the timetable for implementation.

2.   The work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, Associated States and European and international organisations. It shall be updated where appropriate.

3.   The work programme will specify the criteria on which proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected. The criteria will be those of excellence, impact and implementation and within this framework additional requirements, weightings and thresholds may be further specified or complemented in the work programme.

4.   The work programme may identify:

| (a) | organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee;

| (b) | support actions for the activities of specific legal entities. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

support actions for the activities of specific legal entities.

Article 7

1.   The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme.

2.   For the purposes of implementing the specific programme the Commission shall be assisted by a consultative committee. The members of this committee can vary according to the different subjects on the committee's agenda. For fission-related aspects, the composition of this committee and the detailed operational rules and procedures applicable to it shall be as laid down in Council Decision 84/338/Euratom, ECSC, EEC of 29 June 1984 dealing with structures and procedures for the management and coordination of Community research, development and demonstration activities (10). For the fusion-related aspects they shall be as laid down in the Council Decision of 16 December 1980 setting up a Consultative Committee for the fusion programme (11).

3.   The Commission shall regularly inform the committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, and shall provide it with timely information on all RTD actions proposed or funded under this programme.

Article 8

The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring, assessment and review provided for in Article 6 of the Framework Programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

Article 9

This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 10

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006.

For the Council

The President

J. KORKEAOJA

ANNEX

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES, BROAD LINES OF THE THEMES AND ACTIVITIES

1.   Introduction

Nuclear power currently generates one third of all electricity consumed in the EU and, as the most significant source of base load electricity that, during the operation of a nuclear power plant, does not emit CO2, constitutes an important element in the debate on the means of combating climate change and reducing Europe's dependence on imported energy.

Fusion has the potential to make a major contribution to the realisation of a sustainable and secure energy supply for the EU a few decades from now after the market penetration of commercial fusion reactors with ITER being the major step in the progress towards this goal. The realisation of the ITER project therefore lies at the heart of the present EU strategy, though it must be accompanied by a strong and focused European R & D programme to prepare for the exploitation of ITER and to develop the technologies and knowledge base that will be needed during its operation and beyond.

On the other hand, nuclear fission remains a viable option for those Member States wishing to avail themselves of this technology for a balanced mix of their energy supplies. Research and training activities are of paramount importance in ensuring continued high levels of nuclear safety both now and in the future, maintaining the progress towards implementation of sustainable waste management solutions, and improving efficiency and competitiveness of the sector as a whole. Research in radiation protection constitutes an essential aspect of this policy, ensuring optimal safety of the public and workforce in all medical and industrial applications.

In all domains, the right level of investment in research is essential if Europe is to remain competitive; for maximum effectiveness this requires a concerted approach at the EU level with continued cooperation between Member States and significant efforts to maintain infrastructures, competences and know-how. In general, research will also be needed to explore new scientific and technological opportunities and to respond in a flexible way to new policy needs that arise during the course of the Framework Programme.

2.   Thematic areas of research

2.1.   Fusion energy

The construction of ITER at Cadarache in France, and of ‘Broader Approach’ projects to accelerate the development of fusion energy, will take place within the framework of international cooperation. An international ITER agreement will establish the ITER Organisation. The construction of ITER and Broader Approach projects, and their exploitation together with other facilities in international collaboration will expand such collaboration to an unprecedented level. This will provide significant benefits to Europe, in particular in terms of efficiency and possible cost sharing. The Domestic Agency for ITER will be established as a Joint Undertaking under the Euratom Treaty. It will provide the means for Euratom to discharge its international obligations under the ITER Agreement and to ensure that Euratom provides in an efficient and coherent manner the European contribution to ITER and to Broader Approach projects, including the R & D activities in support of these projects.

Europe's leading position in fusion energy research is due to the combination of a single and fully integrated European fusion programme of the European Research Area (ERA) type, strong continuous Community support, coordination by Euratom, and the development of human capital in the Euratom Fusion Associations. The Fusion Associations are centres of excellence in fusion research and have an extensive network of collaborations, largely based on their experimental facilities. The outstanding technology developments achieved by Euratom in contributing to the ITER Engineering Design Activities and the successful exploitation of the JET facilities have contributed significantly to further enhancing the strong cohesion of the European fusion programme. This has also given Europe the knowledge and experience needed for broad collaborative efforts in all aspects of fusion energy research, including the realisation of ITER and Broader Approach projects. Building on these achievements, the organisation and management of the Seventh Framework Programme will ensure that the R & D will be effectively and efficiently coordinated for the fulfilment of the near and long term goals of the programme.

The rapid development of fusion also requires a wide industrial base to ensure a timely deployment of fusion energy. European industry has already contributed substantially to the ITER Engineering Design Activities. During the Seventh Framework Programme, European industry, including SMEs, will play a central role in the construction of ITER and will position itself to participate fully in the development of fusion power technologies for DEMO (a ‘demonstration’ fusion power station) and future fusion power plants.

ITER and the European fusion energy research programme will contribute to some of the urgent actions identified in the report of the High Level Group (Kok Report) as necessary to make progress in the Lisbon strategy. In particular, ITER will become a magnet for the best fusion scientists and engineers and high technology industries. This will create benefits for both the European fusion programme and the overall scientific and technical knowledge base. The skills and knowledge which will be acquired by European industry when building systems and components to meet the highly demanding technical requirements of the ITER device will help boost its competitiveness.

Overall objective

To develop the knowledge base for, and to realise ITER as the major step towards, the creation of prototype reactors for power stations that are safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible, and economically viable.

