1999/167/EC: Council Decision of 25 January 1999 adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on quality of life and management of living resources (1998 to 2002)
Date: 1999-01-25
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU programme, management of resources, natural resources, quality of life, research programme, technological change

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II

(Acts whose publication is not obligatory)

COUNCIL

COUNCIL DECISION

of 25 January 1999

adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration
on quality of life and management of living resources (1998 to 2002)

(1999/167/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 130i(4) thereof,

Having
regard
Commission (1),

to

the

proposal

from the

Having regard to the opinion of
Parliament (2),

the European

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and
Social Committee (3),

of

fifth

framework

programme

(1) Whereas by Decision No 182/1999/EC (4), the
European Parliament and the Council adopted
the
the
European Community (hereinafter referred to as
the fifth framework programme) for research,
technological development and demonstration
(hereinafter
activities
for the period 1998 to 20002 setting out the
general outlines and scientific and technological
objectives of the activities to be carried out in
the field of quality of life and management of
living resources;

referred to as RTD)

(2) Whereas Article 130i(3) of the Treaty stipulates
shall
be
programmes

that
implemented

programme
specific

framework
through

the

(1) OJ C 260, 18.8.1998, p. 1.
(2) Opinion delivered on 15 December 1998 (not yet

published in the Official Journal).

(3) OJ C 407, 28.12.1998, p. 123.
(4) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 1.

developed within each activity under
the
framework programme, and that each specific
programme shall define the detailed rules for
implementing it, fix its duration and provide for
the means deemed necessary;

(3) Whereas,

research,

technological development

in accordance with Article 4(2) of
Decision No 1110/94/EC of
the European
Parliament and of the Council of 26 April 1994
concerning the fourth framework programme of
the European Community activities in the field
of
and
demonstration (1994 to 1998) (5) and Article 4(2)
of
specific
programmes implementing the fourth framework
programme, the Commission has arranged for an
external assessment to be conducted which it has
transmitted to the European Parliament,
the
Council,
the Economic and Social Committee
and the Committee of the Regions together with
its conclusions and comments;

the Council Decisions on the

(4) Whereas, in accordance with Article 130j of the
1999/65/EC of
Treaty, Council Decision
22 December 1998 concerning the rules for the
participation of undertakings, research centres
and universities and for the dissemination of
research results for the implementation of the
the European
fifth framework programme of
(hereinafter
Community
for participation
referred to as
rules
to this
and dissemination’) applies
specific
rules allow the
these
programme; whereas

(1998 to 2002) (6)

(cid:28)the

(5) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Decision as last amended by

Decision No 2535/97/EC (OJ L 347, 18.12.1997, p. 1).

(6) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 46.

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participation of the Joint Research Centre in the
indirect
specific
covered
programme;

actions

this

by

(5) Whereas, for the purpose of implementing this
programme, in addition to cooperation covered
by the Agreement on the European Economic
Area or by an Association Agreement, it may be
international
engage
appropriate
cooperation activities, in particular on the basis
of Article 130m of
the Treaty, with third
countries or international organisations;

to

in

(6) Whereas implementation of this programme will
also comprise activities and mechanisms aimed
stimulating, disseminating and exploiting
at
in particular vis-a` -vis small and
RTD results,
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and activities
to stimulate
the mobility and training of
researchers;

it

that

is
and

important
user

the scientific,
(7) Whereas
industrial
should
contribute substantially to the definition of
activities
to be undertaken and should be
involved, as appropriate, in the implementation
of this programme;

communities

(8) Whereas

fifth
research activities under
framework programme should also be geared
towards innovation in order to contribute, inter
alia, to the objectives of the first action plan for
innovation;

the

(9) Whereas special emphasis should be placed on

encouraging the participation of SMEs;

(10) Whereas the equal opportunities policy of the
Community must be taken into account in the
implementation of this programme;

(11) Whereas efficient and transparent management
contributes to a more effective and user-friendly
programme;

(12) Whereas administrative expenditure should be
included in the Community budget
in a
transparent fashion;

(13) Whereas the implementation of this programme
should be monitored with a view to adapting it,
where appropriate, to scientific and technological
developments; whereas
there
should also be an assessment of progress with
the programme by independent experts;

in due

course

(14) Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research
Committee has been consulted on the scientific
and
specific
content
programmes,

technological

the

of

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In accordance with Article 3(1) of the fifth framework
programme, the specific programme on quality of life
(hereinafter
and management of
referred to as the specific programme) is adopted for
the period from 25 January 1999 to 31 December
2002.

living resources

Article 2

In accordance with Annex III

to the fifth
1.
framework programme, the amount deemed necessary
for carrying out the specific programme is EUR 2 413
million,
the
Commission’s administrative expenditure.

including a maximum of 6,5 % for

An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in
Annex I.

2. Of the amount in paragraph 1

— EUR 553 million is for the period 1998 to 1999,

and

— EUR 1 860 million is for the period 2000 to 2002.

In the case referred to in Article 2(1)(c) of the fifth
framework programme, the Council shall adapt the
latter figure in accordance with Article 2(1)(c), second
indent of the fifth framework programme. Pending a
decision by the Council, this specific programme shall
not be implemented beyond the provision of the first
indent.

The budgetary authority shall,

3.
in compliance
with the scientific and technological objectives and
priorities
the
laid down in this Decision,
appropriations for each financial year taking into
account
resources within the
multiannual financial perspective.

the availability of

set

Article 3

the

The

general

outlines,

and
1.
for the
technological objectives and the priorities
specific programme are set out in Annex II. They are
consistent with the principles and the three categories
of selection criteria indicated in Annex I to the fifth
framework programme.

scientific

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2.
In accordance with these principles and criteria
the selection criteria indicated in Article 10 of the
rules for participation and dissemination shall be
applied for the selection of the RTD activities to be
carried out.

