P6_TA(2006)0521

Specific Programme "Cooperation" (Seventh RTDD Framework Programme, 2007-2013) *

European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council decision on the Specific Programme "Cooperation" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (COM(2005)0440 — C6-0381/2005 — 2005/0185 (CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2005)0440) [1] and the amended proposal (COM(2005)0440/2) [1],

- having regard to Article 166 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0381/2005),

- having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Transport and Tourism, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the Committee on Culture and Education (A6-0379/2006),

1. Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2. Considers that the indicative financial reference amount indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceiling of heading 1a of the financial framework for 2007-2013 and points out that the annual amount will be decided within the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the provisions of point 38 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management of 17 May 2006 [2];

3. Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

4. Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

5. Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

6. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION | AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT |

Amendment 1

Recital 4

(4) The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular with those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. | (4) This Specific Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives. Actions under the programme should therefore be made as effective as possible by enhancing complementarity and synergy with other Community programmes and actions, in particular those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport, environment and the information society. |

Amendment 2

Recital 4a (new)

| (4a) Under this Specific Programme, special consideration should be given to multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity, in accordance with the recommendations of the European Union Research Advisory Group (EURAB 04 009 of April 2004) and the European Parliament resolution of 10 March 2005 on science and technology — Guidelines for future European Union policy to support research [3]. |

Amendment 3

Recital 4b (new)

| (4b) This Specific Programme should focus in particular on the transfer of knowledge, results and technologies from the public research sector to businesses, particularly SMEs, and on mechanisms to ensure that business needs are passed on to research teams in an effective and coordinated manner. |

Amendment 4

Recital 5

(5) Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should be complementary to those undertaken under the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation. | (5) This Specific Programme should focus in particular on ensuring appropriate involvement by SMEs in all programme actions and projects. Maximum synergy and complementarity should be sought between innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Specific Programme and those undertaken under the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation and other Community programmes and actions. |

Amendment 5

Recital 5a (new)

| (5a) This Specific Programme should take due account of the important role played by regions in implementing the European Research Area, as is acknowledged by the Commission in its communication on the regional dimension of the European Research Area (COM(2001)0549). |

Amendment 6

Recital 7

(7) This Specific Programme should contribute to the grant to the European Investment Bank for the constitution of a "Risk-Sharing Finance Facility" in order to improve access to EIB loans. | (7) This Specific Programme should contribute to the grant to the European Investment Bank for the constitution of a "Risk-Sharing Finance Facility" in order to improve access to EIB loans. Similarly, the Specific Programme should provide an equal amount of financial support with a view to covering the risks arising from SME involvement in projects, sparing them the need to provide bank guarantees. |

Amendment 7

Recital 8

(8) As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this Specific Programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect and should be also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. | (8) As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this Specific Programme should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect, should also strengthen cooperation with countries which have not concluded agreements to this effect, and should also be open on the project level, and on the basis of the common good and mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. |

Amendment 8

Recital 9

(9) Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. | (9) Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and confirm the civic and humanistic value of research, with due regard for ethical and cultural diversity. |

Amendment 9

Recital 9a (new)

| (9a) This Specific Programme should take due account of the important role of universities in ensuring true excellence in scientific and technological research, in the establishment of the European Research Area, as is acknowledged in the Commission communication on the role of universities in the Europe of knowledge (COM(2003)0058) and in contributing to the development of a knowledge society. |

Amendment 10

Recital 10

(10) The Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development. | (10) This Specific Programme and the Seventh Framework Programme as a whole should contribute towards promoting sustainable development. |

Amendment 11

Recital 10a (new)

| (10a) This Specific Programme should contribute to scientific and technological dissemination, with a view to bringing science and technology closer to society. |

Amendment 12

Recital 11

(11) Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, as well as ease of access for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for implementation of the Financial Regulation and any future amendments. | (11) The Commission should undertake to ensure sound financial management of the Seventh Framework Programme and this Specific Programme and the implementation of both should be ensured in the simplest and most effective manner possible, as well as transparency, clarity and ease of access for all participants, in compliance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for implementation of the Financial Regulation and any future amendments. |

Amendment 13

Article 2

The Specific Programme shall support the activities for "Cooperation" supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas: | The Specific Programme shall support the activities for "Cooperation" supporting the whole range of research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas: |

(a) Health; | (a) Health; |

(b) Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology; | (b) Food, Fisheries, Agriculture and Biotechnology; |

(c) Information and Communication Technologies; | (c) Information and Communication Technologies; |

(d)Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; | (d)Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; |

(e) Energy; | (e) Energy; |

(f) Environment (including Climate Change); | (f) Environment (including Climate Change); |

(g) Transport (including Aeronautics); | (g) Transport (including Aeronautics); |

(h) Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities; | (h) Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities; |

(i) Security and Space. | (i) Security; |

| (ia) Space. |

Amendment 14

Article 3a, paragraph 1 (new)

| Article 3a 1. The Commission shall take all necessary steps to verify that the actions financed are carried out effectively and in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EC/Euratom) No 1605/2002. |

Amendment 15

Article 3a, paragraph 2 (new)

| 2. The overall administrative expenditure of the Specific Programme, including internal and management expenditure for the executive agency which it is proposed to set up, should be proportional to the activities undertaken under the Specific Programme and is subject to the decision of the budgetary and legislative authorities. |

Amendment 16

Article 3a, paragraph 3 (new)

| 3. Budget appropriations shall be used in accordance with the principle of sound financial management, namely in accordance with the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness, as well as the principle of proportionality. |

Amendment 17

Article 4, paragraph 1

1. All research activities carried out under the Specific Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles. | 1. All research activities carried out under the Specific Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles and with account being taken of the scientific safeguards required according to the area of knowledge and the type of research concerned. |

Amendment 18

Article 5a (new)

| Article 5a The Commission shall provide prior information to the budgetary authority whenever it intends to depart from the breakdown of expenditure stated in the remarks in and annex to the annual budget. |

Amendment 19

Article 6, paragraph 3

3. The work programme will specify the criteria on which proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected. The criteria will be those of excellence, impact and implementation and within this framework additional requirements, weightings and thresholds may be further specified or complemented in the work programme. | 3. The work programme will specify the criteria on which proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected, while recognising the compatibility of the participation of researchers and groups in national and European programmes simultaneously. The criteria will be those of excellence, impact and implementation and within this framework additional requirements, weightings and thresholds may be further specified or complemented in the work programme. |

Amendment 20

Article 7, paragraph 2

2. The procedure laid down in Article 8(2) shall apply for the adoption of: | 2. The regulatory procedure with scrutiny laid down in Article 8(3) shall apply for the adoption of: |

Amendment 21

Article 8

1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee. | 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee. |

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, the management procedure laid down in Article 4 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, in compliance with Article 7(3) thereof. | 2. The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the Specific Programme, and shall provide it with information about all RTD actions funded under the programme. |

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply. | 3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5a (1)- (4) and Article 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof. |

4. The period provided for in Articles 4(3) and 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be two months. | |

5. The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the Specific Programme, and shall provide it with information about all RTD actions funded under this programme. | |

Amendment 22

Annex I, Introduction, paragraph 2

The overarching aim is to contribute to sustainable development within the context of promoting research at the highest level of excellence. | The primary purpose of research should be to increase knowledge. The overarching aim is to contribute to an increase in knowledge and also to sustainable development within the context of promoting research at the highest level of excellence. Research is a fundamental instrument for encouraging social inclusion, active citizenship and participation, economic growth, competitiveness, health and quality of life. |

Amendment 23

Annex I, Introduction, paragraph 2a (new)

| In the case of university-industry partnerships, the Commission will undertake to disseminate the results of basic and applied research, where these are of public interest and directed to the common good. |

Amendment 24

Annex I, Introduction, paragraph 3, point (9)