Activities

(i)   The realisation of ITER

This includes activities for the joint realisation of ITER as an international research infrastructure, as follows:

the Community will have a special responsibility within the ITER Organisation as the host of the project and will assume a leading role, in particular regarding site preparation, establishing the ITER Organisation, management and staffing, plus general technical and administrative support;

Community participation in ITER as a Party will include contributions to the construction of equipment and installations which are within the perimeter of the ITER site and necessary for its exploitation and support to the project during construction;

the R & D activities in support of ITER construction will be carried out in the Fusion Associations and European industries. They will include the development and testing of components and systems.

(ii)   R & D in preparation of ITER operation

A focused physics and technology programme will aim at consolidation of ITER project choices and preparation for a rapid start-up of ITER operation, reducing significantly the time and cost needed for ITER to achieve its baseline objectives. It will be executed through coordinated experimental, theoretical and modelling activities using the JET facilities and other magnetic confinement devices, existing, future or those under construction (Tokamaks, Stellarators, RFPs), and other devices in the Associations, it will ensure that Europe has the necessary impact on the ITER project, and it will prepare for a strong European role in its exploitation. This programme will include:

| — | assessment of specific key technologies for ITER operation through the completion and exploitation of the JET Enhancements (first wall, heating systems, diagnostics), |
| --- | --- |

—

assessment of specific key technologies for ITER operation through the completion and exploitation of the JET Enhancements (first wall, heating systems, diagnostics),

| — | exploration of ITER operating scenarios by means of targeted experiments on JET and other facilities, and coordinated modelling activities. |
| --- | --- |

—

exploration of ITER operating scenarios by means of targeted experiments on JET and other facilities, and coordinated modelling activities.

At an early stage of the Framework Programme, a review will be carried out of the facilities in the programme, examining the possibility of phasing out existing facilities, and considering the need for new devices in parallel to ITER exploitation. The review will be used as a basis for the possible support of new or upgraded devices in order to ensure that the programme will maintain an adequate set of fusion facilities for the relevant R & D.

(iii)   Technology activities in preparation of DEMO

Key technologies and materials required for the licensing, construction and operation of the DEMO power plant will be further developed in Associations and industry in order to test them in ITER and to position European industry to be able to construct DEMO and develop future fusion power plants. The following activities will be implemented:

| — | establishment of a dedicated project team and implementation of the Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activities (EVEDA) to prepare for the construction of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF), which will be used for testing materials of a fusion power station — an essential pre-condition for the licensing of DEMO, |
| --- | --- |

—

establishment of a dedicated project team and implementation of the Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activities (EVEDA) to prepare for the construction of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF), which will be used for testing materials of a fusion power station — an essential pre-condition for the licensing of DEMO,

| — | development, irradiation testing and modelling of low activation and radiation resistant materials; development of the key technologies required for fusion power plant operation, including blankets; conceptual design activities of DEMO, including safety and environmental aspects. |
| --- | --- |

—

development, irradiation testing and modelling of low activation and radiation resistant materials; development of the key technologies required for fusion power plant operation, including blankets; conceptual design activities of DEMO, including safety and environmental aspects.

(iv)   R & D activities for the longer term

Building on the activities aimed specifically at ITER and DEMO, the fusion programme will develop competences and enlarge the knowledge base in fields which are strategically relevant to future fusion power stations. These research activities will lead to enhanced technical feasibility and economic viability of fusion power. Specific actions for these purposes in the Seventh Framework Programme will include:

| — | improved concepts for magnetic confinement schemes will be studied on those concepts offering a high reactor potential, including stellarators. Work will concentrate on completion of the W7-X stellarator; utilisation of existing devices for expansion of the experimental databases; and appraisal of the future perspectives for these configurations, |
| --- | --- |

—

improved concepts for magnetic confinement schemes will be studied on those concepts offering a high reactor potential, including stellarators. Work will concentrate on completion of the W7-X stellarator; utilisation of existing devices for expansion of the experimental databases; and appraisal of the future perspectives for these configurations,

| — | an experimental fusion physics programme, which will be carried out with the objective of realising a comprehensive understanding of fusion plasmas aimed at the optimisation of power station design, |
| --- | --- |

—

an experimental fusion physics programme, which will be carried out with the objective of realising a comprehensive understanding of fusion plasmas aimed at the optimisation of power station design,

| — | theory and further modelling with the ultimate aim of a comprehensive understanding of reactor-grade fusion plasmas, |
| --- | --- |

—

theory and further modelling with the ultimate aim of a comprehensive understanding of reactor-grade fusion plasmas,

| — | studies of the sociological aspects and economics of fusion power generation, and actions aimed at the promotion of public awareness and understanding of fusion; |
| --- | --- |

—

studies of the sociological aspects and economics of fusion power generation, and actions aimed at the promotion of public awareness and understanding of fusion;

The existing activity in Inertial Fusion Energy, which maintains a watching brief on Member States' civil research activities on inertial confinement will continue.

(v)   Human resources, education and training

Ensuring adequate human resources and a high level of cooperation within the programme, both for the immediate and medium term needs of ITER, and for the further development of fusion, will be addressed by:

| — | support for the mobility of researchers between organisations participating in the programme, in order to promote enhanced collaboration and integration of the programme, and to foster international cooperation, |
| --- | --- |

—

support for the mobility of researchers between organisations participating in the programme, in order to promote enhanced collaboration and integration of the programme, and to foster international cooperation,

| — | high-level training for engineers and researchers at post-graduate and post-doctoral level, including the use of facilities in the programme as training platforms and dedicated seminars and workshops. Action shall be taken to foster cooperation between participants in the programme in higher education, which may include masters and doctoral courses in Physics and Engineering for Fusion, |
| --- | --- |

—

high-level training for engineers and researchers at post-graduate and post-doctoral level, including the use of facilities in the programme as training platforms and dedicated seminars and workshops. Action shall be taken to foster cooperation between participants in the programme in higher education, which may include masters and doctoral courses in Physics and Engineering for Fusion,

| — | promotion of innovation and exchange of know-how with related universities, research institutes and industry, |
| --- | --- |

—

promotion of innovation and exchange of know-how with related universities, research institutes and industry,

| — | encouragement in the generation of patents. |
| --- | --- |

—

encouragement in the generation of patents.

