No C 160/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 1. 7. 85 
8 (a) (ii) (reference to scientific literature) in Article 1 of the Commission proposal. The Committee feels that 8 
(a) (iii) concerning a 10-year embargo on utilization will go some way to improving the protection of research. 
The future of the European pharmaceutical industry depends on its research capacity compared with its 
American and Japanese competitors. 
This research is laden with risks, takes 10 to 12 years and when it is finished: 
— the product is either patented and the innovator has only eight years to try to cover his considerable research 
costs (50 to 100 million ECU), whereas the normal period is 20 years from the filing of the patent, 
— or is not patented or not patentable - which could often be the case in biotechnology. The company 
making such an investment must be able to enjoy exclusive marketing rights for a certain period. This is 
what the Commission is proposing by imposing a waiting period on the second applicant unless the 
innovator gives his consent. 
The solution is certainly reasonable bearing in mind the great value of the dossier submitted to the authorities. 
It cannot be handed over free for an imitator to profit from, otherwise all research in Europe would come to an 
immediate halt. 
As regards the monopoly which could result, this is the normal system for patents, except its duration. 
Furthermore, the applicant for authorization is subject to Community competition rules and relevant national 
legislation. 
It should be added that the Committee endorses all measures designed to reduce the risk of addiction.' 
Voting 
For: 45. Against: 58. Abstentions: 9. 
Opinion on priorities for Community research initiatives: the next revision of the framework 
programme for Community scientific and technological activities 
(85/C 160/09) 
On 28 February 1984, the Economic and Social Committee, acting under the fourth paragraph of 
Article 20 of its Rules of Procedure, decided to draw up an opinion on the abovementioned 
matter. 
The Section for Energy and Nuclear Questions, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's 
work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 8 March 1985, in the light of the report by 
Mr Roseingrave. 
At its 225th plenary session (meeting of 27 March 1985), the Economic and Social Committee 
unanimously adopted the following opinion: 
1. Introduction 
1.1. A Council resolution of 25 July 1983 approved the 
scientific and technical objectives of the framework 
programme for Community research, development and 
demonstration activities (1984 to 1987). The Council 
confirmed its agreement on the need to increase Community 
spending on RD & D but did no more than take 'note of the 
financial indications relating to the objectives to be 
attained.' 1.2. The proposed overall financial indications for the 
framework programme (3,7 billion ECU) were therefore not 
approved and have still not been aproved. 
1.3. The political will which would give effect to the 
Research Council's recognition of the priority which RD & D 
should occupy at the European level has been significantly 
absent. This mainly because of the uncertainty of some 
Member States concerning the place which they wish to 
accord to RD & D. 
1. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 160/23 
1.4. Despite the lack of political vision and the will to 
approve the finances required to realize the ambitions set out 
- in the framework programme, the Commission has through 
persistent work nevertheless obtained certain financial 
provisions to allow a start to be made. In the absence of an 
overall financial provision, this leads to a more or less 
fragmentary allocation of resources to a series of ad hoc 
programmes. 
1.5. Failure to approve financial indications for the 
framework programme makes the development of a coherent 
scientific and technical strategy for RD & D a difficult, if not 
an unrealistic, task. When, for example, a specific 
programme with specific expenditure is proposed, and when 
overall financial indications for the framework programme 
have not been approved, it is not possible to know what 
proportion of the total budget is being allocated to the 
proposed specific programme. In these circumstances, it is 
also not possible to know whether the research strategy 
approved in principle in the framework programme is being 
followed. For these reasons the Committee considers it of 
paramount importance that the Council approve financial 
indications for the framework programme. 
1.6. The Economic and Social Committee approved the 
framework programme in its opinion of 1 June 1983( l). The 
central aim of the present opinion is: 
— to influence the 1985 revision of the framework 
programme, 
— to influence ad hoc decisions" on R D & D 
programmes. 
1.7. This opinion should be taken in conjunction with 
current and recent Committee work, notably opinions 
regarding: 
(a) the Community's shared-cost research programmes 
(to be adopted); 
(b) stimulating European cooperation and scientific and 
technical interchange - Plan (1985 to 1988) (2); 
(c) promoting the utilization of the results of 
Community-sponsored research and development (3). 
2. Research priorities - Strategy 
2.1. Direction 
2.1.1. The Community must draw up a genuine common 
strategy in order to: 
— maintain its position in the scientific and technological 
world 
— improve its competitivity by closing the gap which has 
developed in some fields of technology between it and the 
major economic blocks of the USA and Japan. 
(M OJ No C 211, 8. 8. 1983, p. 32. 
(2) OJ No C 343, 24. 12. 1984, p. 12. 
(3) OJ No C 23, 30. 1. 1984, p. 14. 2.1.2. Community strategy and organization should 
be 'a la mode europeenne'. Europe has distinctive 
advantages, specific problems and its own socio-cultural 
environment, which must be taken into account if 
Community-wide plans for R D & D are to have an 
optimum prospect for successful realization. 
