The main structure of FP5 is recorded in the Treaty on EU, where four main activities are envisaged. There is an opportunity to concentrate some of the programmes of the first activity, particularly where overlapping of objectives is evident. Experience shows that such concentration processes are difficult to achieve for several reasons. It also seems reasonable to explore intermediate solutions in those programmes where concentration is not possible. This approach is not the solution to the oversubscription problem.
More focused priorities result in the reduction of the possible beneficiaries of the programmes.
The budget of FP5 is expected to be restrictive. The main objectives of FP5 should include economic and social cohesion as a significant contribution to reduce the international isolation of research groups of excellence in less favored regions. Other priorities envisaged are a sounded contribution to the competitiveness of EU industry as a whole, employment, protection of the environment and contribution to other EU policies. The concentration in industrial objectives through a matrix structure should not be focused in large industries because of their stronger capacity for influence among Member States and EU institutions. If a matrix structure is developed, the Member States should be represented.