A4-0453/98

Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on 'Competitive and sustainable growth¨ (1998 to 2002) (COM(98)0305 - C4-0435/98 - 98/0179(CNS))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 2a(new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas RTD activities in the area of competitive and sustainable growth should have as their long term objective the creation of lasting employment through technological and organisational change;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 9

>Original text>

Whereas the implementation of this programme should be monitored with a view to adapting it, where appropriate, to scientific and technological developments; whereas in due course there should also be an assessment of progress with the programme by independent experts,

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Whereas the implementation of this programme should be monitored with a view to adapting it, where appropriate, to scientific

, technological economic and social developments; whereas in due course there should also be an assessment of progress with the programme by independent experts,

(Amendment 3 )

Article 2(1), (2) and (3)

>Original text>

1. In accordance with Annex III to the fifth framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for carrying out the specific programme (hereinafter referred to as 'the amount') is ECU 2 895 million, including a maximum of 6,30% for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

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1. In accordance with Annex III to the fifth framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for carrying out the specific programme (hereinafter referred to as the amount) is ECU

2 705 million, including a maximum of 6,30% for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

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2. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex I.

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2. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex I.

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3. Of this amount

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3. Of this amount

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- ECU 640 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, and

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ECU 646 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, and

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- ECU 2 255 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

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ECU 2.059 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

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Where appropriate, the latter figure will be adapted in accordance with Article 3(3) of the fifth framework programme.

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Where appropriate, the latter figure will be adapted in accordance with Article

2 of the fifth framework programme.

(Amendment 4)

Article 2(4)

>Original text>

4. The budgetary authority shall, in compliance with the scientific and technological objectives and priorities laid down in this Decision, set the appropriations for each financial year taking into account the availability of resources within the multiannual financial perspective.

>Text following EP vote>

4. The budgetary authority shall, in compliance with the scientific

, technological, economic and social objectives laid down in this Decision, set the appropriations for each financial year.

(Amendment 5)

Article 3(1), (2) and (3)

>Original text>

1. The general outlines, the scientific and technological objectives and the priorities for the specific programme are set out in Annex II. They are consistent with the fundamental principles and the three categories of selection criteria indicated in Annex I of the fifth framework programme.

>Text following EP vote>

1.

The general outlines, the scientific, technological, economic and social objectives and the priorities for the specific programme are set out in Annex II. They are consistent with the fundamental principles and the three categories of selection criteria indicated in Annex I of the fifth framework programme.

>Original text>

2. In accordance with these principles and criteria the selection criteria indicated in Article 10 of the rules for participation and dissemination shall be applied for the selection of the RTD activities to be carried out.

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2.

In accordance with these principles and criteria the selection criteria indicated in Article 10 of the rules for participation and dissemination shall be applied for the selection of the RTD activities to be carried out.

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A selection criterion specific to this programme shall also be applied: the participation of industrial entities in the shared-cost actions should be appropriate to the nature of the activity.

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A selection criterion specific to this programme shall also be applied: the participation of industrial entities in the shared-cost actions should be

specified according to the nature of each activity and taking into account:.

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- the contribution, through its participation in the programme of the specific industrial entity towards the overall competitiveness of the sector;

- the synergy between the specific sector and other sectors which are important for the European industry;

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- the expected improvement of the competitiveness of the specific European sector vis-à-vis its main international competitors;

- the ability of the specific industrial entity to disseminate the results and to create new products and processes.

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All these criteria shall be complied with in the implementation of the programme, including the work programme referred to in Article 5(1), although they may be weighted differently.

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All these criteria shall be

met with uniformity, consistency and transparency in the implementation of the programme, including the work programme referred to in Article 5(1).

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3. The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to the specific programme.

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3.

The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to the specific programme, as specified in Annex III, (point 2a).

(Amendment 6)

Article 5(1), 3rd subparagraph (new)

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The Commission shall publish the work programme and every updated version thereof in paper and electronic form (on the Internet).

(Amendment 7)

Article 5(2a) (new)

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2a. All calls for tender for RTD will take into account the European Union's policies on equal opportunities.