2.1.3. Community strategy should pay particular 
attention to: 
(a) the support of cross-national relationships to enhance 
the common foundation of European research in the 
new technologies; 
(b) the fostering of research on high-risk projects which are 
unlikely to be undertaken or to be viable at the level of 
individual Member States; 
(c) identifying foci for R D & D and encouraging the 
growth of centres of excellence; 
(d) the use of R D & D as a strategic tool for societal 
development. 
2.1.4. Planning of Community RD & D requires a clear 
set of criteria. The role of the Commission in fostering an 
enhanced basis for R D & D - linkage, cooperation, 
mobility and coordination - should be strengthened. 
2.2. Coordination 
2.2.1. The Community's RD & D programme acquires 
particular importance as a strategic instrument of the 
Community. The sums spent by the Community on RD & D 
are small by comparison with the corresponding expenditure 
of Member States. The Community cannot therefore involve 
itself in all areas of RD & D. The Committee supports the 
approach adopted in the framework programme - in 
particular that the Community should not take on what the 
Member States can do more successfully and cost-
effectively. 
2.2.2. The efficient management of Community RD & D 
and coordination of Member States' RD & D are clearly a 
mater of the utmost importance. The relationship between 
Community-sponsored RD & D and RD & D undertaken by 
Member States and industrial concerns requires study and 
clarification. 
2.2.3. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the 
Council has approved the Commission proposals for 
structures and procedures for the management and 
coordination of Community RD & D activities and hopes 
that its views as expressed in its opinion (4) will be given due 
attention in the implementation of the procedures. 
(4) OJ No C 341, 19. 12. 1983, p. 51. 
No C 160/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 1. 7. 85 
2.2.4. An effective Community RD & D strategy requires 
a higher quality and quantity of information than is at 
present available. 
2.2.5. Two-way communication between the 
Commission and Research Councils, agencies and 
individuals in the Member States is very important and is 
difficult to achieve. Small research centres, in particular, 
require a long lead-time if they are to participate effectively in 
Community RD & D. 
2.2.6. There is considerable potential in informatics and 
telecommunications technology for the exchange of scientific 
information and dissemination of the results of Community 
RD & D and even more importantly for the utilization of the 
results *in less-favoured regions. 
2.2.7. The Committee, while recognizing the positive 
contribution which setting up a databank could make, is also 
conscious of high cost, technical difficulties and the long 
set-up time required. 
For these reasons the Committee supports: 
— the development of the information exchange system 
which comes under the ESPRIT programme. The 
Committee would recommend that its use be extended in 
the future to areas other than information technology, 
— the proposed information and documentation system 
that the Commission intends to set up as part of the 
stimulation plan in the form of interconnected local data 
bases giving information on research work and 
cooperation opportunities. This project is related to the 
resolution made at the Conference of European Research 
Ministers held under the auspices of the Council of 
Europe (Paris, 17 September 1984). 
2.3.Utilization 
2.3.1. RD & D has a crucial role to play in preventing the 
technological dependence of the Community on its major 
economic competitors. While European spending on RD & 
D, including the spending of both the Communitiy and the 
Member States, is comparable on a GDP basis with that of 
the USA and Japan, the lead-time in the application and 
commercialization of the results is much longer in Europe. In 
the interest of maintaining competitivity with these major 
trading blocks, it is, therefore, essential for the Community 
to bring the results of RD & D much more quickly to market 
commercialization than is at present the case. The political 
will to cooperate and a genuine willigness to share the results of RD & D across national boundaries are vital to the 
Community RD & D effort. 
2.3.2. On the utilization of the results of RD & D, the 
Committee reiterates its views as stated in its opinion (1) on 
the Commission communication to the Council and to the 
European Parliament on promoting the utilization of the 
results of Community-sponsored RD & D. 
2.3.3. The Committee has already commented that there 
has at times been a failure to exploit efficiently the high level 
of basic research achievement in the Community. Particular 
attention should be devoted to the rapid commercialization 
of the results of Community RD & D. Obstacles in the way of 
a European patent should be given urgent attention. Equally, 
urgent attention should also be given to the need for the 
harmonization of standards. 
2.3.4. The horizontal activity to promote more efficient 
and quicker utilization of the results of Community RD & D 
deserves more resources. The postponement of the complete 
commitment of the resources envisaged in the framework 
programme (1984 to 1987) is unfortunate and should be 
redressed as soon as possible. 
2.4. Aims 
2.4.1. Community RD &C D should also be essentially 
concerned with the likely impact on European society of the 
results of research and development (both national and 
Community). The introduction of new technologies can lead 
to the creation of employment provided that traditional 
industries can be restructured and effective use made of high 
technology,'particularly in the area of small and medium as 
well as cooperative businesses. It is also true to say that at a 
time of unacceptably high unemployment, technological 
advances as at present utilized may tend to reduce the amount 
of manpower needed to maintain production levels, if the 
market does not expand. 
