Amended proposal for a Council Decision laying down the multiannual technical guidelines for the research programme of the Coal and Steel Research Fund (COM(2001) 121 final — 2000/0364(CNS)) (Text with EEA relevance)
Date: 2001-03-08
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: ECSC Treaty, economic consequence, project evaluation, receivership, research programme

26.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 180 E/15

Amended proposal for a Council Decision laying down the multiannual technical guidelines for
the research programme of the Coal and Steel Research Fund (1)

(2001/C 180 E/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2001) 121 final (cid:151) 2000/0364(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty on 8 March 2001)

(1) OJ C 29 E, 30.1.2001, p. 254.

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Unchanged

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

the Governments of

Having regard to the Decision [. . ./. . ./ECSC] of the Represen-
tatives of
the Member States meeting
within the Council on ... concerning the financial consequences
of the expiry of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and
Steel Community, in particular Article 5(3) thereof,

Having regard to the Protocol annexed to the Treaty of Nice on
the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty
and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel,

Having regard to Council Decision [. . ./. . .], and in particular
Article 4, paragraph 3 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Unchanged

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Whereas:

(1) The net revenues from investments on assets of the (cid:145)ECSC
in liquidation(cid:146) are being assigned to the (cid:145)Coal and Steel
intended to fund research
Research Fund(cid:146), which is
projects outside the framework programme in the coal
and steel industries

(1) The net revenues from investments on assets of the (cid:145)ECSC
in liquidation(cid:146), and on completion of the liquidation, the
(cid:145)Assets of the Coal and Steel Research Fund(cid:146), are being
assigned to the (cid:145)Coal and Steel Research Fund(cid:146), which is
intended exclusively to fund research projects outside the
framework programme in the sectors related to the coal
and steel industry.

(2) The (cid:145)Coal and Steel Research Fund(cid:146) is to be managed by the
Commission in accordance with principles similar to those
governing the present ECSC coal and steel
technical
research programmes and on the basis of multiannual
technical guidelines which should constitute an ideal
extension of those ECSC programmes, providing a high
concentration of research activities and ensuring that they
supplement
framework
the
programme for research and technological development,

Community

those

of

(2) The (cid:145)Coal and Steel Research Fund(cid:146) is to be managed by the
Commission in accordance with principles similar to those
governing the present ECSC coal and steel
technical
research programmes and on the basis of multiannual
technical guidelines which should constitute an ideal
extension of those ECSC programmes, providing a high
concentration of research activities and ensuring that they
supplement
framework
the
programme for research and technological development.

Community

those

of

(3) This Decision respects the fundamental rights and observes
the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of
Fundamental Rights of the European Union as principles
of Community law,

C 180 E/16

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.6.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Unchanged

The multiannual guidelines for the research programme of the
Coal and Steel Research Fund, hereinafter called (cid:145)technical
guidelines(cid:146), are set out in the Annex.

Article 2

The technical guidelines shall be reviewed or supplemented,
where appropriate,
commencing on 1
every five years
January 2008. To this end, and at the latest in the first six
the
months of
Commission shall reassess the operation and the effectiveness
of
the technical guidelines and shall propose all necessary
amendments.

the last year of each five-year period,

If it sees fit, the Commission may carry out such reassessment
and shall propose any appropriate amendments before the
expiry of the five-year period.

This Decision shall take effect on 24 July 2002.

Article 3

ANNEX

Unchanged

TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE EUROPEAN
COAL AND STEEL RTD PROGRAMME FOR THE PERIOD
2002-2007

1.

Introduction

The Member States of the European Coal and Steel Community
(ECSC), meeting within the Council, have transferred to the
European Community the assets of the ECSC, which is to be
wound up, after the expiry of the Treaty, on 23 July 2002. They
have charged the European Commission with the task of using
such assets to discharge all legal liabilities of the European Coal
and Steel Community, and have agreed that such assets are to be
managed according to their instructions in such a way as to
complete this task and to provide funds for the benefit of
financing continuing research in sectors related to the coal
and steel industries.