(vi)   Infrastructures

The realisation of ITER in Europe, in the international framework of the ITER Organisation, will be an element of the new research infrastructures with a strong European dimension.

(vii)   Technology transfer processes

ITER will require new and more flexible organisational structure to enable the process of innovation and technological progress which it creates to be swiftly transferred to industry, so that the challenges can be met to enable European industry to become more competitive.

(viii)   Responding to emerging and unforeseen policy needs

A ‘fast track’ fusion development programme could bring fusion energy earlier to the market, as part of a wider policy of addressing the issues of the security of Europe's energy supply, climate change, and sustainable development. The primary objective and a major milestone of the ‘fast track’ would be an earlier realisation of DEMO. In the Seventh Framework Programme, this would involve activities and projects embedded in the international Broader Approach to fusion energy, undertaken by Euratom in collaboration with ITER partners.

2.2.   Nuclear fission and radiation protection

Indirect actions will be undertaken in five principal areas of activity detailed below. The overall objective is to enhance in particular the safety performance, resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear fission and uses of radiation in industry and medicine. However, important cross-cutting links exist throughout the programme, and interactions between different activities must be adequately accommodated. Crucial in this respect are support for training activities and research infrastructures. Training needs must constitute a key aspect of all Community-funded projects in this sector, and these together with support for infrastructures will be an essential component in addressing the nuclear competence issue.

A common European view on key problems and approaches is required in accordance with the needs of strengthening the European Research Area. Links will be established among national programmes and networking will be promoted with international organisations and third countries including the USA, NIS, Canada and Japan. Where there is a clear Community interest, Euratom must play a full role in existing forums coordinating RTD (research and technological development) activities at the international level. Coordination will also be assured where appropriate with the programme of direct actions carried out by the JRC in this field as well as with indirect actions under fusion energy research.

Equally important links must be established with research in the EC Framework Programme, in particular in the activities of European standards, education and training, environmental protection, material science, governance, common infrastructures, security, safety culture and energy. International collaboration will be a key feature of the activities in many of the thematic areas.

(i)   Management of radioactive waste

Objectives

Through implementation-oriented RTD, the activities aim to establish a sound scientific and technical basis for demonstrating the technologies and safety of disposal of spent fuel and long-lived radioactive wastes in geological formations, to underpin the development of a common European view on the main issues related to the management and disposal of waste, and to investigate ways of reducing the amount and/or hazard of the waste by partitioning and transmutation or other techniques.

Activities

Geological disposal: RTD in the field of geological disposal of high-level and/or long-lived radioactive waste involving engineering studies and demonstration of repository designs, in situ characterisation of repository host rocks (in both generic and site-specific underground research laboratories), understanding of the repository environment, studies on relevant processes in the near field (waste form and engineered barriers) and far-field (bedrock and pathways to the biosphere), development of robust methodologies for performance and safety assessment and investigation of governance and societal issues related to public acceptance.

Partitioning and Transmutation: RTD in all technical areas of partitioning and transmutation which could be the basis for the development of pilot facilities and demonstration systems for the most advanced partitioning processes and transmutation systems, involving sub-critical and critical systems, with a view to reducing the volumes and hazard of high-level long-lived radioactive waste issuing from treatment of spent nuclear fuel. Research will also explore the potential of concepts that produce less waste in nuclear energy generation, including the more efficient use of fissile material in existing reactors.

(ii)   Reactor systems

Objectives

The aims of these actions are to ensure the continued safe operation of all relevant types of existing installations and, as a contribution to enhancing diversity and security of supply and combating global warming, to explore the potential of more advanced technology to deliver an even safer, more resource-efficient and more competitive exploitation of nuclear energy.

Activities

Nuclear installation safety: RTD in operational safety of current and future nuclear installations, especially plant life assessment and management, safety culture (minimising the risk of human and organisational error), advanced safety assessment methodologies, numerical simulation tools, instrumentation and control, and prevention and mitigation of severe accidents, with associated activities to optimise knowledge management and maintain competences.

Advanced nuclear systems: RTD to improve the efficiency of present systems and fuels and, in collaboration with the international efforts in this field such as the Generation IV International Forum, to investigate aspects of selected advanced reactor systems in order to assess their potential, proliferation resistance and their effects on long-term sustainability, including upstream research activities (12) (especially material science) and the study of the fuel cycle and innovative fuels and waste management aspects.

(iii)   Radiation protection

Objectives

The safe use of radiation in medicine and industry relies on a sound radiation protection policy and its effective implementation, and remains a priority in the programme. Research plays a key role in maintaining and improving the standards of protection, and this is a common objective of all activities in the programme. Research also has the important objectives of underpinning Community policies and their effective implementation and responding rapidly and effectively to emerging needs.

A key objective of this research will be to help resolve the controversy over the risk from exposures to radiation at low and protracted doses. Resolution of this scientific and regulatory issue has potentially important cost and/or health implications for the use of radiation in both medicine and industry.

