Council decision
of 30 September 2002
adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration: "structuring the European Research Area" (2002-2006)
(2002/835/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 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)(4) (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 second of which 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) 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.
(5) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be given to the needs of SMEs and encouraging their participation.
(6) 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.
(7) Following the Commission Communication "Women and Science", the Council Resolution of 20 May 1999 on women and science(5) and the Resolution of the European Parliament of 3 February 2000 on this scheme, 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.
(8) 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).
(9) 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 Community policies. The research activities carried out under the programme should be adapted where appropriate to the needs of Community policies and to scientific and technological developments.
(10) The participation of the outermost regions in Community RTD actions through appropriate mechanisms adopted to their particular situation should be facilitated.
(11) The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission(6).
(12) The Commission should 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 its contribution to the creation of the European Research Area, which will be done in a spirit of openness with respect to all the relevant actors.
(13) 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 Decision No 1513/2002/EC (hereinafter referred to as the "framework programme", a specific programme on structuring the 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 to the framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme shall be EUR 2605 million, including a maximum of 6,0 % for the Commission's administrative expenditure. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II to this Decision.
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. Instruments for implementing the specific programme are defined in Annexes I and III to the framework programme and described in Annex III to this Decision.
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:
- 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 and any subsequent adjustment to their use as well as the content of the calls for proposals and the evaluation and selection criteria to be applied;
- approval of funding of RTD actions where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 0,6 million;
- the drawing-up of the terms of reference for the external assessment provided for in Article 6(2) of the framework programme;
- any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex II.
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.
The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.
3. 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 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.