The Member States of the European Coal and Steel Community
(ECSC) have transferred to the European Community the assets
of the ECSC, which is to be wound up, after the expiry of the
Treaty, on 23 July 2002. The European Commission will
undertake to use such assets to discharge all legal liabilities of
the European Coal and Steel Community, and such assets are to
be managed with the aim of providing funds for the benefit of
financing continuing research in sectors related to the coal and
steel industries.

26.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 180 E/17

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

2.

The Programme

Unchanged

2.1. Objectives

consistent with the

As a continuation of the ECSC Coal and Steel Research and
Technical Development (RTD) Programmes and with an eye to
sustainable development, a European Coal and Steel RTD
Programme (hereinafter (cid:145)the programme(cid:146))
is established. The
objective of the programme is to support the competitiveness
industries. The programme
of the Community coal and steel
shall be
technological and
political objectives of the European Union, and complement
the activities carried out in the Member States and within the
the framework
existing Community programmes,
programme. Coordination,
synergy
between these programmes are an objective, and mutual
exchange of
encouraged between projects
financed under the programme and related projects that are
financed under the framework programme.

such as
complementarity

information is

scientific,

and

2.2. Main principles

The programme grants financial contributions to research, pilot
and demonstration projects by promoting cooperation with and
between undertakings, research centres and universities. Accom-
panying measures are also implemented as well as support and
preparatory actions.

The programme covers production processes, product treatment
and properties
(including in-use properties), environmental
improvements and safety at work related to the coal and steel
industry.

The definitions of (cid:145)coal(cid:146) and (cid:145)steel(cid:146) are provided in Appendix A;
they refer to those of the ECSC Treaty, updated to meet the
needs of sustaining the competitiveness of
the Community
coal and steel industry and widened to include products that
may enhance it. These definitions may be modified when any
further positive impact on competitiveness can be expected.

2.3.

Scope

These guidelines set out the structure and management of the
programme, its scientific and technical content and priorities in
complementarity to other
and the
modalities of participation.

existing programmes,

the

include

the
These guidelines
programme described in § 4.1 and its scientific/technical and
socio-economic priorities described in Appendices B and C.
Any modification of the Appendices B and C shall follow the
procedure described in § 3.1.

for proposals

call

for

C 180 E/18

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.6.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

2.4.

Participation

Any undertaking, research institute or natural person established
in the territory of a Member State of the ECSC at the date of the
expiry of this Treaty and of a new Member State of the EC
under the conditions set out in Article 8 of the decision of
the representatives of the Governments of the Member States
meeting within the Council concerning the financial conse-
quences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty, can participate in
the programme
contribution,
provided that it intends carrying out an RTD activity or can
substantially contribute to it.

and apply for

financial

a

Any undertaking, research institute or natural person established
in the territory of a Member State of the ECSC at the date of the
expiry of this Treaty and of a new Member State of the EC
under the conditions set out in Article 7 of Council Decision
[. . ./. . .] laying down the provisions required for implementing
the Protocol annexed to the Treaty of Nice on the financial
consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the
Research Fund for Coal and Steel, can participate in the
programme and apply for a financial contribution, provided
that it intends carrying out an RTD activity or can substantially
contribute to it.

2.4.1. Participation of candidate countries for EU membership

Unchanged

Undertakings, research institutes or natural persons in candidate
countries for EU membership are entitled to participate without
the programme.
receiving any financial contribution under
to modification in accordance
These conditions are subject
relevant Europe
with the
Agreements
and in the
additional protocols,
decisions of the respective Association Councils.

established in the

and their

conditions

Undertakings, research institutes or natural persons in candidate
countries for EU membership are entitled to participate without
the programme.
receiving any financial contribution under
to modification in accordance
These conditions are subject
relevant Europe
with the
Agreements
and in the
Protocols,
decisions of the respective Association Councils.

established in the

and their

conditions

additional

2.4.2. Participation of third countries

Unchanged

Undertakings, research institutes or natural persons from third
countries are entitled to participate on a project-by-project basis
and without receiving any financial contribution under the
programme, when this is in the interest of
the European
Community.

2.5. Allowable projects, accompanying measures and other actions

Research, pilot and demonstration projects, accompanying
measures,
can be
financed under the programme.

and preparatory actions

and support

A research project is intended to cover investigation or experi-
mental work to acquire new knowledge to facilitate the
attainment of specific practical objectives such as the creation
of new products, production processes or services.

