A4-0183/96

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision adapting for the second time Decision No 1110/94/EC concerning the fourth framework programme of activities in the field of research, technological development and demonstration (1994-1998), as adapted by Decision .../96/EC (COM(96)0012 - C4-0092/96 - 96/0034(COD))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 4a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the Commission has adopted White Papers on 'Growth, competitiveness, employment'1 and on education and training2, and a Green Paper on innovation3,

1 OJ C 20, 24.1.1994, p. 9.

2 COM(95)0590.

3 COM(95)0688.

(Amendment 2)

Recital 5

>Original text>

Whereas the increase in the fourth framework programme must respect the development of the financial perspective of the European Union;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the decision of ..... to revise the financial perspective has released additional financial resources which the budgetary authority will be able to use in the context of the annual budgetary procedure;

(Amendment 3)

Recital 7

>Original text>

Whereas the discussions by the research industry task forces created by the Commission help to define the research priorities more clearly, in consultation with industry, including SMEs, and users; whereas this leads to better coordination and targeting of the work carried out and the means available throughout the Union; whereas the objective is to create and environment favourable for innovation;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, in order to examine the opportunities for closer cooperation in specific areas of research and development, the Commission is setting up a limited number of task forces in the form of pilot projects which help to define the research priorities more clearly, in consultation with industry, including SMEs, and users; whereas this leads to better coordination and targeting of the work carried out and the means available throughout the Union; whereas the objective is to create and environment favourable for innovation;

(Amendment 4)

Recital 8

>Original text>

Whereas it is appropriate to implement research, technological development and demonstration projects (hereinafter referred to as RTD activities) on themes of importance to the Community which correspond to urgent needs, taking account of the rapid pace of technological progress, and which will contribute to improving the competitiveness of industry and increasing employment in the Community; whereas those themes cover aeronautics, automobile RTD, multimedia educational software, transport intermodality, environmental RTD, life sciences, trains and railway systems of the future and maritime systems;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas it is appropriate to implement research, technological development and demonstration projects (hereinafter referred to as RTD activities) on themes of importance to the Community which correspond to urgent needs, taking account of the rapid pace of technological progress, and which will contribute to improving the competitiveness of industry, increasing employment and protecting and safeguarding the natural foundations of life and public health in the Community; whereas a contribution is also to be made to solving specific problems of international significance and affecting the Community; whereas each of the proposed programmes contains specific measures for implementation of the framework programme; whereas this Decision does not prejudge individual consideration of each of the projects referred to on the basis of the detailed proposals to be implemented by the Commission in accordance with Article 130i of the Treaty; whereas those themes cover aeronautics, multimedia educational software, water management in connection, inter alia, with renewable energy sources;

(Amendment 5)

Recital 8a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas in view of the approaching end of the ECSC Treaty it is appropriate to absorb the research activities carried out under that Treaty into the Framework Programme;

(Amendment 6)

Recital 8b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the increase in the total appropriation and the setting up of new operational units necessitates a review of the Commission's administrative systems with a view to more efficient management of the programmes;

(Amendment 7)

Recital 9

>Original text>

Whereas, in order to attain the scientific and technical objectives of those projects, the implementation of the framework programme through the specific programmes concerned should lead to greater cooperation and coordination with regard to the activities in the first area of activity of the fourth framework programme (1994 to 1998) and a reinforcement of some of them; whereas, for this reinforcement to reach the critical mass which will permit a better integration of existing areas and to be effective, it is appropriate to focus efforts on the five priority themes covering aeronautics, automobile RTD, educational multimedia, transport intermodality and interoperability, and environmental RTD, in particular water;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, in order to attain the scientific and technical objectives of those projects, the implementation of the framework programme through the specific programmes concerned should lead to greater cooperation and coordination with regard to the activities in the first area of activity of the fourth framework programme (1994 to 1998) and a reinforcement of some of them; whereas, for this reinforcement to reach the critical mass which will permit a better integration of existing areas and to be effective, it is appropriate to focus efforts on the three priority themes covering aeronautics (including space RTD), educational multimedia, and environment (especially water and energy management);

(Amendment 8)