2.4.2. The need to achieve competitivity with the US and 
Japan must not become an overriding priority. For example, 
the consequences for employment and European industrial 
society, even if Europe were successful in catching up with its 
competitors, deserve attention. Europe should learn from 
others' experience and avoid mistakes made elsewhere. 
2.4.3. The impact of technology on working conditions is 
certainly not limited to health and safety. This is recognized 
in the Commission communication to the Council 
concerning technological change and social adjustment, 
(>) OJ No C 23, 30. 1. 1984, p. 14. 
1. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 160/25 
upon which the Committee has recently issued an 
opinion (J). Clearly, technological developments can involve 
social changes and the consequential social adjustment. But 
any possible implication that they are given and-that society 
must adjust to them is undesirable. 
2.4.4. Much greater research is urgently required into the 
significant factors affecting the introduction of new 
technologies in the work place so as to ensure introduction in 
forms which are socially and humanely acceptable. 
2.4.5. A clear deficiency in the direction of Community 
RD & D is the tendency not to devote sufficient attention and 
resources to studies concerned with social aspects of life and 
work. The Committee again draws attention to its comments 
on this in recent opinions, notably in the foreword of the 
opinion on the proposals for a framework programme (2), 
the opinion on the proposal for a Council Decision adopting 
an experimental Community action to stimulate the efficacy 
of the European Economic Community's scientific and 
technical potential (3) and the opinion on stimulating 
european cooperation and scientific and technical 
interchange - Plan (1985 to 1988) (4). In the latter opinion, 
the Committee, in referring to the eight fields the 
Commission put forward, by way of illustration, as 
deserving particular attention in the stimulation plan, 
regretted the omission of the social sciences. It called on the 
Commission to draw up without delay a specific research 
programme for the social sciences. 
2.4.6. The development of scenarios of what alternative 
policies would imply for Europe is an urgent requirement. 
The Committee should have a major input into the 
development of these scenarios. 
3. Research priorities - Content 
General 
3.1. The seven Community goals and the horizontal 
activities of the framework programme (1984 to 1987) 
remain appropriate for 1985 to 1987. In this part of its 
opinion the Committee: 
(a) draws attention to aspects of each of the seven goals to 
which high priority should be attached in the selection of 
programmes; 
(b) highlights missing elements which should be included in 
the 1985 revision. 
3.2. The promotion of agricultural and industrial 
competitiveness is centrally important to the Community and 
(') OJ No C 307, 19. 11. 1984, p. 4. 
(2) OJNoC211, 8. 8. 1983. 
(3) OJ No C 90, 5. 4. 1983, p. 4. 
(4) OJ No C 343, 24. 12. 1984, p. 12. should receive high priority in Community RD & D. In this 
promotion there should be a better balance in the objectives 
of RD & D between: 
(a) the search for new accelerated methods of production 
aimed inter alia at not losing the market (but which tend 
to create unemployment), and 
(b) the search for new products and services to satisfy new 
needs (which maintain and create employment). 
In Europe the need to be more competitive has led to a search 
for excellence in production methods in order to promote 
growth and productivity. The Committee supports the 
conclusions of FAST I that a better balance between products 
and processes should be emphasized. Moreover, given the 
present preference for new accelerated processes of 
production rather than new products and services, Europe 
must avoid going up a blind alley whereby we would be 
applying scarce research resources to production processes in 
fields in which our competitors already have an almost 
unassailable lead. Europe should look for a balance in the 
application of new technologies to achieve both improved 
productivity through better processes and the preservation of 
existing jobs and job creation through new products and 
services to satisfy new needs. 
3.3. Goal 1: promoting agricultural competitiveness 
3.3.1. The Committee regrets that insufficient 
implementation prospects for agricultural RD & D have led 
to a reduction in its share of expenditure from 3,5 % in the 
framework programme proposal to 1,8 % in the immediate 
future. It is hoped that efforts will be made to redress the 
position as soon as possible, with emphasis on new products 
for new markets and to meet new needs. Particular emphasis 
should be placed on making a contribution to the resolution 
of the problem of agricultural surpluses. 
3.3.2. The decision to postpone the introduction of a 
Community programme on technology and science of 
foodstuffs is unfortunate. 
3.3.3. A higher priority ought to be assigned to RD & D 
in land use (e.g. the long-term effect of the intensive 
application of agro-chemicals, and the problems associated 
with the consequential exhaustion of the soil); to RD & D in 
forestry (e.g. biomass from short-rotation forestry); to 
No C 160/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 1. 7. 85 
RD &D in the field of veterinary science (e.g. problems 
connected with disease transmitted by imports and exports of 
breedingstock and feedingstuffs). Apart from the intrinsic 
value of such research, it can have implications for the reform 
of the common agricultural policy. 
3.3.4. A fisheries RD & D programme is urgently needed 
as a logical consequence to the Community's recently 
approved policy on fishing. 
3.3.5. These initiatives should yield results of importance 
to the peripheral areas of the Community (and so help to 
reduce the economic and social disparities between the 
regions of the Community). They could also make possible a 
major contribution to developing countries. 