A pilot project is characterised by the construction, operation
and development of an installation or a significant part of an
installation on an adequate scale and using suitably large
components with a view to verifying the practicability of theor-
etical or laboratory results and/or increasing the reliability of the
technical and economic data needed to progress to the demon-
stration stage, and in certain cases to the industrial and/or
commercial stage.

an industrial-scale

A demonstration project is characterised by the construction
and/or operation of
a
significant part of an industrial-scale installation which should
make it possible to bring together all
the technical and
to proceed to industrial and/or
economic data,
in order
commercial exploitation of
the technology with the least
possible risk.

installation or

26.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 180 E/19

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

The accompanying measures concern the promotion of the use
of knowledge gained, clustering of projects, dissemination of
results, stimulation of training and mobility of researchers in
connection with projects funded under the programme.

The support and preparatory actions are those appropriate to
the sound and effective management of the programme, such as
the periodic monitoring and assessment referred to in § 5,
studies or networking of related projects funded under the
programme and the framework programme.

3.

Management of the Programme
The programme is managed by the Commission. One expert
group and two advisory groups are established to assist the
Commission:

(a) the Coal and Steel Expert Group described in § 3.1;

(b) the Coal Advisory Group and the Steel Advisory Group

described in § 3.2.

3.1.

The Coal and Steel Expert Group

The Commission is assisted by an expert group called the Coal
the
and Steel Expert Group composed of representatives of
administration of
the Member States and chaired by the
Commission.

The Expert Group advises the Commission on:

(a) the allocation of funds;

(b) the drawing-up of terms of reference for the monitoring and

the assessment of the programme referred to in § 5;

(c) any updating of the Appendices to these guidelines;

(d) other issues in relation to the programme.

The Commission makes
available
the programme,
information about
measured or estimated impact of all funded RTD actions.

to the Group overall
the progress and the

3.2.

The Technical Advisory Groups

The Coal Advisory Group (hereinafter (cid:145)Coal AG(cid:146)) and the Steel
Advisory Group (hereinafter (cid:145)Steel AG(cid:146)) are technical advisory
groups, independent from each other, established to assist the
Commission. For the coal-related and the steel-related RTD
aspects, respectively, each AG:

(a) advises on the overall development of

the programme,
including the information package and the preparation of
the next guidelines;

(b) contributes to ensure consistency and avoid duplication with
level;

other RTD programmes at Community and national

C 180 E/20

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.6.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(c) assists in setting out the guiding principles for monitoring

the RTD projects;

(d) advises on the work being undertaken on specific projects;

(e) advises on defining the priorities of the programme;

(f) advises on the preparation of a manual for the evaluation

and selection of RTD actions;

(g) advises on the evaluation of proposals of RTD actions;

(h) advises on other measures when so requested by the

Commission.

Each AG is composed of a maximum of 30 members appointed
by the Commission to serve in a personal capacity for the
duration of these guidelines. Appointments may be withdrawn.
The Commission considers proposals for appointment received
in one (or more) of the following way(s): on proposal by the
Member States; on proposals by the organisations referred to in
§ 3.2.1 and § 3.2.2;
for applications for
in reply to a call
inclusion on a list of possible members.

The Members should be active in the field concerned and aware
of the industrial priorities. In each AG, a balanced and appro-
priate expertise, and the broadest possible geographic represen-
tation should be ensured. The presence of at least one member
from each interested country is aimed at.

The AG meetings are chaired by the Commission, which also
provides the secretariat. When needed,
the chairperson may
request members to vote; every member is entitled to one
vote. Additional experts may be invited by the chairperson to
participate in meetings, when appropriate.

The two AGs convene in joint meetings should the need be, e.g.
to provide advice on matters of relevance for both sectors.

3.2.1. The Coal Advisory Group

For the period covered by these guidelines the composition of
the Coal AG is as follows:

Members

Maximum
Total

(a) From coal producers or related research centres

(b) From organisations representing coal producers

at European level

(c) From coal users or related research centres

(d) From organisations representing coal users at

European level

(e) From organisations representing the workers

(f) From organisations

representing equipment

suppliers

8

2

8

2

2

2

24

The members should have a wide background knowledge and
individual expertise in one or more of the following areas: coal
mining and utilisation, environment and social issues.

