A4-0455/98

Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on 'Confirming the international role of Community research'(1998 to 2002) (COM(98)0305 - C4-0437/98 - 98/0181(CNS))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 8a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the Community policy on equal opportunities must be taken into account in the implementation of this programme;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 9a (new)

>Original text>

.

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the positive results of the previous period of implementation of the programme, structured on the basis of regions of the world (CEECs, Mediterranean, etc.), suggest that its application should be complemented wherever possible through appropriate specific sections (Latin America, ACP, etc.);

(Amendment 3)

Recital 9b (new)

>Original text>

.

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas participation in the EU's work and scientific dimension on the part of some countries and groups of countries has tended to decline over recent years, and whereas these activities should be stepped up;

(Amendment 4)

Recital 9c (new)

>Original text>

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Whereas RDT is of special significance in achieving improved levels of quality of life in many developing countries, and whereas Community action should be of special significance in its contribution to improving the living standards of citizens in the countries concerned, their health and the state of the environment, improved prosperity, a sustainable development model and the attainment of full employment;

(Amendment 5)

Recital 9d (new)

>Original text>

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Whereas the major international challenges which may lead to greater public understanding and safe progress towards solutions through greater efforts towards cooperation in the area of science and technology include food, water, health, housing, demography, education, communications, disarmament and environmental protection;

(Amendment 6)

Recital 9e (new)

>Original text>

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Whereas science and, under certain conditions, its technical applications form part of humanity's common heritage and must therefore be equally shared by and accessible to everyone in all parts of the world;

(Amendment 7)

Recital 9f (new)

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Whereas scientific information networks have a particular impact in each of the various disciplines, in establishing a global structure for research processes and influencing their thematic, methodological, educational and international cooperation aspects;

(Amendment 8)

Recital 9g (new)

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Whereas whole societies and socio-economic ways of life in large areas of developing countries are facing dangers arising from the incorrect, and in many cases harmful, application of rights to the patentability of life from the point of view of agriculture, health, anthropology, etc.;

(Amendment 9)

Recital 9h (new)

>Original text>

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Whereas there are difficulties in access to information concerning and the definition of projects for which applications can be made to the EU, in respect of this programme, as highlighted by, among others, the fourth Latin American-European Union Conference on Scientific Cooperation and Technology (IBERUE) held in Madrid on 2 June 1998;

(Amendment 10)

Recital 9i (new)

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Whereas some countries encounter co-financing difficulties when drawing up cooperation projects with the EU;

(Amendment 11)

Recital 9j (new)

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Whereas the Commission's efforts geared to simplifying and speeding up procedures for presenting applications and selecting projects and making such procedures more transparent must continue with the aim of stimulating the programme's application and facilitating the steps which must be taken by undertakings, in particular SMEs, research centres and universities, in order to participate in a Community RTD action;

(Amendment 12)

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 491 million, including a maximum of 9,50% for the Commission's administrative expenditure.

>Text following EP vote>

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 475 million, including a maximum of 9,50% 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 IIa.

>Original text>

3. Of this amount

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3.

Of this amount

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- ECU 70 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, and

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ECU 78 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, and

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- ECU 421 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

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-

ECU 397 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

>Original text>

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 13)

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

(Amendment 14)

Article 5(1)

>Original text>

1. The Commission shall draw up a work programme specifying:

>Text following EP vote>

1.

The Commission shall draw up a work programme specifying:

>Original text>

(a) the content of Annex II,

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(a)

the content of Annex I,

>Original text>

(b) the indicative timetable for the implementation of the specific programme,

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(b)

the indicative timetable for the implementation of the specific programme,

>Original text>

(c) the coordination arrangements indicated in Annex III,

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(c)

the coordination arrangements indicated in Annex II,

>Original text>

(d) and, where necessary, the selection criteria and the arrangements for applying them for each type of indirect RTD action.

>Text following EP vote>

(d)

and, where necessary, the selection criteria and the arrangements for applying them for each type of indirect RTD action.

