COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
BE j, -*^ COM(92) 309 fina t 
Brussels, 15 July 1992 
PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION CONCERNING SUPPLEMENTARY 
FINANCING OF THE THIRD FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME OF COMMUNITY 
ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL 
DEVELOPMENT (1990 TO 1994) 
^^!%%ii (presented by the Commission) 
&;ifjptjrj» 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
Introduction 
1. The next two years 1993 and 1994 are critical for Community research and 
technological development. They are the last two years of the Third Framework 
Programme for Community activities in the field of research and technological 
development (1990 to 1994); but 1994 will at the same time be the first year of the 
Fourth Framework Programme. There is a problem of keeping both in phase as the 
procedures for deciding the fourth are notably more ponderous. There are also 
important financial aspects. The current financial perspectives expire at the end of 
this year. The new perspectives have still to be settled. It is in the interest of the 
Community to avoid any deceleration and delay in its research and technological 
development activity. 
2. The Third Framework Programme introduced the principle of "rolling" framework 
programmes which have resulted in some major benefits. With respect to the 
Second Framework Programme, continuity has been ensured, financial planning 
could be stabilised, priorities have been reoriented in the light of current research 
experience and of evolving needs. In this approach, the financing under the Third 
Framework Programme was designed to decrease in 1993-1994 in order to be taken 
up by the Fourth Framework Programme. 
At the time of the adoption of the Third Framework Programme, it was agreed that 
"as regards the implementation of the Framework programme in 1993 and 1994 
provision should be made for the amount deemed necessary and the continuity of 
research activities should be ensured" (antepenultimate preambular paragraph of 
Council Decision 90/221/Euratom EEC of 23 April 1990). This scenario according 
to which a Fourth Framework Programme (1993-1997) would have overlapped 
smoothly with the Third Framework Programme can at best now only be realised to 
a very limited extent. Taking into account the financial provisions of the Third 
Framework Programme for the period 1993-1994 and the timescales within which 
a Fourth Framework Programme can realistically be expected to be implemented, 
a considerable drop in annual research and technological development expenditure 
can be identified which would have negative consequences. 
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2) 
3. The Commission has examined and assessed progress in carrying out the Third 
Framework Programme and made an evaluation of all the specific programmes 
implemented under the Second Framework Programme (SEC (92)675 of 22 April 
1992). It has presented its position in the communication of 9 April 1992 entitled 
"Research after Maastricht : an assessment, a strategy" (SEC(92)682). In part C of 
Chapter IV ("Linking decisions for 1993-1994") the Commission has suggested a 
solution based on a supplementary financing of the Third Framework Programme. 
The Commission has added that "to be practically applicable, an operation of this 
type must not imply modifications of the specific programmes, but must be limited 
to an increase of the total financial allocation, accompanied by a redistribution of the 
complementary resources between the specific programmes". The Council of 
Research Ministers, having discussed this matter, in its conclusions at its meeting on 
29 April 1992 "invited the Commission to present to the Council as soon as possible 
its proposals concerning the Fourth Framework Programme and, if necessary in 
order to avoid a gap of financial resources, the Third Framework Programme, taking 
into account the evaluation of the Second Framework Programme, the need to 
ensure continuity of research activities and in the light of the discussions in the 
Council". The European Parliament has on many occasions stressed the need for 
adequate financing of Community research and technological development activities. 
The amounts the Commission has determined for the supplementary financing 
required are well covered by the financial perspectives 1993-1997 which are currently 
under discussion. As was the case for the years 1993 and 1994 when the Third 
Framework Programme was adopted, a decision can be taken for supplementary 
financing for these same two years in advance of a final agreement on the financial 
perspectives. 
The Current situation 
4. The commitment credits for the Third Framework Programme are as follows: 
1991 
MECU 296.402 1992 
2 203.173 1993 
1 952.200 1994 
1 247.800 TOTAL 
5 699.575 
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The profile of R&D commitment credits for research and technological 
development for 1993 and 1994, under optimistic assumptions regarding the 
adoption and start of implementation of the Fourth Framework Programme in 
1994, is shown in the diagram below. 
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 m pcz oi pc3 
ESS APAS * E2 PC4 
* See paragraph 11 
The diagram shows a clear discontinuity, with a trough in 1993 and, most markedly, 
in 1994 which is likely to cause disruption in the Community's research and 
technological development effort. Action is needed to restore a natural budgetary 
rhythm which is essential for two reasons : to ensure continuity, and to ensure a 
natural evolution within the existing programmes. The Commission has presented, 
in an Annex to its communication of 9 April 1992 mentioned above, the facts 
concerning the implementation of the Third Framework Programme and, in 
particular, has described the situation of each specific programme. 