Recital 9a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, in addition, a working group will be set up to investigate and evaluate the dissemination of research and development results under the various Union programmes, including the task forces themselves, measures under the Fourth framework programme, other specific research projects and structural support from the various Funds; whereas the aim of this task force will be to make new technologies more accessible and more readily available and to achieve closer cooperation between the innovation programme and other specific programmes and the Commission's horizontal policies to disseminate results; whereas this will involve, inter alia, measures relating to the negotiation of contracts for RTD projects, dissemination plans and networks, documentation on new technologies and conditions for their use, efforts to bring together those taking part in and those funding projects, and inter-programme coordination;

(Amendment 9)

Sole Article

>Original text>

1. Decision No 1110/94/EC, as adapted by European Parliament and Council Decision ../96/EC of ... 1996 is hereby amended as follows:

>Text following EP vote>

1. Decision No 1110/94/EC, as adapted by European Parliament and Council Decision ../96/EC of ... 1996 is hereby amended as follows:

>Original text>

- Article 1(3) shall be replaced by:

'The maximum overall amount for Community participation in the fourth framework programme shall be ECU 12 359 million.¨

>Text following EP vote>

- Article 1(3) shall be replaced by:

'The maximum overall amount for Community participation in the fourth framework programme shall be ECU 12 369 million. A portion of these appropriations not exceeding ECU 700 million may be entered in the budget for the year following the completion of the programme. The additional resources made available by Decision (......) shall not be released until the Commission has fulfilled its commitment to submit to the European Parliament and the Council a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of implementation of the Fourth framework programme.

The additional resources made available by Decision (......) shall be used exclusively for research and development and shall not entail any nominal increase in current staff and administrative costs.¨

>Text following EP vote>

- Article 4(1), first subparagraph, shall be replaced by:

The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor the progress of the fourth framework programme as regards the criteria set out in Annex II, which include that of contributing to the economic and social cohesion of the Community, and the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex III. It shall examine in particular whether the objectives, priorities and financial resources are still appropriate to the changing situation. By 30 September 1996 it shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an appraisal stating whether - and, if so, which - financial resources allocated to the specific research programmes are to be switched and giving the reasons therefor, while ensuring that the total budget is not exceeded. The areas covered by the priority themes shall not be taken into account in this context. In addition, it shall, if necessary, make proposals to adapt or supplement the framework programme according to the results of the assessment made pursuant to the first sentence.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall examine all current research carried out under the ECSC Treaty. By 30 September 1996 it shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council the results of this review, together with proposals for the inclusion of the research into the Framework Programme together with an adjustment of financial resources."

>Text following EP vote>

- A new Article 4a with the following wording shall be inserted:

>Text following EP vote>

'An annual European prize (René Descartes Prize) shall be introduced for outstanding research undertaken in a research project forming part of the framework programme. It shall be awarded by a body consisting of particularly worthy figures in research and science, who shall be appointed by European scientific organizations. The prize shall be endowed with a fixed sum. The Commission shall immediately submit a proposal setting out the details.¨

>Original text>

2. Annex I shall be replaced by Annex I to this Decision.

>Text following EP vote>

2. Annex I shall be replaced by Annex I to this Decision.

>Original text>

3. Annex III entitled 'Scientific and technological objectives¨ shall be supplemented by Annex II to this Decision.

>Text following EP vote>

3. Annex III entitled 'Scientific and technological objectives¨ shall be supplemented by Annex II to this Decision.

>Text following EP vote>

3a. As a result of Annex IIa to this Decision an Annex IIIa giving an indicative breakdown of resources allocated to priority themes shall be inserted.

(Amendment 65)

ANNEX I

Text proposed by the Commission

>Original text>

All Activities

>Text following EP vote>

ECU million

(current prices)

>Original text>

First activity (Research, technological development and demonstration programmes)

Second activity (Cooperation with third countries and international organizations)

Third activity (Dissemination and optimization of results)

Fourth activity (Stimulation of the training and mobility of researchers)

>Text following EP vote>

10 6151 2

600

3523 4

792

>Original text>

MAXIMUM OVERALL AMOUNT

>Text following EP vote>

12 3595

>Original text>

Indicative breakdown of the themes and subjects in the first activity ECU million

>Original text>

(current prices)

>Original text>

A.

