Decision on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Decision concerning the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998 - 2002) (C4-0182/98 97/ 0119(COD))(Codecision procedure: second reading)
Date: 1998-06-17
Institutions: Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, European Parliament
Subjects: Adriatic Sea, EU financing, EU programme, EU research policy, Joint Research Centre, clock and watch industry, conservation of resources, ecosystem, environmental research, information policy, innovation, medical research, nuclear energy, nuclear technology, research, research and development, research expenditure (EU), research staff, retail price, scientific cooperation, small and medium-sized enterprises, technological change













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51998AP0226

Decision on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Decision concerning the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998 - 2002) (C4-0182/98 97/ 0119(COD))(Codecision procedure: second reading)  


Official Journal C 210 , 06/07/1998 P. 0131 





A4-0226/98Decision on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Decision concerning the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998 - 2002) (C4-0182/98 - 97/0119(COD))(Codecision procedure: second reading)The European Parliament,- having regard to the common position of the Council, C4-0182/98 - 97/0119(COD) ((OJ C 178, 10.6.1998, p. 49.)),- having regard to its opinion at first reading ((OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 128.)) on the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council, COM(97)0142 ((OJ C 173, 7.6.1997, p. 10.)) and the amended Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council, COM(97)0439 ((OJ C 291, 25.9.1997, p. 15.)),- having regard to the second amended Commission proposal, COM(98)0008 ((OJ C 106, 6.4.1998, p. 1.)),- having regard to Article 189b(2) of the EC Treaty,- having regard to Rule 72 of its Rules of Procedure,- having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy (A4-0226/98),1. Amends the common position as follows;2. Calls on the Commission to support Parliament's amendments in the opinion it is required to deliver pursuant to Article 189b(2)(d) of the EC Treaty;3. Calls on the Council to approve all Parliament's amendments, amend its common position accordingly and definitively adopt the act;4. Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission.(Amendment 1)Recital 23a (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>(23a) Whereas the European Parliament, as a decision-making body for future research programmes, has a responsibility to follow the progress of the Framework Programme during its implementation by the Commission;(Amendment 2)Article -1 (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>Article -1The research which receives support under the Fifth Framework Programme shall pursue the objective of optimizing scientific and technological conditions for the international competitiveness of the European Union. At the same time the quality of life of Community citizens shall be improved and the criterion of ecological sustainability shall be met.(Amendment 3)Article 1(2), 2nd subparagraph (4)>Original text>4) energy, environment and sustainable development.>Text following EP vote>4)energy, environment and sustainable development (jointly with the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for research and training activities);(Amendment 4)Article 2(1)(a)>Original text>(a) The maximum overall amount for Community partipation in the Fifth Framework Programme shall be ECU 12 740 million.Of this amount:- ECU 3 100 million is for the period 1998 to 1999;- ECU 9 640 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.>Text following EP vote>(a)The maximum overall amount for Community partipation in the Fifth Framework Programme shall be ECU 15 040 million.Of this amount:- ECU 3 760 million is for the period 1998 to 1999;- ECU 11 280 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.(Amendment 5)Article 2(1)(b)>Original text>(b) The figure of ECU 9 460 million shall be deemed to be confirmed if it is consistent with the financial perspective in force in the period 2000 to 2002. In the case of any new financial perspective in force, this condition shall be met only if:>Text following EP vote>(b)The figure of ECU 11 280 million shall be deemed to be confirmed if it is consistent with the financial perspective in force in the period 2000 to 2002. In the case of any new financial perspective in force, this condition shall be met only if:>Original text>- the financial perspective indicates the share of expenditure available for research; and- that share permits Community participation of ECU 9 640 million in the period 2000 to 2002.>Text following EP vote>- the financial perspective indicates the share of expenditure available for internal policies; and- that share permits Community participation of ECU 11 280 million in the period 2000 to 2002.(Amendment 6)Article 2(1)(c)>Original text>(c) If the figure of ECU 9 640 million is not consistent with the financial perspective in force in the period 2000 to 2002, or if there is no financial perspective in force in those years, the European Parliament and the Council shall set a new maximum overall amount, acting under the conditions provided for in the first subparagraph of Article 130i of the Treaty.>Text following EP vote>(c)If the figure of ECU 11 280 million is not consistent with the financial perspective in force in the period 2000 to 2002, or if there is no financial perspective in force in those years, the European Parliament and the Council shall, acting under the conditions provided for in the first subparagraph of Article 130i(1) of the Treaty, set a new maximum overall amount, establish the scientific and technological objectives to be achieved by the activities provided for in Article 130g of the Treaty and fix the relevant priorities, indicate the broad lines of such activities, and fix the detailed rules for Community financial participation in the Framework Programme and the respective shares in each of the activities provided for.