Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme 2002-2006 for research, technological development and demonstration to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre
Date: 2001-05-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EAEC, EU programme, EU research policy, research and development, research programme, technological change

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Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme 2002-2006 for research, tech-
nological development and demonstration to be carried out by means of direct actions by the
Joint Research Centre

(2001/C 240 E/29)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2001) 279 final (cid:151) 2001/0124(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission on 1 June 2001)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 166(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the opinion of
Committee,

the Economic and Social

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions,

Whereas:

concerning

the multiannual

(1) In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision
No . . ./. . ./EC of [. . .] of the European Parliament and the
Council
framework
programme 2002-2006 of the European Community for
research,
technological development and demonstration
activities aimed at contributing towards the creation of
the European Research Area (hereinafter referred to as
the
implemented
through specific programmes that define detailed rules
for their implementation, fix their duration and provide
for the means deemed necessary.

(cid:145)framework programme(cid:146)

to be

is

(cid:145)integrating research(cid:146),

(2) The framework programme is structured in three main
blocks of activities,
(cid:145)structuring the
European Research Area(cid:146), and (cid:145)strengthening the foun-
dations of the European Research Area(cid:146), within the first
of which the direct actions conducted by the Joint
Research Centre should be implemented by this specific
programme, while contributing in part to the aims of the
other two.

(3) The rules for the participation of undertakings, research
the dissemination of
centres and universities and for
research results, for the framework programme, adopted
by the European Parliament and Council
in Decision
No . . ./. . ./EC (hereafter
referred to as (cid:145)the rules for
participation and dissemination(cid:146)) should apply to this
programme as regards dissemination of research results.

(5) For the purpose of

implementing this programme,

in
addition to co-operation covered by the Agreement on
the European Economic Area or by an Association
it may be appropriate to engage in inter-
Agreement,
national co-operation activities,
in particular on the
basis of Article 170 of the Treaty, with third countries
and international organisations. Special attention should
be paid to Accession Countries.

(6) Research activities carried out within this programme
should
ethical principles,
notably those which appear in the Charter of Funda-
mental Rights of the European Union.

fundamental

respect

the

(7) Following the Commission Communication (cid:145)Women and
Science(cid:146) (1) and the Resolutions of the Council (2) and the
European Parliament (3) on this scheme, an action plan is
being implemented in order to reinforce and increase the
place of women in science and research.

(8) This programme should be implemented in a flexible,
efficient and transparent manner,
taking account of
relevant needs of JRC’s user and Community policies, as
respecting the objective and protecting the
well as
communities financial
interests. The research activities
carried out under it should be adapted where appropriate
to these needs and to scientific and technological devel-
opments.

(9) The JRC should actively pursue activities in innovation

and technology transfer.

(10) In the implementation of this programme, the Board of
Governors of
the JRC should be consulted by the
Commission in accordance with the relevant provisions
of Commission Decision 96/282/Euratom of 10 April
1996 on the
Joint Research
Centre (4).

reorganisation of

the

(11) The Commission should in due course arrange for an
independent assessment to be conducted concerning the
activities carried out
in the fields covered by this
programme.

(12) The Board of Governors of the JRC has been consulted on
the scientific and technological content of this specific
programme,

(4) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be
given to promoting mobility and training of researchers,
and innovation, in the Community.

(1) COM(1999) 76.
(2) Resolution of 20 May 1999 (OJ C 201, 16.7.1999).
(3) Resolution of 3 February 2000, PE 284.656.
(4) OJ L 107, 30.4.1996, p. 12.

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HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In accordance with Decision [. . .] on the framework
1.
(cid:145)the
programme 2002-2006 (hereinafter
framework programme(cid:146)), a specific programme related to
direct actions of
technological development and
demonstration to be carried out by the Joint Research Centre
(hereinafter referred to as (cid:145)the specific programme(cid:146)) is hereby
adopted for the period from [. . .] to 31 December 2006.

referred to as

research,

The objectives and scientific and technological priorities

2.
for the specific programme are set out in Annex I.

Article 2

to [Decision [. . ./. . .]/the
In accordance with Annex II
framework programme],
the amount deemed necessary for
the execution of the specific programme is EUR 715 million.
An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II to
this Decision.

Article 3

The Commission shall be responsible for the implemen-

1.
tation of the specific programme.