(Amendment 8)

Article 6(3)

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3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Programme Committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:

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3.

The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Programme Committee and to the European Parliament a draft of the measures to be taken concerning:

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- the drawing-up and updating of the work programme referred to in Article 5(1),

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the drawing-up and updating of the work programme referred to in Article 5(1),

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- the drawing-up of the terms of reference for the external assessment provided for in Article 5(2) of the fifth framework programme,

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the drawing-up of the terms of reference for the external assessment provided for in Article 5(2) of the fifth framework programme,

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- any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex I.

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any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex I, if consistent with the allocations laid down annually by the budgetary authority.

(Amendment 9)

Article 7(1)

>Original text>

1. The Programme Committee shall deliver its opinion on the measures referred to in Article 6(3) within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.

The Commission shall adopt the measures envisaged if they are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee.

If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with the opinion of the Committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commission shall, without delay, submit to the Council a proposal relating to the measures to be taken. The Council shall act by a qualified majority.

If, on expiry of a period of six weeks from the referral of the matter to the Council, the Council has not acted, the proposed measures shall be adopted by the Commission.

>Text following EP vote>

1.

The Programme Committee shall deliver its opinion on the measures referred to in Article 6(3) within a time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.

The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes: in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes.

The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.

The Committee shall meet as a rule in public, unless a specific duly motivated decision is taken to the contrary and published in good time. It shall publish agendas two weeks in advance of its meetings (also on the Internet). It shall publish minutes of its meetings (also on the Internet). It shall establish a public register of declarations of interest by its members.

These provisions shall be adopted in accordance with the Parliament position on a new act laying down the principles governing European Union committees chaired by the Commission and the implementing powers of the Commission.

(Amendment 10)

Article 7(2)

>Original text>

2. The Commission shall regularly inform the Programme Committee of progress with the implementation of the specific programme, and shall in particular provide it with information about the results of the evaluation and selection of the indirect RTD actions.

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2. Pursuant to Article 5(4) of the Framework Programme the Commission shall regularly inform the Council and the European Parliament as well as the Programme Committee of progress with the implementation of the specific programme, and shall in particular provide them with information about the results of the evaluation and selection of the indirect RTD actions - including the participation of SMEs - and the simplification of administrative procedures.

(Amendment 11)

Article 7a (new)

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Article 7a

Protection of the financial interests of the European Communities shall be guaranteed in accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests(1)

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

(Amendment 12)

Annex I

>Original text>

Type of activity Total

(a) Key actions 74,3%

(i) Innovative products,

processes and organisation 24,2%

(ii) Sustainable mobility

and intermodality 13,8%

(iii) Land transport and

marine technologies 5,2%

(iv) New perspectives

for aeronautics 31,1%

(b) Research and

technological development

activities of a generic nature 24,2%

(c) Support for

research infrastructures 1,5%

TOTAL ECU 2 895 million

>Text following EP vote>

Type of activity Total

(a) Key actions 72,2 %

(i) Innovative products,

processes and organisation 24,8 %

(ii) Sustainable mobility

and intermodality 13,9 %

(iii) Land transport and

marine technologies 7,0 %

(iv) New perspectives

for aeronautics 26,5 %

(b) Research and

technological development

activities of a generic nature 24,8 %

(c) Support for

research infrastructures 3,0 %

TOTAL ECU 2 705 million *

* of which on average 10 % for SME's

(Amendment 13)

Annex II, INTRODUCTION, 1st Paragraph

>Original text>

Competitiveness and sustainability are the keys to the long-term future of the Union¨s economy: creation of wealth and jobs, enhancement of the quality of life, and preservation of the environment and the natural resource base. They depend on the capacity of citizens, enterprises, regions, nations and the Community to generate and use the knowledge, science and technology of tomorrow, in high-quality goods, processes and services, and in new and more efficient organisational forms. Research activities are clearly crucial in generating a more competitive technological base for European industry and in fostering the transition to a sustainable world, which will involve both a transformation of working practices and an optimised use of resources.