A decline in Community research and technological development expenditure 
would have, as its inevitable result, the disbanding of cooperating teams and the 
loss of the added value that is generated by building on earlier research in a timely 
manner. In addition, a sudden change in this established level of Community 
research activity, even if it would be only in 1993 - 1994 and be followed by a new 
start in 1995, would impose a burden on national budgets for research and 
technological development, both public and private. 
A financial complement, not a revision 
7. For the supplementary financing of the Third Framework Programme, recourse 
must be had to a procedure never used until now. In the old, as well as the new 
version, the Treaty foresees "the Framework Programme may be adapted or 
supplemented as the situation changes" (paragraph 2 of Article 130 i). To be 
practical, such an operation must be realised in the framework of close 
interinstitutional concertation. In this context, the possibility to increase the 
resources of different specific programmes in a modular, rather than a linear, 
manner could also be discussed. The state of implementation, the assessments 
made, and consideration of points raised by other Community institutions lead to 
some readjustment, expressed simply by the breakdown of the amounts deemed 
necessary between the activities, while respecting fully the objectives, technical 
content and procedures decided under the Third Framework Programme. 
8. Supplementary funding required for the completion of the Third Framework 
Programme must be guided by strict compliance with the principle of subsidiarity 
and by clear selection criteria. Increased funding may be justified only in this 
context. The guiding principles set out by the Commission in its communication 
entitled "Research after Maastricht : an assessment, a strategy" (SEC (92) 682) are 
of paramount importance. In particular, the need arises to concentrate resources 
on generic technologies of wide applicability to many users across the Community, 
upon which, in fact, the competitiveness of the whole European system depends. 
In this light important opportunities may arise from increased co-operation with 
Eureka, while naturally preserving the specific nature of each scheme. As was the 
case for the Third Framework Programme, the proposal for supplementary 
financing will also contribute to the strengthening of economic and social cohesion 
in the Community. 
9. A careful screening of the situation for each of the six actions decided under the 
Third Framework Programme is, however, indispensable to determine the 
requirements objectively. Some areas will require bridging finance until the Fourth 
Framework Programme starts to be implemented. Other areas will only require 
support until they reach their foreseen conclusion. All actions must fall strictly 
within the scope of the Decision on the Third Framework Programme. 
10. It must be recalled that the Commission, at the time of the adoption of the Third 
Framework Programme, stated that a further sum of 2 billion ECUs would be 
necessary and that this amount should be added to the amount of 5.7 billion ECUs 
adopted by the Council. In particular, this supplementary financing would meet the 
further needs of the years 1993 and 1994. 
11. A realistic assessment of the situation now leads the Commission to the view that 
this sum of 2 billion ECUs should include an important part of the "promotion, 
support and monitoring activities" ("actions de promotion, d'accompagnement et 
de suivi" - APAS) to be implemented in 1994. This inclusion would be in 
accordance with the provisions of the Treaty on European Union concerning the 
inclusion of all RTD activities in the Framework Programme and it is therefore the 
Commission's intention to integrate the APAS in the Fourth Framework 
Programme as from the start of its implementation. 
12. Through this solution a further net sum of 1.6 billion ECUs should be added to the 
Third Framework Programme activities. Of this amount, 0.4 billion ECUs are in 
the provisional draft budget for 1993 and 1.2 billion ECUs will be in the budget for 
1994. 
Co 
0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 
WE PC2 E3 PC3 
va PC4 Hi PC3 COMP 
ES APAS* 
* See paragraph 11 
The situation for each of the actions 
Information and communications technologies 
13. The budget profile in terms of commitment credits for the specific programme 
information technology shows a decline already in 1993 and a sharp drop of credits 
in 1994. The first call for proposals was closed on 14 October 1991. 45 % of the 
proposals received were judged of high quality by external evaluators but it was 
only possible to retain about half of these (318). The corresponding contracts will 
be launched in 1992. These will amount to a budgetary commitment of 40% of the 
total available resources. 
In order to avoid a financial gap and to ensure continuity as well as needed 
evolution, a financial complement is required in 1993 and 1994. Moreover, the 
financial complement will be necessary to increase emphasis on certain topics, such 
as software, semiconductors and high performance computing. In this context, as 
recommended by recent programme evaluations, the work will be focused on a 
smaller number of demand side needs and will at the same time contribute to 
related technology transfer and training throughout the Community. 
The demand for research within this sector has been increasing both in quantity 
and quality. The electronics and information technology industries are continuously 
increasing their share of the industrialized countries' GDP. This share is predicted 
to grow from 6% in 1991 to about 8% by the year 2000. The pressure of research 
demand within the Community has been evident not only in the level of 
participation during the various calls for proposals, but also in the number of 
'"bottom-up" proposals presented by industrial groupings which normally address 
generic technologies with long-term impact on international competitivity. 
In the Third Framework Programme the Community already committed its support 
to a major effort in microelectronics. New technology generations are now forecast 
every two and a half years. The Community cannot, at this moment of time, afford 
to reduce its efforts. On the contrary, efforts need to be intensified and 
concentrated on application-specific integrated circuits based on CMOS-technology. 