(Amendment 7)Article 2(1)(d)>Original text>(d) The annual appropriations shall comply with the priorities set in this Decision.>Text following EP vote>Deleted(Amendment 8)Article 3(1), 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th subparagraphs (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>Responsibility for the implementation of the Fifth Framework Programme and of the specific programmes based thereon shall lie with the Commission which shall be supported in this work by committees set up in accordance with Council Decision 87/373/EEC(1),(2).Where research activities relate to more than one specific programme, coordination mechanisms shall be established.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>The agendas and complete minutes of the meetings of those committees, including the results of any votes, shall be published and notified to the European Parliament immediately, and at all events one month after the date of each meeting at the latest.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>The committees shall be linked together along subject lines, if appropriate through the establishment of task forces. In such cases the European Parliament shall be consulted.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>In addition, the Commission shall propose assessment guidelines setting out the principles to be used and the role of the experts and the Commission in selecting programmes and projects and a two-stage procedure for project assessment.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>___________(1) OJ L 197, 18.7.1987, p. 33.(2) Should Decision 87/373/EEC be amended and/or in the event of the introduction of further rules on the transparency of committee proceedings, this article and the provisions based on it in the specific programmes shall be amended accordingly.(Amendment 9)Article 3(3)>Original text>3. In the case referred to in Article 2(1)(c), the Council, acting under the conditions provided for in Article 130i(4) of the Treaty, shall adapt the amounts deemed necessary for the specific programmes, so as to ensure their consistency with the new maximum overall amount. Pending a decision by the Council, the specific programmes shall not be implemented beyond the provision in the first indent of Article 2(1)(a).>Text following EP vote>Deleted(Amendment 10)Article 5(1)>Original text>1. The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor each year, with the help of independent qualified experts, the implementation of the Fifth Framework Programme and its specific programmes in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I and the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II. It shall assess, in particular, whether the objectives, priorities and financial resources are still appropriate to the changing situation. Where appropriate, it shall submit proposals to adapt or supplement the framework programme and/or the specific programmes, taking account of the results of this assessment.>Text following EP vote>1.The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor each year, with the help of independent qualified experts, the implementation of the Fifth Framework Programme and its specific programmes in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I and the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II. It shall assess, in particular, whether the objectives, priorities and financial resources are still appropriate to the changing situation. It shall forward the complete findings of that examination to the European Parliament and to the Council, for information. Where appropriate, it shall submit proposals to adapt or supplement the framework programme and/or the specific programmes, taking account of the results of this assessment.(Amendment 11)Article 5(2)>Original text>2. Before submitting its proposal for a Sixth Framework Programme, the Commission shall have an external assessment conducted by independent highly qualified experts into the implementation and achievements of Community activities carried out during the five years preceding that assessment in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I and the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its comments, to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.>Text following EP vote>2.Before submitting its proposal for a Sixth Framework Programme, the Commission shall have an external assessment conducted by independent highly qualified experts into the implementation and achievements of Community activities carried out during the five years preceding that assessment in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I, the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II and the implementation of this Decision via the specific programmes based thereon. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its comments, to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.The Commission shall also report on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the reviews of the individual specific programmes.(Amendment 12)Article 5(3), 2nd, 3rd and 4th subparagraphs (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>The Commission shall notify the Council and the European Parliament of the names of the proposed experts at least three months before their final appointment and shall justify that selection on the grounds of their expert and personal aptitude.The Council and the European Parliament may deliver an opinion thereon.Experts from the Commission, the JRC or JET shall perform only an advisory role in this assessment process.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>The full list of experts shall be disclosed before their appointment.(Amendment 13)Article 5(3a) (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>3a. The European Parliament shall set up mechanisms allowing for scrutiny by its Members of the implementation of all parts of the framework programme while not impinging upon the Commission's implementation role.(Amendment 14)Article 5a (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>Article 5aHalfway through the term of the Fifth Framework Programme the Commission shall submit to the Council and the European Parliament, on the basis of the assessments of the various specific programmes, a proposal for the adaptation of the scientific and technological objectives and measures laid down in this Decision and their financing.