Activities

| — | Quantification of risks for low and protracted exposures: better quantification of the risks to health for low and protracted exposures, including individual variability, through epidemiological studies and an improved understanding of the mechanisms from cellular and molecular biology research. |
| --- | --- |

—

Quantification of risks for low and protracted exposures: better quantification of the risks to health for low and protracted exposures, including individual variability, through epidemiological studies and an improved understanding of the mechanisms from cellular and molecular biology research.

| — | Medical uses of radiation: enhance the safety and efficacy of medical uses of radiation in diagnosis and therapy (including nuclear medicine) through new technological developments and achieving a proper balance between the benefits and risks of such uses. |
| --- | --- |

—

Medical uses of radiation: enhance the safety and efficacy of medical uses of radiation in diagnosis and therapy (including nuclear medicine) through new technological developments and achieving a proper balance between the benefits and risks of such uses.

| — | Emergency management and rehabilitation: improve the coherence and integration of emergency management (including the characterisation of contamination and the rehabilitation of accidentally contaminated territories) in Europe through the development of common tools and strategies and demonstrate their efficacy in operational environments. |
| --- | --- |

—

Emergency management and rehabilitation: improve the coherence and integration of emergency management (including the characterisation of contamination and the rehabilitation of accidentally contaminated territories) in Europe through the development of common tools and strategies and demonstrate their efficacy in operational environments.

| — | Malevolent uses of radiation or radioactive material: develop robust and practicable approaches to manage the impact of malevolent uses (including from diversion) of radiation or radioactive material covering direct and indirect health effects and contamination of the environment, particularly inhabited areas and food and water supplies.
  Complementarity will be ensured and duplication avoided with the ‘Security’ theme of the ‘Cooperation’ specific programme (13), which can also benefit from any relevant expertise acquired during previous Euratom actions. |
| --- | --- |

—

Malevolent uses of radiation or radioactive material: develop robust and practicable approaches to manage the impact of malevolent uses (including from diversion) of radiation or radioactive material covering direct and indirect health effects and contamination of the environment, particularly inhabited areas and food and water supplies.

Complementarity will be ensured and duplication avoided with the ‘Security’ theme of the ‘Cooperation’ specific programme (13), which can also benefit from any relevant expertise acquired during previous Euratom actions.

| — | Other topics: national research activities in other areas (e.g. natural radiation, radioecology, protection of the environment, dosimetry, occupational exposure, risk governance, etc) will be more effectively integrated. |
| --- | --- |

—

Other topics: national research activities in other areas (e.g. natural radiation, radioecology, protection of the environment, dosimetry, occupational exposure, risk governance, etc) will be more effectively integrated.

(iv)   Infrastructures

Objectives

Research infrastructures are an essential part of RTD in nuclear science and technology and the radiological sciences, ranging in size from very large and expensive plant and laboratory networks to much smaller facilities such as databases, numerical simulation tools and tissue banks. The objectives of the programme are to provide support for key infrastructures where there is clear European added value especially in order to establish critical mass and for the replacement of ageing facilities such as e.g. research reactors. This will consolidate the success of previous Community programmes, which have facilitated transnational access to, as well as cooperation between, such infrastructures, and contribute to maintaining the high standards of technical achievement, innovation and safety in the European nuclear sector.

Infrastructures also make an important contribution to the training of scientists and engineers.

Activities

| — | Supporting infrastructures: support for the design, refurbishment, construction and/or operation of key research infrastructures required in any of the above thematic areas; for example: underground laboratories for research on geological disposal of radioactive waste, pilot/test facilities for partitioning and transmutation devices, reactor components and subsystems, hot cells, facilities for severe accident testing and thermal hydraulic testing, material testing facilities, numerical simulation tools and radio-biology facilities, databases and tissue banks for use in radiation protection research. |
| --- | --- |

—

Supporting infrastructures: support for the design, refurbishment, construction and/or operation of key research infrastructures required in any of the above thematic areas; for example: underground laboratories for research on geological disposal of radioactive waste, pilot/test facilities for partitioning and transmutation devices, reactor components and subsystems, hot cells, facilities for severe accident testing and thermal hydraulic testing, material testing facilities, numerical simulation tools and radio-biology facilities, databases and tissue banks for use in radiation protection research.

| — | Access to infrastructures: facilitate transnational access to existing and future infrastructures by individual research workers and research teams. |
| --- | --- |

—

Access to infrastructures: facilitate transnational access to existing and future infrastructures by individual research workers and research teams.

(v)   Human resources, mobility and training

Objectives

Owing to the concern in all sectors of nuclear fission and radiation protection over maintaining the required high level of expertise and human resources, and the implications this may have especially on the ability to retain current high levels of nuclear safety, the objectives of the programme will be to support, through a variety of measures, the spreading of scientific competence and know-how throughout the sector. These measures aim to guarantee the earliest possible availability of suitably qualified researchers, engineers and technicians, for instance through joint training activities and improved coordination between EU educational institutions in order to ensure qualifications are equivalent across all Member States, or by facilitating the training and mobility of students and scientists. Only a truly European approach can ensure the required incentives and harmonised levels of higher education and training, thus facilitating the mobility of a new generation of scientists and catering for the career-long training needs of engineers faced with tomorrow's scientific and technological challenges in an increasingly integrated nuclear sector.