(9) Security and space | (9) Security; |

| (9a) Space. |

Amendment 25

Annex I, Introduction, paragraph 5

The principle of sustainable development and gender equality will be duly taken into account. Furthermore, considerations of the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of the research to be undertaken and its potential applications, as well as socio-economic impacts of scientific and technological development and foresight, will where relevant form a part of the activities under this Specific Programme. | The principle of scientific and technological excellence must underlie the entire Seventh Framework Programme. Furthermore, considerations of the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of the research to be undertaken and its potential applications, as well as socio-economic impacts of scientific and technological development and foresight, will where relevant form a part of the activities under this Specific Programme |

Amendment 26

Annex I, paragraph 5a (new)

| Special attention will be paid to enhancing cohesion between EU Member State and regions in the sphere of science and technology, with particular reference to measures to reduce the technology gap between various areas by selective boosting of the technological capacities of undertakings at all levels. To this end, Framework Programme activities will be coordinated with the action lines of other Community policies, particularly regional policy and competitiveness and innovation policy. |

Amendment 27

Annex I, heading "Pluridisciplinary and cross-thematic research, including joint calls", paragraph 1

Special attention will be paid to priority scientific areas which cut across themes, such as marine sciences and technologies. Pluridisciplinarity will be encouraged by joint cross-thematic approaches to research and technology subjects relevant to more than one theme. Such cross thematic approaches will be implemented, among others, through: | Special attention will be paid to priority scientific and technological areas which cut across themes, such as marine sciences, tourism-related technologies, green engineering and chemistry, and environmental health. Pluridisciplinarity, including mission- oriented research, will be encouraged by joint cross-thematic approaches to research and technology subjects relevant to more than one theme. Such cross thematic approaches will be implemented, inter alia, through: |

—The use of joint calls between themes where a research topic is clearly relevant to the activities under each of the respective themes; | —The use of joint calls between themes where a research topic is clearly relevant to the activities under any of the other respective themes; |

—The special emphasis within the "emerging needs" activity for cross-disciplinary research; | —The special emphasis within the "emerging needs" activity for cross-disciplinary research; |

—The use of external advice from a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds for establishing the work programme; | —The use of advice from researchers of recognised prestige from a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds, for establishing the work programme; |

—For policy relevant research, through ensuring coherence with EU polices; | —For policy relevant research, through ensuring coherence with EU polices; |

Amendment 28

Annex I, heading "Pluridisciplinary and cross-thematic research, including joint calls", paragraph 2

Coordination between the themes in this Specific Programme and the actions under other specific programmes of the 7th Framework Programme, such as those on research infrastructures in the "Capacities" Specific Programme, will be ensured by the European Commission. | Coordination between the themes in this Specific Programme and the actions under other specific programmes of the Seventh Framework Programme, such as those on research infrastructures in the "Capacities" Specific Programme, will be ensured by the European Commission. The work programme will specify the activities that are to be subject to special coordination with those coming under other specific programmes and will establish the mechanisms required in order for such coordination to be effective. |

Amendment 29

Annex I, heading "Adaptation to evolving needs and opportunities", paragraph 1

The continued industrial relevance of the themes will be ensured by relying, among other sources, on the work of the various "European Technology Platforms". This Specific Programme will thereby contribute to the implementation of the Strategic Research Agendas established and developed by the European Technology Platforms where these present genuine European added value. The broad research needs identified in available Strategic Research Agendas are already well reflected across the nine themes identified below. The more detailed incorporation of their technical content will be reflected subsequently when formulating the detailed work programme for specific calls for proposals. | The continued industrial relevance of the themes, and industry's continued participation in them, will be ensured by relying, among other sources, on the work of the various "European Technology Platforms". This Specific Programme, together with the contributions made by industry, will thereby contribute to the implementation of the Strategic Research Agendas established and developed by the European Technology Platforms where these present genuine European added value. The broad research needs identified in available Strategic Research Agendas are already well reflected across the nine themes identified below. The more detailed incorporation of their technical content will be reflected subsequently when formulating the detailed work programme for specific calls for proposals. |

Amendment 30

Annex I, heading "Adaptation to evolving needs and opportunities", paragraph 2

The continued relevance of the themes to the formulation, implementation and assessment of EU policies and regulations will also be ensured. This concerns policy areas such as those of health, safety, consumer protection, energy, the environment, development aid, fisheries, maritime affairs, agriculture, animal health and welfare, transport, education and training, information society and media, employment, social affairs, cohesion, and justice and home affairs, along with pre-normative and conormative research relevant to improving the quality of standards and their implementation. In this context, platforms that bring together stakeholders with the research community to consider strategic research agendas relevant to social. environmental or other policy areas may play a role. | The continued relevance of the themes to the formulation, implementation and assessment of EU policies and regulations will also be ensured. This concerns policy areas such as those of health, safety, consumer protection, energy, the environment, development aid, fisheries, maritime affairs, agriculture, animal health and welfare, transport, education and training, information society and media, employment, social affairs, cohesion, and justice and home affairs, along with pre-normative and conormative research relevant to improving interoperability and competition and the quality of standards and their implementation. In this context, platforms that bring together stakeholders with the research community to consider strategic research agendas relevant to social, environmental or other policy areas may play a role. |

Amendment 31

Annex I, heading "Adaptation to evolving needs and opportunities", bullet 1, introductory part

Emerging needs: through specific support for research proposals aiming at identifying or further exploring, in a given field and or at the intersection of several disciplines, new scientific and technological opportunities, in particular linked with a potential for significant breakthroughs. This will be implemented through: | Emerging needs: through specific support for research proposals aiming at identifying or further exploring, in a given field and/ or at the intersection of several disciplines, new scientific and technological opportunities, in particular linked with a potential for significant breakthroughs or direct applications. This will be implemented through: |

Amendment 32

Annex I, heading "Adaptation to evolving needs and opportunities", bullet 1, indent 1

—Open, "bottom up" research on topics identified by researchers themselves to develop new scientific and technological opportunities ("Adventure actions") or to assess new discoveries or newly-observed phenomena which could indicate risks or problems to society ("Insight" (actions); | —Open, "bottom up" research on topics identified by researchers themselves to develop new scientific and technological opportunities ("Adventure actions"), or to identify at an early stage developments and trends with significant prospective applications ("Foresight actions"), or to assess new discoveries or newly-observed phenomena which could indicate risks or problems to society ("Insight actions"); |

Amendment 33

Annex I, heading "Dissemination, knowledge transfer and broader engagement", paragraph 1, introduction

In order to strengthen the diffusion and use of the output of EU research, the dissemination of knowledge and transfer of results, including to policy makers, will be supported in all thematic areas, including through the funding of networking/ brokerage initiatives, seminars and events, assistance by external experts and electronic information services. This will be implemented in each thematic area by means of: | In order to strengthen the diffusion, use and impact of the output of EU research, the dissemination and transfer of knowledge and the use of results, including diffusion to policy makers, will be supported in all thematic areas, including through the funding of networking/brokerage initiatives, seminars and events, assistance by external experts and information and consultancy services. This will be implemented in each thematic area by means of: |

Amendment 34

Annex I, heading "Dissemination, knowledge transfer and broader engagement", paragraph 1, indent 2

—Offering targeted assistance to projects and consortia to provide them with access to the necessary skills to optimise the use of results; | —Offering targeted assistance to projects and consortia to provide them with access to the necessary skills and resources, particularly financial resources, to optimise the use of results; |

Amendment 35

Annex I, heading "Dissemination, knowledge transfer and broader engagement", paragraph 1, indent 3

—Specific dissemination actions which take a proactive approach to disseminating results from across a range of projects, including those from previous Framework Programmes and other research programmes, and which target specific sectors or sets of stakeholders as potential users; | —Specific dissemination actions which take a proactive approach to disseminating results from across a range of projects, including those from previous Framework Programmes and other research programmes, and which target specific sectors or sets of stakeholders, with special emphasis on potential users and pre-university teachers; |

Amendment 36

Annex I, heading "Dissemination, knowledge transfer and broader engagement", paragraph 1, indent 5