26.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 180 E/21

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

3.2.2. The Steel Advisory Group

For the period covered by these guidelines the composition of
the Steel AG is as follows:

Members

(a) From steel

industries/national

federations or

related research centres

(b) From organisations representing producers at

European level

(c) From organisations representing the workers

(d) From organisations representing downstream

processing industries or steel users

Maximum
Total

21

2

2

5

30

The members should have a wide background knowledge and
individual expertise in one or more of the following areas: raw
steelmaking; continuous casting; hot
materials;
and/or cold rolling; steel
finishing and/or surface treatment;
development of steel grades and/or products; steel applications
and properties; environmental and social issues.

ironmaking;

4.

Implementation of the Programme

4.1.

Call for proposals

One continuously open call for proposals is hereby established
with a cut-off date for
submission for evaluation on 15
September of each year from 2002 to 2007.

The Commission establishes and makes publicly available an
information package providing proposers and interested parties
with operative information on the programme, modalities for
participation and those on the management of proposals and
submission of
projects,
proposals, model
costs, maximum
financial contribution allowable and methods of payment.

for
allowable

application forms,

contract(s),

rules

the

Applications must be submitted to the Commission according to
the rules contained in the information package which can be
obtained from the Commission upon request.

The proposed projects must be concerned with the production
steel or with the
and/or processing of coal,
properties,
fabrication and/or utilisation of coal and/or steel
products. The scientific/technical and socio/economic priorities
for the period covered by these guidelines are provided in the
Appendices B and C, for coal and steel RTD, respectively.

iron and/or

4.2.

Content of proposals

include a detailed description of

Each proposal must
the
proposed project and contain full information on the objectives,
partnership with details of the role of each partner, management
structure, expected results and prospects for their applications,
and estimate of industrial, economic, social and environmental
expected benefits.

C 180 E/22

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.6.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

The proposed total cost and its breakdown should be realistic
and effective, and favourable cost/benefit
should be
expected from the project.

ratios

4.3.

Evaluation and selection of proposals

The Commission will ensure a confidential, fair and equitable
evaluation of proposals.

The Commission will establish and publish a manual for the
evaluation and selection of research and technological devel-
opment actions (as specified in § 3.2.f).

The evaluation will be carried out under the responsibility and
coordination of the Commission as follows:

1. After

reception,

registration and eligibility check of

the
proposals, the Commission evaluates the proposals with the
assistance of the Technical Advisory Group concerned and of
the
independent experts, and establishes a ranking of
proposals;

2. The Commission establishes the list of retained proposals;

3. The Commission consults the Advisory Group concerned

and the Expert Group as described in § 3.1;

4. The Commission decides on the selection of projects and on

the allocation of funds.

The Commission establishes technical groups to assist in the
monitoring of research projects and activities.

4.4.

Contracts

Proposals selected as specified in § 4.3 are the subject of a
contract. Contracts are based on the relevant model contract
drawn up by the Commission, taking into account, as appro-
priate, the different activities involved.

the

define

Contracts
the
programme established on the basis of the allowable costs, as
well as the modalities of cost reporting, closure of accounts and
audits.

contribution

financial

under

4.5.

Financial contribution to projects

The programme is based on cost-sharing RTD contracts. The
total financial contribution including any other additional public
funding shall conform to the applicable rules on State aid as
defined in the relevant aid code.

The maximum total financial contribution, as a percentage of
the allowable costs defined in § 4.6, is:

26.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 180 E/23

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(a) for research projects: 60 %

(b) for pilot and demonstration projects: 40 %

(c) for

accompanying measures,

support

and preparatory

actions: 100 %

4.6. Allowable costs

The allowable costs cover only actual costs incurred for the
work carried out under the contract. Contractors, associated
contractors and subcontractors cannot claim any budgeted or
commercial rates. The allowable costs are broken down into the
following four cost categories.

4.6.1. Equipment

Equipment purchased or leased, which can be directly related to
the project, may be charged as a direct cost. The allowable costs
for leased equipment shall not exceed any allowable costs for its
purchase.