>Original text>

The work programme shall be updated where appropriate.

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The work programme shall be updated where appropriate.

>Original text>

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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 15)

Article 5(2a) (new)

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2a.

All calls for tender for RTD will take into account the EU's policies on equal opportunities.

(Amendment 16)

Article 6(3), 3rd indent (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

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

(Amendment 17)

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 18)

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.

>Text following EP vote>

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 19)

Article 7a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

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)

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

(Amendment 20)

ANNEX I, Introduction, Strategic objectives and approach of the programme, 3rd indent

>Original text>

- to enhance the position and role of Community research in the international scientific and technological arena and to promote a European scientific and technological culture;

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to enhance the position and role of Community research in the international scientific and technological arena and to promote a European scientific and technological culture, taking account of the social and cultural needs of the countries with which it is cooperating;

(Amendment 21)

ANNEX I Introduction, Strategic objectives and approach of the programme,

1st paragraph a (new)

>Original text>

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In line with the Community policy on equal opportunities, the gender dimension will be integrated throughout the programme with the aims of harnessing the full potential of women and men for research and scientific excellence and of developing a gender-sensitive approach to the issues covered by scientific and technical cooperation.

(Amendment 22)

ANNEX I, Introduction, Strategic objectives and approach of the programme, 2nd paragraph

>Original text>

International RTD cooperation will be pursued in two forms in the fifth framework programme: firstly, through this 'international cooperation' programme and secondly, through the other specific programmes.

>Text following EP vote>

International RTD cooperation will be pursued in two forms in the fifth framework programme: firstly, through this 'international cooperation' programme and secondly, through the other specific programmes

and in close coordination with them.

(Amendment 23)

ANNEX I, Introduction, Strategic objectives and approach of the programme,

2nd paragraph, 1st indent, 1st subindent

>Original text>

- To pursue strategically defined activities aimed at the accession candidate countries, other than Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs), the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union (NIS), the Mediterranean partner countries and developing countries. In order to exploit fully the opportunities for cooperation and optimise the added value at European level, this programme will also facilitate cooperation with certain industrialised and emerging economy countries.

>Text following EP vote>

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To pursue strategically defined activities aimed at the accession candidate countries, other than Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs), the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union (NIS), the Mediterranean, Latin American and ACP partner countries and developing countries. In order to exploit fully the opportunities for cooperation and optimise the added value at European level, this programme will also facilitate cooperation with certain industrialised and emerging economy countries.

(Amendment 25)

ANNEX I, Introduction, Strategic objectives and approach of the programme,

2nd paragraph, 1st indent, 2nd subindent

>Original text>

- To increase the opportunities for training of researchers.

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To increase the opportunities for training of researchers and to encourage in particular the training and mobility of female researchers;

(Amendment 24)

ANNEX I, Introduction, Strategic objectives and approach of the programme,

2nd paragraph, 2nd indent

>Original text>

- The second form of international cooperation to be pursued will be the participation of partners from outside the Union (without funding from the international cooperation programme) in projects of the other programmes in accordance with the participation and dissemination rules.

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The second form of international cooperation to be pursued will be the participation of partners from outside the Union (without funding from the international cooperation programme, except in justified cases) in projects of the other programmes in accordance with the participation and dissemination rules.

(Amendment 26)

Annex I (1), 1st paragraph

>Original text>

This programme will finance only specific RTD activities which are relevant to certain third countries or regions and which are not addressed by the other parts of the framework programme. Research priorities will be identified through a strengthened dialogue with the regions concerned, taking into account the diversity of their economic and socio-cultural situations. Support will focus on research and technological development cooperation rather than on technical assistance or technology transfer which can be better achieved through Community external relations programmes. In the implementation of this programme, the concerns of industry and in particular of small and medium-sized enterprises will be taken into account.