The central theme of information processing systems is the launch of a first phase 
including parallel architectures and software of the high performance computing 
and networking initiative. A continuing and timely support for the development and 
application of this technology is particularly urgent in view of the major US 
initiative, that is one of the key elements of a new national policy for fostering 
industrial and economic growth and will involve a major financial and 
organisational support from US public agencies ($ 803 million in 1993), as well as 
a strong participation of both IT and telecommunication enterprises. In software 
a major effort is required in developing software platforms for heterogeneous 
systems and disseminating software methods and tools and providing training in 
their use. 
The work on multimedia technology will require reinforcement. In peripherals, the 
work will concentrate on liquid crystal displays. For this technology the 
prerequisites set out in the Third Framework Programme, have been fulfilled, 
namely the industrial commitment to both concentration of R & D efforts and 
manufacturing. 
14. The first call for proposals for the specific programme on communication 
technologies was closed on 14 September 1991. Among the proposals received, 
50 % were judged of high quality by the evaluators. Only 95 of these could be 
retained for funding, amounting to a budgetary commitment of 63% of the total 
available resources. 
The consolidation of the fragmented telecommunications system of the Community 
is needed, both to ensure that the single market operates effectively and in the 
context of the internationalisation of economic activities. Common functional 
specification and key technologies, particularly in optical communications, are being 
developed in EC R & D, in close collaboration between industry, operators, 
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services providers and users. 
In the current situation, there is the danger of premature termination of successful 
R&D efforts in these areas. For this reason, it is considered appropriate to 
propose a limited supplementary funding which should ensure the continuity of on­
going activities. 
15. The programme telematics systems of general interest has succeeded in attracting 
the participation of leading-edge users in the development of advanced telematics 
services responding to socio-economic priorities, specifically in Public 
Administration, Health Care (including people with special needs), Transport, 
Education & Training, Rural Areas, Libraries and Linguistics. A call for proposals 
in the first five areas was issued 10 days after adoption of the programme by the 
Council in June 1991. 50 % of the proposals received were considered of high 
quality by the external evaluators, of which only half (144) have been able to be 
retained. Another 150 proposals were considered of high quality by the external 
evaluators but could not be retained for funding. Overall, the budgetary 
commitment of these projects amounts to 73% of the total available resources. 
The results of the work so far and the independent evaluations make a clear case 
for a reinforcement of work in most of these areas. Due to the innovative character 
of the involvement of users in technological R&D, the initial funding was 
conservative and clearly insufficient to draw the full benefit from this programme. 
Budgetary constraints have limited the original scope of most pilot application 
projects to feasibility studies, and they address a more limited number of technical 
objectives than originally intended. 
The Telematics Programme is at the cross-roads of technology development, the 
realisation of the four freedoms of movement in the single market, and the 
economic and social integration of Europe. Their integrated and sharply focused 
character, combined with a representative participation of the respective sector 
actors, has been recognised in the evaluation as appropriate also for the future 
8-
Community R &. D in this domain. 
Priority for supplementary funding will be given as follows: R & D on telematics 
svstems for administrations, based on ISDN and the adaptation of Intelligence n 
Networks to provide a common service infrastructure for distributed administra- ve 
activities; R & D on telematics systems for air traffic control, as well as other 
traffic control systems in the field of transport. 
Industrial and materials technologies 
16. Two calls for proposals under the industrial and materials technologies programme 
are scheduled. The first one closed in April 1992. The second call is envisaged in 
October 1992 with a closing date in February 1993. The proportion of excellent 
proposals has been maintained (1 out of 2 submitted) but at the same time the;r 
rate of acceptance has fallen from 25% in 1989 to 14% in 1992 under the 1l,<!2 
budget. Proposals selected for funding under the 1992 budget number 150 for a 
Community contribution of 240 MECUs. However, ensuring that all the very 
highest rated proposals from this first call can be covered will also require some 
75% (130 MECUs) of the proposed 1993 budget. With final calls under the 
programme planned for early 1993. the danger is already apparent that the tunds 
of 210 MECUs then available for research contracts in 1993 and 1994. exclu»ling 
action through the Joint Research Centre (JRC), will be insufficient to meet • he-
demand from high quality proposals and the success rate will fall further. Most 
seriously, the momentum of progress will be interrupted as the gap between - nils. 
may double to 3 years or even more. This would be detrimental to the future of 
common industrial research activities as their development can only be maintained 
if there is continuous and significant cooperation between Community industries. 
The proposals submitted for funding under this programme concern a broad 
spectrum of technologies essential for Community industries. The priori!v ;\rr:\y 
are selected on the basis of the competitive advantage that research can hr.n; 
. o . 
( oi-irnuniîy industries and in relation to the completion of the Internal Market. 