Activities

| — | Training: Coordination of national programmes and provision for general training needs in nuclear science and technology through a range of instruments, including competitive ones, as part of general support to human resources in all thematic domains. Includes support for training courses and training networks, and measures to make the sector more attractive to young scientists and engineers. |
| --- | --- |

—

Training: Coordination of national programmes and provision for general training needs in nuclear science and technology through a range of instruments, including competitive ones, as part of general support to human resources in all thematic domains. Includes support for training courses and training networks, and measures to make the sector more attractive to young scientists and engineers.

| — | Mobility of research workers: Support principally through grants and fellowships for the increased mobility of scientists and engineers between different universities and institutes in Member States and also in countries outside the EU. Special assistance may be provided in the case of research workers from the NIS. |
| --- | --- |

—

Mobility of research workers: Support principally through grants and fellowships for the increased mobility of scientists and engineers between different universities and institutes in Member States and also in countries outside the EU. Special assistance may be provided in the case of research workers from the NIS.

3.   Ethical aspects

During the implementation of this programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, the principles reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: protection of human dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well as animals and the environment in accordance with Community law and the latest versions of relevant international conventions, guidelines and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its Additional Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration on the human genome and human rights adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions.

Account will also be taken to the opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology (1991 to 1997) and the opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New technologies (as from 1998).

In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of approaches existing in Europe, participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in the countries where the research will be carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will be supported by Community funding to be carried out in that Member State or country.

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review will also be implemented systematically by the Commission for proposals dealing with ethically sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately addressed. In specific cases an ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project.

The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty requires the Community to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Community policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (14) requires that all experiments be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental animals; use the minimum number of animals; involve animals with the lowest degree of neurophysiological sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Altering the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only if the aims are ethically justified and the conditions are such that the animals' welfare is guaranteed and the principles of biodiversity are respected. During the implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of any developments.

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(1)  Opinion delivered on 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  
  OJ C 185, 8.8. 2006, p. 10.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 400, 30.12.2006, p. 60. Decision as corrected on p. 21 of this Official Journal.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

4

(5)  
  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 277, 19.8.2006, p. 3).

5

(6)  
  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

6

(7)  
  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

7

(8)  
  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

8

(9)  Within the amount foreseen for fusion energy research, at least EUR 900 million will be reserved for activities other than the construction of ITER, listed in the Annex.

9

(10)  
  OJ L 177, 4.7.1984, p. 25.

10

(11)  Not yet published, but as last amended by Decision 2005/336/Euratom (OJ L 108, 29.4.2005, p. 64).

11

(12)  It is recalled that under EC specific programme ‘Ideas’ the ERC supports frontier research in any field of basic scientific and technological research.

12

(13)  Part of the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community.

13

(14)  
  OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as amended by Directive 2003/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32).

14

---

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/149 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/149

---

Corrigendum to Council Decision 2006/977/Euratom of 19 December 2006 concerning the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011)

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 400 of 30 December 2006
  )

Decision 2006/977/Euratom should read as follows:

COUNCIL DECISION

of 19 December 2006

concerning the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities (2007 to 2011)

(2006/977/Euratom)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 7 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (2),

Having consulted the Scientific and Technical Committee and the Board of Governors of the Joint Research Centre,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, Council Decision No 1982/2006/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for research and training activities (2007 to 2011) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, Council Decision No 1982/2006/Euratom of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for research and training activities (2007 to 2011) (3) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework Programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary.

| (2) | The Joint Research Centre, hereinafter referred to as ‘the JRC’, should implement the research and training activities carried out by means of the so-called Direct Actions under a JRC specific programme implementing the Euratom Framework Programme. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Joint Research Centre, hereinafter referred to as ‘the JRC’, should implement the research and training activities carried out by means of the so-called Direct Actions under a JRC specific programme implementing the Euratom Framework Programme.

| (3) | In implementing its mission, the JRC should provide customer driven scientific and technical support to the EU policymaking process, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies and responding to new policy demands. In order to achieve its mission the JRC should carry out research of the highest comparable European quality, including by maintaining its own level of scientific excellence. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In implementing its mission, the JRC should provide customer driven scientific and technical support to the EU policymaking process, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies and responding to new policy demands. In order to achieve its mission the JRC should carry out research of the highest comparable European quality, including by maintaining its own level of scientific excellence.

| (4) | In implementing this specific programme, emphasis should be given to promoting the mobility and training of researchers, and innovation, in the Community. In particular, the JRC should undertake appropriate training activities in nuclear safety and security. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In implementing this specific programme, emphasis should be given to promoting the mobility and training of researchers, and innovation, in the Community. In particular, the JRC should undertake appropriate training activities in nuclear safety and security.

| (5) | This specific programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking into account the relevant need of JRC's user and Community polices, as well as respecting the objective of protecting the Community's financial interests. The research activities carried out under the programme should be adapted where appropriate to these needs and to scientific and technological developments and aim to achieve scientific excellence. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

This specific programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking into account the relevant need of JRC's user and Community polices, as well as respecting the objective of protecting the Community's financial interests. The research activities carried out under the programme should be adapted where appropriate to these needs and to scientific and technological developments and aim to achieve scientific excellence.

| (6) | The rules for participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the EC Framework Programme (hereinafter referred as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) relating to direct actions should also apply to the R & D activities carried out under this specific programme. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The rules for participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the EC Framework Programme (hereinafter referred as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) relating to direct actions should also apply to the R & D activities carried out under this specific programme.

| (7) | For the purpose of implementing this programme, in addition to cooperation covered by the Agreement on the European Economic Area or by an Association Agreement, it may be appropriate to engage in international cooperation activities, in particular on the basis of point h of Article 2, 101 and 102 of the Treaty, with third countries and international organisations. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

For the purpose of implementing this programme, in addition to cooperation covered by the Agreement on the European Economic Area or by an Association Agreement, it may be appropriate to engage in international cooperation activities, in particular on the basis of point h of Article 2, 101 and 102 of the Treaty, with third countries and international organisations.