In addition, any participation of industrial entities in
industrially-orientated shared-cost actions should, as a
general rule, be appropriate to the nature and purpose
of the activity.

All
these criteria shall be complied with in the
implementation of the programme, including the work
programme referred to in Article 5(1), although they
may be weighted differently.

The rules for participation and dissemination

3.
shall apply to the specific programme.

4.
The detailed rules for financial participation by
the Community in the specific programme are those
the fifth framework
referred to in Article 4 of
programme.

indirect RTD actions

The
specific
programme are defined in Annexes II and IV to the
fifth framework programme.

under

the

Specific rules for implementing the programme are set
out in Annex III to this Decision.

Article 4

In the light of the criteria referred to in Article 3, and
the
and
priorities set out in Annex II, the Commission:

technological

objectives

scientific

and

(a) shall monitor, with appropriate assistance from
independent external experts, the implementation
of the specific programme and, where appopriate,
for adapting it,
submit proposals
to Council
the fifth
in accordance with Article 5(1) of
framework programme;

in Article 5(2) of

(b) shall arrange for the external assessment provided
fifth framework
conducted concerning the
in the fields covered by

for
programme
activities carried out
the specific programme.

to be

the

(b) the indicative timetable for the implementation of

the specific programme;

(c) the coordination arrangements set out in Annex III
and arrangements to secure the objectives, related
to innovation and the participation of SMEs,
of
the fifth framework
programme;

the third activity of

(d) where necessary,

the selection criteria and the
arrangements for applying them for each type of
indirect RTD action.

The work programme shall

2.
take account of
relevant interests, in particular the scientific, industrial
and user communities. It shall serve as a basis for
implementing the indirect RTD actions according to
the procedures set out in the rules for participation
and dissemination.

The work programme shall be updated where
3.
appropriate and be made available by the Commission
to all
in a user-friendly form,
including in electronic form.

interested parties

Article 6

The Commission shall be responsible for the

1.
implementation of this specific programme.

The procedure laid down in Article 7 shall apply

2.
for the adoption of the following measures:

— the drawing-up and updating of

the work
programme referred to in Article 5(1), including
regarding the content of calls for proposals,

— approval of RTD actions proposed for funding,
including participation by entities
from third
the
countries, where the estimated amount of
Community contribution under this programme is
equal to or more than EUR 0,8 million,

— the drawing-up of the terms of reference for the
external assessment provided for in Article 5(2) of
the fifth framework programme,

Article 5

— any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the

amount as set out in Annex I.

The Commission shall draw up a work

1.
programme specifiying:

Article 7

(a) in greater detail, the objectives and RTD priorities

of Annex II;

The Commission

1.
a
programme committee (hereinafter referred to as (cid:28)the

assisted

shall

by

be

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composed of

committee’)
the
Member States and chaired by the representative of
the Commission.

representatives of

has not acted, the proposed measures shall be
adopted by the Commission.

In the cases referred to in Article 6(2),
the Commission shall submit

the
2.
representative of
to
the committee a draft of measures to be taken. The
committee shall deliver
its opinion on the draft
measures referred to above within a time limit which
the Chairman may lay down according to the urgency
of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the
majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in
the case of decisions which the Council is required to
adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes
of the representatives of the Member States within the
committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in
that Article. The Chairman shall not vote.

3 (a) The Commission shall adopt

the measures
envisaged if they are in accordance with the
opinion of the committee.

(b) If the measures envisaged are not in accordance
with the opinion of the committee, or if no
opinion is delivered,
the Commission shall,
without delay, submit to the Council a proposal
to be taken. The
relating to the measures
Council shall act by a qualified majority.

If, on expiry of a period of nine weeks from the
referral of the matter to the Council, the Council

of

the

The Commission shall

regularly inform the
4.
the
overall
committee
implementation of the specific programme, and shall
in particular provide it with information about the
progress of all RTD actions
this
programme.

funded under

progress

of

Article 8

programme,

the
the Commission

In accordance with Article 5(4) of
fifth
shall
framework
regularly inform the Council and the European
Parliament
the
implementation of the programme, including on the
participation of SMEs and the simplification of
admininistrative procedures.

progress

overall

the

of

of

Article 9

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 25 January 1999.

For the Council

The President

J. FISCHER

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ANNEX I

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT DEEMED NECESSARY

Type of activity

(million EUR)

Amount

(a) Key actions

(i) Food, nutrition and health

(ii) Control of infectious diseases

(iii) The cell factory

(iv) Environment and health

(v) Sustainable

forestry
development of rural areas including mountain areas

agriculture,

fisheries

and

and

integrated

(vi) The ageing population and disabilities

(b) Research and technological development activities of a generic nature

(c) Support for research infrastructures

290

300

400

160

520

190

483

70

Total

2 413

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ANNEX II

THE GENERAL OUTLINES, THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND
THE PRIORITIES

INTRODUCTION

Economic and political developments in Europe have globally resulted in greater prosperity, increased
life expectancy and better working conditions. These improvements have, however, been accompanied
by challenges such as higher healthcare costs, an ageing population, and environmental degradation
and heightened ethical concerns. Increasingly, a gap is becoming evident between natural resources,
whether from agriculture and fisheries, mining or the global environment, and human activities.
Paradoxically, this has occurred at a time when there is an explosion in the knowledge base concerning
the structure and working of all
in the
corresponding sectors, for example healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, etc.

living things, pointing towards new developments

Europe has a strong tradition and an excellent record in research and application of life sciences and
technologies. Furthermore, Europe provides a huge single market with a tradition of receptiveness for
bio-based products. It has, therefore, the potential to address and solve major challenges such as a
varied and safe food supply, affordable healthcare, better medicines, etc. The scientific basis on which
living and natural materials are exploited for these ends is undergoing a dramatic change, in which the
intimate and interactive workings of living beings are being revealed. With the progress of scientific
knowledge in recent decades, one can now expect to probe more deeply the questions surrounding the
production of food, the curing of diseases, and the sustainable management and use of biological
resources. One can also anticipate clarifying their relationships with human behaviour and needs,
industrial practices and consumer demands.