—Cordis services to foster the dissemination of knowledge and the exploitation of research results; | —Cordis services to foster the dissemination of knowledge in user-friendly form and the exploitation of research results; |

Amendment 37

Annex I, heading "Dissemination, knowledge transfer and broader engagement", paragraph 1, indent 6

—Initiatives to foster dialogue and debate on scientific issues and research results with a broader public beyond the research community. | —Initiatives to foster dialogue and debate on scientific issues and research results with a broader public beyond the research community, including through the use of research for the benefit of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). |

Amendment 38

Annex I, heading "Joint Technology Initiatives", paragraph 1

In a limited number of cases, the scope of a RTD objective and the scale of the resources involved justify setting up long term public private partnerships in the form of Joint Technology Initiatives. These initiatives, mainly resulting from the work of European Technology Platforms and covering one or a small number of selected aspects of research in their field, will combine private sector investment and national and European public funding, including grant funding from the Research Framework Programme and loan finance from the European Investment Bank. Joint Technology Initiatives will be decided on the basis of separate proposals (e.g. on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty). | In a limited number of cases, the scope of a RTD objective and the scale of the resources involved justify setting up long-term public-private partnerships in the form of Joint Technology Initiatives. These initiatives, mainly resulting from the work of European Technology Platforms and covering one or a small number of selected aspects of research in their field, will combine private sector investment and national and European public funding, including grant funding from the Research Framework Programme and loan finance from the European Investment Bank. Joint Technology Initiatives will be decided individually on the basis of separate proposals (e.g. on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty). |

Amendment 39

Annex I, heading "Coordination of non-Community research programmes", paragraph 1

The action undertaken in this field will make use of two main tools: the ERA-NET scheme and the participation of the Community in jointly implemented national research programmes (Treaty Article 169). The action will also be used to enhance the complementarity and synergy between the Framework Programme and activities carried out in the framework of intergovernmental structures such as Eureka, EIROforum and COST. Financial support for the administration and coordination activities of COST will be provided so that COST can continue to contribute to coordination and exchanges between nationally funded research teams. | The action undertaken in this field will make use of two main tools: the ERA-NET scheme and the participation of the Community in jointly implemented national research programmes (Article 169 of the Treaty). The action will also be used to enhance the complementarity and synergy between the Framework Programme and activities carried out in the framework of intergovernmental structures such as Eureka, EIROforum and COST. Given the importance to EU competitiveness of SME development, particular attention will be paid to helping high-tech SMEs to get access to research, in accordance with Article 169 of the Treaty (the Eureka and "EUROSTARS" programmes). Financial support for the administration and coordination activities of COST will be provided so that COST can continue to contribute to coordination and exchanges between nationally funded research teams. |

Amendment 40

Annex I, heading "International cooperation", paragraph 1, introductory part and indent -1 (new)

International cooperation actions will support an international Science and Technology policy that has two interdependent objectives: | International cooperation actions will support an international Science and Technology policy that has three interdependent objectives: |

| —to create the basis for research activities and capacities in the developing countries and to consolidate and strengthen the bodies responsible: universities and public and private centres for the training of researchers; |

Amendment 41

Annex I, heading "International cooperation", paragraph 1, indent 1

—To support and promote European competitiveness through strategic research partnerships with third countries including highly industrialised and emerging economies in science and technology by engaging the best third country scientists to work in and with Europe. | —to support and promote research projects of universal value through strategic research partnerships in science and technology with third countries including highly industrialised and emerging economies, supporting the mobility of third country scientists to ensure that they have the best conditions enabling them to work in and with Europe and facilitating their subsequent return home. |

Amendment 42

Annex I, heading "International cooperation", paragraph 1, indent 2

—To address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, on the basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit. | —to address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, enhancing the concept of worldwide cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and information. |

Amendment 43

Annex I, heading "International cooperation", paragraph 2

The international scientific cooperation policy of the EU will stress and develop cooperation to generate, share and use knowledge through equitable research partnerships taking into account the country, regional and socio-economic context and knowledge base of partner countries. The strategic approach is to enhance EU competitiveness and global sustainable development through such partnerships between the EU and third countries at bilateral, regional and global levels based on mutual interest and benefit. To this end the EU's role as a global player should be also promoted through multilateral international research programmes. The international cooperation actions supported will be connected to mainstream policy issues in order to support fulfilling international commitments of the EU and contribute to sharing European values, competitiveness, socio-economic progress, environmental protection and welfare under the umbrella of global sustainable development. | The international scientific cooperation policy of the EU will stress and develop cooperation to generate, share and use knowledge through equitable research partnerships taking into account the international, country, regional and socio-economic context, knowledge base and European priorities of partner countries. The strategic approach is to enhance EU competitiveness and global sustainable development through such partnerships between the EU and third countries at bilateral, regional and global levels based on the public and collective interest. To this end the EU's role as a global player should be also promoted through multilateral international research programmes. The international cooperation actions supported will be connected to mainstream policy issues in order to support fulfilling international commitments of the EU and contribute to sharing results so as to enhance competitiveness, socio-economic progress, environmental protection and welfare under the umbrella of global sustainable development. |

Amendment 44

Annex I, heading "International cooperation", paragraph 3, bullet 2

Specific cooperation actions in each thematic area dedicated to third countries in the case of mutual interest in cooperating on particular topics. The identification of specific needs and priorities will be closely associated with relevant bilateral cooperation agreements and with ongoing multilateral and bi-regional dialogues between the EU and these countries or groups of countries. Priorities will be identified based on the particular needs, potential and level of economic development in the region or country. To this end, an international cooperation strategy and implementation plan will be developed with specific targeted actions within or across the themes, e.g. in health, agriculture, sanitation, water, food security, social cohesion, energy, environment, fisheries, aquaculture and natural resources, sustainable economic policy and information and communication technologies. These actions will serve as privileged tools for implementing the cooperation between the EU and these countries. Such actions are, in particular, actions aiming at reinforcing the research capacities and cooperative capacities of candidate, neighbourhood, and developing and emerging countries. The actions will be the subject of targeted calls and particular attention will be paid to facilitating access of the relevant third countries, notably developing countries, to the actions. | Specific cooperation actions in each thematic area dedicated to third countries in the case of mutual interest in cooperating on particular topics. The identification of specific needs and priorities will be closely associated with relevant bilateral cooperation agreements and with ongoing multilateral and bi-regional dialogues between the EU and these countries or groups of countries. Priorities will be identified based on mutual interest and mutual benefit and on the particular needs, potential and level of economic development in the region or country. To this end, an international cooperation strategy and implementation plan will be developed with specific targeted actions within or across the themes, e.g. in health, in particular neglected diseases, agriculture, sanitation, water, food security, social cohesion, energy, environment, fisheries, aquaculture and natural resources, sustainable economic policy and information and communication technologies. These actions will serve as privileged tools for implementing the cooperation between the EU and these countries. As well as serving fields of mutual interest, such actions also include: actions aiming at reinforcing the research capacities and cooperative capacities of candidate, neighbourhood, and developing and emerging countries. The actions will be the subject of targeted calls and particular attention will be paid to facilitating access of the relevant third countries, notably developing countries, to the actions. |

Amendment 45

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Approach", paragraph 1a (new)

| To this end, the utmost complementarity and synergy will be sought with other Community programmes and actions and with national and regional research programmes in the various Member States. |

Amendment 46

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Approach", paragraph 3

Gender aspects in research will be considered and integrated in the projects whenever appropriate. Special attention will be given to communicating research outcomes and engaging in dialogue with civil society, in particular with patient groups, at the earliest possible stage, of new developments arising from biomedical and genetics research. A wide dissemination and use of the results will also be assured. | Gender aspects will be taken into account and incorporated into projects where appropriate. The risk factors, biological processes, clinical manifestations, consequences, and treatment involved in diseases are often not the same for men and women. Furthermore, there are diseases which affect only, or are more prevalent in, women or men (one such example is fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects far greater numbers of women than men). All the activities to be financed in connection with this theme should therefore allow for the possibility of differentiation in the related research protocols, methodologies, and analyses of results. Special attention will be given to communicating research outcomes and engaging in dialogue with civil society, in particular with patient groups, at the earliest possible stage, of new developments arising from biomedical and genetics research. A wide dissemination and use of the results will also be assured. |