>Text following EP vote>

Competitiveness and sustainability are the keys to the long-term future of the Union¨s economy: creation of wealth and jobs, enhancement of the quality of life, and preservation of the environment and the natural resource base. They depend on the capacity of citizens, enterprises, regions, nations and the Community to generate and use the knowledge, science and technology of tomorrow, in high-quality goods, processes and services, in new and more efficient organisational forms,

on proactive policies to ensure smooth economic and societal adaptation to the use of new technology and on measures to safeguard the environment and ecology. Research activities are clearly crucial in generating a more competitive technological and social base for European industry and in fostering the transition to a sustainable world, which will involve both a transformation of working practices and an optimised use of resources

(Amendment 14)

Annex II, Introduction, Strategic objectives of the programme, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

Answering to socio-economic needs. By stimulating holistic approaches, by strengthening the innovative capacity of the European industrial system and by fostering the creation of businesses and services built on emerging technologies and new market opportunities, the programme will help face the major challenges of society, in particular employment. In parallel, research into sustainable mobility and environmentally friendly processes, products and services will contribute to improving quality of life.

>Text following EP vote>

Answering to socio-economic needs. By stimulating holistic approaches, by strengthening the innovative capacity of the European industrial system, by fostering the creation of businesses and services built on emerging technologies and new market opportunities, and by improving the information available to policy makers about the implications of technological and organisational change the programme will help governments and industries face the major challenges of society, in particular employment, social and economic cohesion and the environment. In parallel, research into sustainable mobility and environmentally friendly processes, products, services will contribute to improving quality of life.

(Amendment 15)

Annex II, (a)(i) 1st paragraph, footnote (1)

>Original text>

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(1)The term "production¨ encompasses all industrial activities from extraction of raw materials to the processing and manufacture of components and end-products. It covers all industrial sectors and associated services, including construction.

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(1)The term "production¨ encompasses all industrial activities from extraction of raw materials to the processing and manufacture of components and end-products. It covers all industrial sectors and associated services, including construction and textiles. Construction-related activities should be coordinated with the specific programme 'Preserving the ecosystem (a) Key actions, (iv) the city of tomorrow and cultural heritage'.

(Amendment 16)

Annex II, (a)(i) 3rd indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities : clean and eco-efficient processing technologies; research aimed at mastering basic phenomena such as synthesis, catalysis, separation and reaction mechanisms, process modelling and simulation; impact monitoring and assessment of risks; in situ and on-line recovery of waste; novel processes for treatment, re-use and safe disposal of waste and for upgrading, reusing or dismantling products and production systems.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities : clean and eco-efficient processing technologies; research aimed at mastering basic phenomena such as synthesis, catalysis, separation and reaction mechanisms, process modelling and simulation; impact monitoring and assessment of risks; development of methods for the recovery and restoration of damaged environment to its original state; in situ and on-line recovery of waste; novel processes for treatment, re-use and safe disposal of waste and for upgrading, reusing or dismantling products and production systems.

(Amendment 17)

Annex II, (a)(i) 4th indent

>Original text>

The goal is to move towards high performance industrial systems, agile customer-driven networked industrial enterprises, including SMEs, with multi-skilled highly motivated labour force, working in efficient, and pleasant workplaces and taking into consideration the diversity and specificity of European society and manufacturing tradition.

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The goal is to move towards high performance industrial systems, agile customer-driven networked industrial

and service sector enterprises, including SMEs, with multi-skilled highly motivated labour force, working in efficient, safe and pleasant workplaces and taking into consideration the diversity and specificity of European society and manufacturing tradition.

>Original text>

RTD priorities: study of human, organisational, socio-economic and regulatory determinants for a smooth transition of enterprises towards efficient and sustainable production and consumption; new decision-making toolsand new approaches to the management of change and human resources; studies on the impact and acceptance of new business ideas and new industrial production patterns, compatible with the concept of sustainability.