The strategic objective of the programme is to link the ability to discover to the ability to produce, in
order to address the needs of society and to meet the requirements of the consumer, leading to future
wealth and job creation and improvements in the state of the environment. The strategy of this
programme is to focus on specific areas where growing knowledge potentially contains technical
answers to some of the pressing questions asked by the citizen which require to be tackled on a
European scale. Fundamental ethical values must also be respected.

The novelty of this approach is the willingness to couple the dynamics of massive knowledge
production with few areas where there are expected to be desirable spin-offs, while pursuing the
renewal of knowledge to reinforce European strengths in fields associated with further growth and
quality of life.

The proposed scientific and technological solutions should be seen as part of an integrated system
approach, in which human beings are at the core of the issue of the quality of life and of the
management of living resources. Six key actions have been identified in which European research
should make a contribution, by way of innovative products, processes or services, to problem
resolution. These key actions are targeted at socioeconomic needs and the Community’s policy
objectives, for example in agriculture and fisheries, industry and consumers, and in the fields of health
the programme where
and environment. The gender dimension will be integrated throughout
appropriate.

They are supplemented with research and technological development activities of a generic nature as
well as support to research infrastructures aiming at building up, in the longer term, the knowledge
base in areas of strategic importance for the future.

Meeting socioeconomic needs. On the demand side, research should be developed which promotes
health, reconciles economic developments with environmental requirements, and improves the response
to consumer needs. The exploitation of the results of the programme must take account of the
socioeconomic dimension. On the supply side, there is huge potential for economic growth and job
creation in this field, both in the traditional industries including primary production and in the nascent
high technology industries.

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Increasing European added-value. The major cross-border issues should be addressed selectively, such
as health aspects of diseases (epidemiology, nutrition, food safety, ageing,
including age-related
disabilities and rare diseases), or transboundary resources management (terrestrial and aquatic living
resources). Other areas such as drug abuse, biosafety or bioethics,
involve the reinforcement of
scientific bases in support of Community policies. Many of the activities to be addressed in the
programme (e.g. genome research, neurosciences and technology assessment), due to their size and
complexity, are only feasible if they are addressed at the European level.

Improving European competitiveness. The programme will capitalise on specific scientific strengths in
knowledge areas and in productive sectors with strong growth potential, such as the biotechnology
and food industries. Thus, the heart of this programme, improving the quality of life, promoting life
sciences and technologies and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, will
contribute in the short and in the longer term to European competitiveness and employment. Europe
must promote start-ups in particular in the areas of biotechnology and the agro-food industry which
have recently shown a consistent growth rate.

Promoting biosafety. The assessment of the behaviour and impact on human and animal health of
recombinant organisms (e.g. transgenic plants, microorganisms, vaccines, etc.) and of their fate in the
environment, where relevant, is part of every key action.

Respecting an ethical framework. Full respect of human rights and fundamental ethical principles will
be ensured throughout all activities in the specific programme in accordance with Article 6 of the
European Parliament and Council Decision on the fifth framework programme. These principles
include animal welfare requirements in conformity with Community law.

LINKS AND COMPLEMENTARITY WITH THE OTHER PROGRAMMES

Coordination with other thematic programmes is based on promoting synergetic interactions and
complementary activities and avoiding unnecessary duplication:

— coordination with the specific programme on a user-friendly information society is based on the
following principle: activities concerned with information society technologies as such (which
include development, demonstration and take-up actions) will be concentrated in the user-friendly
information society programme; activities concerned with the deployment,
integration and
adaptation of information society technologies in applications relating to the quality of life and the
management of living resources will be conducted in this programme,

— coordination with the programmes on competitive and sustainable growth and energy,
environment and sustainable development is based on close interaction between the key action
(cid:28)Food, nutrition and health’ of this programme and the key action (cid:28)Innovative products, processes
and organisation’ of the programme on competitive and sustainable growth and the corresponding
aspects of
the programme on energy, environment and sustainable development. Similar
interactions will be established between the key actions (cid:28)The cell factory’ and (cid:28)Sustainable
agriculture, fisheries and forestry and integrated development of rural areas, including mountain
areas’ with the relevant actions of the programmes on competitive and sustainable growth and
energy, environment and sustainable development,

— close coordination will be developed with the programme (cid:28)Confirming the international role of
Community research’, in particular where collaboration with international initiatives could bring
added-value to European RTD efforts,

— full use will be made of the possibilities offered by COST and Eureka and by cooperation with
international organisations to foster synergy between actions and projects in this programme and
nationally funded research activities.
In the case of cooperation with Eureka, projects
corresponding to themes of common interest with the framework programme may be developed in
the context of the key actions in conformity with the selection criteria and procedures of the
framework programme,

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— specific activities aimed at

facilitating the involvement of entities in third countries and
maintaining links with specialists from third countries trained in Europe will be carried out, which
will also contribute to the international dimension of the programme,