Amendment 47

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", first heading ("Biotechnology, generic tools and technologies for human health"), indent 1

—High-throughput research: to develop new research tools for modern biology that will enhance significantly data generation and improve data and specimen (biobanks) standardisation, acquisition and analysis. The focus will be on new technologies for: sequencing; gene expression, genotyping and phenotyping; structural genomics; bioinformatics and systems biology; other "omics". | —High-throughput research: to develop new research tools for modern biology that will enhance significantly data generation and improve data and specimen (biobanks) standardisation, acquisition and experimental and biocomputational analysis. The focus will be on new technologies for: sequencing using rapid, economic and widely available methods; gene expression, genotyping and phenotyping; structural genomics; bioinformatics and systems biology, including super computing for structural modelling; other "omics". |

Amendment 172

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("Biotechnology, generic tools and technologies for human health"), indent 2

—Detection, diagnosis and monitoring: to develop visualisation, imaging, detection and analytical tools and technologies for biomedical research, for prediction, diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of diseases, and for support and guidance of therapeutic interventions. The focus will be on a multidisciplinary approach integrating areas such as: molecular and cellular biology, physiology, genetics, physics, chemistry, nanotechnologies, microsystems, devices and information technologies. Non- or minimally- invasive and quantitative methods and quality assurance aspects will be emphasised. | —Detection, diagnosis and monitoring: to develop visualisation, imaging, detection and analytical tools and technologies for biomedical research, for prediction, diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of diseases, and for support and guidance of therapeutic interventions. The focus will be on a multidisciplinary approach, with priority given to diagnostic tools that are directly linked to therapy, integrating areas such as: molecular and cellular biology, physiology, genetics, physics, chemistry, nanotechnologies, microsystems, devices and information technologies. Non- or minimally- invasive and quantitative methods and quality assurance aspects will be emphasised. |

Amendment 48

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("Biotechnology, generic tools and technologies for human health"), indent 4

—Predicting suitability, safety and efficacy of therapies: to develop and validate the parameters, tools, methods and standards needed for bringing to the patient safe and effective new biomedicines [for conventional medicines, these issues will be addressed through the proposed Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines]. The focus will be on approaches such as pharmacogenomics, in silico, in vitro (including alternatives to animal testing) and in vivo methods and models. | —Predicting suitability, safety and efficacy of therapies: to develop and validate the parameters, tools, methods and standards needed for bringing to the patient safe and effective new biomedicines [for conventional medicines, these issues will be addressed through the proposed Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines]. The focus will be on approaches such as pharmacogenomics, in silico, in vitro (including alternatives to animal testing) and in vivo methods and models and immune monitoring. |

Amendment 49

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Translating research for human health"), subheading 1, bullet 1

Large scale data gathering: to use high-throughput technologies to generate data for elucidating the function of genes and gene products and their interactions in complex networks. The focus will be on: genomics; proteomics; population genetics; comparative and functional genomics. | Large scale data gathering: to use high-throughput technologies to generate data for elucidating the function of genes, gene products and cell systems, their interactions in complex networks and in important biological processes (i.e. synaptic and cellular reorganisation) and mutation processes. The focus will be on: genomics, including RNA; proteomics; population genetics; comparative and functional genomics. |

Amendment 50

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Translating research for human health"), subheading 2, bullet 1

Brain and brain-related diseases: to better understand the integrated structure and dynamics of the brain, and to study brain diseases and search for new therapies. The focus will be to explore brain functions, from molecules to cognition, and to address neurological and psychiatric diseases and disorders, including regenerative and restorative therapeutic approaches. | Brain and brain-related diseases: to better understand the integrated structure and dynamics of the brain, and to study brain diseases, including gender-based aspects, and relevant diseases related to ageing (such as dementia, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease) and search for new therapies. The focus will be to explore brain functions, from molecules to cognition, and brain dysfunction, from synaptic activity to neurodegeneration, as well as to gain a global understanding of the brain. Research will address neurological and psychiatric diseases and disorders, including regenerative and restorative therapeutic approaches and technologies. |

Amendment 51

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Translating research for human health"), subheading 2, bullet 2

Human development and ageing: to better understand the process of life-long development and healthy ageing. The focus will be on the study of human and model systems, including interactions with factors such as environment, behaviour and gender. | Human development and ageing: to better understand the process of life-long development and healthy ageing. The focus will be on the study of human and model and cell systems, including interactions with factors such as environment, behaviour, culture and gender with the aim of alleviating the problems of daily life in old age, and from synaptic activity to neurodegeneration, using, inter alia, clinical or preclinical functional or molecular imaging approaches. |

Amendment 52

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Translating research for human health"), subheading 4, bullets 1 and 1a (new)

Cancer: the focus will be on disease aetiology; identifying and validating drug targets and biological markers that aid in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment; and assessing the effectiveness of prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. | Cancer: the focus will be on disease aetiology, epidemiological research, new medicines/therapies and risk factors; identifying and validating environmental determinants, drug targets and biological markers that aid in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment; assessing the effectiveness of prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. |

| Age-related degenerative disorders. |

Amendment 53

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Translating research for human health"), subheading 4, bullet 3

Diabetes and obesity: for the former, the focus will be on aetiologies of the different types of diabetes, and their related prevention and treatment. For the later, the focus will be on multidisciplinary approaches including genetics, life style and epidemiology. | Diabetes and obesity: for the former, the focus will be on aetiologies of the different types of diabetes, and their related prevention and treatment, including cell replacement therapy. For the latter, the focus will be on multidisciplinary approaches including genetics, biochemistry and physiology (evaluated using non invasive approaches such as molecular and functional imaging), life style and epidemiology. For both diabetes and obesity emphasis will be placed on juvenile diseases and factors operating in childhood. |

Amendment 54

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", second heading ("Translating research for human health"), subheading 4, bullet 3a (new)

| Rheumatic diseases: the focus will be on aetiology, early diagnosis and biological markers for rheumatic diseases and treatment, with particular emphasis on inflammatory rheumatic diseases. |

Amendment 55

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Translating research for human health"), subheading 4, bullet 5

Other chronic diseases: the focus will be on non-lethal diseases with a high impact on the quality of life at old age such as functional and sensory impairment and other chronic diseases (e.g. rheumatoid diseases). | Other chronic diseases: the focus will be on non-lethal diseases with a high impact on the quality of life at old age such as functional and sensory impairment and other chronic diseases, in particular, inflammatory diseases (e.g. rheumatoid diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, dementia and neurodegenerative diseases). |

Amendment 56

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Translating research for human health"), subheading 4, bullet 5a (new)

| Other diseases: the focus will be on respiratory diseases, neglected diseases and population-based studies to investigate emerging risk factors. |

Amendment 57

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Translating research for human health"), subheading 4, bullet 5b (new)

| Research on tissue regeneration: the focus will be on research into tissue regeneration, such as skin and heart tissue regeneration, with the aim of understanding the mechanisms underlying regenerative processes and identifying innovative approaches to gene and cell therapies. |

Amendment 58

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens"), indent 1

—Enhanced health promotion and disease prevention: to provide evidence for the best public health measures in terms of life styles and interventions at different levels and in different contexts. Focus will be on the wider determinants of health and how they interact at both the individual and community level (e.g. diet, stress, tobacco and other substances, physical activity, cultural context, socio-economic and environmental factors). In particular, mental health will be addressed in a life-course perspective. | —Enhanced health promotion and disease prevention: to provide evidence for the best public health measures in terms of life styles and interventions at different levels and in different contexts. Focus will be on the wider determinants of health and how they interact at both the individual and community level (e.g. diet, stress, tobacco and other substances, physical activity, the quality of life, cultural context, socio-economic, nutritional and environmental factors). In particular, mental health will be addressed in a life-course perspective. |