In this approach, it is necessarv to support in particular projects which develop 
technologies encouraging, on the one hand, the improvement of manufacturing 
techniques and. on the other, product improvement (or even substitution"), in 
particular encineered composites, takinc into account notably the environmental 
imperative. That is how research concerning advanced materials and their 
application, toeether with technologies derived from electronics, can confer a major 
advantage on the infrastructure-related industries (such as transporta and on the 
consumer goods sector. Moreover, protects in prioritv areas, such as in support of 
the development of clean and safe means of transport, should increasingly provide 
a focus to bring these technologies together. This would include weight reduction 
and recycling, improved vehicle design and manufacturing. Critical process 
technologies such as laser processing, sensors and micromanufacturing must 
increasingly be covered. The aim must be to foster an approach to manufacturing 
which emphasises human and environmental aspects, efficiencv in the use of 
materials, labour and energy, and speeds time to market. Therefore the stress is 
on activities in the field of generic technologies of wide application across industrial 
sectors, in particular those confronted bv strong international competition. 
The call for proposals under measurement and testing will take place shortlv. 
About 32 MECl Js is available for prenormative research under the programme in 
!°(n and 1oc)4, excluding work through the JRC. The programme provides kev 
support in preparing and implementing Directives under the Single Market, and 
in the development of the appropriate standardized testing methods. Prenormative 
research is a priority for the Community. It is an integral part of specific 
programmes such as, for example, those in the fields of information and 
communication technologies, of industrial technologies or the environment. Rut. in 
the light of the fact that implementation of the programme is just starting, no 
supplementary funding is required. 
!0 
Environment 
18. In tiic field of euviiOILLUCIIU-I rcôoaxcn, calls tor proposals commenced in July iW! 
anu were made most rcccmly in Mav this year. Hie second call closes at the c::d 
of 1992. The rave ai which iop-raicd proposals can be met is unsatisfactory: in the 
area of climate change, aiuund 70% of proposais have been top rated (good i-
excellent) , but in the specific area oi natural climate change, only 12% or these 
could be selected (though the proportions were higher in the specific areas u: 
anthropogenic change ana ine impacts ot climate change). The rate of acceptance 
of good proposals with respect to technologies for environmental protection 
fell to 37%. In the area or global environment change, project lengtn lias had to 
be reduced by a third on average and funds reduced by a further une fifth. 
Looking to the future, the funds available tor research projects in 1993 and 1994 
of 113.4 MECUs, excluding work by the Joint Research Centre, will prove wholly 
inadequate. The growing requirement for research on complex, transnational 
environmental issues is reilectcd in the Community's programme of policy and 
action in relation to the environment and sustainable development (COM(92)23). 
The urgency of the questions or giobal climate change following the Earth Summit 
in Rio de Janeiro, or the environmental impact of the Common Agriculture Policy 
(CAP) and of the environmental challenges in the countries of Central and Eastern 
Europe, together with the need to enhance Europe's competitive position 
especially in comparison with the massive efforts in the United States, requiio 
Community researcn to be strengthened. This would include cooperation with 
industry, in line with the conclusions of the joint Energy and Environment meeting 
of the Council or Ministers on 13 December 1991. Community research actions, 
including for example in trie agriculture and energy fields, already make an 
important contribution to meeting these goals. Commenting on the Commission's 
evaluation report, Member States' representatives have endorsed the high scientific 
quality or the Community's environmental research and us success in achieving ::.> 
objectives. 
1! 
Specific issues to be addressed include global climate change w.;;i ail :;.eir 
environmental, societal and economic implications. A strong focus i;.uu,u oe on 
the study, management and protection of natural resources, such as lore^is, sows 
and water; the impacts of climate change and changes in atmospheric crie;ix.:.:ry; 
biodiversity; tne problems created by changing demographic patterns, „«c;; as 
urbanization ana migration, especially with respect to susiainabie ceve.^p;;^r»t; 
regional problems or increasing gravity, such as desertification; and tr;e impv.c:s of 
natural hazards. A particular emphasis would need to be placed on ir.e 
development or aav^nced equipment and methodologies, such as eartn observ^^on 
from space, ground support and tools for verification and for use in enviro;.racauil 
forecasting and monitoring systems, especially at the regional scale where i:^p~cis 
on agricultural ana water resources are important. 
19. Under the marine science and technology programme, calls for proposais were 
made in June and October 1991. However, only 37 % of the good and excédent 
proposals could be funded. The resources which remain available for research 
projects in 1993 and 1994 amounting to just under 57.5 MECUs, should make it 
possible to sustain Community participation in and synergies with international 
programmes and to continue the studies that have been undertaken. 
Life sciences and technologies 
2U. The specific programme concerning biotechnology was adopted in Ivlarcn 1992. 