3.4. Goal 2: promoting industrial competitiveness 
3.4.1. The relatively advantageous position of the 
Community in basic research in biotechnology should be 
built on. 
3.4.2. The current approach to the application of the 
results of pre-competitive research appears to favour large 
companies to the disadvantage of SMEs. Studies should be 
made to facilitate access by SMEs to the results of 
pre-competitive research in a form in which it can be utilized 
by them. 
3.4.3. Improving the competitive position in relation to 
the US and Japan is an essential objective of Community RD 
& D policy. The Committee asks whether the Community is 
budgeting excessively on RD & D programmes for beyond 
the year 2000. Instead, more of the scarce RD & D resources 
should be allocated to programmes to maintain and develop 
those industries that are currently competitive. 
3.4.4. A study is required on the need to establish a 
Community political and legal framework for 
telecommunications which could be of considerable 
importance to industrial competitiveness. 
3.5. Goal 3: improving the management of raw materials 
3.5.1. The Community depends heavily on imports from 
third countries for its raw materials' supplies (minerals, 
timber and 'tropic products', which perhaps should also be 
mentioned in this connection). These raw material supplies 
are of vital importance for the Community's economy and 
prosperity. 
3.5.2. Therefore, the framework programme quite 
rightly lists the improvement of management of raw 
materials as one of the seven goals of the Community's RD 
& D research policy. Nevertheless, it would seem that only 
limited importance has been attached to this matter, especially if the funds set aside under the framework 
programme are taken as a yardstick (80 million ECU for 
1984 to 1987, which amounts to only 2,1 % of the total, and 
only nine million ECU or scarcely 1 % of the total in the 1985 
draft budget). This contrasts sharply with the enormous 
importance which has been attached for a number of years 
now to ensuring a good supply of energy. 
3.5.3. The Committee thinks that considerably more 
importance should be attached in the years ahead to this vital 
matter and to the research topics listed in the framework 
programme. In particular, more emphasis should be placed 
on 'recycling' and 'substitution technology'. 
3.6. Goal 4: improving the management of energy 
resources 
3.6.1. The Committee welcomes the fact that the 
Community nuclear energy programme is concentrating 
more and more on safety questions. 
3.6.2. The enormous energy potential of thermonuclear 
fusion and the results already obtained in Europe warrant 
continuation of major long-term expenditure by the 
Community. 
3.6.3. In the short and medium term, renewable energy 
sources will be able to cover only a very small proportion of 
the energy requirements of the Community. Because they can 
make a significant contribution to meeting local needs, 
especially in less-favoured areas, financial provision should 
be made to continue RD & D even if it is on a reduced 
scale. 
3.6.4. It is increasingly clear how seriously energy 
production and utilization are damaging the environment. 
The Committee's Section for Energy and Nuclear Questions 
is at present compiling an information report on this subject. 
RD & D work, particularly on the production and utilization 
of fossil energy sources with minimum emission of 
pollutants, must be carried out in order to curb the 
ever-increasing damage to the environment. 
3.6.5. The Committee recognizes that, for historical 
reasons, RD & D on energy represents a large proportion of 
total Community RD & D spending. The Committee 
applauds the recent reduction in the percentage of total 
Community RD & D accounted for by energy. In 1982, 
energy RD & D accounted for 66 % of total Community RD 
& D. The framework programme proposed a reduction to 
about 47 % of the total and the Commission communication 
on research priorities sent to the Council in May 1984 
proposes energy programmes which account for slightly less 
than 47% of total research (45,9%). 
1. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 160/27 
3.6.6. The Committee believes that this trend should be 
continued. It suggests that the Community goal of improving 
the management of energy resources occupy no more than 
40 % of total RD 8c D in the Commission's proposal for the 
1985 revision of the framework programme. 
3.6.7. The Committee is of the opinion that the reduction 
to 40 % should be achieved by increased spending on other 
research areas rather than by cutting the budget for energy 
RD & D. This would be in line with repeated declarations on 
the part of the Council which underline the importance of RD 
& D to the Community. However, whatever decisions are 
taken concerning the total resources for RD & D, the 
Committee recommends a 40 % guideline for energy as a 
percentage of total RD & D. 
3.7. Goal 5: reinforcing development aid 
3.7.1. The present Community policy in development aid 
is to concentrate on food, agriculture and health assistance. 
Small additional resources committed to agricultural and 
food RD & D could make possible effective intervention in 
anticipation of a crisis situation in the developing 
countries. 
3.7.2. Emphasis on the introduction of high technology 
into the process of production in high-income countries has 
possibly left the merits of appropriate technology for 
developing countries insufficiently appreciated. New 
high-technology approaches may be of less value than 
intermediate and more manageable technologies. The aim 
should be to introduce technology which is finely attuned to 
the social and economic climate and to environmental 
conditions in developing countries. 