Amendment 59

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens"), indent 2

—Translating clinical research into clinical practice including better use of medicines, and appropriate use of behavioural and organisational interventions and health therapies and technologies. Special attention will be given to patient safety: to identify the best clinical practice; to understand decision making in clinical settings in primary and specialised care; and to foster applications of evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment. Focus will be on the benchmarking of strategies; investigating outcomes of different interventions including medicines, taking into consideration pharmacovigilance evidence, specificities of the patient (e.g. genetic susceptibility, age, gender and adherence) and cost benefits. | —Translating the results of clinical research into clinical practice including better use of medicines (e.g. with a view to avoiding the development of antibiotic resistance), and appropriate use of behavioural, organisational and public health system interventions and health therapies and technologies. Special attention will be given to patient safety, including the side-effects of medicines; to identify the best clinical practice; to understand decision making in clinical settings in primary and specialised care; and to foster applications of evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment with a view to enhancing patients' personal and social autonomy. Focus will be on the benchmarking of strategies; investigating outcomes of different interventions including medicines and new health technologies, taking into consideration pharmacovigilance evidence, specificities of the patient (e.g. genetic susceptibility, age, gender and adherence) and cost benefits in terms of health, quality of life and good practice. |

Amendment 60

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens"), indent 3

—Quality, solidarity and sustainability of health systems; to provide a basis for countries to adapt their health systems in the light of experience of others, taking into account the importance of national contexts and population characteristics (ageing, mobility, migration, education, socioeconomic status and the changing world of work etc). Focus will be on organisational, financial and regulatory aspects of health systems, their implementation and their outcomes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and equity. Special attention will be paid to investment issues and human resources. | —Quality, solidarity and sustainability of health systems; to provide a basis for countries to adapt their health systems in the light of experience of others, taking into account the importance of national contexts and population characteristics (ageing, mobility, migration, education, socioeconomic status and the changing world of work etc). Focus will be on organisational, financial and regulatory aspects of health systems, their implementation and their outcomes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and equity. Special attention will be paid to investment issues and human resources and access to health care for disadvantaged people, including disabled persons. |

Amendment 61

Annex I, part "Themes", section 1 ("Health"), subsection "Activities", third heading ("Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens"), indent 3a (new)

| —Appropriate use of new technologies and therapies. Longterm safety and monitoring of the large-scale use of new medical technologies (including equipment), and advanced therapies that ensure, in particular, a high level of public health protection. |

Amendment 62

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology"), subsection "Approach", paragraph 2

Agro-food industries, of which 90 % are SMEs, will particularly benefit from many research activities, including targeted dissemination and technology transfer activities, in particular as regards the integration and uptake of advanced eco-efficient technologies, methodologies and processes and the development of standards. High-tech start-ups from the bio-, nano- and ICT are expected to provide important contributions to the areas of plant breeding, improved crops and plant protection, advanced detection and monitoring technologies for ensuring food safety and quality, and new industrial bioprocesses. | Observable first and foremost in small-sized industries, agrofood industries, of which 90 % are SMEs, will particularly benefit from many research activities, including targeted dissemination and technology transfer activities, in particular as regards the integration and uptake of advanced eco-efficient technologies, methodologies and processes and the development of standards. High-tech start-ups from the bio-, nano- and ICT are expected to provide important contributions to the areas of plant breeding, improved crops and plant protection, advanced detection and monitoring technologies for ensuring food safety and quality, and new industrial bioprocesses. |

Amendment 63

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("Sustainable production and management of ..."), indent 1a (new)

| —Investigating biodiversity and its molecular characterisation is aimed at its protection, not only at identifying new ways for its exploitation. Environmental protection and preservation is a key element of the sustainable management of biological resources. Integration with the "Environment" theme should be sought. |

Amendment 64

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("Sustainable production and management of ..."), indent 2

—Increased sustainability and competitiveness, while decreasing environmental impacts, in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture through the development of new technologies, equipment, monitoring systems, novel plants and production systems, the improvement of the scientific and technical basis of fisheries management, and a better understanding of the interaction between different systems (agriculture and forestry; fisheries and aquaculture) across a whole ecosystem approach. For land based biological resources, special emphasis will be placed on low input and organic production systems, improved management of resources and novel feeds, and novel plants (crops and trees) with improved composition, resistance to stress, nutrient use efficiency, and architecture. This will be supported through research into biosafety, co-existence and traceability of novel plants systems and products. Plant health will be improved through better understanding of ecology, biology of pests, diseases and other threats and support to controlling disease outbreaks and enhancing sustainable pest management tools and techniques. For biological resources from aquatic environments, emphasis will be placed on essential biological functions, safe and environmentally friendly production systems and feeds of cultured species and on fisheries biology, dynamics of mixed fisheries, interactions between fisheries activities and the marine ecosystem and on fleet-based, regional and multiannual management systems. | —Increased sustainability and competitiveness, while safeguarding consumer health and decreasing environmental impacts, in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture through the development of new technologies, equipment, monitoring systems, novel plants and production systems, the improvement of the scientific and technical basis of fisheries and crop management, the latter through selected plant breeding, plant health and optimised production systems, and a better understanding of the interaction between different systems (agriculture and forestry; fisheries and aquaculture) across a whole ecosystem approach. The preservation of native ecosystems, the development of biocontrol agents and the microbiological dimension of biodiversity and metagenomics will be promoted. For land based biological resources, special emphasis will be placed on low input and organic production systems, monitoring and assessment of the impact of genetically modified organisms on the environment and human health, and sustainable, competitive and multi-faceted agriculture and forestry. Improved management of resources and novel feeds, and novel plants (crops and trees) with improved composition, resistance to stress, nutrient use efficiency, and architecture will also be promoted. This will be supported through research into biosafety, co-existence and traceability of novel plants systems and products. Plant health and crop protection will be improved through better understanding of ecology, biology of pests, diseases, weeds and other threats and support to controlling disease outbreaks and enhancing sustainable pest and weed management tools and techniques. Improved methods will be developed for the monitoring, preservation and enhancement of soil fertility. For biological resources from aquatic environments, emphasis will be placed on essential biological functions, safe and environmentally friendly production systems and feeds of cultured species and on fisheries biology, dynamics of mixed fisheries, interactions between fisheries activities and the marine ecosystem and on fleetbased, regional and multi-annual management systems |

Amendment 65

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("Sustainable production and management of ..."), indent 3

—Optimised animal production and welfare, across agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, inter alia through the exploitation of genetic knowledge, new breeding methods, improved understanding of animal physiology and behaviour and the better understanding and control of infectious animal diseases, including zoonoses. The latter will also be addressed by developing tools for monitoring, prevention and control, by underpinning and applied research on vaccines and diagnostics, studying the ecology of known or emerging infectious agents and other threats, including malicious acts, and impacts of different farming systems and climate. New knowledge for the safe disposal of animal waste and improved management of by-products will also be developed. | —Optimised animal production, health and welfare, across agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, inter alia through the exploitation of genetic knowledge, new breeding methods, improved understanding of animal physiology and behaviour and the better understanding and control of infectious animal diseases, including zoonoses, and their pathogenic mechanisms and diseases linked to animal feed. The latter will also be addressed by developing tools for monitoring, prevention and control, by underpinning and applied research on vaccines and diagnostics, studying the ecology of known or emerging infectious agents and other threats, including malicious acts, and impacts of different farming systems and climate. In this context the aim should be to investigate adapting agriculture to the shift in climate zones. New knowledge for the safe disposal of animal waste and improved management of by-products will also be developed. Account will be taken of other threats to the sustainability and safety of food production, such as the possible effects of climate change on production processes. |

Amendment 66

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, agriculture and biotechnology"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("Sustainable production and management of ..."), indent 4