The deadline for the first call for proposals launched in May 1992 has ocen set for 
23 July 1992. The available funds for commitment in 1993 and 1994 are 110.51 
MECUs. This amount is not sufficient to ensure continuity in certain key activities, 
namely in the areas of detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in 
soil, of molecular biology of the control of plant pathogens, of protein engineering 
and of bioinformatics. For protein engineering and bioinformatics activities, tne 
continuity of the work is at risk and the Community may irretrievably lose ground 
with respect to its competitors in the field of larger sequence and structure 
databases (DNA, proteins, carbohydrates) at a time when there is, through 
12 
Community support, an international ca.:....i:rnent (in particular within the 
framework of the EC-US Task Force on 3iw.c^....oiogy Researcn). Moreover, the 
iaitiaiion of activities in tne area of iccr.r.cl^ j;i~-l priority of molecular b.oiogy of 
crop'plants would be incomplete witnoai aa expansion to areas not yet inciuaed 
because of a lack of funding. They incluae pes; ~nd disease resistance, adaptation 
;o stress, screening technology for breecir..: „..z microDial inoculants. 
A recent assessment by tne programme committee endorsed the positive 
conclusions on the Community's biotechnology researcn which the Commission had 
reached in its evaluation (SEC (92) 675), ar.ar.imousiy pointing out its hign quality, 
while commenting on the low success rate for applicants. The Committee 
emphasised the need to adaress the scientific interface with common questions 
sach as regulation, patenting and public perception which set tne context for 
academic and industrial research on biotechnology and SME's participation. The 
bias shouid be, above all, to enhance industrial competitiveness. Moreover, 
although European activities on standards setting in biotechnology started only very 
recently, prenormative research, for example with respect to the detection of 
GMOs, should respond more to the neeos of regulation. 
21. The first call for proposals for the specific programme on agricultural and agro-
indusurial research was closed at the end of January 1992. Research on food and 
agriculture has been heaviiy over-subscribed. As compared with the previous 
programme, ECLAIR, unoer the Second Framework Programme, the proportion 
of top-rated proposals has gone up from 35 % to 44% but it has been possible to 
fund fewer of them (a decline from 54 % to 30 %). A second call is foreseen for 
July 1992 with a deadline fixed for the end of October this year. Of the 329.67 
MECU for the programme, 130.3 MECU will be committed for the first call, with 
a further 6 MECU for training, grants, etc. Following the second call, tne 
remaining funds of about 193 MECU should be committed following the evaluation 
and selection expected in February 1993. Given the fact that a large numoer of 
very good proposals had to be rejected following tne first call and that strong 
interest has been expressed for areas insufficiently taken into account in the field 
13 -
of non-food, socioeconomic research and activities addressing environmental 
constraints and opportunities, supplementary financing is urgently required for 1993 
and 1994. The CAP reform as well as the Common Fishery Policy need to be 
strongly supported by research and tecnnological development activities aiming ai 
opening industrial markets for agricultural and fishery products, improving 
etficicncy and quality of production, managing change in rural areas and using 
agricultural land, fisheries and aquaculture resources in a way compatible with the 
environment. As the Commission evaluation (SEC (92) 675) noted, the agricultural 
and agro-industrial sector is of great socio-economic importance for the 
Community and the goal of Community research is to provide the science and 
technology necessary for the maintenance and creation or competitive bio-based 
food and non-food industries. Moreover, tnere are benefits notably for SMEs and 
for regional development. 
22. The specific programme on biomedical and health rescaxen launched a first call for 
proposals in October 1991; the deadline was set for end oi January 1992. The 
selection process is to be finalised soon and a second call has been notified in 
advance from October 1992 - January 1993. The available funds for 1993 and 1994 
(84.17 MECUs) should enable the Community to be able to respond to the very 
high level of interest, especially in the areas of cancer and AIDS research protocols 
and the support of multicentre clinical activities. Furthermore, the Community is 
contributing fully to the major international scientific challenge of analyzing the 
Human Genome. It is estimated that the current financial resources are sufficient. 
23. Concerning the specific programme "Science and tcchno*ogy for development", the 
programme committee has recently endorsed the conclusion of an external 
evaluation as to its cost-effectiveness and the significant benefit of Community 
cooperation in addressing scientific problems raced by developing countries. A first 
call for proposals was closed at the end of 1991 and two more calls are foreseen 
in 1992 and 1993. Just under 15 % of the funds were committed in 1991 with a 
further 40 % in 1992. Available tunas for 1993 and 1994 amount to 46.7 MECUs 
- 14 -
which need to cover the substantial increase in the proposals oricinating directly 
from scientists in developing countries. This would put pressure on the programme 
which will have to concentrate further its activities in the expectation of the 
implementation of the Fourth Framework Programme. However, in the light of 
other possibilities for action in the field of scientific cooperation with developing 
countries irs the context of APAS (roughly 45 MECUs per year\ it is estimated 
that contimiitv of Community action can be ensured. 
