Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme of research, technological development and demonstration in the area of telematics applications of common interest (1994 to 1998) (94/C 262/01) (Text with EEA relevance) COM(94) 243 final - 94/0079(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 A (2) of the EC Treaty on 6 June 1994)

The proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme of research, technological development and demonstration in the area of telematics applications of common interest (1994 to 1998) (Com 68 (94) final - 94/0079 (CNS)) is amended as follows:

Recital 4

Whereas in accordance with Article 130i (3), it is appropriate to make an estimate of the means deemed necessary for the realization of this specific programme; and that the funds effectively available shall be determined by the budgetary authorities according to the resources available under the financial perspective and the relative priorities given within the First Action of the fourth framework programme;

Recital 5a

(new)

Whereas any increase in the overall maximum amount of the framework programme will depend in particular on the evaluation of the progress made in implementing the programme; whereas the progress made in this programme will be deemed satisfactory only if the first commitments of appropriations are effected within a reasonable period following the adoption of the programme; whereas that period may not exceed 12 months;

Recital 6a

(new)

Whereas to enable the European Union to meet the challenges of the 'information society`, it is essential not only to develop the necessary technological basis, but also to facilitate the acquisition of information technologies by as many European citizens as possible, taking account of their socio-cultural diversity, and to promote, within society, the widest possible access to new information infrastructures;

Recital 9

Whereas telematics applications shall contribute to improving the quality and the economic and social efficiency of services of public interest, the access to knowledge sources and the conditions of life of citizens; they shall stimulate the creation and exchange of electronic information in all languages of the European Union;

Recital 9a

(new)

Whereas the Commission's efforts to simplify and accelerate the candidature and selection procedures and make them more transparent must be continued in order to support the implementation of the programme and to facilitate the action which firms, and particularly SMEs, research centres and universities have to undertake in order to participate in a Community RTD activity;

Recital 14a

(new)

Whereas, in view of the growing convergence between information technologies, telecommunications technologies and telematics, this programme should be implemented in close coordination with the research programme in the area of advanced communications technologies and services, telematics applications of common interest and industrial technologies in order to enhance their synergetic effect;

Recital 18a

(new)

Whereas, in conjunction with the programme on targeted socio-economic research, research should be carried out not only into the impact of telematics applications on the organization of production and of work, but also into the interaction between the European citizen and the information infrastructure;

Article 2 (1)

1. The funds estimated as necessary for the execution of the programme amount to ECU 843 million, including a maximum of 10,3 % for staff and administrative expenditure.

The first commitments of appropriations shall be effected not later than 12 months following the adoption of the programme, unless good reason is given for exceeding that time-limit.

Article 2 (4)

4. The budgetary authority shall lay down the available appropriations for each financial year in accordance with the availability of resources under the financial perspective and in agreement with the scientific and technological priorities fixed by the fourth framework programme.

(1)

(1) OJ No C 228, 17. 8. 1994.

ANNEX I

Introduction, first paragraph, second sentence

The RTD areas proposed are those most vital to the development of the infrastructure, taking into account the objective of improving the competitiveness of all industry and the employment situation in the European Union, and of enhancing quality of life for citizens, in particular by facilitating equal, universal access to the information infrastructure.

Section I, first paragraph

The Telematics Programme has two aims. One is to further promote the efficiency of European industry and services of public interest and to stimulate job creation through the development of new telematics systems and services in such areas as telework and teleservices. The other, which is a new feature contained in the Treaty on European Union, is to promote research activities necessary for other common policies. In view of the user-oriented nature of the programme, the latter aim will also be given priority.

Section II, Area 1, Health care, first paragraph

There are two challenges facing the public health systems in Europe. On the one hand, operating costs need to be reduced while at the same time all citizens must be offered equal and guaranteed access to health care at any place and at any time. On the other hand, the medical professions need to take account of the rapid advances in knowledge and the increasing complexity of their tasks. Likewise, mobile communications applications should be developed in the health care field. Work under the third framework programme has shown that telematics could help them meet these challenges.

Section II, Area 2, Libraries, Aim, second paragraph, first sentence

(new)

Special attention will be paid to the telecommunications needs of major libraries.

Section II, Area 3, Urban and rural areas, Validation tests and pilot projects

Areas for validation tests will include networks of partners already set up under the ORA project and other existing networks for cooperation between European cities (Eurocities, Telecities, etc.). These activities will be coordinated with the pilot projects implemented under the land-development plans of certain Member States or Community regional programmes. Priority will be given to validation projects incorporating several telematics applications on the same rural or urban site. The pooling of experience between the various sites will be encouraged and particular emphasis will be placed on ease of use and user acceptability of telematics applications.

Section II, Area 4, Language engineering, Aim, second paragraph, first sentence a

(new)

Priority assistance will go to research work which is geared to the possibility of quickly translating findings into industrial or commercial applications.

Section II, Area 5, International cooperation

International activities (conferences, study visits, demonstration of exploitable results) will be undertaken in most of the research areas whenever mutual and equitable interest for the European Union has been clearly identified, in particular in the areas covered by the White Paper. Great importance will be attached to cooperation with the countries of Latin America, central and eastern Europe and the new independent states of the former Soviet Union: exchanges of research workers could be envisaged in connection with certain projects and links will be established with telematics activities under the Phare and Tacis programmes or with initiatives funded by the EBRD. Finally, there will be close coordination and where appropriate collaboration between this Community research programme and similar national or European RTD programmes (notably COST, Eureka, ESA, CERN, and Eurocontrol).

ANNEX II

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