>Text following EP vote>

This programme will finance only specific RTD activities which are relevant to certain third countries or regions and which are not addressed by the other parts of the framework programme. Research priorities will be identified through a strengthened dialogue

and cooperation with the regions concerned, taking into account the diversity of their cooperation agreements and economic and socio-cultural situations and their social needs and needs linked to quality of life and human dignity. Support will focus on research and technological development cooperation rather than on technical assistance or technology transfer which can be better achieved through Community external relations programmes. In the implementation of this programme, the concerns of industry and in particular of small and medium-sized enterprises will be taken into account.

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

A database will be set up which will be open to cooperating partners with a view to incorporating scientific data and publications from the various countries participating (CEECs, NIS, MEDA, Latin American and ACP countries).

(Amendment 27)

Annex I (1), (A.2), Rationale and objectives

>Original text>

Closer relationships between these countries and the Union in science and technology will help maintain and stimulate their economic development. A number of these countries have made substantial efforts to consolidate the existing scientific potential and to provide new administrative structures more suitable to research needs. The Union's objectives in scientific cooperation with these countries are to support efforts to develop a pluralistic scientific and technological system (including the fundamental scientific infrastructure) and to preserve and develop their research excellence by building on existing expertise in order to help them solve some of their major economic and societal problems.

>Text following EP vote>

Closer relationships between these countries and the Union in science and technology will help maintain and stimulate their economic development. A number of these countries have made substantial efforts to consolidate the existing scientific potential and to provide new administrative structures more suitable to research needs. The Union's objectives in scientific cooperation with these countries are to support efforts to develop a pluralistic scientific and technological system (including the fundamental scientific infrastructure) and to preserve and develop their research excellence by building on existing expertise in order to help them solve some of their major economic and societal problems.

To this effect, cooperation will be provided in creating a scientific information structure which will make it possible to gather data and scientific publications from those countries and provide a link with the European scientific database and information service infrastructure.

(Amendment 28)

Annex I (1) (A.2), Activities, 1st indent

>Original text>

- Structural problems of transition at regional level will be identified. These will include in particular problems linked to environment and health such as: desertification, rehabilitation of land-locked sea areas and large lakes, consequences of past approaches to energy production and use, Arctic environment management, exposure of humans to environmental agents, air pollution and water quality, prevention and control of re-emerging diseases, reform of the health service system.

>Text following EP vote>

- Structural problems of destructuring at regional level will be identified. These will include in particular problems linked to environment and health such as: desertification, rehabilitation of land-locked sea areas and large lakes, consequences of past approaches to energy production and use, Arctic environment management, exposure of humans to environmental agents, air pollution and water quality, prevention and control of re-emerging diseases, reform of the health service system.

(Amendment 29)

Annex I (1) (A.3), Rationale and objectives

>Original text>

In addition to their participation in the other specific programmes and in the specific action for Research for Development of this programme, certain specific actions will be undertaken with the Mediterranean partner countries in order to strengthen the research and technology dimension of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, improving where appropriate their research and technological development capabilities and promoting innovation.

>Text following EP vote>

In addition to their participation in the other specific programmes and in the specific action for Research for Development of this programme, certain specific actions will be undertaken with the Mediterranean partner countries in order to strengthen the research and technology dimension of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, improving where appropriate their research and technological development capabilities and promoting innovation.

In the near future, scientific cooperation with the MEDA countries shall be treated in a similar way as that provided for the CEECs.

(Amendment 30)

Annex I (1) (A.3), Activities

>Original text>

Subject to dialogue with these countries, specific activities will be undertaken concerning regional aspects of some of the following areas: integrated coastal zone management in the Mediterranean (including environmental aspects); water management (including water/energy interactions); natural resource management in the context of sustainable development of tourism; the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage; development in the context of socio-economic modernisation (including innovation, the urban dimension, transport and support for the establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean information society).