— concerning innovation and the participation of SMEs, as new knowledge in the biosciences
constantly drives innovation, research partnerships need to be flexible and inclusive. A competitive
partnership requires a high level of interaction of biology, engineering, information management,
standardisation, capital investment, intellectual property rights, etc., which brings success only on
a single-project basis. It will be imperative that measures to stimulate e.g. SMEs and financial
partners accompany programme management for each individual action. An (cid:28)innovation unit’ will
focus the promotion activities with a view to the deployment and use of the results of this
programme; it will also help to ensure complementarity and an interface with the innovation
activities implemented in the context of the programme on (cid:28)Innovation and participation of
SMEs’,

— improving the know-how, skills and qualifications of European researchers and the understanding
of the socioeconomic impact of research in the fields covered by this programme is essential to
ensure sufficient availability of appropriate expertise and to establish tangible and lasting impacts.
Training and socioeconomic research will therefore form an integral part of this programme,
complemented by appropriate links with the horizontal programme (cid:28)Improving the human
research potential and the socioeconomic knowledge base’. Training activities in this programme
will
include support to fellowships, which will take the form of (cid:28)Marie Curie’ fellowships
following the definitions and rules set out in the horizontal programme.

(a) KEY ACTIONS

(i) Food, nutrition and health

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

The aim of this key action is to promote the development of knowledge, technologies and methods,
including prenormative aspects, based on multidisciplinary approaches to produce a safe, healthy,
balanced and varied food supply for consumers covering the whole food chain thereby promoting
consumer protection and contributing to the fight against diseases related to food and the immense
costs to health systems arising therefrom. The following scientific and technological objectives will be
pursued:

— development of safe and flexible and new and/or improved manufacturing processes and

technologies.

The aim is to improve the quality and consumer acceptability of food, while ensuring traceability
of raw materials and final products.

improved use of raw materials, production and processing and preservation
RTD priorities:
systems; development of
fishery and
aquaculture by-products and of poorly exploited species: quality and traceability of raw materials
and food products in the food chain; minimal processing and process control; advanced food
technologies and packaging systems; improvement of traditional technologies; quality monitoring
and quality assurance, including the development of methods for measuring quality,

functional and safe foods; use of

food crops and of

— development of tests to detect and processes to eliminate infectious and toxic agents throughout

the food chain.

Research will focus on the hazards of food contaminants, their exact origins and strategies for
safer food production.

RTD priorities: improved understanding and control of contamination conditions; rapid detection
tests for pathogens, xenobiotics and hormones; new and safer methods of food production; new
methodologies for accessing microbial, chemical and allergenic risks,

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— 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.

The aim is to reduce diet-related risk factors contributing to chronic disease and to develop new
approaches for improved nutrition and more balanced diets.

RTD priorities: the role and impact of food and diet on physiological functions, and physical and
mental performance; the particular nutritional needs of defined population groups; links between
diet and chronic disease and disorders including genetic factors involved; consumer attitudes and
reactions with regard to food products, food-processing methods and labelling.

(ii) Control of infectious diseases

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

The overall goal of this key action is to combat established, emerging or re-emerging infectious
diseases including zoonoses, linked to old, new or mutated agents in humans or animals. This would
be achieved primarily by mixing complementary expertise in transdisciplinary projects, by linking these
activities to national and international organisations, and by encouraging the interface between
academic research, policy-makers, healthcare providers, including the interface between preclinical and
clinical research, and the human and animal healthcare industry, pursuing the following scientific and
technological objectives:

— the development of

improved or novel mono-component, multi-component and combined

vaccines, especially against viral diseases, including the support of multicentre clinical trials.

RTD priorities: vaccines against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and other diseases
related to infectious agents (e.g. some cancers) consistent with the relevant Community policy
regarding the reduction and eventual replacement of animal testing; vaccines against animal
pathogens; development of European networks for clinical and field trials of vaccines and drugs
including, where necessary, better understanding of the immune system,

— new and improved strategies to identify and control infectious diseases, directed at treatment and
prevention and based on studies on pathogenesis, emergence of resistance and immunological
control.

RTD priorities: improved understanding of mechanisms of protection against infectious agents, of
drug resistance and control of immunological responses; technologies for safer and more efficient
vaccines and immunotherapy;
including human behavoiur and new
technologies such as xenotransplants influencing the spread of infectious diseases and development
of new and resistant strains; development and validation of diagnostic tests; research to support
the development of and early-warning system and response network for infectious diseases;
improved methodologies for early and accurate detection of adverse reactions to drugs and
vaccines,

specific risk factors,

— aspects connected with public-health, healthcare and care-delivery systems, notably management,
prevention and surveillance, behavioural aspects and response to infectious diseases (including
modelling of human diseases).

RTD priorities: organisational and economic aspects of public health and healthcare systems;
surveillance, monitoring and assessment methodologies in prevention and cure; methodologies for
product safety surveillance in the market place.

(iii) The cell factory

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

This key action is aimed at helping the Community’s enterprises, either established or starting up, to
exploit the advances made in life sciences and technology, particularly in the fields of health,
environment, agriculture, agro-industries and high value-added products such as chemicals. It is aimed

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at the development of multidisciplinary technologies based on the exploitation of the properties of
microorganisms, plants and animals, in particular at the tissue, cellular and sub-cellular levels. The
objective is to understand the versatile functioning of cells and to develop bio-reactors, bio-molecules
and bio-processes with high added-value capable of enhancing the quality of life and health. Being a
prerequisite to the functioning of cells as minute factories, sufficient knowledge will have to be secured
of their blueprint at the scale at which they operate, through underpinning contributions of structural
biology, physiology, nanobiotechnology, genomics and proteomics, with the support of notably
physicochemistry, bioinformatics and biochemical engineering. To ensure the safety of new
biomolecules or bioprocesses, methods will be made available for monitoring their potential impact on
human and animal health, and their contribution to improving standards of environmental care.