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RTD priorities: development, implementation and/or documentation of new approaches to management and management education and human resources of organisational, socio-economic and regulatory schemes for the set-up or re-structure of enterprises towards efficient and sustainable production; development of new approaches to management and human resources that are compatible with today¨s megatrends (i.e. Information Society, Management of Change, Globalisation, Extreme Importance of Human Capital)with particular attention to women's employment and integration of disabled persons in the production process ; analysis of the penetrability and acceptance of new business ideas and production methods, of their influence on manufacturing culture and business mentalities, and on their final impact on productivity and competitiveness;

(Amendment 18)

Annex II(a)(ii), 1st paragraph

>Original text>

The overall aim of this key action is to achieve a better long-term reconciliation of the growing demand for mobility with the need to respect environmental, social, economic and safety constraints. It will help to break the link between economic growth and increased traffic volumes; reduce the negative impact of transport modes; and encourage their more sustainable use. Particular attention will be paid to intermodality and how best to integrate the respective strengths of the various modes of transport in order to provide user-oriented door-to-door services for both passengers and freight. This should result in a better management of mobility.

>Text following EP vote>

The overall aim of this key action is to achieve a better reconciliation of the growing demand for mobility with the need to respect environmental, social, economic and safety constraints. It will help to break the link between economic growth and increased traffic volumes; reduce the negative impact of transport modes; and encourage their more sustainable use. Particular attention will be paid to intermodality and how best to integrate the respective strengths of the various modes of transport in order to provide user-oriented door-to-door services for both passengers and freight. This should result in a better management of mobility.

(Amendment 19)

Annex II(a)(ii) 1st indent

>Original text>

The aim is to develop, validate, demonstrate and facilitate the deployment of rational, high-performance transport management systems for air, sea, inland waterway, rail, road and urban transport, both on a modal basis and for integrated intermodal transport, interfacing inter alia with the possibilities offered by the programme for a user-friendly information society, including the application and validation of related information and related integrated systems to facilitate their deployment.

RTD priorities: development, validation and demonstration of modal and intermodal traffic and transport management systems, including operational, regulatory, administrative and structural solutions for their deployment, and pricing systems; integration of information and data exchange systems across modes including real time user information, electronic documentation and user services with transport management and logistics; second generation satellite navigation and positioning systems; improvements to satellite-supported haulage; integration of services such as traffic management, vehicle and freight unit identification, location and guidance, pricing, freight planning, travel information and passenger services within the transport system.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to develop, validate, demonstrate and facilitate the deployment of rational, high-performance transport management systems

and services for air, sea, inland waterway, rail, road and urban transport, both on a modal basis and for integrated intermodal transport, interfacing inter alia with the possibilities offered by the programme for a user-friendly information society, including the application and validation of related information and related integrated systems to facilitate their deployment.

RTD priorities: development, validation and demonstration of modal and intermodal traffic and transport management systems, including operational, technical, regulatory, administrative, liability-related and structural solutions for their deployment; development, validation and demonstration of pricing systems; integration of information and data exchange systems across modes including real time user information, electronic documentation and user services with transport management and logistics; second generation satellite navigation and positioning systems; improvements to satellite-supported haulage; integration of services such as traffic management, vehicle and freight unit identification, location and guidance within the transport system; integration of pricing, freight planning, travel information and passenger services within the transport system.

(Amendment 20)

Annex II(a)(ii) 2nd indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities:more efficient use andreduced operating, development and maintenance costs of existing infrastructure; effective interchanges; interconnection between trans-European, regional and local networks; innovative infrastructure concepts and operations; relationship between transport, land use, regional planning, environment and health; reduced congestion, energy consumption, pollution, and infrastructure degradation; integration of vehicles and public transport in the transport system; innovative concepts for sustainable mobility in urban and rural areas and for inter-urban traffic; safety, including for the transport of dangerous goods; accessibility, safety, security and comfort of transport, including for people with special needs; human factors such as human/machine interface, human behaviour, user and operator acceptance of new "intelligent¨ systems, optimal training methods and use of simulators.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities:more efficient use andreduced operating, development and maintenance costs of existing infrastructure; effective interchanges; interconnection between trans-European, national, regional and local networks; innovative concepts and operations for infrastructure, rolling stock and loading units; relationship between transport, land use, regional planning, environment and health; reduced congestion, resource and energy consumption, pollution, and infrastructure degradation; integration of vehicles and public transport in the transport system; innovative concepts for sustainable mobility; safety, including for the transport of dangerous goods; accessibility, safety, security and comfort of transport, including for people with special needs; human factors such as human/machine interface, human behaviour, user and operator acceptance of new "intelligent¨ systems, optimal training methods and use of simulators.