>Text following EP vote>

Information and communication technologies 3 826

>Text following EP vote>

1. Telematics Applications 1 048

>Text following EP vote>

2. Communications technologies 671

>Text following EP vote>

3. Information technologies 2 107

>Original text>

B.

>Text following EP vote>

Industrial technologies 2 315

>Text following EP vote>

4. Industrial and material technologies 1 998

>Text following EP vote>

5. Measurements and testing 317

>Original text>

C.

>Text following EP vote>

Environment6 1 190

>Text following EP vote>

6. Environment and climate 947

>Text following EP vote>

7. Marine sciences and technologies 243

>Original text>

D.

>Text following EP vote>

Life sciences and technologies 1 679

>Text following EP vote>

8. Biotechnology 588

>Text following EP vote>

9. Biomedicine and health 358

>Text following EP vote>

10. Agriculture and fisheries (including agro-industries, food 733

>Text following EP vote>

technologies, forestry, aquaculture and rural development)

>Original text>

E.

>Text following EP vote>

11. Non-nuclear energy 1 132

>Original text>

F.

>Text following EP vote>

12. Transport 326

>Original text>

G.

>Text following EP vote>

13. Targeted socio-economic research 147

>Original text>

10 6151 2

>Original text>

1

>Text following EP vote>

Of which ECU 639 million for the operational budget of the JRC.

>Original text>

2

>Text following EP vote>

Of which ECU 96 million for programmed scientific and technical support activities suited to a competitive approach.

>Original text>

3

>Text following EP vote>

Apart from the funds allocated to the third activity, an average of 1% of the total budget of the fourth framework programme will be allocated to dissemination and optimization of results in the framework of the first activity. Close coordination of dissemination and optimization activities carried out under the specific programmes of the first activity with those carried out under the third activity will be ensured.

>Original text>

4

>Text following EP vote>

Of which ECU 40 million for ad hoc scientific and technical support to other Community policies which will be allocated on a competitive basis.

>Original text>

5

>Text following EP vote>

The amounts of the framework programme for research and training for the European Atomic Energy Community (1994 to 1998) are adjusted along with this programme and raised to a total of ECU 1 441 million, taking the total for Community RTD activity to ECU 13 800 million.

>Original text>

6

>Text following EP vote>

Environment-related research projects will also be conducted within several other lines of the first activity, in particular in the fields of industrial technologies, energy and transport.

>Original text>

Amendment by Parliament

>Original text>

All Activities

>Text following EP vote>

ECU million

(current prices)

>Original text>

First activity (Research, technological development and demonstration programmes)

Second activity (Cooperation with third countries and international organizations)

Third activity (Dissemination and optimization of results)

Fourth activity (Stimulation of the training and mobility of researchers)

>Text following EP vote>

10 5701 2

615

3923 4

792

>Original text>

MAXIMUM OVERALL AMOUNT

>Text following EP vote>

12 3695

>Original text>

Indicative breakdown of the themes and subjects in the first activity ECU million

>Original text>

(current prices)

>Original text>

A.Information and communication technologies 3 801

>Text following EP vote>

1. Telematics Applications 1 013

>Text following EP vote>

2. Communications technologies 671

>Text following EP vote>

3. Information technologies 2 117

>Original text>

B.

>Text following EP vote>

Industrial technologies 2 305

>Text following EP vote>

4. Industrial and material technologies 1 983

>Text following EP vote>

5. Measurements and testing 322

>Original text>

C.

>Text following EP vote>

Environment6 1 210

>Text following EP vote>

6. Environment and climate 967

>Text following EP vote>

7. Marine sciences and technologies 243

>Original text>

D.

>Text following EP vote>

Life sciences and technologies 1 709

>Text following EP vote>

8. Biotechnology 5986a

>Text following EP vote>

9. Biomedicine and health 3786a

>Text following EP vote>

10. Agriculture and fisheries (including agro-industries, food 733

>Text following EP vote>

technologies, forestry, aquaculture and rural development)

>Original text>

E.

>Text following EP vote>

11. Non-nuclear energy 1 122

>Original text>

F.