This key action should also aim at using RTD to reinforce the prenormative research by making cell
cultures available as models for medicine, pharmacology, toxicology and environmental monitoring as
a substitute for animal testing. Emphasis would be put on the following scientific and technological
objectives:

— new and innovative health-related processes and products particularly from molecular engineering
(for example diagnostics, antibiotics, anti-cancer agents, including plant produced therapeutics)

Resarch will focus on bio-products relevant to preventing, detecting and treating human and
animal diseases and improving the quality of life.

RTD priorities: improved understanding of the cell, gene functions and gene-delivery methods
applicable to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic substances and strategies;
anti-cancer agents, antibiotics, antibodies and therapeutics, vaccines, novel in-vitro testing and
screening methods as alternatives to animal testing; cells as production units and as diagnostic and
detection tools,

— energy-efficient bio-remediation and waste bio-treatment processes

The objective is to prevent, detect, monitor, treat and remove pollution as well as to maximise the
economic value of waste.

RTD priorities: new bio-processes for preventing industrial pollution, treating, upgrading, and/or
and biosensors;
recycling bioaccumulable wastes
biodegradation of recalcitrant chemicals by microbial catalysts alone or in combination with plant
systems and/or chemical catalysts; biodiversity and ecological dynamics of natural and introduced
populations,

and industrial by-products; bioassays

— new biological and biotechnological processes and products, new processing technologies using
microorganisms, plants or animals for agrifood and agroindustry and high value-added chemical
applications

The focus is on high value biomolecules and bioprocesses leading to enhanced exploitation of
renewable resources and to enhanced expression of desirable characteristics for microorganisms,
plants and animals. These activities are targeted at sustainable and industrial exploitation
socioeconomic, agronomic, ecological and/or consumer
prospects and take into account
perspectives.

RTD priorities: exploiting the cellular and sub-cellular characteristics of improved microorganisms,
plants and animals, including through approaches at genome level; development of methods and
strategies for identifying recombinant organisms and their residues in the environment and
assessing their potential impact on human and animal health or the environment; new biocatalysts;
use of terrestrial and marine organisms as a source of new valuable products; identification and
sustainable use of metabolic and genetic diversity.

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(iv) Environment and health

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

The aim of this key action is to achieve a better understanding of the interactions between the genetic,
physiological, environmental and social factors involved in sustaining good health and so to help
reduce the adverse impact on health of changes in the environment and the workplace and the
immense costs to health systems arising therefrom. It covers in particular issues such as prevention and
the effects on health of air pollution, heavy metals and toxic substances, noise, climatic changes and
electromagnetic radiation, as well as the effects of pollution at the workplace. The following scientific
and technological objectives will be pursued:

— research into diseases and allergies related to or influenced by the environment and research into

their treatment and prevention

The focus is on health impairment caused directly by exposure to the environment and on ways of
treatment and prevention, based on sound epidemiological data and an understanding of
pathogenesis mechanisms. Research should also be conducted into the impact of environmental
pollutants at the workplace.

RTD priorities: analysis and quantification of the impact of environmental factors on human
health; assessment of the relative importance of, and the interactions between, factors impinging
on health; improved understanding of the interrelations between environmental and public-health
indicators for better treatment and prevention; development of an integrated approach to risk
assessment
taking into account epidemiological, environmental and public-health aspects;
bio-markers of environmental exposure and an eventual replacement of animal testing,

— development of new methods of diagnosis, risk assessment and of processes to reduce causes and

harmful environmental health effects

The objective is to use a multidisciplinary approach for better understanding of the interactions
between the social and physical environment, genetic factors and health and to improve the
identification of vulnerable groups to environmental exposures and to identify preventive measures
in order to reduce causes and environmental factors hazardous to health.

RTD priorities: bio-markers (including bio-indicators) of environmental exposure, effect and/or
susceptibility to environmental agents,
including mixed exposures and cumulative effects;
improvement of predictive toxicity testing and mechanism-based risk assessment consistent with
improved
the general objectives of reducing, refining and eventually replacing animal testing;
methods and technologies
long- and short-term exposure and effects assessment;
epidemiological and biomedical studies on possible effects linked to non-ionising irradiation,
particularly from cellular phones.

for

(v) Sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and integrated development of rural areas including
mountain areas

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

The aim is to develop knowledge and technologies for the production and exploitation of living
including forests, covering the whole production chain, taking into account the highly
resources,
competitive international context and in the light of the need for adaptation to the evolution of the
common agricultural and fisheries policies, while also providing the scientific basis for Community
regulations and standards, and to promote the multifunctional role of forests and the sustainable
management and utilisation of forest resources as an integral factor of rural development. The priority
areas are as follows:

— new and sustainable systems of production,

agriculture,
management of resources, product quality and employment as well as animal health and welfare,

taking into account profitability,

fisheries and aquaculture,

including breeding methods, and exploitation in
sustainable

the

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RTD priorities:

— for agriculture: sustainable farm production systems and methods and corresponding ex-ante
and ex-post control and analysis; diversification of production and activities; support to
Community policies on plant health (prevention and prediction of, protection against plant
diseases and harmful organisms), animal health (prevention, control, eradication of major
diseases and zoonoses) and animal welfare; identification and characterisation of the quality of
agrofood products and agricultural farm-processed products and farm-processing technologies;
definition of parameters, specifications, methods, forms of organisation and technologies for
including relevant
total quality; organic farming systems; plant and animal breeding,
application-oriented genome research, and diversity of genetic resources,

— for fisheries: support to integrated fishery management linking resource conservation, means of
capture, interactions with ecosystems, market requirements and socioeconomic considerations;
the quality of marine products and technologies;
identification and characterisation of
development of new concepts for the sustainable use of marine and aquatic living resources,

— for aquaculture: sustainable production systems with the reduction of impact on ecosystems
and diversification of cultivated species (both plant and animal); improvement of production
techniques; genetic improvement; disease resistance and control,

— integrated production and exploitation of biological materials for non-food uses

This will cover integrated production and processing chains with the emphasis on end-use and
market requirements.