(Amendment 21)

Annex II(a)(ii) 3rd indent

>Original text>

The aim is to develop strategies and tools for managing the impact of economic and social developments, including deregulation and liberalisation of transport services and globalisation of economic and commercial activities, on mobility demand and transport policies.

RTD priorities:scenarios on travel supply and demand and policy options for mobility demand, market organisation and accessibility; legal, institutional, organisational and financing aspects of transport systems and infrastructures; understanding of the role and constraints of logistics with a view to optimisation; benchmarking tools; methods forenforcement of regulations; methodologies to measure costs and benefits, safety, performance and impacts of different transport systems, networks and their operations; assessment of new technologies and concepts, including their impact on employment, users, the environment, work organisation, social conditions, and safety and security.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to develop strategies and tools for managing the impact of economic and social developments, including deregulation and liberalisation of transport services

. The action will include assessments of the impact of economic and social developments, and particularly of globalisation of economic and commercial activities, on mobility demand and transport policies.

RTD priorities:scenarios on travel supply and demand and policy options for mobility demand, market organisation and accessibility; legal, institutional, organisational and financing aspects of transport systems and infrastructures; understanding of the role and constraints of logistics with a view to optimisation; benchmarking tools; methods of strengthening regulations; methodologies to measure costs and benefits, safety, performance and impacts of different transport systems, networks and their operations; assessment of new technologies and concepts, including their impact on employment, users, the environment, work organisation, social conditions, and safety and security.

(Amendment 22)

Annex II(a)(iii) 1st paragraph

>Original text>

The aim is to meet the technological challenges needed to develop and validate the next generation of vehicles, vessels, offshore structures and intelligent and efficient interfaces for logistic infrastructures, and to develop offshore and submarine technologies permitting the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. Vehicles must be capable of meeting all public demands for sustainable mobility and improved safety, while reducing the environmental impact and reinforcing Europe¨s economic strength. The activities under this key action will be closely coordinated with the activities on land and maritime transport under the key actions on 'Sustainable mobility and intermodality¨ and 'Systems and services for the citizen¨.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to meet the technological challenges needed to develop and validate the next

, intermodal generation of vehicles, loading units, vessels, offshore structures and intelligent and efficient interfaces for logistic infrastructures, and to develop offshore and submarine technologies permitting the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. Vehicles must be capable of meeting all public demands for sustainable mobility and improved safety, while reducing the environmental impact and reinforcing Europe¨s economic strength. The activities under this key action will be closely coordinated with the activities on land and maritime transport under the key actions on 'Sustainable mobility and intermodality¨ and 'Systems and services for the citizen¨.

(Amendment 23)

Annex II (a)(iii) 1st indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities. Technologies for on-board and fixed propulsion systems characterised by high efficiency, environmental friendliness and cost effectiveness; for noise, vibration and electro-magnetic reduction, light-weight components and structures; application of microtechnologies and sensor technologies for advanced components and systems; technologies for improved safety.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities. Technologies for on-board and fixed propulsion systems characterised by high efficiency, environmental friendliness and cost effectiveness; for noise, vibration and electro-magnetic reduction, light-weight components and structures; to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel consumption; application of microtechnologies and sensor technologies for advanced components and systems; technologies for improved active and passive safety.