>Text following EP vote>

12. Transport 276

>Original text>

G.

>Text following EP vote>

13. Targeted socio-economic research 147 6b

>Original text>

10 5701 2

>Original text>

1

>Text following EP vote>

Of which ECU 639 million for the operational budget of the JRC.

>Original text>

2

>Text following EP vote>

Of which ECU 96 million for programmed scientific and technical support activities suited to a competitive approach.

>Original text>

3

>Text following EP vote>

Apart from the funds allocated to the third activity, an average of 1% of the total budget of the fourth framework programme will be allocated to dissemination and optimization of results in the framework of the first activity. Close coordination of dissemination and optimization activities carried out under the specific programmes of the first activity with those carried out under the third activity will be ensured.

>Original text>

4

>Text following EP vote>

Of which ECU 40 million for ad hoc scientific and technical support to other Community policies which will be allocated on a competitive basis.

>Original text>

5

>Text following EP vote>

The amounts of the framework programme for research and training for the European Atomic Energy Community (1994 to 1998) are adjusted along with this programme and raised to a total of ECU 1 441 million, taking the total for Community RTD activity to ECU 13 800 million.

>Original text>

6

>Text following EP vote>

Environment-related research projects will also be conducted within several other lines of the first activity, in particular in the fields of industrial technologies, energy and transport.

>Original text>

6a

>Text following EP vote>

Including in particular projects on research into old age (biomedecine) and vaccines and viral diseases.

>Original text>

6a

>Text following EP vote>

Part of the appropriations to be earmarked for learning and training projects using multimedia techniques.

(Amendment 11)

ANNEX II (i), SECOND PARAGRAPH, INTRODUCTION

>Original text>

This approach will be put into effect by means of two distinct and complementary modalities:

>Text following EP vote>

This approach is designed to combine similar themes processed by different directorates-general of the Commission and to guide them towards a specific objective, with the forging of links between research, development and introduction into the market facilitated. It will be put into effect by means of two distinct and complementary modalities:

(Amendment 12)

ANNEX II (ii) PRIORITY THEMES, FIRST PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

European industry suffers several important disadvantages in comparison to its powerful competitors. Despite the promising development of the single market, European research and industry remain fragmented as a result of economic, cultural and institutional differences between Member States. There is a need to develop an integrated, operational approach so that research, development and demonstration activities - at EU and national level - effectively respond to market and policy requirements and thereby support industrial competitiveness and economic performance. Such cooperation should stimulate synergy at all levels of the supply chain, and promote research leading to the establishment of uniform standards.

>Text following EP vote>

European industry suffers several important disadvantages in comparison to its powerful competitors. Despite the promising development of the single market, European research and industry remain fragmented as a result of economic, cultural and institutional differences between Member States. There is a need to develop an integrated, operational approach so that research, development and demonstration activities - at EU and national level - effectively respond to market and policy requirements and thereby support improvement of environmental conditions, industrial competitiveness and economic performance. Such cooperation should stimulate synergy at all levels of the supply chain, and promote research leading to the establishment of uniform standards.

(Amendment 14)

Annex II (ii), AERONAUTICS, SECOND PARAGRAPH a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Major priority will be given to research and development in the field of earth observation satellites and, in particular, to financial support of at least ECU 20 million for the planned SPOT-Vegetation 2 satellite.

(Amendment 15)

ANNEX II (ii), EDUCATIONAL MULTIMEDIA, FIRST PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

Education and training systems in Europe are facing a triple challenge: to prepare European citizens to take a full part in the Information Society; to meet the educational and training needs of a growing diversity of learners, ranging from school-leavers to specialised categories such as disabled people and learners in rural communities; and to improve cost and pedagogic effectiveness, because this increased and diversified demand cannot be matched with additional resources.

>Text following EP vote>

Education and training systems in Europe are facing a triple challenge: to promote equal opportunities by meeting the educational and training needs of a growing diversity of learners, ranging from school-leavers to specialized categories such as disabled people and learners in rural and outlying communities; to improve the cost and pedagogic effectiveness of the resources employed; and to train citizens to master the new information technologies.