—Providing the tools needed by policy makers and other actors to support the implementation of relevant strategies, policies and legislation and in particular to support the building of the European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) and the needs of rural and coastal development. The Common Fisheries Policy will be supported through the development of adaptive approaches supportive to a whole ecosystem approach for the harvesting of marine resources. Research for all policies will include socio-economic studies, comparative investigations of different farming systems, cost-effective fisheries management systems, the rearing of non-food animals, interactions with forestry and studies to improve rural and coastal livelihoods. | —Providing the tools needed by policy makers and other actors to support the implementation of relevant strategies, policies and legislation and in particular to support the building of the European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) and the needs of rural and coastal development, as well as the development of innovatory forest management mechanisms, techniques to prevent and fight forest fires and measures to combat agricultural erosion and drought. The Common Agricultural Policy, the Community's Animal Health Policy, the EU Forestry Strategy and the Common Fisheries Policy will be supported. The Common Fisheries Policy will be supported through the development of adaptive approaches supportive to a whole ecosystem approach for the harvesting of marine resources. Research for all policies will include socio-economic studies, ruralsocial research, comparative investigations of differen farming systems, cost-effective fisheries management systems, the rearing of non-food animals, interactions with forestry and studies to improve rural and coastal livelihoods. |

Amendment 68

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Fork to farm: Food, health and well being"), indent 2

—Understanding dietary factors and habits as a major controllable factor in the development and reduction of occurrence of diet-related diseases and disorders. This will involve the development and application of nutrigenomics and systems biology, and the study of the interactions between nutrition, physiological and psychological functions. It could lead to reformulation of processed foods, and development of novel foods, dietetic foods and foods with nutritional and health claims. The investigation of traditional, local, and seasonal foods and diets will also be important to highlight the impact of certain foods and diets on health, and to develop integrated food guidance. | —Understanding dietary factors and habits as a major controllable factor in the development and reduction of occurrence of diet-related diseases and disorders, including obesity (in children and adults) and allergies; nutrition in connection with disease prevention, including knowledge of the healthiness, properties and components of foods. This will involve the development and application of nutrigenomics and systems biology. An integrated approach should focus particularly on the study of the interactions between nutrition, physiological and psychological functions. It could lead to reformulation of processed foods, and development of novel foods, dietetic foods and foods with nutritional and health claims. The investigation of traditional, local, and seasonal foods and diets will also be important to highlight the impact of certain foods and diets on health, and to develop integrated food guidance. |

Amendment 69

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Fork to farm: Food, health and well being"), indent 3

—Optimising innovation in the European food industry through the integration of advanced technologies into traditional food production, key process technologies to enhance the functionality of food, the development and demonstration of high-tech, eco-efficient processing and packaging, smart control applications and more efficient management of by-products, wastes and energy. New research will also develop sustainable and novel technologies for animal feed, including safe feed processing formulations and for feed quality control. | —Optimising innovation in the European food industry through the integration of advanced technologies into traditional food production, key process technologies to enhance the functionality of food, the development of new ingredients and products, preservation methods and technologies and organoleptic aspects in the production of foods and new food components, the development and demonstration of high-tech, eco-efficient processing and packaging, smart control applications and more efficient management of by-products, wastes and energy. New research will also develop sustainable and novel technologies for animal feed, including safe feed processing formulations and for feed quality control. |

Amendment 70

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Fork to farm: Food, health and well being"), indent 5

—Protecting both human health and the environment through a better understanding of the environmental impacts on and of food/feed chains. This will involve study of food contaminants and health outcomes, developing enhanced tools and methods for the assessment of impacts of food and feed chains on the environment. Assuring quality and the integrity of the food chain requires new models for commodity chain analysis and total food chain management concepts, including consumer aspects. | —Protecting both human health and the environment through a better understanding of the environmental impacts on and of food/feed chains. This will involve study of food contaminants and health outcomes, developing enhanced tools and methods for the assessment of impacts of food and feed chains on the environment. Assuring quality and the integrity of the food chain requires new models for commodity chain analysis and total food chain management concepts, including consumer aspects. The development of new methods of ensuring the traceability of both GM and non-GM organisms and the consequences of animal feeds and veterinary medication for human health will be researched. |

Amendment 71

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology"), subsection "International cooperation", paragraph 1

International cooperation is a priority aspect for Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology research and will be strongly encouraged throughout the entire area. Research of specific interest for developing countries will be supported, taking into account Millennium development goals and already ongoing activities. Specific actions will be undertaken to foster cooperation with priority partner regions and countries — particularly those involved in bi-regional dialogues and bilateral S&T agreements as well as neighbourhood countries and emerging economies and developing countries. | International cooperation is a priority aspect for Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology research and will be strongly encouraged throughout the entire area. Research of specific interest for developing countries will be supported, taking into account Millennium development goals and already ongoing activities (for example, networks designed to improve the management of soils and water). Specific actions will be undertaken to foster cooperation with priority partner regions and countries — particularly those involved in bi-regional dialogues and bilateral S&T agreements as well as neighbourhood countries and emerging economies and developing countries. |

Amendment 72

Annex I, part "Themes", section 2 ("Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology"), subsection "International cooperation", paragraph 2

Furthermore, multilateral cooperation will be carried out to address either challenges requiring broad international efforts, such as the dimension and complexity of systems biology in plants and micro-organisms, or to address global challenges and EU international commitments (security and safety of food and drinking water, global spread of animal diseases, equitable use of biodiversity, the restoration of world fisheries to Maximum Sustainable Yield by 2015 and the influence of/on climate change). | Furthermore, multilateral cooperation will be carried out to address either challenges requiring broad international efforts, such as the dimension and complexity of systems biology in plants and micro-organisms, or to address global challenges and EU international commitments (security and safety of food and drinking water, global spread of animal diseases, equitable use of biodiversity, the restoration, in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, of world fisheries to Maximum Sustainable Yield by 2015 and the influence of/on climate change). |

Amendment 73

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Objective"

Improve the competitiveness of European industry and enable Europe to master and shape the future developments of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) so that the demands of its society and economy are met. Activities will strengthen Europe's scientific and technology base and ensure its global leadership in ICT, help drive and stimulate innovation through ICT use and ensure that ICT progress is rapidly transformed into benefits for Europe's citizens, businesses, industry and governments. | Improve the competitiveness of European industry and enable Europe to master and shape the future developments of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) so that the demands of its society and economy are met. Activities will strengthen Europe's scientific and technology base and ensure its global leadership in ICT, help drive and stimulate innovation through ICT use and ensure that ICT progress is rapidly transformed into benefits for all Europe's citizens, and in particular older people and people threatened by social exclusion, such as disabled persons and those for whom access to ICT is difficult, businesses, industry and governments. Narrowing the digital divide and reducing information exclusion will be priority objectives for these activities. |

Amendment 74

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Introduction", paragraph 1

Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a unique, proven role in fostering innovation, creativity and competitiveness of all industry and service sectors. They are essential for addressing key societal challenges and modernising public services and they underpin progress in all science and technology fields. Europe must therefore master and shape the future developments of ICT and ensure that ICT-based services and products are taken up and used to deliver the maximum possible benefits for citizens and businesses. | Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a unique, proven role in fostering innovation, creativity and competitiveness of all industry and service sectors. ICT can also play an important part in disseminating know-how, knowledge and research results and ensuring access thereto. They are essential for addressing key societal challenges and modernising public services and they underpin progress in all science and technology fields. They help to improve and diversify access to information and should foster active citizen participation. Europe must therefore encourage the future developments of ICT in the direction of openness and inclusivity and ensure that interoperable and reliable ICT-based services and products are taken up and used to deliver the maximum possible benefits for citizens and businesses. |

Amendment 75

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Introduction", paragraph 4

The ICT theme prioritises strategic research around key technology pillars, ensures end-to-end integration of technologies and provides the knowledge and the means to develop a wide range of innovative ICT applications. The activities will leverage industrial and technological advance in the ICT sector and improve the competitive edge of important ICT-intensive sectors — both through innovative high-value ICT-based products and services and from improvements of organisational processes in businesses and administrations alike. The theme will also support other policies of the European Union, by mobilising ICT to meet public and societal demands. | The ICT theme prioritises strategic research around key technology pillars, ensures full integration of ICTs and provides the knowledge and the means to develop a wide range of innovative ICT applications. The activities will leverage industrial and technological advance in the ICT sector and improve the competitive edge of important ICT-intensive sectors — both through innovative high-value ICT-based products and services and from new or improved organisational processes in businesses and administrations alike. The theme will also support other policies of the European Union, by mobilising ICT to meet public and societal demands such as health or environmental protection. |