RTD priorities: industrial products from the green chemical, biopolymers and bioenergy integrated
chains,

— sustainable and multipurpose utilisation of forest resources; the integrated forestry-wood chain

This encompasses sustainable management and multiple use of European forest resources,
in
harmony with the political, environmental and social needs, bringing economic growth and
employment to rural and coastal areas.

RTD priorities: support to policy issues; multifunctional and sustainable management of forests
combining quality production and new and improved technologies with conservation and
including protection of forests soils and protection against natural
environmental protection,
hazards
recreational uses,
(e.g.
agro-sylvo-pastoral systems). Forests ecosystems biodiversity and genetic improvement. Strategies
for sustainable management and multipurpose utilisation of forest resources; the forestry-wood
chain; efficient, environment-friendly processes and recycling technologies; high value-added and
diversified products accounting for market needs, and consumer requirements,

fires); diversification (non-wood uses

including

forest

— development of methods of control, surveillance and protection, including protection of land and

prevention of soil erosion

The aim is to support the sound implementation of the common agricultural and fisheries policies
and related activities. This research may also be useful to the Community in the context of
international trade negotiations and of dispute settlements in the framework of WTO, in the area
of agriculture.

RTD priorities: reliable, transparent and cost-effective methods of monitoring, assessment and
control,

— pre-legislative research designed to provide a scientific basis for Community legislation

The aim is to provide support for Community regulations by prenormative research activities.

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RTD priorities: prenormative research to provide the scientific basis for regulations in the context
of the common agricultural and fisheries policies,

— new tools and models for the integrated and sustainable development of rural and other relevant

areas

This approach is based on optimisation of the specific potential of each area, including at regional
level, the diversification of activities and land use and the involvement of the people concerned.

the situation and changes under way,

RTD priorities: analysis of
the
relationships between all the sectors involved and the factors influencing technological and
socioeconomic changes; multifunctional
land use and landscape management as related to
important ecosystems and habitats taking also into account aspects relating to cultural heritage;
diversification and job opportunities; development of
(cid:28)integrated rural and fishery
development’ concept, with the investigation of potentials and constraints, the elaboration of new
models and tools,
including for spatial planning and the improvement of the organisational
capacity of local actors; support to follow-up and evaluation of rural and coastal development
socioeconomic and
programmes and policies with tools
environmental benefit.

to monitor, assess and forecast

taking into account

the

(vi) The ageing population and disabilities

O b j e c t i v e s a n d R T D p r i o r i t i e s

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:

— RTD on illnesses, disabilities and health problems with high morbidity, which are age-related and

where there is a real prospect of significant prevention, treatment or delay in onset

RTD priorities: studies on age-related diseases and disorders in the older population (Parkinson’s,
Alzheimer’s diseases, etc.); physiology and pathophysiology of ageing and disability; co-morbidity
studies,

— RTD into biological, psychological, social and economic determinants of healthy ageing and of the

mechanisms leading to disability and the postponement of disability

RTD priorities: cellular and molecular bases of ageing; genetic predisposition; immunology of
ageing; basic biological and psychological mechanisms underlying age-related changes (including
occupational and genetic effects); model studies and model diseases for specific ageing processes;
biomarkers; endocrine, neurocrine and metabolic factors of ageing; psychological implications of
ageing,

— demographic and epidemiological RTD into ageing and disability trends to enable prediction of

the size and nature of the ageing population as a basis for policy and planning

RTD priorities: clinical trials; analysis and quantification of demographic, medical, sociological,
lifestyle (including exercise, mobility and nutrition) and environmental
factors; prevention;
methodology linked to collection of specific data,

— RTD into new approaches to delaying the onset of disability, to reducing the challenge to older
people of their social and physical environment, including the design and development of products

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and services adapted to their needs (e.g. in housing, transport and leisure) and to supporting
mental and physical functioning

RTD priorities: methodology relating to quality of life, social integration and coping mechanisms;
technologies contributing to less dependency; research on sensory degenerations; psychomotor,
sensory and cognitive impairments;
intervention
assessment studies; assessment and quantification of needs and design/development of competitive
and adapted products and services,

rehabilitation and replacement

therapies;

— 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

RTD priorities: healthcare outcome research for elderly and disabled, research into specific health
services and social care services, as well as into healthcare services organisation; efficiency and
quality of healthcare delivery for the elderly; impact of ageing on the evolution and financing of
care systems, notably for long term care, and of pensions.

(b) RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES OF A GENERIC
NATURE

These activities have a longer-term impact that may even preclude the possibility of satisfying some of
the citizens’ expressed needs, for as long as fragmentary knowledge is not pooled together to a
sufficient degree of completeness. There is,
in the related disciplines, a time-dependent need for
integration of the science base, which is why industry, services and policy-making in Europe must
maintain or reinforce their response capacity in a rapidly changing world.

Efficient interaction between research laboratories and industry will be promoted. Clustering of
projects involving core centres and associated laboratories will be encouraged to create a critical mass,
to promote interaction between basic and applied research and to ensure maximum transfer of
knowledge to and from industry and undertakings. Support ranging from training of young scientists
to fellowships for senior researchers will be developed.