(Amendment 61)

ANNEX II (ii), EDUCATIONAL MULTIMEDIA, LAST PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

To cope with these industrial and societal challenges, educational multimedia Community research has an insufficient budget at its disposal. It must be reinforced to allow the European industry to develop and validate the multimedia systems, services and contents of the future. The latter will have to be competitive worldwide, take into account the cultural and linguistic diversity of Europe and answer the needs of teachers, trainers and learners. These activities should be integrated into the global information society context through the validation and demonstration of new multimedia applications in other geographical areas, in particular with a view to strengthening the cooperation with developing countries.

>Text following EP vote>

To cope with these industrial and societal challenges, educational multimedia Community research has an insufficient budget at its disposal. It must be reinforced to allow the European industry to develop and validate the multimedia systems, services and contents of the future. The latter will have to be competitive worldwide, take into account the cultural and linguistic diversity of Europe and answer the needs of teachers, trainers and learners. In this context, particular attention will be paid to the language problem arising from Europe's linguistic diversity and to the problems faced by the elderly and the disabled. These activities should be integrated into the global information society context through the validation and demonstration of new multimedia applications in other geographical areas, in particular with a view to strengthening the cooperation with developing countries.

(Amendment 17)

ANNEX II (ii), AUTOMOBILE RTD ACTIVITIES

>Text following EP vote>

Delete this section

(Amendment 63)

ANNEX II (ii), TRANSPORT INTEROPERABILITY AND INTERMODALITY

>Text following EP vote>

move this section of (ii) to the end of (ii) with the new title:

SPECIAL PROJECT:

Transport interoperability and intermodality

(Amendment 19)

ANNEX II (ii), LIFE SCIENCES: VACCINES AND VIRAL DISEASES

>Text following EP vote>

Delete this section

(Amendment 20)

ANNEX II (ii), TRAIN AND RAILWAY SYSTEMS OF THE FUTURE

>Text following EP vote>

Delete this section

(Amendment 21)

ANNEX II (ii), MARITIME SYSTEMS OF THE FUTURE

>Text following EP vote>

Delete this section

(Amendment 22)

ANNEX II(ii), new final section

>Text following EP vote>

SPECIAL PROJECT

'Mine Location and Destruction'

Each year exploding land mines kill or injure some 30 000 people. Some types of mine are specifically designed to maim people. Particularly affected are civil war areas in the former Yugoslavia and the third world, for example. From 1945 to 1995, over 100 million mines were laid in 64 countries. About 2 million mines are added each year. It is estimated that, throughout the whole world, 150 000 million mines are held in stock. As a result of large-scale mine-laying, agriculture is badly affected, primarily in areas particularly hard hit by civil wars. In 1994 only about 100 000 mines were cleared worldwide.

>Text following EP vote>

Although a ban on the manufacture and distribution of land mines is urgently needed, existing mines still have to be cleared and destroyed.

>Text following EP vote>

The remote sensing of mines (detection and identification) by means of a multi- sensor system combining a microwave sensor, an advanced metal detector and an infra-red sensor, and their destruction, for example with laser beams, can make a significant contribution to the rapid clearance of mines in a way which is safe for man and is also economic. For this, however, a number of research projects are needed. The findings of research under laboratory conditions are promising, but realistic field tests now have to be carried out.

>Text following EP vote>

The JRC can make a major contribution in this respect by coordinating an integrated project for the development of a new mine detection system to be financed by means of specific information technology, industrial technologies and environment programmes. Research work in this field will also assist the policy on the conversion of armaments plants.

(Amendment 23)

ANNEX II (iii)

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall revise the text of point (iii) taking into account the decision of the European Parliament on the number and content of priority themes described in point (ii).

(Amendment 24)

ANNEX II (iv)

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall revise the text of point (iv) taking into account the decision of the European Parliament on the number and content of priority themes described in point (ii).

