Council Decision
of 30 September 2002
adopting a specific programme of research, technological development and demonstration to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre (2002-2006)
(2002/836/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(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 multiannual framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, contributing towards 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", within the first of which the direct actions conducted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) should be implemented by this specific programme, while contributing in part to the aims of the other two.
(3) In implementing its mission to provide scientific and technical support to Community policies, the JRC will contribute actively to establishing a Community system of scientific and technical reference, in particular by participating in networks comprising competent national institutions.
(4) In implementing this programme in accordance with its mission, the JRC will place particular emphasis on the safety of the citizen, in terms of, for example, environmental protection, health care or protection against fraud.
(5) The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the framework programme (hereafter referred to as "the rules for participation and dissemination") should apply to this programme as regards dissemination of research results.
(6) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be given to promoting mobility and training of research workers, and innovation, in the Community.
(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 implementing this programme, special attention should be paid to the Candidate Countries. The JRC will make an active contribution to transferring the acquis communautaires in relation to the different policies of the Community.
(9) Research activities carried out within this programme should respect the fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
(10) 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 of women in science and research, and further enhanced action is needed.
(11) This programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking account of relevant needs of JRC's user and Community policies, 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.
(12) The JRC will continue to meet the requirements of Community policies as reflected by its users. In order to do this effectively, it will maintain a suitable balance with research activities required for achieving scientific excellence.
(13) The JRC should actively pursue activities in innovation and technology transfer.
(14) In the implementation of this programme, the Board of Governors of the JRC should be consulted by the Commission in accordance with the relevant provisions of Commission Decision 96/282/Euratom of 10 April 1996 on the reorganisation of the Joint Research Centre(6).
(15) 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.
(16) The Board of Governors of the JRC has been consulted on the scientific and technological content of this specific 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 related to direct actions of research, technological development and demonstration to be carried out by the Joint Research Centre (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 760 million. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II to this Decision.
Article 3
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme.
2. The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the instruments defined in Annexes I and III to the framework programme and in Annex III to this Decision.
3. The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results (hereinafter referred to as "the rules for participation and dissemination") shall apply to the specific programme, as regards dissemination of research results.
Article 4
1. The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, which shall be made available to all interested parties, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities, set out in Annex I, and the timetable for implementation, and the implementation arrangements.
2. The work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, Associated States, European and international organisations. It shall be updated where appropriate.
Article 5
For the purposes of implementing the specific programme, the Board of Governors of the JRC shall be consulted by the Commission in accordance with Commission Decision 96/282/Euratom.
The Commission shall regularly inform the Board of Governors of the implementation of this specific programme.
Article 6
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 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 7
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 30 September 2002.