4.6.2. Personnel

The costs of actual hours worked on the project only by
scientific, post-graduate or technical staff and manual
labour
directly employed by the contractor may be charged. Any
require prior
additional personnel costs, e.g.
time
written approval by the Commission. All personnel
charged must be recorded and certified.

scholarships,

4.6.3. Operating costs

Operating costs comprise third party assistance,
travel and
subsistence costs incurred by allowable personnel working on
the project,
and other operating costs, which comprise
exclusively the cost of:

(a) raw materials;

(b) minor items of regular consumption;

(c) the use of consumable items;

(d) energy (directly used for the project);

(e) the maintenance or repair of equipment specifically used for

the project;

(f)

the transport of equipment or products for and in the course
of the project;

(g) the alteration and transformation of existing equipment to
the extent necessary for the proper performance of
the
project;

(h) computing services;

C 180 E/24

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.6.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(i)

the rent of equipment specifically used for the project;

(j) miscellaneous analyses;

(k) special examinations and tests.

4.6.4. Indirect costs

All other expenses ((cid:145)overhead costs(cid:146) or (cid:145)overheads(cid:146)) which may
arise in connection with the project and which are not
specifically identified in the preceding categories are covered
by a lump sum of 30 % of the allowable personnel expenditure.

4.7.

Technical reporting

Each Commission contract is the subject of reporting by the
contractor(s).

For RTD projects, semi-annual technical reports are due. These
reports are to document the technical progress made. After the
completion of work, a final report including the assessment of
exploitation and impact has to be provided. This report will be
published by the Commission in full or summarised form
depending on the strategic relevance of the RTD project. The
if
decision is taken by the Commission after consultation,
necessary, of the relevant AG.

Final reports of accompanying measures may be published,
where appropriate.

5.

Annual Reviews, Monitoring and Assessment of
Programme

the

An annual review of the activities of the programme and of the
progress of the RTD work is carried out by the Commission. The
report containing the annual review is transmitted to the Expert
Group.

A monitoring of the programme is carried out and includes an
estimate of the expected benefits; the monitoring report is issued
by the end of 2006. The report is transmitted to the AGs, the
Expert Group and the Council.

An assessment of the programme is carried out on completion
of the projects financed during the period covered by these
guidelines. The benefits of
the RTD to society and to the
relevant
sectors have also to be assessed. The assessment
report is published.

The Commission draws up the terms of reference for the annual
review, the monitoring and the assessment; for the two latter the
Commission is assisted by the Expert Group as referred to in
§ 3.1. Both monitoring and assessment are carried out by panels
of highly qualified experts appointed by the Commission.

26.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 180 E/25

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

6.

Transitory Clause

The Commission takes appropriate measures to ensure a smooth
transition from the ECSC RTD programmes to the programme.
The ECSC contracts still running after the expiry of the ECSC
Treaty are managed by the Commission in compliance with
their specific contractual obligations, aiming at harmonising
the management of the ECSC and the programme contracts.

Appendix A

Unchanged

European Coal and Steel RTD Programme

Definition of the Expressions (cid:145)Coal(cid:146) and (cid:145)Steel(cid:146)

1. Coal

(a) Hard coal;

(b) Hard coal briquette;

(c) Coke and semi-coke derived from hard coal;

(d) Lignite;

(e) Lignite briquettes;

(f) Coke and semi-coke derived from lignite.

The term (cid:145)hard coal(cid:146)
includes the Higher-Rank coals and the
Lower-Rank (cid:145)A(cid:146) coals (or sub-bituminous coals) of the (cid:145)International
the Economic Commission for
codification system of coal(cid:146) of
Europe of the United Nations (1). The term (cid:145)lignite(cid:146)
includes the
Low-Rank (cid:145)C(cid:146) coals (or ortho-lignites) and the Low-Rank (cid:145)B(cid:146) coals
(or meta-lignites) of the same classification. The programme shall
exercise its function in relation to lignite other than for the making
of briquettes and semi-coke, only for its conversion into electricity
or its combined conversion into heat and electricity.