>Text following EP vote>

Subject to dialogue with these countries, specific activities will be undertaken concerning regional aspects of some of the following areas: integrated coastal zone management in the Mediterranean (including environmental aspects); water management (including water/energy interactions); natural resource management in the context of sustainable development of tourism; the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage; development in the context of socio-economic modernisation (including innovation,

agriculture and biodiversity, the urban dimension, transport and support for the establishment of a Euro-Mediterranean information society); raising health levels among the population (health infrastructure, management of health services, training, research and the transfer of technology).

(Amendment 31)

Annex I (1) (A.4), Rationale and objectives

>Original text>

The objective of this part of the programme is to tackle, jointly with developing country scientists, research problems linked directly to development challenges in the long-term mutual interest. The selection of topics to be covered will be based on policy dialogues with groups of countries and regions concerning their RTD needs, priorities and specific socio-economic requirements, thus targeting the most relevant themes.

>Text following EP vote>

The objective of this part of the programme is to tackle, jointly with developing country scientists, research problems linked directly to development challenges in the long-term mutual interest. The selection of topics to be covered will be based on policy dialogues

and cooperation with groups of countries and regions concerning their RTD needs, and on the experience gained in the fourth framework programme with regard to the selection of countries and RD projects, priorities and specific socio-economic requirements, thus targeting the most relevant themes.

(Amendment 32)

Annex I (1) (B), 1st paragraph

>Original text>

A fellowship scheme will be established to allow young doctoral level researchers from developing countries, including Mediterranean and emerging economy countries, to work in European laboratories on projects of the framework programme. This will further contribute to the reinforcement of the scientific potential in these countries, while allowing Community research to benefit from their expertise.

>Text following EP vote>

A fellowship scheme will be established to allow young doctoral level researchers from developing countries, including Mediterranean

, Latin American, ACP and emerging economy countries, to work in European laboratories on projects of the framework programme. This will further contribute to the reinforcement of the scientific potential in these countries, while allowing Community research to benefit from their expertise.

(Amendment 33)

Annex II (1), 4th indent

>Original text>

- dissemination, information and communication activities, including scientific publications, and activities for the exploitation of results,

>Text following EP vote>

-

dissemination, information and communication activities, including scientific publications, and activities for the exploitation of results; to that end, it is considered necessary that a European scientific journal be published along the lines of Science or Nature as a way of adequately disseminating European scientific achievements at world level,

(Amendment 34)

ANNEX II (1), indents 4a, 4b and 4c (new)

>Original text>

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- developing a set of tools and procedures for integrating a gender perspective into the programme (collection and analysis of statistical data; gender analysis; indicators, parameters, gender impact assessment methods, monitoring);

>Original text>

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- equal opportunities-based measures: encouraging gender-balance within research teams; including a critical mass of qualified women on all committees that set policies, select and evaluate projects and control funds as well as in the higher ranks of research institutions;

>Original text>

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- monitoring, on an annual basis, the increase of women's participation in RTD at all levels;

(Amendment 35)

Annex II (2), introduction

>Original text>

In the case of legal entities established in non-associated CEECs, NIS and developing countries:

>Text following EP vote>

In the case of legal entities established in non-associated CEECs, NIS

, Mediterranean partner countries, emerging economy developing countries and developing countries:

(Amendment 36)

Annex IIa (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

Annex IIa

The overall amount of ECU 475 million earmarked for international cooperation shall be broken down as follows (%):

- Cooperation with third countries:

Pre-accession States 4%

CEECs/NIS 16%

Mediterranean partner countries 17%

Latin America 23%

ACP States 22%

Emerging economy and

industrialised countries 2%

Training of researchers 5%

Coordination 11%

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on 'Confirming the international role of Community research' (1998 to 2002) (COM(98)0305 - C4-0437/98 - 98/0181(CNS))(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(98)0305 - 98/0181 (CNS)) ((OJ C 260, 18.8.1998, p. 65. )),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 130i(4) of the EC Treaty (C4-0437/98),

- 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 Budgets, the Committee on External Economic Relations, the Committee on Development and Cooperation, the Committee on Fisheries and the Committee on Women's Rights (A4-0455/98),

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.