(Amendment 25)

ANNEX II (iv), FIRST PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

To respond to priority themes the following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentration: robust electronic sensors, processors and packaging for optimized vehicle and emissions management and integrated open systems architectures; tools for information exchange and concurrent engineering within the aeronautics industry supply network; innovative generic tools and platforms for education and training; technologies to facilitate design, production and quality control of multimedia materials for professionals; Maris research activities such as Marvel; distributed industrial logistics for the railway supply industry

>Text following EP vote>

To respond to priority themes the following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentration: robust electronic sensors, processors and packaging for optimized vehicle and emissions management and integrated open systems architectures; tools for information exchange and concurrent engineering within the aeronautics industry supply network; innovative generic tools and platforms for education and training; technologies to facilitate design, production and quality control of multimedia materials for professionals; Maris research activities such as Marvel; distributed industrial logistics for the railway supply industry; a new multi-sensor system for the detection, identification and destruction of land mines.

(Amendment 26)

ANNEX II (iv), SECOND PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

The following specific activities will be reinforced: design and development of vehicle electronic controly systems; software research on a system approach for functional or physical integration of components, networks and business processes to improve co-design activities with component suppliers. Demonstration of processes and IT tolls to support distributed concurrent engineering and greater aircraft efficiency; enhancement of multimedia support centres to address educational multimedia, interoperability of learning delivery systems and platforms.

>Text following EP vote>

The following specific activities will be reinforced: design and development of vehicle electronic controly systems; software research on a system approach for functional or physical integration of components, networks and business processes to improve co-design activities with component suppliers. Demonstration of processes and IT tolls to support distributed concurrent engineering and greater aircraft efficiency; enhancement of multimedia support centres to address educational multimedia, interoperability of learning delivery systems and platforms; a new multi-sensor system for the detection, identification and destruction of land mines.

(Amendment 27)

ANNEX II (v), FIRST PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

To respond to priority themes the following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentrating: improvements in industrial performance of water-related public utilities, conservation of water in industrial processes and adaptation of water technologies to the needs of small operators

>Text following EP vote>

To respond to priority themes the following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentrating: improvements in industrial performance of water-related public utilities, conservation of water in industrial processes and adaptation of water technologies to the needs of small operators, location and destruction of land mines.

(Amendment 28)

ANNEX II (v), SECOND PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

The following specific activities will be reinforced: research and demonstration in clean technologies for treatment, re-use and conservation of water and for preventing the diffusion of pollution; research for extending the application of desalination technolgies.'

>Text following EP vote>

The following specific activities will be reinforced: research and demonstration in clean technologies for treatment, re-use and conservation of water and for preventing the diffusion of pollution; research for extending the application of desalination technolgies; location and destruction of land mines.¨

(Amendment 29)

ANNEX II (vi)

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall revise the text of point (vi) taking into account the decision of the European Parliament on the number and content of priority themes described in point (ii).

(Amendment 30)

ANNEX II (viii), SECOND PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

The following specific activities will be reinforced: demonstration of models to predict the impact of aircraft atmospheric emissions; strategic research on quantitative and qualitative evaluation of water resources, utilisation/pollution impact analysis methods, exploitation limits of existing and new water sources; models and tools for sustainable water management and water-related crisis management (floods, drought); development and application of space remote sensing techniques.

>Text following EP vote>

The following specific activities will be reinforced: demonstration of models to predict the impact of aircraft atmospheric emissions; analysis of the viability of transferring water between different water basins, particularly between those in the north and the centre and those in the south; strategic research on quantitative and qualitative evaluation of water resources, utilisation/pollution impact analysis methods, exploitation limits of existing and new water sources; models and tools for sustainable water management and water-related crisis management (floods, drought); development and application of space remote sensing techniques.

(Amendment 31)

ANNEX II (ix), FIRST PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

In response to priority themes the following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentration: water-related environmental technologies: pollution prevention and decontamination.

>Text following EP vote>

In response to priority themes the following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentration: water-related environmental technologies: pollution prevention and decontamination; research and demonstration projects for the detection, identification and destruction of land mines.

(Amendment 32)

ANNEX II (ix), FIRST PARAGRAPH a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

For the coordination and scientific strategic monitoring of the Water Task Force a Euro-Mediterranean Centre for New Energy Technologies (EMINENT) will be established, a suitable seat being Seville, where the IPTS is already located on the Expo '92 site, in cooperation with the Almeria and Tarifa solar research centres and other Mediterranean institutes.