Ene-zy 
\A. The specific programme Non-nuclear Energies was adopted on 9 September 1991 
with an amount deemed necessary of ECU 155.43 million. A call for proposals was 
launched in September 1°°1. Contracts representing °0 % of the programme 
budget will be placed by the end of 1992. In the sector of renewable energies, it 
has only been possible to fund 30 % of the best proposals. As there has been no 
improvement in this situation, potential applicants are being discouraged. A 
number of points in the work procramme in the field of renewable energy sources 
were not fully covered in the call for proposals, since oricinally a second call for 
proposals was envisaced. However, the funding for this specific programme being 
now depleted, no further call for proposals can be made. For 1993-1994. only ECU 
18.1 million is still available. 
The Council of Ministers concluded in relation to the "Community strategy to limit 
carbon dioxide emissions and to improve energy efficiency" that specific measures 
at Community level will include strenethening of R&D effort. The European 
Parliament has also repeatedly called for an increase of the research and 
technolocical development effort. The programme committee has in its reaction 
to the Commission's evaluation of the Second Framework Procramme generally 
indicated its support for an increase in funding. 
- 15 -
Additional funding is recv-red to ensure continuity, to cover the fields whic1^ a-c 
currently inadequately cove.-cd. pro for the overall strengthening of the p'ocramm." 
as called for by Counc"' arc Parliament. Within such action the Commission w"* 
concentrate new financia' resources on reinforcing RTD directed towards the 
stimulation of the deve'orrme^t and the integration into networks of renewable 
energies, through focusme; its support on energy sources which are economically 
promising, such as for irrtarce solar thermochemical conversion installations. 
25. The specific programme Nvc^e-px Fission Safety was adopted on 28 November 1991 
with an amount deemed recessary of ECU 35.64 million. A call for proposals was 
launched in December 1991. Dosimetry, biological effects and risk evaluation in 
the field of radiation protection could not be covered sufficiently. In general, it is 
only possible to fund between one third and one half of the best proposals for cost-
shared actions which arc received. Commitment of 90 % of the credits for the 
radiation protection procr?.mme is foreseen shortly and for 100 % of the credits 
for reactor safety before long. For 1993-1994, ECU 10.9 million is still available, 
excluding JRC. 
Supplementary financing is necessary to launch cost-shared actions on reactor 
safety, in particular on «pvere accidents, in order to respond to Community needs 
and in the light of the important commitments made with respect to Central and 
Eastern European countries. Additional funding is also necessary to ensure 
continuity of work on radiation protection and radioactive waste, for work on 
decommissioning of nuclear installations, which has arrived at a demonstration 
phase, and to carry out tests under realistic conditions of telemanipulation 
machines. 
26. The evaluation of the Thermonuclear Fusion activities under the Second 
Framework Programme concluded that the objectives have been successfully 
reached and that the Community is in good position to plav an outstanding role in 
the auadripartite ITER collaboration which is about to start. Concerning the 
specific programme (1oorM°94) adopted in December 1°91. current budgetary 
provisions (which allow for commitments of 300.6 MECU for 1993 and 1994), 
without a complement, are far short of what would be required to implement the 
programme of work implied bv the Technical Annex to the Fusion Programme 
16 
Decision. This implies that the Commission would be obliged to tighten 
considerably the austerity measures that have already been introduced particularly 
in the Associations. These measures are detrimental to the cohesion of the close 
network made by all fusion laboratories within the Community, and to the 
continuity required in the long-term effort on fusion. 
In addition to the recommendations of the Fusion Programme Evaluation Board, 
broadly accepted by the Member States, on the continuation of the overall 
expenditure of the programme at the level of about 450 MECU a year in 1990 
values, of which almost half is supported by the Community budget, and on the 
expansion in the role of industry, it has to be noted that the Council and the 
Commission have committed themselves to make the necessary financial provisions 
to continue present practice in the Community financing of Field 4 "Support 
Programme" in 1993 and 1994. Given the above evidence, there is a need for 
supplementary finance to enable Europe to remain in the forefront of the world's 
fusion research as illustrated by the recent achievement of Megawatt fusion power 
in the JET Tritium experiment and to maintain its current leading position with 
respect to its ITER partners in the context of the crucial competition over the 
siting of the ITER device. 
Human Capital and Mobility 
27. The specific programme concerning Human Capital and Mobility was adopted in 
March 1992. The first call for proposals has been published in June 1992 and the 
deadlines set cover the period from July to the end of 1992 depending on the areas 
concerned. For other areas, there is an open call with two annual selection rounds. 
The response has been very great. It is clear that the programme is expected to 
make an important contribution to Community research objectives. Its 
contribution to cohesion should especially be noted. The funding available for 
commitments in 1993 and 1994 amounts to 373.39 MECUs (excluding JRC 
actions). No supplementary financing is suggested for the years 1993 - 1994 in the 
light of the fact that the programme is just starting to be implemented, but the 
Commission will assess the needs in the light of experience. 