(Amendment 24)

Annex II (a) (iii) 2nd indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities: integration of new systems, structures, and power trains supported by parallel research into specific technologies for vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing operations; integration of on-board systems for intelligent and safe vehicles; integration of technologies for cost-effective vehicle design, manufacturing and use, within a whole life-cycle approach.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities: integration of new systems, structures, and power trains supported by parallel research into specific technologies for vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing operations; optimisation of energy consumption through provision of all data available on road, vehicle and engine conditions; integration of on-board systems for intelligent and safe vehicles; integration of technologies for cost-effective vehicle design, manufacturing and use, within a whole life-cycle approach; integration of alternative fuel technologies such as liquefied natural gas and hydrogen.

(Amendment 25)

Annex II, (a)(iii) 3rd indent

>Original text>

The aim is to develop cost-effective routes for the upgrading and industrial deployment of on-board components and systems, to be translated into enhanced operability of the various land transport means, proving their flexibility, reconfigurability, robustness, and breadth of applicability. The work will focus on the incorporation of human-vehicle interaction systems within the overall production chain and vehicle concept.

RTD priorities: Methodologies supporting the incorporation of human-vehicle interaction elements within the overall vehicle design and prototyping processes; effective architecture for intelligent vehicle monitoring using fault-tolerant, modular, plug-in technologies; ergonomic vehicle design; cognitive engineering technologies for effective driver-vehicle or occupant-vehicle interaction; technologies for improved cabin environment.

>Text following EP vote>

The aim is to develop cost-effective routes for the upgrading and industrial deployment of on-board components and systems, to be translated into enhanced operability of the various land transport means, proving their flexibility, reconfigurability, robustness,

intermodality and breadth of applicability. The work will include assessments of the impact of economic and social developments, namely the globalisation of economic and commercial activities, on mobility demand and transport services.Particular emphasis will be placed on forms of interaction which equip vehicles for intermodal operation.

RTD priorities: Comprehensive studies to evaluate the effects of increasingly sophisticated onboard information and interactive technologies on driver behaviour; methodologies supporting the incorporation of human-vehicle interaction elements within the overall vehicle design and prototyping processes; effective architecture for intelligent vehicle monitoring using fault-tolerant, modular, plug-in technologies; ergonomic vehicle design; cognitive engineering technologies for effective driver-vehicle or occupant-vehicle interaction; technologies for improved cabin environment.Appraisals on travel supply and demand and lay-out of policy options, methods for enforcement of regulations, market organisation options, legal, institutional, organisational and financing aspects of transport systems and infrastructures; development of methodologies to measure safety, performance and impacts of different transport systems including their impact on employment, the environment, work organisation, and safety and security.

(Amendment 31)

Annex II(a)(iv), 1st paragraph

>Original text>

The overall goal of this key action is to facilitate the development of aircraft and their subsystems and components in order to foster the competitiveness of the European industry while assuring the sustainable growtt of air transportation. The medium-term targets of the RTD effort, including large-scale validation activities, are to substantially reduce development time and costs of new aircraft; improve efficiency (fuel consumption and maintenance costs) and reduce environmental impacts (pollutant emissions and perceived external noise) and accident rates (by at least the same factor as the growth of traffic volume). In technological terms particular emphasis will be placed on integration for subsonic aircraft and the use of enabling technologies for the second generation of supersonic aircraft.

>Text following EP vote>

The overall goal of this key action is to facilitate the development of aircraft and their subsystems and components in order to

reduce the environmental impact and resource use, and foster the competitiveness of the European industry while assuring the sustainable growth of air transportation. The medium-term targets of the RTD effort, including large-scale validation activities, are to substantially reduce development time and costs of new aircraft; improve efficiency (fuel consumption and maintenance costs) and reduce environmental impacts (pollutant emissions and perceived external noise) and accident rates (by at least the same factor as the growth of traffic volume). In technological terms particular emphasis will be placed on integration for subsonic aircraft and the use of enabling technologies for the second generation of supersonic aircraft.

(Amendment 26)

Annex II(b)(i) 1st indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

RTD priorities : innovative approaches such as nanostructured materials, supramolecular chemistry, colloidal systems and biomimetic chemistry; new and improved structural and light materials, in particular for construction, transport and high-temperature applications; functional materials, in particular opto-electronics and sensor-related materials, whose properties allow reliable operations; new and improved biomaterials such as implants and hybrid tissues; research improving understanding of deterioration and failure mechanisms.