| (8) | In the context of enlargement and integration activities, the JRC aims at promoting the integration of new Member States' organisations and researchers in its activities in particular on the implementation of the S&T components of the EU acquis, as well as an increased cooperation with those from accession and candidate countries. A progressive opening is also envisaged towards the neighbouring countries, specifically on priority topics of the European Neighbourhood Policy. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

In the context of enlargement and integration activities, the JRC aims at promoting the integration of new Member States' organisations and researchers in its activities in particular on the implementation of the S&T components of the EU acquis, as well as an increased cooperation with those from accession and candidate countries. A progressive opening is also envisaged towards the neighbouring countries, specifically on priority topics of the European Neighbourhood Policy.

| (9) | Research activities carried out within this specific programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Research activities carried out within this specific programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

| (10) | The JRC should continue to generate additional resources through competitive activities; these include participation to the indirect actions of the Framework Programme, third party work and to a lesser extent the exploitation of intellectual property. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The JRC should continue to generate additional resources through competitive activities; these include participation to the indirect actions of the Framework Programme, third party work and to a lesser extent the exploitation of intellectual property.

| (11) | Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5)laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (4) and Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/2002 (5)laying down detailed rules for the implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments.

| (12) | Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), (EC, Euratom) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8). |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Appropriate measures — proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests — should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002, Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests (6), (EC, Euratom) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (7) and Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (8).

| (13) | The Commission should in due course arrange for an independent assessment to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by this programme, |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The Commission should in due course arrange for an independent assessment to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by this programme,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The specific programme related to the direct actions in research and training activities to be carried out by the Joint Research Centre, hereinafter the ‘specific programme’ is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011.

Article 2

The specific programme shall establish the activities for the nuclear actions of the Joint Research Centre, supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas:

| (a) | nuclear waste management, environmental impact; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

nuclear waste management, environmental impact;

| (b) | nuclear safety; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

nuclear safety;

| (c) | nuclear security. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

nuclear security.

The objectives and broad lines of those activities are set out in the Annex.

Article 3

In accordance with Article 3 of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme shall be EUR 517 million.

Article 4

All research activities carried out under the specific programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

Article 5

1.   The specific programme shall be implemented by means of direct actions as established in Annex II to the Framework Programme.

2.   The rules for participation and dissemination relating to direct actions shall apply to this specific programme.

Article 6

1.   The Commission shall draw up a multiannual work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities set out in the Annex, and the timetable for implementation.

2.   The multiannual work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, Associated States and European and international organisations. It shall be updated where appropriate.

Article 7

The Commission shall arrange for the independent assessment provided for in Article 6 of the Framework Programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

Article 8

This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 9

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006.

For the Council

The President

J. KORKEAOJA

ANNEX

JRC EURATOM PROGRAMME

1.   Objective

To provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the Community policy related to nuclear energy, ensuring support for the implementation and monitoring of existing policies while flexibly responding to new policy demands.

2.   Approach

The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies, aiming at keeping European research at the forefront. The JRC mission also underlines the need for the JRC to undertake high quality research activities in close contact with industry and other bodies and to develop networks with public and private institutions in the Member States. In all of the activities of the JRC, both dimensions are present, but their respective importance varies from direct support to Commission Services to basic research undertaken in a wide European or international perspective.

The nuclear activities of the JRC aim at satisfying the R & D obligations of the Euratom Treaty and supporting both Commission and Member States in the field of safeguards and non-proliferation, waste management, safety of nuclear installation and fuel cycle, radioactivity in the environment and radiation protection.

The objective of this specific programme is to develop and assemble knowledge, to provide crucial scientific/technical data and support for safety/security and reliability, sustainability and control of nuclear energy, including the assessment of innovative/future systems. The participation in the indirect actions of the Framework Programme will strive to maximise complementarity with the institutional work programme, as outlined in section 3.

One of today's major concerns in the nuclear field is the loss of knowledge, expertise and especially technology and engineering for handling radioactive material and radiation fields. The JRC will continue to act as a European reference for the dissemination of information, training and education for young scientists and to provide access to its infrastructures for other researchers, thus sustaining nuclear know-how in Europe.

Another objective will be further development of collaboration through networking at European and world level. The possibility of the JRC taking part in networks of excellence and integrated projects will be particularly important in this connection.

In addition, the JRC will facilitate a fact-based debate and informed decision-making on the appropriate energy mix to meet the European energy needs (including renewable sources of energy and nuclear power).

3.   Activities

3.1.   Nuclear waste management, environmental impact

3.1.1.   Spent fuel characterisation, storage and disposal

The management of spent fuel and nuclear high level waste involves transport conditioning, storage and geological disposal. Major objective is to prevent the release of radionuclides to the biosphere over a very long time scale. The design, assessment and functioning of the engineered and natural barrier system over the relevant time scales are key components for the achievement of these objectives and depend, inter alia, on the fuel behaviour.

The JRC aims at obtaining data for the long-term behaviour of spent fuel and developing methods for the reliable assessment of the engineered systems with the emphasis on the integrity of the waste packages and the benchmarking of risk-oriented decision criteria.

Laboratory experiments on fuel behaviour under representative conditions will provide relevant input to the models for long-term predictions and allow their validation. JRC will also participate in the various European efforts for safe waste disposal solutions and actively support transfer of knowledge between different countries.

3.1.2.   Partitioning, transmutation and conditioning

The major challenges of this programme remain both the optimisation of fuel partitioning to separate selected long-lived radionuclides as well as the fabrication and characterisation of safe and reliable fuels or targets for actinide transmutation.