3.8. Goal 6: improving living and working conditions 
3.8.1. Within this extremely wide field only two scientific 
and technical objectives were selected in the framework 
programme 1984 to 1987: 
(a) improvement of safety and protection of health; 
(b) protection of the environment (and prevention of 
hazards). 
In the 1985 revision, the goal of improving living and 
working conditions should be made operational in a much 
broader way than in the framework programme 1984 to 
1987. 
3.8.2. The Committee regrets that the relatively limited 
resources assigned to the improvement of safety and 
protection of health were the subject of a proposal for 
postponement in May 1984. 
3.8.3. The Committee advocates that particular 
attention be paid to industrial and transport risk assessment 
and ways in which such risk can be minimized. 3.8.4. Environmental protection is of vital importance. A 
given technological process, if not properly monitored; could 
have a disastrous and irreversible effect on the forces of 
nature, which could in turn jeopardize our very existence. 
3.8.5. The programmes of the European Foundation for 
Living and Working Conditions (Dublin) and Cedefop 
(Berlin) should form an important part of Community 
RD & D. The Committee understands that major 
reprogramming is under way in these centres and hopes to 
have an opportunity later to give an opinion on the 
programmes. 
3.9. Goal 7: improving the effectiveness of the 
Community's scientific and technical potential 
3.9.1. Action is needed to encourage the development of 
a European researchers' community. In this context the 
Committee draw attention to its opinion on the Commission 
proposal for scientific and technical interchange (J). 
3.9.2. More and better measures to stimulate mobility of 
researchers are urgently needed. 
3.9.3. Incentives to young researchers to be mobile are 
unlikely to be successful without parallel measures to 
increase linkage and mutual understanding at the level of 
senior researchers and administrators. 
3.9.4. Related to mobility, though independent, are 
cooperation, linkage and network relationships between 
research institutes, universities and researchers of Member 
States and measures to encourage these should be given a 
high priority in the allocation of RD & D resources. 
3.10. Horizontal activities 
3.10.1. The Committee has already commented 
favourably on the horizontal activity FAST (2). 
The second FAST programme (1984 to 1987) promises well. 
It is unfortunate that financial constraints appear to have 
delayed its development very considerably. This is serious for 
the planned schedule of the programme and may also effect 
the researchers in Member States who made their plans on 
the basis of the schedule. 
3.10.2. The Committee urges the adoption of the 
programme on the utilization of RD & D results on which it 
(1) OJ No C 343, 24. 12. 1984, p. 12. 
(2) OJNoC211, 8. 8. 1983, p. 9. 
No C 160/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 1. 7. 85 
has already given an opinion and to which reference has been 
made in 2.3.2 above. 
3.10.3. More study is required in Europe on the use and 
effects of information technology which, as pointed out in 
FAST and ESPRIT, has the potential to increase and improve 
the quality of information and participation both in industry 
and in society. This is a potential which could remain 
unrealized and indeed information technology might be used 
to the detriment of privacy, independence and 
participation. 
3.10.4. The horizontal activity in relation to training, 
awards and courses should be planned so as to meet existing 
needs and anticipate emerging needs, for example in 
biotechnology. 
3.10.5. The horizontal activity 'Ongoing evaluation of 
RD & D results and their use' is extremely important and 
urgent. Not only should there be evaluation of the results and 
their use, there should be continual assessment of the 
organization and management of Community RD & D. 
4. Conclusion 
4.1. The Committee considers that the scientific and 
technical proposals for Europe described in the framework 
programme provide the basis for an essential European 
RD 8c D strategy. While recognizing that progress has been 
made towards the realization of the goals of the programme, 
the Committee nevertheless considers it of paramount 
importance for the development of a coherent strategy that 
the Council approve financial indications for the framework 
programme without delay. 4.2. The Committee emphasizes the need for the 
development of an effective European researchers' 
community. 
4.3. The resolution of the apparent tension between the 
aims of improving competitivity and maintaining and 
creating employment is a central challenge facing the 
European Communities. 
4.4. There is a contradiction between achieving these 
dual aims on the one hand and on the other the proportion of 
resources which the current framework programme proposes 
to allocate to the attainment of long-term objectives - the 
results of which cannot become available until well into the 
first decades of the 2000s. 
This presents the Community with a difficult decision in 
setting priorities for the allocation of resources for RD & D. 
The problem is to achieve long-term but necessary goals and 
at the same time to meet the more immediate and urgent need 
in a time of structural transformation and technological and 
social change. It is an invidious but inevitable choice when 
resources are scarce. 
4.5. In these circumstances the Committee believes that a 
maximum of 40 % of total RD & D resources should be 
devoted to energy management. This target should be 
reached preferably by the allocation of additional resources 
for expenditure in other areas. In the absence of more 
resources it must be reached by reducing R D & D 
expenditure on energy management. The resources thus 
made available should be used to promote the immediate 
priorities identified and set down in the body of this 
opinion. 
4.6. The following table summarizes the Committee's 
suggestions for the financial indications for the 1985 revision 
of the framework programme. 
1. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 160/29 
FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME 
FINANCIAL INDICATIONS BY OBJECTIVES 
1. Promoting agricultural competitiveness 
— developing agricultural productivity and improving 
products: 
— agriculture 
— fisheries 
2. Promoting industrial competitiveness 
— removing and reducing barriers 
— new techniques and products for the traditional 
industries 
— new technologies 
3. Improving the management of raw materials 
4. Improving the management of energy sources 
— developing nuclear fission energy 
— controlled thermonuclear fusion 
— developing renewable energy sources 
— rational use of energy 
5. Stepping up development aid 
6. Improving living and working conditions 
— improving safety and protecting health 
— protecting the environment 
7. Improving the effectiveness of the Community's scientific 
and technical potential 
Horizontal action Commission proposal 
(1984 to 1987)0 
Million ECU (2) 
130 
115 
15 
1 060 
30 
50 
680 
80 
1770 
460 
480 
310 
520 
150 
385 
190 
195 
85 
90 % 
3,5 
28,2 
2,1 
47,2 
4,0 
10,3 
2,3 («) 
2,5 ESC suggestion 
for 1985 revision 
% 
No change 
Significant 
increase 
Increase 
40 (3) 
No change 
Small increase 
Increase 
No change 
O See Commission proposal on the framework programme. 
O At 1982 constant values. 
O This is an indication rather than a precise percentage. See paragraph 4.5 above. 
O Corresponds to 5 % by the end of the period. 
Done at Brussels, 27 March 1985. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Gerd MUHR 
APPENDICES 
to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee 
APPENDIX I 
To assist it in its work, the Committee invited a number of guest speakers to its hearings and in this 
connection is indebted in particular to: 
Professor Ugo Lucio BUSINARO 
Director of the FIAT Delegation for Europe, Brussels 
Dr Jean-Francois MIQUEL 
Research Director and Director, 
International Relations Department of the C.N.R.S., Paris 
(National Scientific Research Centre) 
Dr Michael O'SULLIVAN 
Deputy Director, 
Agricultural Institute (An Foras Taliintais), Dublin 
Dr Cyril Stanley SMITH, MSc, PhD. 
Secretary to the Economic and Social Research Council, London 
Mr Alain STENMANS 
Secretary-General, 
Belgian Department for Scientific Policy Planning, Brussels 
No C 160/ 30 Official Journal of the European Communities 1. 7. 85 
APPENDIX II 
LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE OPINIONS ON COMMUNITY 
RESEARCH MATTERS 
PARTI 
ESC OPINIONS ON SECTORAL R&D DRAWN UP ON THE BASIS OF WORK BY THE SECTION FOR 
ENERGY AND NUCLEAR QUESTIONS 
1. New proposals concerning the revision of the mukiannual research and training programme on the JRC and 
new activities for the Petten Establishment 
(OJ No C 108, 15. 5. 1975) 
2. Programmes of research and development actions in the field of energy 
(OJNoC263, 17. 11. 1975) 
3. Memorandum from the Commission to the Council concerning the programme on radioactive waste, 
management and storage 
(OJNoC263, 17. 11. 1975) 
4. Proposed pluriannual programme of the Community for the years 1976 - 1980 in the field of controlled 
thermonuclear fusion and plasma physics 
(OJ No C 35, 16. 2. 1976) 
5. Proposal from the Commission to the Council entitled 'Biology and health protection programme - research 
programme 1976 -1980' 
(OJNoC 15,22. 1. 1976) 
6. Proposal for a mukiannual research and development programme of the European Economic Community for 
reference materials and methods 
(OJ No C 35, 16. 2. 1976) 
7. Proposal for a mukiannual research programme for the Joint Research Centre 1977- 1980 
(OJNoC278, 24. 11.1976) 
8. Proposal for a four-year period programme 1977- 1980 in the field of scientific and technical education 
(OJ No C 299, 18. 12. 1976) 
9. Proposal for a Council Decision reviewing the energy research and development programme adopted by the 
Council's Decision on 22. 8. 1975 (75/510/EEC) 
(OJ No C 56, 7. 3. 1977) 
10. Proposal for a mukiannual R&D programme in the field of primary raw materials (indirect action) 
(1978-1981) 
(OJNoC 18,23. 1. 1978) 
11. Communication from the Commission to the Council on a Community plan of action in the field of 
radioactive waste 
(OJNoC 269, 13. 11. 1978) 
12. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a programme of research and development for the European 
Atomic Energy Community on uranium exploration and uranium extraction 
(OJ No C 59, 8. 3. 1978) 
13. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a programme of research for the European Energy Community on 
safety in thermal water reactors 
(OJ No C 105, 26. 4. 1979) 
14. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a programme concerning the decommissioning of nuclear power 
plants 
(OJ No C 105, 26. 4. 1979) 
15. Proposal to extend by one year the research and development programme on plutonium recycling in 
light-water reactors - indirect action programme under the Euratom Treaty 
(OJ No C 114, 7. 5. 1979) 
1. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 160/31 
16. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a research and development programme for the European 
Economic Community in the field of reference materials and methods (Community Bureau of Reference -
BCR) and applied metrology (non-nuclear indirect action) (1979- 1982) 
(OJNoC 128,21.5. 1979) 