(Amendment 15)Article 5b (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>Article 5bEncouragement shall be given to the real and effective participation of SMEs in the programmes.In particular, action shall be taken with a view to:>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- establishing, as the general rule, consultation by the Commission of SMEs and/or their associations at all stages of the planning and implementation of programmes;>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- encouraging high-quality leadership and genuine participation by SMEs in jointly funded projects;>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- harmonizing administrative procedures, simplifying formalities and improving and accelerating contract and payment arrangements;>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- continuing efforts to improve the transparency of the selection procedures and the make-up of the selection panels.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>The Commission shall submit a detailed annual report to the European Parliament and the Council setting out, for each programme, the results obtained and the progress achieved in implementing the above measures.(Amendment 16)Article 6>Original text>All research activities conducted pursuant to the Fifth Framework Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.>Text following EP vote>All research activities conducted pursuant to the Fifth Framework Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, including animal welfare requirements.(Amendment 17)Annex I(2), second indent>Original text>- Criteria related to social objectives:- improving the employment situation,- promoting the quality of life and health,- preserving the environment,>Text following EP vote>-Criteria related to social objectives:- improving the employment situation,- promoting the quality of life and health,- preserving the environment,>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- fostering the participation of women in all fields of research and technological development,>Original text>in order to further major social objectives of the Community reflecting the expectations and concerns of its citizens.>Text following EP vote>in order to further major social objectives of the Community reflecting the expectations and concerns of its citizens.No European Union research funding may be used in connection with the development or manufacture of weapons,(Amendment 18)Annex II(I)(1)(c), 1st subparagraph>Original text>Since the construction and operation of research infrastructure is the responsibility of national authorities, Community support for research infrastructures in line with the objectives of the thematic programmes should contribute to cover two essential requirements at Community level: (1) the need for an optimum use of existing research infrastructures and (2) the need for transnational cooperation in the rational and cost-effective development of research infrastructures.>Text following EP vote>Since the construction and operation of research infrastructure is the responsibility of national authorities, Community support for research infrastructures in line with the objectives of the thematic programmes should contribute to coverthree essential requirements at Community level: (1) the need for an optimum use of existing research infrastructures, (2) the need for transnational cooperation in the rational and cost-effective development of research infrastructures, and (3) support for experimental platforms or facilities for the testing of new technologies, using the European Community's Structural Funds, the European funds (European Investment Fund) and the European Investment Bank within their scope of actions.(Amendment 19)Annex II(I)(3), 3rd, 4th and 5th subparagraphs (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>Furthermore the European Parliament may refer specific research policy topics and tasks to the JRC.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>The appropriations made available to the JRC constitute a maximum amount. In addition, the JRC may endeavour to secure funds from third organizations. Responsibility for the allocation of resources to the various institutes and activities of the JRC lies with the JRC itself. This allocation shall be scrutinized by an independent evaluation taking account of the objectives and measures laid down in this Decision. The results of this evaluation will be communicated to the Council and to the European Parliament.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>In order to encourage the exchange of experience with universities, technological institutes and industry, the JRC will have more scope for recruiting researchers from those sources on a temporary basis.(Amendment 20)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 1(a)(i)>Original text>(i) Food, nutrition and healthThe aim of this key action is to promote the development of knowledge, technologies and methods, including prenormative aspects, based on multidiscipinary approaches to produce a safe, healthy, balanced and varied food supply for consumers, covering the whole food chain. This requires as a priority:>Text following EP vote>(i) Health, nutrition and environmental factorsThe aim of this key action is to promote the development of knowledge, technologies and methods, including prenormative aspects, based on multidiscipinary approaches to produce a contribution to the fight against diseases related to the environment and food and the immense costs to health systems arising therefrom as well as a safe, healthy, balanced and varied food supply for consumers, covering the whole food chain. This requires as a priority:>Original text>- the development of safe, flexible and new and/or improved manufacturing technologies to improve food quality and consumer acceptability, while guaranteeing traceability of raw materials and final products;>Text following EP vote>-the development of safe, flexible and new and/or improved breeding and manufacturing technologies to improve food quality and consumer acceptability, while guaranteeing traceability of raw materials and final products;>Original text>- the development of tests to detect and processes to eliminate infectious and toxic agents throughout the food chain,>Text following EP vote>-the development of tests to detect and processes to eliminate infectious and toxic agents throughout the food chain,>Original text>- research into the role of food in promoting and sustaining health with respect to diet and nutrition, toxicology, epidemiology, environmental interaction, consumer choice and public health.