The study of these alternative waste management strategies continues to gain high attention, because they would considerably reduce the long-term hazard of the waste disposal. For the transmutation, both fast and thermal reactors are considered along with dedicated actinide burning facilities. Most proposed concepts for future reactor systems incorporate such selective radionuclide separation.

Strong reduction of the long-lived radionuclide amount and substantial volume reductions in waste facilities will entail that development of inert matrices for HLW (High level waste) conditioning will represent in the long term a key improvement in nuclear waste management.

The JRC will operate new facilities for advanced partitioning and for the production of fuels and targets (the Minor Actinide Laboratory) in this area. It will also conduct irradiation tests on targets and fuels, as well as to produce basic nuclear data for transmutation. Finally, the chemical durability of the matrices for conditioning of actinides will be determined from corrosion and leaching studies.

3.1.3.   Basic actinide research

The basic research activities aim at providing basic knowledge to underpin the understanding of physical processes in nuclear fuel (from production of energy to waste management) and are closely linked to training and education activities. The basic research actions will focus on thermo-physical properties of materials, surface properties of actinide bearing systems and fundamental physical and chemical properties.

The JRC facilities like the Actinide User Laboratory will continue to host scientists, in particular from European universities.

3.1.4.   Nuclear data

The proposed designs for dedicated minor actinide burners and advanced concepts for nuclear energy production result in new demands for nuclear data with significantly improved accuracy.

JRC will perform measurements of nuclear data for nuclear waste management. New technological developments have led to significant improvements in the measurement capabilities. JRC also fosters an important effort in the development of basic nuclear theory for the modelling of reactions not accessible experimentally.

Radionuclide metrology complements this work with measurements for improved nuclear decay data of fissile materials and fission products. Accurate experimental data are also needed to validate theories and models on which radiation protection regulations are based.

3.1.5.   Medical applications from nuclear research

A number of medical applications have resulted from JRC's nuclear facilities and expertise. These emerge from research on new isotope production, development of clinical reference materials and support to new cancer therapies. The JRC aims to make these new applications available for implementation by hospitals and pharmaceutical industry.

3.1.6.   Measurement of radioactivity in the environment

JRC is applying its expertise in trace analysis to verification of radioactive discharges and emissions from nuclear installations. Work also includes studies on speciation, migration patterns in the biosphere and radio-toxicology of actinides. In view of the new limits for radionuclides in food ingredients, JRC will develop analytical techniques and produce corresponding reference materials. Inter-laboratory comparisons will be organised with the monitoring laboratories of the Member States to assess the comparability of the reported monitoring data and to support the harmonisation of the radioactivity measurement systems.

3.1.7.   Knowledge management, training and education

It is important for the new generations of nuclear scientists and engineers, to maintain and deepen the knowledge of nuclear research through the experiments, results, interpretations and skills acquired in the past. This applies especially to domains where three decades experience in analysis of reactor performance and safety was concentrated in complex analytical tools such as models and computer codes. With a view to preventing the possible loss of knowledge and the lack of new scientists and engineers in the area of nuclear technology, the JRC will aim at retaining the necessary knowledge, ensuring that this knowledge is readily available, properly organised and well documented. In addition, it will encourage the development of new scientists and engineers in the field of nuclear energy including by attracting young scientists and engineers in this field. It will also support higher education activities in Europe. Furthermore, the JRC will contribute to the development of better communication on nuclear issues, in particular in relations with public acceptability and more globally of strategies for overall energy awareness.

3.2.   Nuclear safety

3.2.1.   Nuclear reactor safety

To maintain and improve the safety level of both western and Russian type of nuclear power plants advanced and refined safety assessment methodologies and corresponding analytical tools have to be extended and validated. Targeted experimental investigations will be carried out to enable the validation and verification of the safety assessment tools and to improve the understanding of the underlying physical phenomena and processes. The JRC is fully involved in the international efforts for an advanced nuclear reactor safety.

3.2.2.   Nuclear fuel safety in power reactors operating in the EU

Fuel safety concentrates on prevention and mitigation of the consequences of hypothetical accidents. The two main aspects in this research concern: mechanical integrity of the fuel assemblies during reactor lifetime, and fuel response to transient conditions and to severe reactor accident conditions up to core melt down.

In this context the JRC is involved in the current fuel development strategy aimed at improving safety and reducing civil and military stockpiles of plutonium. The JRC will make use of the HFR to test fuel behaviour and properties. Measurements of performance-affecting properties will also be carried out.

3.2.3.   Safe operation of advanced nuclear energy systems

New reactor strategies are considered worldwide as an open research topic, with e.g. the Generation IV Roadmap scenario, inspired by a comprehensive assessment including public concerns, such as improved safety, reduced wastes and improved resistance to proliferation.

It is essential for the JRC to play its full role, directly and in coordinating European contributions in this world-wide initiative in which the principal research organisations are involved. This includes exclusively areas that can improve safety and safeguard aspects of innovative nuclear fuel cycles, in particular characterisation, test and analysis of new fuels. The development of safety and quality goals, safety requirements and advanced evaluation methodology for systems will be addressed. This information will be systematically disseminated to interested Member States authorities and Commission services, in particular through regular coordination meetings.

3.3.   Nuclear security

3.3.1.   Nuclear safeguards

The dimension of non-proliferation is growing in importance and it is vital for the security of EU citizens that the necessary capacities continue to be available. The JRC activities in this area consist of technical support to Commission services under the Euratom Treaty and to IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The goal will be to implement increased automation and better tools for information analysis to reduce both inspector workload and burden on the nuclear industry.

