Council Decision
of 30 September 2002
adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration: "Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area" (2002-2006)
(2002/834/EC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 166 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(1),
Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament(2),
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(3),
Whereas:
(1) In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1513/2002/EC(4) of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the sixth framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, contributing to the creation of the European Research Area and to innovation (2002-2006) (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 three main blocks of activities, "Focusing and integrating Community research", "Structuring the European Research Area", and "Strengthening the foundations of the European Research Area", the first and the third of which, 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 programme.
(4) The importance of the new instruments (integrated projects and networks of excellence) is recognised as being an overall priority means to attain the objectives of critical mass, management simplification and European added value contributed by Community research in relation to what is already undertaken at national level, and of the integration of the research capacities. A smooth transition from the modalities used in the Fifth Framework Programme to those used in the Sixth Framework Programme will be ensured. The new instruments will be used from the start of the Sixth Framework Programme in each theme and, where deemed appropriate, as a priority means, while maintaining the use of specific targeted research projects and coordination actions. They should enable personnel and administrative expenses to be reduced to a maximum of 6,0 % of the overall amount deemed necessary for the implementation of the programme. In 2004 an evaluation will be undertaken by independent experts of the efficiency of each of these instruments in the execution of the framework programme.
(5) As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, this 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.
(6) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be given to promoting the strategy of sustainable development; to the mobility of researchers, following the Commission communication "A mobility strategy within the European Research Area"; to innovation; to the needs of SMEs and encouraging their participation, as well as to international cooperation activities with third countries and international organisations. Special attention should be paid to the candidate countries.
(7) 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.
(8) Following the Commission Communication "Women and Science" and the Resolutions of the Council of 20 May 1999(5) and 26 June 2000(6) and the Resolution of the European Parliament of 3 February 2000(7) on this theme, an action plan is being implemented in order to reinforce and increase the place and role of women in science and research, and further enhanced action is needed. Gender aspects in research will be taken into account in implementing this programme.
(9) To achieve the full potential of this programme, the active engagement of all relevant parties, in particular the Member States, associated candidate countries and other associated states, should be encouraged in a common endeavour to step up the coordination of research activities carried out in Europe, including through the opening up and networking of national programmes and the free circulation of information pertaining to research activities at all levels.
(10) This programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking account of relevant interests, in particular of the scientific, industrial, user and policy communities; the research activities carried out under it should be adapted where appropriate to the needs of Community policies and to scientific and technological developments.
(11) The participation of the outermost regions in Community RTD action through appropriate mechanisms adapted to their particular situation should be facilitated.
(12) Participation in the activities of this programme will be encouraged through publication of the necessary information on content, conditions and procedures, to be made available in a timely and thorough manner to potential participants, including those from the associated candidate countries and other associated countries. Specific activities will be undertaken in support of participation of scientists and institutions from developing countries, Mediterranean countries including the Western Balkans as well as Russia and the Newly Independent States (NIS).
(13) Since the measures 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(8); since on the other hand research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells is subject to ethical parameters to be established in accordance with the evolution of scientific knowledge, the opinion of the European Group on Ethics, and, where appropriate, national and international ethical legislation and rules; and, therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory procedure provided for in Article 5 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC.
(14) The Commission will in due course arrange for an independent assessment based on comprehensive implementation data to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by this programme, bearing in mind the contribution of the programme to the creation of the European Research Area, which will be done in a spirit of openness with respect to all the relevant actors.
(15) Each thematic priority area should have its own budget line in the General Budget of the European Communities.
(16) The Scientific and Technical Research Committee (CREST) has been consulted on the scientific and technological content of the programme,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
1. In accordance with the framework programme, a specific programme on integrating and strengthening the European Research Area (hereinafter referred to as "the specific programme") is hereby adopted for the period from 30 September 2002 to 31 December 2006.
2. The objectives and scientific and technological priorities for the specific programme 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 is EUR 12905 million, including a maximum of 6,0 % for the Commission's administrative expenditure. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II.
Article 3
All research activities carried out under the specific programme must be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.
Article 4
1. The detailed rules for financial participation by the Community in the specific programme shall be those referred to in Article 2(2) of the framework programme.
2. The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the instruments defined in Annex III to the framework programme and described in Annex III.
3. The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to the specific programme.
Article 5
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, 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.
Article 6
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme.
2. The procedure laid down in Article 7(2) shall apply for the adoption of the following measures:
(a) the drawing up and updating of the work programme referred to in Article 5(1), including the instruments to be used on a priority basis, any subsequent adjustment to their use, the content of the calls for proposals as well as the evaluation and selection criteria to be applied;
(b) the approval of funding of:
(i) RTD actions involving networks of excellence and integrated projects,
(ii) RTD actions under the following priority thematic areas:
"Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health",
"Information society technologies",
"Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices",
"Aeronautics and space",
"Food quality and safety",
"Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems",
where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 1,5 million,
(iii) RTD actions, other than those referred to in points (i) and (ii), 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 external assessment provided for in Article 6(2) of the framework programme;
(d) any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex II.
3. The procedure laid down in Article 7(3) shall apply for the adoption of the following measures:
- detailed implementing provisions concerning research activities involving human embryos and human embryonic stem cells,
- RTD actions involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells.
Article 7
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.
3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.
The period laid down in Articles 4(3) and 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.
4. The committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.
Article 8
1. The Commission shall regularly report on the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, in accordance with Article 4 of the framework programme; information on financial aspects and the use of instruments shall be included.
2. The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring and 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 9
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 30 September 2002.