Amendment 76

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Introduction", paragraph 5

Activities will cover collaboration and networking actions, support to Joint Technology Initiatives — including selected aspects of research in the areas of Nanoelectronics Technologies and Embedded Computing Systems — and national programme coordination initiatives — including in the area of Ambient Assisted Living. The priorities of the activities will include topics relying, among other sources, on the work of European Technology Platforms. Thematic synergies will also be developed with related activities in other Specific Programmes. | Activities will cover collaboration and networking actions, and could support Joint Technology Initiatives and national programme coordination initiatives (including nanotechnology, embedded systems and Ambient Assisted Living). The priorities of the activities will include topics relying, among other sources, on the work of European Technology Platforms. Thematic synergies will also be developed with related activities in other Specific Programmes. Maximum synergy and complementarity will also be sought with other Community programmes and initiatives, in particular with the Structural Funds, the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme, the i-2010 initiative and the Member States' national and regional ICT-related programmes. |

Amendment 77

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("ICT Technology Pillars"), indent 1

—Nano-electronics, photonics and integrated micro/nano-systems: process, device and design technologies to improve size, density, performance, energy efficiency, manufacturing and cost-effectiveness for components, systems-on-a-chip, systems-in-a-package and integrated systems; basic photonic components for wide range of applications; high-performance/ high-density data storage systems; very large area/ highly integrated display solutions; sensing, actuating, vision and imaging devices; ultra low power systems, alternative energy sources/storage; heterogeneous technologies/ systems integration; multi-functional integrated micronano-bio-info systems; large-area electronics; integration in different materials/objects; interfacing with living organisms; (self-)assembly of molecules or atoms into stable structures. | —Nano-electronics, photonics and integrated micro/nano-systems: process, device, design and testing technologies and methodologies to improve size, density, performance, energy efficiency, manufacturing and cost-effectiveness of components, systems-on-a-chip, systems-in-a-package and integrated systems; advanced wireless components and sub-systems; basic photonic components to generate, manipulate and detect light for a wide range of applications including ultra fast components; RF systems; highperformance/ high-density data storage systems; very large area and/or highly integrated flexible display solutions; sensing, actuating, vision and imaging devices; ultra low power systems, alternative energy sources/storage; heterogeneous technologies/systems integration; smart systems; multifunctional integrated micro-nano-bio-info systems; largearea electronics; integration in different materials/objects; interfacing with living organisms; (self-)assembly of molecules or atoms into stable structures. |

Amendment 78

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("ICT Technology Pillars"), indent 2

—Ubiquitous and unlimited capacity communication networks: cost-effective mobile and broadband network technologies and systems including terrestrial and satellite networks; convergence of different fixed, mobile, wireless and broadcasting networks spanning from the personal area to the regional and global area; interoperability of wired and wireless communications services and applications, management of networked resources, service reconfigurability; complex networking of ad-hoc intelligent multimedia devices, sensors and microchips. | —Ubiquitous and large capacity communication networks: reconfigurable and flexible mobile and broadband network technologies systems and architectures including terrestrial and satellite networks; convergence of different fixed, mobile, wireless and broadcasting networks and services spanning from the personal area to the regional and global area; service-distribution infrastructure and architectures, interoperability of wired and wireless communications services and applications, management of networked resources (including efficiency and quality of services (QoS)), service reconfigurability; complex networking of ad-hoc intelligent multimedia devices, sensors and microchips. |

Amendment 79

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("ICT Technology Pillars"), indent 3

—Embedded systems, computing and control: more powerful, secure, distributed, reliable and efficient hardware/software systems that can perceive, control and adapt to their environment while optimising the use of resources; methods and tools for system modelling, design and engineering to master complexity; open composable architectures and scalefree platforms, middleware and distributed operating systems to enable truly seamless collaborative and ambient intelligent environments for sensing, actuation, computing, communication, storage, and service delivery; computing architectures incorporating heterogeneous, networked and reconfigurable components including compilation, programming and run-time support; control of large-scale, distributed, uncertain systems. | —Embedded systems, computing and control: more powerful, secure, distributed, reliable and efficient hardware/software systems that can perceive, control and adapt to their environment while optimising the use of resources; methods and tools for system modelling, analysis, design, engineering and validation to master complexity; open composable architectures and scale-free platforms, middleware and distributed operating systems to enable truly seamless collaborative and ambient intelligent environments for sensing, actuation, computing, communication, storage, and service delivery; computing architectures incorporating heterogeneous, networked and reconfigurable components including compilation, programming and run-time support; control of large-scale, distributed, uncertain systems, high-performance computing (hardware and software). |

Amendment 80

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("ICT Technology Pillars"), indent 4

—Software, Grids, security and dependability: technologies, tools and methods for dynamic and trusted software, architectures and middleware systems that underpin knowledgeintensive services, including their provision as utilities; service- oriented, interoperable and scale-free infrastructures, grid-like virtualisation of resources, network-centric operating systems; open platforms and collaborative approaches for development of software, services and systems; composition tools; mastering emergent behaviours of complex systems; improving dependability and resilience of large-scale, distributed and intermittently connected systems and services; secure and trusted systems and services, including privacy-aware access control and authentication, dynamic security and trust policies, dependability and trust metamodels. | —Software, Grids, service-distribution architecture, security and dependability: technologies, tools and methods for developing and validating high-quality dynamic and trusted software, architectures and middleware systems that underpin knowledge-intensive services, including their provision as utilities and for high-quality distribution services and technologies, tools and methods for development and validation; service-oriented, interoperable and scalefree infrastructures, grid-like virtualisation of resources, including domain-specific platforms, network-centric operating systems; open source software; open platforms and collaborative approaches for development and validation of software including free, libre and open source software, services and systems; composition tools including programming languages; mastering emergent behaviours of complex systems; improving dependability and resilience of large-scale, distributed and intermittently connected systems and services; secure and trusted systems and services, including privacy-aware access control and authentication, dynamic security and trust policies, dependability and trust meta-models; introduction of software models in industry. |

Amendment 81

Annex I, "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("ICT Technology Pillars"), indent 5

—Knowledge, cognitive and learning systems: methods and techniques to acquire and interpret, represent and personalise, navigate and retrieve, share and deliver knowledge, recognizing the semantic relationships in content for use by humans and machines; artificial systems that perceive, interpret and evaluate information and that can cooperate, act autonomously and learn; theories and experiments that move beyond incremental advances benefiting from insights into natural cognition, in particular learning and memory, also for the purpose of advancing systems for human learning. | —Knowledge, cognitive and learning systems: methods and techniques to acquire and interpret, represent and personalise, navigate and retrieve, share and deliver knowledge, recognizing the semantic relationships in content for use by humans and machines, with distributed knowledge management; artificial systems that perceive, interpret and evaluate information and that can cooperate, act autonomously and learn; theories and experiments that move beyond incremental advances benefiting from insights into natural cognition, in particular learning and memory, also for the purpose of advancing systems for human learning. |

Amendment 82

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("ICT Technology Pillars"), indent 6

—Simulation, visualisation, interaction and mixed realities: tools for modelling, simulation, visualisation, interaction, virtual, augmented and mixed reality and their integration in end-to-end environments; tools for innovative design and for creativity in products, services and digital audiovisual media; more natural, intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces and new ways to interact with technology, machines, devices and other artefacts; multilingual and automatic machine translation systems. | —Simulation, visualisation, interaction and mixed realities: tools for modelling, simulation, visualisation, interaction, virtual, augmented and mixed reality and their integration in end-to-end environments; tools for innovative design and for creativity in products, services and digital audiovisual media; more natural, intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces and new ways to interact with technology, machines, devices and other artefacts; language technology including multilingual and automatic machine translation systems. |