17 
Conclusions 
28. The above analysis of the detailed situation with regard to the Community's 
existing research and technological development activities under the Third 
Framework Programme demonstrates clearly that the needs and opportunities for 
reinforcement are substantial. The overall level of reinforcement must remain 
within the limits set at paragraph 12. Thus choices have to be made. It would be 
possible simply to increase the funding in each area pro rata. However, in the 
Commission's opinion this would not respond adequately to the new challenges and 
changed circumstances. The Commission's judgement of the essential requirements 
are reflected in the proposed allocation of supplementary financing which is shown 
in the following table. 
I. ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES 
1. Information and communications technologies 625 
- Information technologies 430 
- Communications technologies 77 
- Development of telematics systems of general 118 
interest 
2. Industrial and materials technologies 281 
- Industrial and materials technologies 281 
- Measurement and testing 0 
II. MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 
3. Environment 136 
- Environment 136 
- Marine sciences and technologies 0 
4. Life sciences and technologies 148 
- Biotechnology 55 
- Agricultural and agro-industrial research 93 
- Biomedical and health research 0 
- Life sciences and technologies for developing 0 
countries 
5. Energy 410 
- Non-nuclear energies 180 
- Nuclear fission safety 60 
- Controlled nuclear fusion 170 
III. MANAGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL 
RESOURCES 
6. Human capital and mobility 0 
- Human capital and mobility 0 
TOTAL 1600 
- 18 
Proposal for a Council Decision 
adapting Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC * 
concerning the framework programme of Community activities 
in the field of research and technological development (1990-1994) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in 
particular Article 130 Q (1) thereof, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and 
in particular Article 7 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission2, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament3, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee4, 
Whereas Article 1 (3) of Council Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC of 23 April 1990 
concerning the third framewc'-. programme of Community activities in the field of 
research and technological development (1990-1994) states that the total amount deemed 
necessary shall be "ECU 5 700 million, of which ECU 2 500 million are deemed to be 
necessary during 1990, 1991 and 1992 and ECU 3 200 million during 1993 and 1994"; 
1 OJ No L 117, 8.5.1990, p. 28 
2 OJ No 
3 OJ No 
4 OJ No 
- 1 -
Whereas, pursuant to Article 5 of Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC, the Commission has 
examined and assessed progress in carrying out the third framework programme and has 
also made an evaluation of all the specific programmes implemented under Decision 
87/516/Euratom, EEC, the findings of which it has communicated to the Council, together 
with its comments; 
Whereas in the light of the above assessment, the scientific and technical objectives, their 
respective priorities and the main lines of the activities laid down by the third framework 
programme for the period 1990 to 1994 maintain their validity; 
Whereas supplementary financing of Community research and technological development 
activities under the third framework programme is necessary to ensure their continuity 
and natural evolution; whereas these actions ensure cooperation and synergy between 
research actors as well as the diffusion of the results of their joint efforts throughout the 
Community and contribute furthermore to the implementation of the single market, the 
improvement of the international competitiveness of European industry and the 
reinforcement of economic and social cohesion; 
Whereas following the principle of subsidiarity makes it possible to identify themes and 
projects which can be better realised at the level of the Community by virtue of their 
scale or their effects; whereas therefore priority account will be taken of cases where 
subsidiarity is intrinsic to the activities themselves, notably activities linked to large 
research actions of an international dimension ("big science"), activities on priority generic 
technologies, activities designed to organise the single market, prenormative research 
activities, activities benefiting the European scientific community; 
Whereas the Commission commits itself to provide the other Community institutions with 
all detailed information concerning the use of the supplementary funds; 
Whereas a systematic examination of each of the six activities covered by the third 
framework programme has enabled the identification and breakdown of supplementary 
resources needed to ensure the carrying out of research efforts, without further waiting 
for the procedures leading to the adoption of the fourth framework programme to be 
concluded; 
2-
Whereas, pursuant to Article 130 i (2) of the EEC Treaty, the framework programme 
may be supplemented, as the situation changes; 
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (Crest) has been consulted; 
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Committee referred to in Article 7 of the EAEC 
Treaty has been consulted by the Commission and has delivered its opinion; 
DECIDES : 
Sole Article 
The Council Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC concerning the framework programme for 
Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1990-1994) 
is amended as follows : 
- in article 1 (3) the figure "5 700" is replaced by "7 300" and the figure "3 200" is 
replaced by "4 800"; 
- annex I is replaced by the annex to this Decision. 