(Amendment 33)

ANNEX II (ix), SECOND PARAGRAPH

>Original text>

The following specific activities will be reinforced: research on pollution mechanisms and characterisation in soils, sediments and aquifers, and on related decontamination technologies.

>Text following EP vote>

The following specific activities will be reinforced: research on pollution mechanisms and characterisation in soils, sediments and aquifers, and on related decontamination technologies; new technologies for the processing and re-use of waste and the treatment of by-products; research and demonstration projects for the detection, identification and destruction of land mines.

(Amendment 35)

ANNEX II (xii)

>Original text>

In response to priority themes the following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentration: transdisease vaccinology: mucosal immunity and delivery systems.

>Text following EP vote>

The following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentration: transdisease vaccinology: mucosal immunity and delivery systems, 'cell factory', in vitro test systems and diagnosis. ECU 5m will be earmarked exclusively for research into BSE (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy) and work on its transmission and its consequences for humans.

(Amendment 36)

ANNEX II (xv)

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall revise the text of point (xv) taking into account the decision of the European Parliament on the number and content of priority themes described in point (ii).

(Amendment 37)

ANNEX II (xv), PARAGRAPH -1 (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Add after the ninth paragraph under heading 5, ENERGY:

'Particular attention will be paid to research and development relating to thin- film cells, for which ECU 10 million is provided.¨

(Amendment 38)

ANNEX II (xvia) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

(xvia) Add after the fourth paragraph under heading '7. TARGETED SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH A. Assessment of scientific and technology policy options':

>Text following EP vote>

'Work in the ETAN framework is particularly intended to improve the European dialogue in science and technology and to contribute to the finding of a consensus between the scientific community, policy-makers, industry, associations and non-governmental organizations. It should be possible for practical projects in this area to be submitted in the near future to justify the financial expense.¨

(Amendment 39)

ANNEX II (xvii)

>Original text>

'In response to the priority theme educational multimedia the following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentration: innovation and quality in formal and informal education and training; investigation of cognitive and pedagogic aspects of multimedia education and training; socio- economic implications of the introduction of multimedia based learning systems.¨

>Text following EP vote>

'In response to the priority theme educational multimedia the following activities will be the subject of greater focusing and concentration: innovation and quality in formal and informal education and training; investigation of cognitive and pedagogic aspects of multimedia education and training; socio- economic, legal, and financial implications of the introduction of multimedia based learning systems.¨

(Amendment 40)

ANNEX II (xxia) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

(xxia) Add after the third indent under the heading 'Third activity' in point A 'Dissemination and exploitation of research results':

>Text following EP vote>

- establishing a methodology, through cooperation between all the departments responsible for the dissemination and exploitation of RTD results, in both horizontal and vertical measures, for devising models for more rapid transfer of RTD results into industrial products.

>Original text>

Amendment by Parliament

(Amendment 64)

ANNEX IIa (new)

>Original text>

ANNEX IIa

>Original text>

A new annex IIIa is added to Decision 1110/94/EC:

>Original text>

Annex IIIa

>Original text>

Priority themes/Special Projects: Indicative distribution among the specific programmes

>TABLE>

>Original text>

X = additional focusing without financial increase

>Original text>

* = increase without reference to priority themes/special projects in brackets

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision adapting for the second time Decision No 1110/94/EC concerning the fourth framework programme of activities in the field of research, technological development and demonstration (1994-98), as adapted by Decision .../96/EC (COM(96)0012 - C4-0092/96 - 96/0034(COD))

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council, COM(96)0012 - 96/0034(COD) ((OJ C 115, 19.4.1996, p. 1.)),

- having regard to Article 189b(2) and Article 130i(1) and (2) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C4-0092/96),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy, the Committee on Transport and Tourism, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media (A4-0183/96),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Commission to amend its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty;

3. Calls on the Council to incorporate Parliament's amendments in the common position that it adopts in accordance with Article 189b(2) of the EC Treaty;

4. Calls on the Council to notify Parliament should it intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament and to open the conciliation procedure;

5. Points out that the Commission is required to submit to Parliament any modification it may intend to make to its proposal as amended by Parliament;

6. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.