Although the JRC has over 30 years experience in supporting the Euratom and Non-Proliferation Treaties, technical innovations and improvements continue to be required to implement the evolving safeguards policy. While evolving to cope with these objectives, the JRC activity will continue to include verification and detection as well as containment and surveillance technologies, measurement methods of nuclear material, production of nuclear reference materials, and provision of training, in particular for IAEA and Commission inspectors.

3.3.2.   Additional Protocol

The Additional Protocol aims to assure the absence of undeclared nuclear operations. Its implementation requires a number of techniques different from those involved in verifying nuclear material accountancy. It requires an overall description of a country's nuclear activities, provision for more extensive site declarations and more varied inspection requirements. These can include off-site monitoring and monitoring activities outside the facility boundaries and environment particle analysis as a tool to detect undeclared nuclear activities.

The JRC objectives are to move towards real-time follow-up of nuclear material transfers and integrated information analysis. JRC will particularly work on the development and validation of information analysis tools and on a methodology based on systems analysis.

3.3.3.   Open source information collection on nuclear non-proliferation

With the aim to support Commission services and to collaborate with IAEA and Member States authorities, the JRC will continue to systematically collect and analyse information from a variety of sources (internet, specialised literature, data bases) on nuclear non-proliferation issues (possibly extending into other WMD — weapons of mass destruction — and delivery systems). This information will be used to produce country reports where the evolution of nuclear activities and of import and/or export of nuclear direct and dual use equipment and technology in selected countries will be closely followed. The information from these open sources will be corroborated with satellite imagery. To underpin this work, JRC will further develop multilingual web search, knowledge management and data mining technologies.

3.3.4.   Combating illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, including nuclear forensic analysis

The detection and the identification of illegally transported or stored nuclear material constitute a major line of defence against the illicit trafficking. Nuclear forensic science provides clues on the origin of the seized material. Establishing appropriate response plans for handling cases of detection remains an important issue. In the field of nuclear forensics and illicit trafficking JRC will increase its collaboration with national authorities and international organisations (ITWG, IAEA, etc.)

Ethical aspects

During the implementation of this specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, the principles reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: protection of human dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well as animals and the environment in accordance with Community law and the latest versions of relevant international conventions and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its Additional Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration on the human genome and human rights adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions.

Account will also be taken of the opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology (1991 to 1997) and the opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (as from 1998).

In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of approaches existing in Europe, participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in the countries where the research will be carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will be supported by Community funding to be carried out in that Member State or country.

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review will also be implemented systematically by the Commission for proposals dealing with ethically sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately addressed. In specific cases an ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project.

The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty requires that the Community pays full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Community policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC on the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes requires that all experiments be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental animals; use the minimum number of animals; involve animals with the lowest degree of neurophysiological sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Altering the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only if the aims are ethically justified and the conditions are such that the animals' welfare is guaranteed and the principles of biodiversity are respected.

During the implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of any developments.

---

(1)  Opinion delivered on 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

1

(2)  
  OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 10.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 400, 30.12.2006, p. 60. Decision as corrected on p. 21 of this Official Journal.

3

(4)  
  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

4

(5)  
  OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1248/2006 (OJ L 227, 13.8.2006, p. 3).

5

(6)  
  OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1.

6

(7)  
  OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2.

7

(8)  
  OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1.

8

---

| 22.2.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 54/157 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.2.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 54/157

---

Corrigendum to Council Regulation (EC) No 41/2006 of 21 December 2006 fixing for 2007 the fishing opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Community waters and, for Community vessels, in waters where catch limitations are required

(
  Official Journal of the European Union L 15 of 20 January 2007
  )

On page 126, Annex IIA, point 13, Table 1, the entries for ‘Beam trawls’ should read as follows:

| | Areas as defined in point: |
| --- | --- |
| Gear Point 4.1 | Special condition Point 8 | Denomination1 | 2.a
  Kattegat | 2.b
  1 — Skagerrak
  2 — II, IVa, b,c,
  3 — VIId | 2.c
  VIIa | 2.d
  VIa |
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| (...) |

Areas as defined in point:

Gear Point 4.1

Special condition Point 8

Denomination1

2.a

Kattegat

2.b

1 — Skagerrak

2 — II, IVa, b,c,

3 — VIId

2.c

VIIa

2.d

VIa

1

2

3

(...)

| ‘b.i | | Beam trawls with mesh size ≥80 and < 90 mm | n.r. | 1322 | Unl. | 132 | 1432 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| b.ii | | Beam trawls with mesh size ≥90 and < 100 mm | n.r. | 1432 | Unl. | 143 | 1432 |
| b.iii | | Beam trawls with mesh size ≥100 and < 120 mm | n.r. | 143 | Unl. | 143 | 143 |
| b.iv | | Beam trawls with mesh size ≥ 120 mm | n.r. | 143 | Unl. | 143 | 143 |
| b.iii | 8.1.(c) | Beam trawls with mesh size ≥100 and < 120 mm track records shall represent less than 5 % of cod | n.r. | 155 | Unl. | 155 | 155’ |

‘b.i

Beam trawls with mesh size ≥80 and < 90 mm

n.r.

1322

Unl.

132

1432

b.ii

Beam trawls with mesh size ≥90 and < 100 mm

n.r.

1432

Unl.

143

1432

b.iii

Beam trawls with mesh size ≥100 and < 120 mm

n.r.

143

Unl.

143

143

b.iv

Beam trawls with mesh size ≥ 120 mm

n.r.

143

Unl.

143

143

b.iii

8.1.(c)

Beam trawls with mesh size ≥100 and < 120 mm track records shall represent less than 5 % of cod

n.r.

155

Unl.

155

155’

---