>Text following EP vote>

RTD priorities : innovative approaches such as nanostructured materials, supramolecular chemistry, colloidal systems and biomimetic chemistry; new and improved structural and light materials, in particular for construction, transport and high-temperature applications; functional materials, in particular opto-electronics and sensor-related materials, including microchip, whose properties allow reliable operations; new and improved biomaterials such as implants and hybrid tissues; research improving understanding of deterioration and failure mechanisms.

(Amendment 29)

Annex II(c), 1st indent, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

Support activities will stimulate access to facilities related to the various key actions, in particular to computing centres for industrial research, transport test facilities and high-power wind tunnels.

>Text following EP vote>

Support activities will provide for interfacing and coordination with the European High-speed Research Network of the corresponding activity of the programme on the 'User-friendly Information Society¨, and will stimulate access to facilities related to the various key actions, in particular to computing centres for industrial research, transport test facilities and high-power wind tunnels.

(Amendment 27)

Annex II(c) 2nd indent

>Original text>

- The setting up of virtual institutes will promote the coordination and pooling of resources between research centres and organisations to achieve synergy and reap wider benefits around the objectives of the key actions and generic technologies. This activity will facilitate the creation of virtual facilities generating sufficient critical mass for research into higher performance techniques, instrumentation and technologies. Community support will be limited in time.

>Text following EP vote>

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The setting up of virtual institutes will promote the coordination and pooling of resources between research centres, organisations and users (particularly SMEs) in order to achieve synergy and reap wider benefits around the objectives of the key actions and generic technologies. This activity will facilitate the creation of virtual facilities generating sufficient critical mass for research into higher performance techniques, instrumentation and technologies.

>Original text>

Support activities would be meant as an incentive to speed up cooperation and the use of information and communications technologies for geographically dispersed facilities leading to improved transfer and exploitation of results, in particular for SMEs, in the field of materials, production technologies, and measurement and testing.

>Text following EP vote>

Support activities would be meant as an incentive to speed up cooperation and the use of information adapted to current technological needs and availability of existing technologies by the industry, and communications technologies for geographically dispersed facilities leading to improved transfer and exploitation of results, in particular for SMEs, in the field of materials, production technologies, and measurement and testing.

(Amendment 28)

Annex III(2a) (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

2a.Dissemination of research results

Pursuant to Article 130j of the Treaty regarding the dissemination of research results, Article 3 (3) of this Council Decision and the rules set down in the Commission¨s Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the dissemination of research results(1), the Commission shall include in all contracts of projects for indirect RTD actions thus concluded with external partners, undertakings, research institutes and universities, the explicit obligation to devote a part of the budget of the research project to activities aimed at ensuring the dissemination of research results. The same obligation applies for contracts concluded with the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

The precise percentage of the projects budget that will be used for dissemination will be defined according to the nature of the project and taking into account:

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

- the importance of the research subject in question and the expected impact of research results for the competitiveness of European industry and manufacture;

- the project's complementarity and synergy with other on-going Community projects;

- the European added value that the research project entails;

- the importance given to the specific or similar projects of the same nature by RTD leaders and worldwide competitors of the EU, namely the USA, Japan etc.

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(1) COM(97)0587: Proposal for a Council decision concerning the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and Universities and for the dissemination of research results in the context of the Fifth Framework Programme of the EC.

>Original text>

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Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on 'Competitive and sustainable growth' (1998 to 2002) (COM(98)0305 - C4-0435/98 - 98/0179(CNS))(Consultation Procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(98)0305 - 98/0179(CNS), ((OJ C 260, 18.8.1998, p. 33.))

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 130i(4) of the EC Treaty (C4-0435/98),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on External Economic Relations, the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Fisheries (A4-0453/98),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 189a (2) of the EC Treaty;

3. Asks to be consulted again should the Council intend to make substantial modifications to the Commission proposal;

4. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.