The term (cid:145)hard coal(cid:146)
includes the Higher-Rank coals and the
Lower-Rank (cid:145)A(cid:146) coals (or sub-bituminous coals) of the (cid:145)International
the Economic Commission for
codification system of coal(cid:146) of
Europe of
includes the
the United Nations. The term (cid:145)lignite(cid:146)
Low-Rank (cid:145)C(cid:146) coals (or ortho-lignites) and the Low-Rank (cid:145)B(cid:146) coals
(or meta-lignites) of the same classification. The programme shall
exercise its function in relation to lignite other than for the making
of briquettes and semi-coke, only for its conversion into electricity
or its combined conversion into heat and electricity.

2. Iron and Steel

Unchanged

(a) Raw materials for iron and steel production, such as iron ore,

sponge iron and ferrous scrap;

(b) Pig iron (including hot metal) and ferro-alloys;

(c) Crude and semi-finished products of iron, ordinary or special
steel (including products for re-use and re-rolling), such as liquid
steel cast by continuous casting or differently, and semi-finished
products, such as blooms, billets, bars, slabs and strips;

___________
(1) International Codification System for Medium and High Rank Coals (1988),
International Classification of In-Seam Coals (1998) and International Codifi-
cation System for Low-Rank Coals Utilisation (1999).

C 180 E/26

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.6.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

Unchanged

(d) Hot finished products of iron, ordinary and special steels (coated
forgings and
or uncoated products, excluding steel castings,
sheet piling,
rails,
powder metallurgy products),
structural shapes, bars, wire rods, plates and universal plates,
strips and sheets, and tube rounds and squares;

such as

(e) End products of iron, ordinary steel or special steels (coated or
uncoated), such as cold rolled strips and sheets, and electrical
sheets;

(f) Products of the first-stage processing of steel that can enhance
the competitive position of the above steel products, such as
tubular products, drawn and bright products, cold rolled and
cold formed products.

Appendix B

European Coal and Steel RTD Programme

Scientific/Technical and Socio-economic Priorities for the Period
2002-2007

COAL RTD

Research and technological development are a major instrument for
supporting Community energy objectives with regard to the supply,
competitive and environment-friendly conversion and utilisation of
Community coal. Moreover, the growing international dimension of
the coal market and the global scale of the problems confronting it
means that the European Union has to take a leading role in meeting
challenges related to modern techniques, safety in mines and protection
of the environment on the world scene, providing for the transfer of
know-how that
is required for further technological progress, and
improved working conditions (health and safety) and environmental
protection. The priorities for coal research are set out below.

1.

Improving the competitive position of Community coal

The principal objective is a reduction of
total
production costs, improvement in the quality of the products or
reduction in the costs of using coal. Research projects encompass
the entire coal production chain:

the mine’s

(a) modern exploration techniques for deposits;

(b) integrated mine planning;

(c) high-efficiency,

largely automated road heading and winning
technologies corresponding to the particular geology of
European hard coal deposits;

(d) appropriate support technologies;

(e) transport systems;

(f) power supply services, communication and information, trans-

mission, monitoring and process control systems;

26.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 180 E/27

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(g) coal preparation techniques, geared to the needs of

the

consuming markets;

(h) coal conversion;

(i) coal combustion.

Research projects are also aimed at scientific and technological
progress,
leading to improved knowledge of the behaviour and
control of deposits in relation to rock pressure, gas emissions,
the risk of explosion, ventilation and all other factors affecting
mining operations. Research projects with these objectives must
present the prospect of results applicable in the short to medium
term to a substantial part of Community production.

1.1. Priorities

Priority is given to projects that promote:

(a) the integration of

in systems and
methods and the development of integrated winning methods;

techniques

individual

(b) substantial reduction of production cost;

(c) benefits in terms of mine safety and the environment.

2. Health and safety in mines

The required developments mentioned must be accompanied by
appropriate efforts in the field of mine safety, as well as in gas
control, ventilation and air-conditioning. Furthermore, under-
ground working
specific
for
improvements in occupational health and safety aspects.

conditions

need

raise

the

3.