— Chronic and degenerative diseases (in particular cancer and diabetes), cardiovascular diseases and

rare diseases

Major challenges in biomedical research are the elucidation of the aetiology and pathogenesis of
multifactorial diseases (e.g. genetic, environmental, lifestyle) of high (e.g. cardiovascular, cancer,
diabetes) or low (e.g. rare diseases) morbidity. There is an urgent need to improve diagnosis,
treatment, prevention and surveillance through epidemiology and applying advances in modern
technology, requiring a multinational approach. The objective is to increase knowledge with regard
to the genetic basis, epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of diseases by integrating basic and
clinical research, and to apply modern technology to the treatment and control of major diseases,
including rare (e.g., Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease) and orphan diseases (e.g.
illnesses which are
prevalent in industrialised or developing countries but are receiving less attention for research in
industrialised countries).

RTD priorities: contribution of molecular, genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors and their
interactions to the aetiology, pathophysiology, progress and outcome of diseases, leading to new
approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, including the development of orphan drugs.
large-scale studies/trials are required, and
Evaluation of novel therapies where multinational,
optimum use of databases, registries, reagents and sample banks,

— Research into genomes and diseases of genetic origin

The aim of this activity is to identify the physiological functions of genes and to improve the
understanding of the meaning of sequence information. The new knowledge and technologies
deriving from this generic action should promote the exploitation of genome information to the

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benefit of European health, agriculture,
industry and the environment. The organisation of
collaboration in this area will underpin the development of expression systems to facilitate the
study of genes of industrial and agronomic interest as well as the design of effective molecular and
gene-based preventive and therapeutic strategies for human and animal disease. Efforts will be
made to ensure that the gap between diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities does not widen.

RTD priorities: this area will address the meaning of genome information and the improvement of
the knowledge and understanding of
including chronic and
degenerative diseases. This will require structural studies; comparative analyses of genomes and
proteomes; development of novel and user-friendly informatics approaches to enable acquisition
of, access to and interpretation of genomic and functional data; development of novel expression
systems, model organisms, mutant, transgenic and hybrid organisms with strict regard to ethical
principles and the principles of biosafety; development and application of underpinning
biochemistry, biophysical, statistical and computational approaches,

the genetic basis of diseases,

— Neurosciences

This activity will provide new insights and a better understanding of the mechanisms governing
the interrelationship of biological and psychological processes, to promote new diagnostic (e.g.
imaging), preventive and therapeutic approaches to neurological and psychiatric disorders and to
underpin opportunities for education, innovation in healthcare and computational industries. In
this context, synergy and an appropriate flow of information will be strengthened with the human
frontier science programme.

the integration of diverse disciplines,

RTD priorities:
technologies and levels of biological
organisation in the following areas: cell communication, mechanisms of learning and memory;
mechanisms of brain development, disorder and repair, and their clinical, epidemiological and
social implementations. Brain theory, computational neurosciences, and neuroinformatics; human
behaviour, cognition and functional mapping of
theoretical and
integration of basic and clinical research in developing innovative
experimental approaches;
diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic strategies based on novel genetic, cellular, non-invasive,
pharmacological and psychological approaches,

Integration of

the brain.

— Public health and health services research

Improvement of health systems: to improve the health of European citizens and the effectiveness
and cost-effectiveness of health-promotion and healthcare technologies and interventions, including
evaluation of the effectiveness of non-conventional therapies, enhance health and safety at work,
evaluate healthcare models, develop the evidence base for clinical practice and health policy, and
study public health variations across Europe.

improved methodologies

RTD priorities:
identification of new health
determinants (including factors leading to inequalities in health) and aetiologic factors of disease
through common methodologies and comparative research; socioeconomic and organisational
determinants of prevention, care and health services; at the workplace and in the home exposure
to biological, chemical and physical agents and to physical and mental stress.

in epidemiology;

Fighting drug-related problems: to prevent and, where appropriate, control drug-related health
problems through establishing the psychological and socioeconomic factors involved in drug-taking
and drug abuse, developing better understanding of the long-term health and social consequences
of abuse, and developing more effective treatment strategies.

RTD priorities: comparative and analytical research on biological and social causes, risk factors
and effects of drug addiction and misuse; psychological and socioeconomic factors of drug abuse;
long-term health effects of drug consumption; physical detection aspects, drug profiling and
biological monitoring of drugs,

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— Research relating to the disabled

The aim of this activity is to enhance the quality of life and independence of disabled people.

RTD priorities: research aimed at contributing to improvement of their social and physical
environment and the effective and efficient delivery of the health and social care services available
to them,

— Study of problems relating to medical ethics and bioethics in the context of respect

for

fundamental human values

The objective is to identify the ethical, legal and social questions raised, not only by medical and
biological research alone but also, more broadly, by scientific and technological developments to
understand and to promote public discussion of issues of public concern, and to analyse the ethical
dimension of legal and regulatory measures.

RTD priorities: ethical aspects of life sciences research and its application to medical practice,
food, animals, plants, and the environment (1),

— Study of the socioeconomic aspects of life sciences and technologies within the perspective of

sustainable development (the impact on society, economy and employment)

Competitiveness and sustainable development will together be the source of the Union’s future
wealth and employment opportunities, ensuring an enhanced quality of life for Europe’s citizens.

Simultaneous pursuit of these objectives is only possible through an adequate recognition of the
key interrelations between technologies, environment and society and integration of knowledge
into sustainable development policies.