Done at For the Council 
The President 
3-
ANNEX 
BRI-JMCDOWN OF THE AMOUNTS DEEMED NECESSARY TO IMPIJLMENT 
THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ENVISAGliD 
(in millions of ecus) 
I. ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES 
1. Information and communications technologies 
-. Information technologies 
- Communications technologies 
- Development of telematics systems of general 
interest 
2. Industrial and materials technologies 
- Industrial and materials technologies 
- Measurement and testing 
II. MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 
3. Environment 
- Environment 
- Marine sciences and technologies 
4. Life sciences and technologies 
- Biotechnology 
- Agricultural and agro-industrial research' 
- Biomedical and health research 
- Life sciences and technologies for developing 
countries 
5. Energy 
- Non-nuclear energies 
- Nuclear fission safety 
- Controlled nuclear fusion 
III. MANAGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL 
RESOURCES 
6. Human capital and mobility 
- Human capital and mobility 
TOTAL 1990-92 
974 
390 
227 
325 
357 
227 
2500 1993-94 
1872 
779 
427 
564 
867 
291 
4800 Total 
1782 
566 
496 
1029 
140 
550 
104 
219 
426 
133 
111 
337 
259 
628 
518 2846 
1169 
654 
889 
1224 
518 
73002J 
Including fisheries. 
Including ECU 73 million for the centralized action of dissemination and 
exploitation provided for in Article 4, drawn proportionally from each activity. 
Including ECU 180 million for 1990-92 and ECU 370 million for 1993-94 for the 
Joint Research Centre. 
-4 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
1. Pursuant to article 130 i (1) of the Treaty, the proposal for the supplement of the 
framework programme 1990-94 fixes the new amount deemed necessary as well as 
the breakdown of this amount between the various activities envisaged. The 
breakdown of decision 90/22l/Euratom,EEC, the supplement and the totals is as 
follows (amounts expressed in millions of ECUs). 
I. ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES 
1. Information and coaaunicat ions 
technologies 
-Information technologies 
-Communications technologies 
-Development of telematics 
systems of general interest 
2. Industrial and Materials 
technologies 
-Industrial and materials 
technologies 
-Measurement and testing 
II. MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 
3. Environment 
-Environment 
-Marine sciences and 
technologies 
4. Life sciences and technologies 
-Biotechnology 
-Agricultural and agro-
industrial research 
-Biomedical and health research 
-Life sciences and technologies 
for developing countries 
5. Energy 
-Non-nuclear energies 
-Nuclear fission safety 
-Controlled nuclear fusion 
III. MANAGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL 
RESOURCES 
6. Muaan capital and Mobility 
-Human capital and mobility 
TOTAL Decision 90/221/ 
Euratom,EEC 
2221 
1352 
489 
380 
888 
748 
140 
518 
414 
104 
741 
164 
333 
133 
111 
814 
157 
199 
458 
518 
518 
5700 Supplement 
430 
77 
118 
281 
0 
136 
0 
55 
93 
0 
0 
180 
60 
170 
0 625 
281 
136 
148 
410 
0 
1600 Total 
2846 
1782 
566 
488 
1169 
1029 
140 
654 
550 
104 
889 
219 
426 
133 
111 
1224 
337 
259 
628 
518 
518 
7300 
This amount deemed necessary equals the sum of the amounts allocated for the 
execution of programmes decided upon for the implementation of the framework 
programme. 
The amounts which are to be set out on a yearly basis in the budget will be 
determined by the budgetary authority through the annual budgetary procedures on 
the basis of the allocations for the programmes and the expenditure foreseen as well 
as in compliance with the budgetary discipline. 
An indicative schedule for commitments to be set out in successive budgets under 
the heading of the third framework programme for the years 1993 and 1994 is given 
in the following table. 
Indicative schedule for item 3 of the "Delors II package" 
(amounts in millions of ECUs) 
1993 1994 TOTAL 
RTD (1992 prices) 
RTD (current prices) 2 730 3 040 
2 847 3 266 
16 3 
1 952 1 248 
400 1 200 
427 <2' 
(2) - Framework Programme 1987-91 
- Framework Programme 1990-94 
- Supplement FP 1990-94 
- Accompanying Actions (APAS) 
- 4th Framework Programme 1600 
Total RTD 2 795 <n 2 451 <2> 
(1) Preliminary draft budget 1993 
(2) The figures presented here exclude the estimated amounts for APAS and the 4th Framework Programme because: 
- the amount deemed necessary for the 4th Framework Programme will be determined only after the Commission's 
proposal (currently in preparation) 
- in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty on European Union, the APAS wil! be implemented within the 
4th Framework Programme form the start of its implementation. The date of the adoption, in accordance with the 
co-decision procedure, of the 4th Framework Programme cannot be determined today. In any case, promotion, 
support and monitoring activities will have to be carried out in a continuous manner throughout 1994. 
3. The annual amounts shall cover scientific, technical and demonstration activities as 
well as personnel costs and administrative, scientific and technical expenses directly 
linked to the execution of the programmes. 
4. The financial and budgetary execution of the programmes will take place in 
accordance with the provisions of the Financial Regulation, in particular the Title 
dealing with research and investment appropriations. 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(92) 309 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 15 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-92-362-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-46890-4 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
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