Efficient protection of the environment and improvement of
the use of coal as a clean energy source

atmosphere, water

Research projects with this objective seek to minimise the impact
of mining operations and the use of coal in the Community on
the
in an integrated
management strategy with respect to pollution. With a view to
a Community coal industry undergoing constant restructuring, the
research is also geared to minimising the environmental impact of
underground mines destined for closure.

and the

surface

3.1. Priorities

Priority is given to projects that envisage:

(a) the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,

in particular

methane, from coal deposits;

(b) the return to the mine of mining waste, fly ash and desul-
phurisation products, accompanied, where relevant, by other
forms of waste;

C 180 E/28

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.6.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(c) the refurbishment of waste heaps and the industrial use of
residues from the production and consumption of coal;

(d) protection of water tables and purification of mine drainage

water;

(e) the reduction of

the environmental

impact of

installations

which use mainly Community coal and lignite;

(f)

the protection of surface installations against the effects of
subsidence in the short and long term;

(g) the reduction of emissions from coal utilisation.

4. Management of external dependence on energy supply

Research projects with this objective relate to the prospects for
long-term energy supply and concern the upgrading, in economic,
energy and environmental terms, of coal resources, which can not
be extracted economically by conventional mining techniques.
Projects include studies, the definition of strategies, fundamental
and applied research and the testing of innovative techniques,
which offer prospects for the upgrading of Community coal
resources. Preference is also given to projects integrating comple-
mentary techniques such as adsorption of methane or carbon
dioxide, coal bed methane extraction, underground coal gasifi-
cation, etc.

Appendix C

Unchanged

European Coal and Steel RTD Programme

Scientific/Technical and Socio-economic Priorities for the Period
2002-2007

STEEL RTD

With the general aim of increasing competitiveness and contributing to
sustainable development, the main emphasis of RTD is on the devel-
opment of new or improved technologies to guarantee an economic,
clean and safe production of steel and steel products characterised by
steadily increasing performance, suitability for use, customer satis-
faction, prolonged service life, easy recovery and recycling.

1. New and improved steelmaking and finishing techniques

RTD should aim at the improvement of steel production processes
to enhance product quality and increase productivity. The reduction
of emissions, energy consumption and the environmental impact as
well as an improved use of raw materials and the conservation of
resources should form an integral part of the developments. The
following fields should be addressed:

26.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 180 E/29

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

(a) iron-ore reduction processes;

(b) ironmaking processes;

(c) electric arc furnace processes;

(d) steelmaking processes;

(e) secondary metallurgy techniques;

(f) continuous casting and near net shape casting techniques with

and without direct rolling;

(g) rolling, finishing and coating techniques;

(h) hot and cold rolling techniques, pickling and finishing processes;

(i) process instrumentation, control and automation;

(j) maintenance and reliability of production lines.

2. Development and utilisation of steel

RTD on the utilisation of steel is essential for meeting the challenges
of future steel user requirements and creating new market oppor-
tunities. The following fields should be addressed:

(a) new steel grades for demanding applications;

(b) steel properties addressing mechanical characteristics at low and
high temperatures such as strength and toughness, fatigue, wear,
creep, corrosion and resistance against fracture;

(c) prolonging service life,

in particular by improving heat and

corrosion resistance of steels and steel structures;

(d) steel containing composites and sandwich structures;

(e) predictive simulation models on microstructures and mechanical

properties;

(f) structural safety and design methods, in particular in relation to

fire and earthquakes;

(g) technologies dealing with forming, welding and joining of steel

and other materials;

(h) standardisation of testing and evaluation methods.

C 180 E/30

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

26.6.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

3. Conservation of

resources and improvement of working

conditions

Both in steel production and in steel utilisation, the conservation of
resources, the preservation of the ecosystem and safety issues should
form an integral part of the RTD work. The following fields should
be addressed:

(a) techniques for recycling of obsolete steel from various sources

and classification of steel scrap;

(b) steel grades and design of assembled structures, which facilitate
the easy recovery of steel scrap and its reconversion into usable
steels;

(c) control and protection of the environment at and around the

workplace;

(d) recovery of steelworks sites;

(e) improvement of working conditions and quality of life at the

workplace;

(f) ergonomic methods;

(g) occupational health and safety;

(h) reduction of exposure to occupational emissions.