17. Proposal from the Commission to the Council concerning a second four-year energy research and 
development programme 
(OJ No C 133, 28. 5. 1979) 
18. Proposal for a Council Regulation for a Community aid system for intra-Community trade in power station 
coal 
(OJ No C 133, 28. 5. 1979) 
19. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a research programme for the European Atomic Energy 
Community on codes and standards for fast-breeder reactors (structural integrity of components) 
(OJ No C 128,21.5. 1979) 
20. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a research and development programme of the European Economic 
Community in the field of recycling of urban and industrial waste (secondary raw materials indirect action 
1979-1982) 
(OJ No C 128,21.5. 1979) 
21. Proposal for a research and training programme (1979 - 1983) for the European Atomic Energy Community 
in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion 
(OJNoC 171,9.7. 1979) 
22. Proposal for a second five-year programme (1980 - 1984) on radioactive waste management and storage 
(indirect action) 
(OJ No C 227, 10. 9. 1979) 
23. Proposal for a Council Decision for a research and training programme for the European Atomic Energy 
Community on the plutonium cycle and its safety 
(OJ No C 227, 10. 9. 1979) 
24. Communication from the Commission to the Council on the multiannual programme of the Joint Research 
Centre (1980-1983) 
(OJNoC 297, 28. 11.1979) 
25. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a five-year research and training programme (1980 - 1984) of the 
European Atomic Energy Community in the field of biology-health protection (radiation protection 
programme) 
(OJ No C 297, 28. 11. 1979) 
26. Proposal for a multiannual Community programme of research and development in biomolecular 
engineering 
(OJ No C 230, 8. 9. 1980) 
27. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a programme for the European Atomic Energy Community and the 
European Economic Community in the field of Scientific and technical training 
(OJNoC 300, 18. 11. 1980) 
28. Proposal for a Council Decision amending Decision 80/318/EEC of 13 March 1980 adopting a research and 
training programme (1979 - 1983) for the European Atomic Energy Community in the field of controlled 
thermonuclear fusion 
(OJNoC 331, 17. 12. 1980) 
29. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a second programme of research and development for the European 
Atomic Energy Community in the field of uranium exploration and extraction (indirect action 
1981-1984) 
(OJNoC 348, 31. 12. 1980) 
30. Machine translation system of advanced design (EEC R&D programme) 
(OJNoC 138,9. 6. 1981) 
31. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a programme of research and development in the field of science 
and technology for development 1982- 1985 
(OJ No C 77, 29. 3. 1982) 
32. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a research and development programme (1982 - 1985) in the raw, 
materials sector 
(OJ No C 64, 15. 3. 1982) 
No C 160/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 1. 7. 85 
33. Programme for a Council Decision adopting a research and training programme (1982-1986) in the field of 
controlled thermonuclear fusion 
(OJNoC348,31. 12. 1981) 
34. Proposal for a five-year research and development programme in the field of applied metrology and reference 
materials (non-nuclear indirect action) 1983 - 1987 
(OJ No C 346, 31. 12. 1982) 
35. Proposal for a revision in the year 1983 of the multiannual research programme (1980 - 1983) of the Joint 
Research Centre 
(OJ No C 326, 13. 12. 1982) 
36. Research action programme on the development of nuclear fission energy (1984 - 1987); 
Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a research programme on reactor safety (1984- 1987); 
Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a programme of research on the decommissioning of nuclear 
installations 
(OJNoC23,30. 1. 1984) 
37. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a research programme to be implemented by the Joint Research 
Centre for the European Atomic Energy Community and for the EEC (1984 -1987) 
• (OJ No C 341, 19. 12. 1983) 
38. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting the second stage (January 1984 - March 1986) of the multiannual 
research and training programme for the European Economic Community in the field of biomolecular 
engineering 
(OJNoC341, 19. 12. 1983) 
39. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a research and development programme in the field of non-nuclear 
energy (1983-1987) 
(OJNoC341, 19.12.1983) 
40. Communication from the Commission to the Council: energy and energy research in the Community: 
a five-year programme of action and its financing 
(OJNoC23,30. 1. 1984) 
41. Proposal for a Council Decision on the adoption of a programme of assistance for the development of 
indigenous scientific and technical research capacities in the developing countries (1984- 1987) 
(OJ No C 35, 9. 2. 1984) 
42. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a multiannual research and training programme for the European 
Atomic Energy Community in the field of radiation protection (1985 - 1989) 
(OJNoC23,30. 1. 1984) 
43. Communication from the Commission to the Council concerning the Community's role as regards the safety 
of nuclear installations and the protection of public health 
(OJ No C 140, 28. 5. 1984) 