Socioeconomic research is also needed to enhance the quality of the public debate, as illustrated by
the interest shown in the applications of modern biotechnologies and its scientific bases and the
need for transparent information. The regulatory process in life sciences and technologies and its

(1) Research activities under this programme must comply with the international conventions and codes of conduct,
and in particular the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association adopted by the World Medical
Assembly.
Account will also be taken of the declaration of the European Council of Amsterdam and the European
Parliament’s resolution on the banning of human cloning (OJ C 115, 14.4.1997), the European Convention on
Human Rights and Biomedicine of the Council of Europe; the opinions of the Group of Advisers on the Ethical
Implications of Biotechnology (1991 to 1996) and the opinions of the European Group on Ethics in Science and
New Technologies (as from 1998); the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights of
UNESCO of 11 November 1997 and the resolutions of the WHO, as well as relevant EC legislation for example,
Council Directives of 26 January 1965 and 20 May 1975 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and
administrative provisions relating to proprietary medicinal products (65/65/EEC and 75/319/EEC), Council
Directive of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of
the Member States relating to the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes
(86/609/EEC).
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
hereditary will be supported under the present framework programme. In the same way, no research activity
understood in the sense of the term (cid:28)cloning’, with 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, will be supported.
Concerning animal experimentation, the principles of replacement by alternative methods, reduction of the
number of animals and the refinement of experiments must be applied to the extent possible. Animal suffering
must be avoided or kept to a minimum and special attention must be paid to animal experimentation involving
species that are the closest to human beings.
Modification of the genetic heritage of animals and animal cloning will be envisaged within this programme only
for objectives which are justified on ethical grounds and when carried out under conditions respecting animal
welfare and genetic diversity.
Participants in EC research projects must conform to national legislation and applicable codes of conduct and
seek the approval of the relevant ethics committee prior to the start of the RTD activities.

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impact on citizen’s confidence influences public opinion, which in turn has a strong impact on
decision-makers.

in the construction of strategies and models for sustainable
The objectives are to assist
implementation and
development and to provide a sound scientific basis for the conception,
evaluation of relevant policies, exploiting knowledge and technologies from the life sciences and
technologies (including the creation of employment opportunities in the bio-industries), and to
develop a better understanding of the links between science and policy; including the ways in
which opinions on the benefits and risks of technological progress are formed and are reflected in
the regulatory process.

RTD priorities: technology evaluation and assessment, systematic provision of information to the
public, education and opinion forming in the field of life sciences and technologies; analysis of
social and economic driving forces and of new opportunities in the bioindustries; development of
indicators and knowledge bases relevant to decision-making and regulation; analysis of the social
and economic aspects of the links between life sciences and technologies and policies in the field of
industry, agriculture, fisheries, food, environment, sustainable development, public health, etc.

(c) SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES

Objectives

To broaden access, to make optimum use of and to improve the consistency of the existing European
research fabric at Community level.

To facilitate and to encourage transnational cooperation in the rational and cost-effective development
of RTD facilities in response to emerging needs.

the required efforts,
In order to reinforce the European added-value and the optimisation of
Community support will be directed towards: transnational coordination, integrated management of,
specific aspects of operation of, access to and improvement of existing facilities; coordination and
complementation of national or multinational initiatives to develop facilities needed at the European
level; networking of communities of researchers and users through research projects and specific
training activities centred on appropriate infrastructures, or cooperation of several partners, leading to
an integrated service provider; increasing the compatibility of dispersed systems, aiming to provide
rapid and effective integration of facilities and resources.

Classes of infrastructures

— Biological data and collections of biological material. Databases,

information services and
networks of biological expertise; major specialised instrumentation for the study of biological
structures; collections of genetic materials, living and non-living specimens; breeding of animals to
develop models of human diseases,

— clinical research facilities, including pre-clinical research, identification of studies and clinical trials

that should be done at the European level,

— facilities for aquaculture and fishery research.

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ANNEX III

SPECIFIC RULES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME

The specific programme will be implemented through the indirect RTD actions as provided for in
Annexes II and IV to the fifth framework programme. In addition, the following rules specific to this
programme will apply:

1. Accompanying measures

The accompanying measures will comprise in particular:

— studies in support of the specific programme, including the preparation of future activities,

— the exchange of

information, conferences, seminars, workshops and scientific and technical

meetings,

— recourse to external expertise,

in particular for the
purposes of the monitoring of the specific programme provided for in Article 5(1) of the fifth
framework programme, the external assessment provided for in Article 5(2) of the fifth framework
programme and the
their
implementation,

indirect RTD actions and the monitoring of

including access to scientific databases,

evaluation of

— dissemination,

including scientific publications,
activities for the exploitation of results and the transfer of technologies, encouragement of
innovation financing and assistance with the protection of intellectual property,

information and communication activities,

— training schemes related to RTD activities covered by the specific programme other than Marie

Curie fellowships,

— support for schemes to provide information and assistance for research players, including SMEs,

— recourse to external expertise in setting up and providing access to information, assistance and

research and innovation promoting services and networks.

2. Coordination arrangements

The Commission will endeavour to ensure complementarity between the indirect RTD actions under
the programme, in particular by grouping them around a common objective, and to avoid duplication,
while respecting the legitimate interests of proposers of indirect RTD actions.

As far as possible, coordination will also be ensured between actions under the specific programme
and those carried out in:

— other specific programmes implementing the fifth framework programme,

— the research and training programmes implementing Council Decision 1999/64/Euratom of
22 December 1998 concerning the fifth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy
Community (Euratom) for research and training activities (1998 to 2002) (1),

— other European research frameworks including Eureka and COST,

— other Community research-related instruments.

(1) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 34.

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It will comprise:

(i)

the identification of common themes or priorities, resulting in particular in:

— the exchange of information,

— the carrying out of work decided on jointly, entailing in particular the joint initiation of one of

the procedures referred to in Article 9 of the rules for participation and dissemination;

(ii) the reassignment of proposals for indirect RTD actions between specific programmes or between a

specific programme and a research and training programme.