Amendment 83

Annex I, Part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 1 ("ICT Technology Pillars"), indent 6a (new)

| —Mobile systems: the transition towards fourth generation mobile systems and beyond, and related breakthrough technologies in digital transmissions and antennas. |

Amendment 84

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 2 ("Integration of Technologies"), indent 2

—Home environments: communication, monitoring, control and assistance of the home, buildings and public spaces; seamless interoperability and use of all devices taking account of cost efficiency, affordability and usability; new services and new forms of interactive digital content and services; access to information and management of knowledge. | —Home environments: communication, monitoring, control and assistance of the home, buildings and public spaces; seamless interoperability and use of all devices taking account of cost efficiency, affordability, usability and safety; new services (including ones relating to entertainment) and new forms of interactive digital content and services; access to information and management of knowledge. |

Amendment 85

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 1, sub-indent 1

—for health: personal non-obtrusive systems that enable citizens to manage their well-being such as wearable or implantable monitoring devices and autonomous systems for supporting a healthy state; emerging techniques such as molecular imaging for improved prevention and individualised medicine; health knowledge discovery and application in clinical practice; modelling and simulation of organ functions; micro- and nano-robotic devices for minimally invasive surgical and therapeutic applications; | —for health: personal non-obtrusive systems that enable citizens to manage their well-being such as wearable or implantable monitoring devices with communication capabilities and autonomous systems for supporting a healthy state; emerging techniques such as molecular imaging for improved prevention and individualised medicine; health knowledge discovery and application in clinical practice; modelling and simulation of organ functions; micro- and nano-robotic devices for minimally invasive surgical and therapeutic applications; remote assistance and remote monitoring technologies for the chronically ill and for elderly people; computer aided detection and clinical decision support systems that lead to more reliable diagnosis and an improved workflow, eventually leading to disease specific expert systems taking an integral carecycle approach, and exploiting accumulated patient data, and model based disease knowledge through data mining, bioinformatics, and systems biology; enterprise IT systems leading to increased efficiency and reduced medical error in the hospital and in secondary care facilities; |

Amendment 86

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 1, sub indent 2

—for governments: use of ICT in an interdisciplinary approach in public administrations combined with organisational change and new skills in order to deliver innovative, citizen-centric services for all; advanced ICT based research and solutions to improve democratic and participatory processes and the performance and quality of public sector services, interaction with and between administrations and governments, and support legislative and policy development processes in all stages of democracy; | —for governments: use of ICT in an interdisciplinary approach in public administrations combined with organisational change, re-engineering processes and new skills in order to deliver innovative, citizen-centric services for all; advanced ICT based research and solutions to improve democratic and participatory processes (including e-democracy) and the performance and quality of public sector services, interaction with and between administrations and governments, and support legislative and policy development processes in all stages of democracy; |

Amendment 87

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 1, sub indent 3

—for inclusion: to empower individuals and their communities and improve equal participation of all citizens in the information society, while preventing digital divides due to disability, low skills, poverty, geographic isolation, culture, gender or age, inter alia through support to assistive technology, promoting independent living, increasing e-skills, and developing products and services designed-for-all; | —for inclusion: to empower individuals and their communities and improve equal participation of all citizens in the information society, while preventing digital divides due to disability, low skills, poverty, geographic isolation, culture, gender or age, inter alia through support to assistive technology, promoting independent living (e.g. through home healthcare technologies and services), increasing e-skills, and developing products and services designed-for-all; |

Amendment 88

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 1, subindent 4

—for mobility: integrated ICT-based safety systems for vehicles based on open, secure and dependable architectures and interfaces; interoperable cooperative systems for transport efficiency and safety, based on communication between vehicles and with the transport infrastructure and integrating accurate and robust location technologies; personalised, location-aware info-mobility and multi-modal services, including intelligent service solutions for tourism; | —for mobility: integrated ICT-based safety systems for vehicles based on open, secure and dependable architectures and interfaces; interoperable cooperative systems for efficient, safe and environment-friendly transport, based on communication between vehicles and with the transport infrastructure and integrating accurate and robust location and navigation technologies; personalised, location-aware info-mobility and multi-modal services, including intelligent service solutions for tourism; |

Amendment 89

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 1, sub indent 5a (new)

| —for culture: transfer of ICT solutions to deploy the economic potential in the cultural field (including cultural heritage, regional development, tourism) and promote employment in these areas; partnerships between public organisations (at local, regional and national level) and private organisations (in particular, SMEs) will be considered. |

Amendment 90

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 1a (new)

| —new business models for ICT: conceiving and defining new business models for ICT by working jointly with those themes where ICT will play a fundamental role in changing the approach to production and services (e.g. transport, health, energy, environment). The projects originated through this joint research should be tested in specific situations. The joint efforts should be supported through the cross-thematic approach mentioned in Annex 1. |

Amendment 91

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 2, subindent 1

—novel forms of interactive, non-linear and self-adaptive content; creativity and enriched user-experience; cross-media content customisation and delivery; combining all-digital content production and management with emerging semantic technologies; user-oriented use, access to and creation of content; | —novel forms of interactive, non-linear and self-adaptive content, including for entertainment and for design purposes; creativity and enriched user-experience; cross-media content customisation and delivery; combining all-digital content production and management with emerging semantic technologies; user-oriented use, access to and creation of content; |

Amendment 92

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 2, subindent 2a (new)

| —protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, including human habitat: technologies for the environmentally sound and sustainable management of the human environment, including the built environment, urban areas and landscape, as well as for the protection, conservation and optimal use and integration of the cultural heritage, including environmental impact assessment, models and tools for risk evaluation, advanced and non-destructive techniques for damage diagnosis, new products and methodologies for restoration, mitigation and adaptation strategies for the sustainable management of both movable and immovable cultural assets; |

Amendment 93

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 2, subindent 3

—intelligent services for access to cultural heritage in digital form; tools for communities to create new cultural memory based on living heritage; methods and tools for preservation of digital content; making digital objects usable by future users whilst keeping authenticity and integrity of their original creation and context of use. | —intelligent services for accessing and promoting culture (including the cultural heritage, regional development and tourism); tools for communities to collect and preserve their cultural memories based on living heritage; methods and tools for preservation and diversification of digital content; making digital objects usable by future users whilst keeping authenticity and integrity of their original creation and context of use. |

Amendment 94

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 3, subindent 1

—dynamic, network-oriented business systems for product and service creation and delivery; decentralised control and management of intelligent items; digital business ecosystems, in particular software solutions adaptable to the needs of small- and medium-sized organisations; collaboration services for distributed workspaces; augmented group presence, group management and sharing support; | —dynamic, network-oriented business systems for product and service creation and delivery; decentralised control and management of intelligent items; digital business ecosystems, in particular software solutions adaptable to the needs of small- and medium-sized organisations; collaboration services for distributed context-aware workspaces; augmented group presence, group management and sharing support; knowledge sharing and interactive services; |

Amendment 95

Annex I, part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 3, subindent 2

—manufacturing: networked intelligent controls for high-precision manufacturing and low-resource utilisation; wireless automation and logistics for rapid plant reconfiguration; integrated environments for modelling, simulation, presentation and virtual production; manufacturing technologies for miniaturised ICT systems and for systems interwoven with all kinds of materials and objects. | —manufacturing, including traditional industry: networked intelligent controls for high-precision manufacturing and low-resource utilisation; wireless automation and logistics for rapid plant reconfiguration; integrated environments for modelling, simulation, optimisation, presentation and virtual production; manufacturing technologies for miniaturised ICT systems and for systems interwoven with all kinds of materials and objects. |

Amendment 96

Annex I, Part "Themes", section 3 ("Information and Communication Technologies"), subsection "Activities", heading 3 ("Applications Research"), indent 2a (new)

| —Real-time monitoring of business management and performanc