>Text following EP vote>-research into the role of food in promoting and sustaining health with respect to diet and nutrition, toxicology, epidemiology, environmental interaction, consumer choice and public health,- research into diseases and allergies related to or influenced by the environment and research into their treatment and prevention.(Amendment 21)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 1(a)(iv)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>This key action is deleted(Amendment 22)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 1(a)(v)>Original text>(v) Sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry, including integrated development of rural areas>Text following EP vote>(v) Sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry, including integrated development of ruraland mountain areas>Original text>The aim is to develop the knowledge and technologies needed for the production and exploitation of living resources, including forests, covering the whole production chain, adapted to recent adjustments in the common agricultural and fisheries policies, whilst also providing the scientific basis for Community regulations and standards. Similarly, the aim is to promote the multi-purpose role of forests and the sustainable management and utilization of forest resources as an integral factor of rural development. Priority areas include:>Text following EP vote>The aim is to develop the knowledge and technologies needed for the production and exploitation of living resources, including forests, covering the whole production chain, adapted to recent adjustments in the common agricultural and fisheries policies, whilst also providing the scientific basis for Community regulations and standards. Similarly, the aim is to promote the multi-purpose role of forestsand mountain areas and the sustainable management and utilization of forest and mountain resources as an integral factor of rural development. Priority areas include:>Original text>- new and sustainable systems of production and exploitation in agriculture, forestry, fishing and aquaculture, taking into account profitability, the sustainable management of resources, product quality and employmehnt as well as animal health and welfare;>Text following EP vote>-new and sustainable systems of production and exploitation in agriculture, forestry, fishing and aquaculture, taking into account profitability, the sustainable management of resources, product quality and employmehnt as well as animal health and welfare;>Original text>- the integrated production and exploitation of biological materials (non-food uses);>Text following EP vote>-the integrated production and exploitation of biological materials (non-food uses);>Original text>- sustainable and multi-purpose utilization of forest resources; the integrated forestry-wood chain;>Text following EP vote>-sustainable and multi-purpose utilization of forest resources; the integrated forestry-wood chain;>Original text>- development of methods of control, surveillance and protection, including protection of land and prevention of soil erosion;>Text following EP vote>-development of methods of control, surveillance and protection, including protection of land and prevention of soil erosion;>Original text>- pre-legislative research designed to provide a scientific basis for Community legislation;>Text following EP vote>-pre-legislative research designed to provide a scientific basis for Community legislation;>Original text>- the production of new tools and models for the integrated and sustainable development of rural and other relevant areas based on the optimization of the specific potential of each area, including at regional level, diversification of activities and land use, and involvement of the people concerned.>Text following EP vote>-the production of new tools and models for the integrated and sustainable development of rural, mountain and other relevant areas based on the optimization of the specific potential of each area, including at regional level, diversification of activities and land use, and involvement of the people concerned.(Amendment 23)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 1(a)(vi), heading, introduction and 1st indent>Original text>(vi) The ageing population>Text following EP vote>(vi)The ageing population and disabled people>Original text>This key action aims to help Europe meet the challenge of the growing ageing population through RTD to underpin the development of policies and interventions to extend the quality of life and independence of older people, and to reduce the need for long-term care and its consequential costs. It gives priority to multidisciplinary RTD relating to processes leading to healthy ageing, including demographic, social and economic aspects and to interventions leading to the postponement and improved management of disability. It aims to generate competitive advantage for a wide range of health-related industries and sectors. Priority areas include:>Text following EP vote>This key action aims to help Europe meet the challenge of the growing ageing population through RTD to underpin the development of policies and interventions to extend the quality of life and independence of older peopleand disabled people, and to reduce the need for long-term care and its consequential costs. It gives priority to multidisciplinary RTD relating to processes leading to healthy ageing, including demographic, social and economic aspects and to interventions leading to the postponement and improved management of disability. It aims to generate competitive