Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme of research and technological development in the field of marine science and technology (1994 to 1998) (94/C 262/06) (Text with EEA relevance) COM(94) 243 final - 94/0085(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 and technological development in the field of marine science and technology (1994 to 1998) (COM(94)0068 final - 94/0085(CNS)) is amended as follows:

Recital 5

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 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 marine resources are economically significant for Europe;

Recital 14

Whereas measures are necessary to encourage the involvement of SMEs in this programme, in particular through the development of generic technologies and advanced systems;

Recital 14a

(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 15a

(new)

Whereas the efficient use of capital facilities is important;

Article 2 (1)

1. The funds estimated as necessary for the execution of the programme amount to ECU 228 million, including a maximum of 6,7 % for staff and administrative expenditure.

The first commitments of appropriations shall be effected no 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.

ANNEX I

Research Area I (3), 3

3. The Canary-Azores region and Alboran Sea:

Anlaysis and simulation of the exchange of energy, water, particulate and dissolved matter and organisms between the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean and between coastal and ocean waters across the eastern boundary current; work on the Strait of Gibraltar and adjacent seas will focus on analyses and simulations of fluxes and their climatic, geochemical and biological implications.

Research Area II, (1) 'Objective`

To understand the complex interactions of the physical, biological and chemical processes in shelf seas and coastal environments; to enhance through increased scientific knowledge medium and long-term predictive capacity of coastal zone evolution with a view to sustainable use of the coastal and shelf environments.

Research Area IV (4)

4. Coordinated use of capital facilities, including research vessels and large computing facilities, on a regional and European scale.