WRITTEN QUESTION E-0593/03

by Armando Cossutta (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(28 February 2003)

Subject: VI Framework Programme

First calls for proposals for indirect RTD actions under the 6th Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities were published on 17 December 2002(1). The closure date for the priority thematic area of research Sustainable development, global change and ecosystem, (i) sustainable energy system; (ii) research activities having an impact in the medium and longer term is 18 March 2003. Today, despite more than two years available for preparation, 30 days before the closure date, the final version of the model contract is not yet available.

1. New instruments introduced in the 6th FP as Integrated Projects and Networks of Excellence imply a very large financial commitment from both the Commission and the proposal coordinator and participants; how can they prepare proposals and undertake the required commitment without the final version of the contract?

2. Is the Commission considering the opportunity of postponing the closure date in order to allow the potential participants to prepare proposals based on a clear and firm contractual framework?

3. Has the Commission identified where the responsibility lies for the unacceptable delay in making the contract model available?

(1) OJ C 315, 17.12.2002, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(31 March 2003)

The Commission regrets the delay in making available the model contract to be used for the 6th Framework Programme (6FP). An important amount of work was necessary to ensure that the text completely fulfils the objectives of the European Research Area and the interests of participants, while taking into account the protection of the financial interest of the Community. Nevertheless, numerous documents on the details relating to the nature, type, size, content and impact of the new instruments, in particular, have been available on the web site of the Commission for the 6FP since mid-2002(1). These documents describe in detail most of the aspects necessary to prepare a clear, scientifically excellent proposal within the bounds of the legal framework established by the Framework Programme and the Specific Programmes. In addition, the work programmes for the Specific Programmes, which clearly set out the research goals for the particular priorities and the instruments which they will use to implement their priorities, have been available from the time of the publication of the calls for proposals. In addition, the Rules for Participation, which establish the basic principles for the research contracts, were published in the Official Journal on 30 December 2002. In addition, a web site available to the public has been used to update, to the extent possible, the progress made on the development of the model contract(2). Also, there have been constant communications with the representatives of the Member States and Associated States on the development of the final text of the model contract.

Although some proposers may legitimately feel uncomfortable not knowing all the details of the draft model contract for research and technological development (RTD) projects prior to the submission of their proposal, it is not necessary to have the contract details in order to make an estimate of the expected costs of the proposal to be submitted. The aspects relating to cost reimbursement are primarily addressed after the positive evaluation of the proposal and are discussed in detail during the negotiation phase. There is therefore no intention to postpone the closing date for the submission of proposals because of this.

(1) http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6.

(2) http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/working-groups/model-contract/index_en.html.