advantage for a wide range of health-related industries and sectors. Priority areas include:>Original text>- RTD concerning age-related illnesses and health problems of high morbidity where there is a real prospect for significant prevention, treatment or delay in onset;>Text following EP vote>-RTD concerning disabilities and age-related illnesses and health problems of high morbidity where there is a real prospect for significant prevention, treatment or delay in onset;(Amendment 24)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 1(a)(vi), third, fourth and fifth indents>Original text>- demographic and epidemiological research on ageing and disability trends to enable prediction of the size and nature of the ageingpopulation as a basis for policy and planning;>Text following EP vote>-demographic and epidemiological research on ageing and disability trends to enable prediction of the size and nature of these populations as a basis for policy and planning;>Original text>- RTD to provide a basis for new approaches to delaying the onset of disability, to reducing the challenge to older people of their social and physical environment (e.g. in housing and transport) and to supporting mental and physical functioning;>Text following EP vote>-RTD to provide a basis for new approaches to delaying the onset of disability, to reducing the challenge to older and disabled people of their social and physical environment (e.g. in housing and transport) and to supporting mental and physical functioning;>Original text>- RTD into effective and efficient delivery of health and social care services to older people, including comparative research on the financing of long-term care and pensions.>Text following EP vote>-RTD into effective and efficient delivery of health and social care services to older and disabled people, including comparative research on the financing of long-term care and pensions.(Amendment 25)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 1(b), fourth indent, first paragraph>Original text>Improvement of health systems: To improve the health of European citizens and the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of health promotion and health-care technologies and interventions, to enhance health and safety at work, to evaluate health-care models, to develop the evidence base for clinical practice and health policy and to study health variations across Europe.>Text following EP vote>Improvement of health systems: To improve the health of European citizens and the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of health promotion and health-care technologies and interventions, to enhance health and safety at work, to evaluate health-care models, to develop the evidence base for clinical practice and health policy and to study health variations across Europe, and to evaluate the effectiveness, the safety and the area of application of the non-conventional therapies taking into account their preventive role and the potentialities of an individual and holistic approach to health.(Amendment 36)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 1(b), fifth indent, footnote 1, paras. 1 and 2>Original text>In accordance with the declaration of the European Council of Amsterdam on the banning of human cloning, research conducted at Community level will be carried out, taking account of the opinions of the competent authorities, in particular the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies and the Human Embryo and Foetus Protection Group, as well as the opinions of relevant international organizations, whilst respecting the principles laid down in the Helsinki Declaration and the relevant resolutions of the World Health Organization (WHO) and in other relevant international Conventions.>Text following EP vote>In accordance with the declaration of the European Council of Amsterdam on the banning of human cloning, research conducted at Community level will be carried out, taking account of the opinions of the competent authorities, in particular the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies and the Human Embryo and Foetus Protection Group, as well as the opinions ofthe European Parliament and of relevant international organizations, whilst respecting the principles laid down in the Helsinki Declaration and the relevant resolutions of the World Health Organization (WHO) and in other relevant international Conventions.>Original text>No research activity which modifies or is intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings by alteration of germ cells or by acting at any other stage in embryonic development and which can make such alteration heritable will be carried out under the present framework programme. In the same way, no research activity, understood in the sense of the term 'cloning', will be conductedwith the aim of replacing a germ or embryo cell nucleus with that of the cell of any individual, a cell from an embryo or a cell coming from a later stage of development to the human embryo.>Text following EP vote>No research activity which modifies thehuman genetic heritage by manipulation of germ cells or manipulation at another stage in embryonic development, which modification might become part of the genetic heritage, will take place under the present framework programme. In the same way, no activity is plannnedin the area of human cloning, i.e. the production of human embryos with the same genetic information as another human being or a deceased person. In the light of the differing approaches in the European Union to the ethical problems connected with these technologies, no research will be conducted which results in the destruction of human embryos,(Amendment 27)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 2(a)(i), fourth indent>Original text>- as regards the environment: on intelligent systems for analysis, surveillance, management and early warning and support systems for the detection and clearance of landmines;>Text following EP vote>-as regards the environment: on intelligent systems for analysis, surveillance, management and early warning and support systems for the detection and clearance of landmines (no research funding will be awarded to companies which