44. Proposal for a Council Decision amending Decision 82/402/EEC adopting a research and development 
programme (1982-1985) in the raw materials sector 
(OJNoC23,30. 1. 1984) 
45. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a programme on the management and storage of radioactive waste 
(1985-1989) 
(OJNoC343,24. 12. 1984) 
46. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a research and development programme for the optimization of the 
production and utilization of hydrocarbons 1984- 1987 
(OJ No C 25, 28. 1. 1985) 
47. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a research and training programme (1985-1989) in the field of 
controlled thermonuclear fusion 
(OJNoC25, 28. 1. 1985) 
PART II 
ESC OPINIONS ON THE GLOBAL ASPECTS OF R & D DRAWN UP ON THE BASIS OF WORK BY THE 
SECTION FOR ENERGY AND NUCLEAR QUESTIONS 
1. Study of the objectives and priorities for a common research and development policy (25. 5. 1976) 
2. The common policy in the field of science and technology 
(OJ No C 59, 8. 3. 1978) 
1. 7. 85 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 160/33 
3. Objectives and priorities for a common research and development policy (study) (16. 1. 1982) (plenary 
session, of 27 and 28 January 1982) 
4. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting an experimental community action to stimulate the efficacy of the 
EEC's scientific and technical potential 
(OJ No C 90, 5. 4. 1983) 
5. Research programme (1983 - 1987) forecasting and assessment in science and technology (FAST) 
(OJNoC211,8.8. 1983) 
6. Proposals for a European scientific and technical strategy: framework programme 1984- 1987 
(OJNoC211, 8.8. 1983) 
7. Communication from the Commission to the Council on structures and procedures for the common policy in 
the field of science and technology 
(OJ No C 341, 19. 12. 1983) 
8. Proposal for a Council Decision on the framework programme for community scientific and technical 
activities (1984-1987) 
(OJNoC211,8. 8. 1983) 
9. Communication from the Commission to the Council on promoting the utilization of the results of 
Community-sponsored R&D 
(OJNoC23, 30. 1. 1984) 
10. Priorities for Community research initiative: the next revision of the framework programme for Community 
scientific and technological activities 
(to be adopted) 
11. Information report on the subject of shared-cost research programmes: how the Community can get the best 
return for its money and effort 
(to be adopted) 
12. Stimulating European cooperation and scientific and technical interchange - plan 1985- 1988 
(OJ No C 343, 24. 12. 1984) 
PART III 
ESC OPINIONS RELATING TO R & D DRAWN UP ON THE BASIS OF WORK BY SECTIONS OTHER 
THAN THE SECTION FOR ENERGY AND NUCLEAR QUESTIONS 
1. Research and development in the field of paper and board recycling (indirect action) (amendment to Decision 
78/384/EEC) (based on work by the Section for Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services) 
(OJ No C 331, 17. 12. 1980) 
2. Sectoral research and development programme in the field of the environment (environmental protection and 
climatology) (indirect and concerted action) 1981 - 1985 (based on work by the Section for Protection of the 
Environment, Public Health and Consumer Affairs) 
(OJ No C 353, 31. 12. 1980) 
3. Sectoral research and development programme in the field of medical and public health research - concerted 
action - (1982 - 1986) (based on work by the Section for Protection of the Environment, Public Health and 
Consumer Affairs) 
(OJ No C 64, 15. 3. 1982) 
4. Muliannual programme (1979-1983) in the field of data processing (amending Council Decision 
79/783/EEC) (based on work by the Section for Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services) 
(OJNoC346, 31. 12. 1982) 
5. Community research and development programme in the field of information technologies (plenary session 
of 24 and 25 November 1982) 
(OJNoC346, 31. 12. 1982) 
6. Joint research programmes and programmes for coordinating agricultural research (based on work by the 
Section for Agriculture) 
(OJNoC211, 8. 8. 1983) 
7. Adoption of the first European strategic programme for research and development in information 
technologies (ESPRIT) (based on work by the Section for Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services) 
(OJNoC341, 19. 12. 1983) 
No C 160/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 1. 7. 85 
8. Multiannual research and development programmes in the fields of basic technological research and the 
applications of new technologies (based on work by the Section for Industry, Commerce, Crafts and 
Services) 
(OJNoC358,31. 12. 1983) 
9. Sectoral research and development programme in the field of the environment (environmental protection and 
climatology) - indirect and concerted action - 1981 - 1985 (based on work by the Section for Protection of 
the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Affairs) 
(OJ No C 57, 29. 2. 1984) 
10. Draft Commission Regulation concerning the application of Article 85 (3) of the Treaty to categories of 
agreements relating to research and development (based on work by the Section for Industry, Commerce, 
Crafts and Services) 
(OJ No C 206, 6. 8. 1984) 
11. Application of Article 85 (3) of the Treaty to certain categories of patent licensing agreements (based on work 
by the Section for Industry, Commerce, Crafts and Services) 
(OJNoC248, 17.9. 1984)