manufacture or market landmines or which are involved in their manufacture or whose owners are involved in such activities);(Amendment 28)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 2(a)(iva) (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>(iva) Social changes brought about by the introduction of new information and communications technologies>Original text>>Text following EP vote>The aim of this key action is to investigate social changes brought about by the more widespread use of information and communications technologies, which have a major bearing on social and communicative behaviour. The involvement of a full range of social groups is also important. On the basis of the work, it will be possible to draw conclusions regarding suitable measures which could be taken to facilitate access to these media for all population groups. This action will focus as a matter of priority on:>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- the use of the new media by various population groups, taking particular account of age, sex, social status, professional training and nationality,>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- social risks and benefits of home and teleworking, particularly for women, and development of models designed to safeguard telejobs,>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- changes in social and communicative behaviour, particularly among young people, as a result of the use of information and communications technologies.(Amendment 29)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 4(A)(b), third indent a (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- support for biological and chemical disarmament by means of scientific and technological contributions,(Amendment 30)Annex II(II), First Activity, Theme 4(B)(a)(ii), fourth indent>Original text>- improved exploration , extraction and production efficiency of hydrocarbons;>Text following EP vote>- technologies for the more efficient and clean exploration, extraction, production and use of hydrocarbons and solid fuels, including coal(Amendment 31)Annex II(II) Third Activity, introduction, 2nd paragraph>Original text>Small and medium-sized businesses are important vectors and actors in innovation. The development of SMEs can make a vital contribution to economic and social development, new economic activities, job creation and competitiveness. SMEs should be provided with easy access to the advanced technologies which they need, and to the opportunities offered by the Community's as well as the Member States' research programmes.>Text following EP vote>Small and medium-sized businesses are important vectors and actors in innovation. The development of SMEs can make a vital contribution to economic and social development, new economic activities, job creation and competitiveness. SMEsmust therefore be provided with easy access to the advanced technologies which they need, and to the opportunities offered by the Community's as well as the Member States' research programmes.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>Under this activity, therefore, support may and should also be given to projects which only partly coincide with the objectives, activities and specific research themes laid down in this Decision, but which show great potential as regards innovation and employment.>Original text>>Text following EP vote>The definition of SMEs given in the Fifth Framework Programme differs from the generally accepted definition, setting the ceiling for SMEs at 500 employees. This departure is justified by the fact that it is SMEs in particular with between 250 and 500 employees which conduct their own research and development and would otherwise be largely excluded from the specific research support provided by this programme.(Amendment 32)Annex II(II), Third Activity(B)(b), second indent a (new)>Original text>>Text following EP vote>- definition and introduction of permanent calls for tenders for the selection and funding of research projects under First Activity programmes.(Amendment 33)Annex II(II), Third Activity, (C)(b), first indent>Original text>- 'cooperative research' activities enabling at least three mutually independent SMEs from at least two Member States jointly to entrust the resolution of their common technological problems to third legal entities with appropriate research capacities;>Text following EP vote>-'cooperative research' activities enabling at least two mutually independent SMEs from at least two Member States to carry out the research activity in full or in part together, or jointly to entrust the resolution of their common technological problems to third legal entities with appropriate research capacities;(Amendment 34)Annex II(II), Fourth Activity, (B)(a), last paragraph>Original text>The objective here is to stimulate, through exchange, scientific and technological excellence and to make the most of the achievements of research. Activities will build on and complement national activities and will include support for high-level scientific conferences, the networking of Community researchers active outside the Community with their Community colleagues, distinctions for high-level research work and actions to raise public awareness and making information on important scientific issues available to the public at Community level, including via electronic networks.>Text following EP vote>The objective here is to stimulate, through exchange, scientific and technological excellence and to make the most of the achievements of research. Activities will build on and complement national activities and will include support for high-level scientific conferences, the networking of Community researchers active outside the Community with their Community colleagues, distinctions for high-level research work, including a European Grand Prix for scientific and technological research rewarding exceptional achievement of results obtained by a researcher, whether a woman or a man, as a member of the team involved, and actions to raise public awareness and making information on important scientific issues available to the public at Community level, including via electronic networks.(Amendment 35)Annex III>TABLE>>TABLE>