The specific programme shall be implemented by means
to the

2.
of
framework programme and in Annex III to this Decision.

the instruments defined in Annexes

I and III

3.
The rules for the participation of undertakings, research
centres and universities and for the dissemination of research
results (hereinafter referred to as (cid:145)the rules for participation and
dissemination(cid:146)) set out in Decision [. . ./. . .] shall apply to the
research
specific programme, as
results.

regards dissemination of

Article 4

1.
The Commission shall draw up a work programme for
the implementation of the specific programme, which shall be
made available to all interested parties, setting out in greater
detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities,
set out in Annex I, and the timetable for implementation, and
the implementation arrangements.

The work programme shall

2.
take account of relevant
research activities carried out by the Member States, Associated
States, European and international organisations.
It shall be
updated where appropriate.

Article 5

For the purposes of implementing the specific programme, the
Board of Governors of
the JRC shall be consulted by the
Commission
in accordance with Commission Decision
96/282/Euratom.

The Commission shall regularly inform the Board of Governors
of the implementation of this specific programme.

Article 6

1.
The Commission shall regularly report on the overall
progress of the implementation of the specific programme, in
accordance with Article 4 of the framework programme.

The Commission shall arrange for

the independent
2.
assessment provided for
the framework
programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried
out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

in Article 5 of

Article 7

This decision is addressed to the Member States.

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SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND BROAD OUTLINES OF THE ACTIVITIES

ANNEX I

1. INTRODUCTION

The Joint Research Centre carries out its work programme with the mission to provide customer-driven scientific and
technical support for the conception, implementation and monitoring of European Union policies. The JRC serves the
common interest of the Member States while being independent of special interests, private or national, and as such
provides support when there is a need for European intervention.

The JRC’s contribution to the Framework Programme incorporates recommendations of recent evaluations of the
JRC (1) and requirements necessitated by the Reform of the Commission. In particular, it includes:

(cid:151) A strengthened user-orientation

(cid:151) Networking activities to create a broad knowledge base and, in the spirit of the European Research Area (ERA),
more closely associate Member and Accession State laboratories, industry and regulators in the S & T support
provided to the EU policies.

(cid:151) The concentration of activities on selected themes, including training of researchers.

It responds to clearly expressed needs and requirements, notably from the Commission services, which have been
identified and are updated through systematic and regular contacts (2).

In its domains of competence, the JRC’s contribution will aim at establishing synergies with the relevant thematic
priorities in the other specific programmes, notably through participation in the indirect action, with a view to add
value, when appropriate, to the work carried out therein (e.g. through the comparison and validation of tests and
methods or the integration of results for policy-making purposes).

The political and institutional context in which the JRC operates has evolved significantly in recent years. Rapid
technological developments especially in biotechnology and the information society are changing our society with
new demands on policy makers to simultaneously protect the citizen and ensure competitiveness in a global
economy. Crises in consumer confidence and the growing impact of technology on day to day life have placed
the onus on policy-makers throughout Europe and the world to secure reliable scientific input throughout the whole
policy process. This encompasses the ability to respond rapidly in the event of unforeseen circumstances and to
longer-term impact of science and technology developments. The
taking a more responsible view of potential
development of common European systems of scientific and technical reference, as foreseen in the ERA,
is an
important step in this direction.

With the implementation of the JRC’s refocused mission to support EU policies (3), the Framework Programme
2002-2006 represents a new chapter in how the JRC will perform its activities. On its own the JRC cannot be
expected to cover the whole spectrum of scientific and technical support needed in such context. Three charac-
teristics permeate its proposed work programme: (i) concentration, (ii) openness and networking and (iii) customer-
orientation. Appropriate instruments will be set up to meet those objectives with particular attention to the
clustering of projects contributing to specific policy areas (see Annex III).

The JRC, as the in-house RTD service of the Commission, will

(cid:151) Provide demand-led S & T support to European policy formulation, development, implementation and moni-

toring in its areas of competence,

(cid:151) Contribute to the establishment of common scientific and technical reference systems within the European

Research Area.

(1) Davignon Report (2000), 5-year assessment of JRC (2000), 1999 JRC Scientific Audit, 2001 Prioritisation Audit.
(2) Annual users workshops, interservice group of users DGs, bilateral agreements, etc.
(3) Fulfilling the JRC’s mission in the European Research Area. Communication from the Commission to the Council and European

Parliament (OJ C 215, 22.4.2001).

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The thrust of JRC’s support to EU policies lies in the provision of technical support on issues related to environ-
mental protection, safety and security of the citizens and sustainable development. This includes risk assessment,
testing, validation and refinement of methods, materials and technologies to support a range of policies (cid:151) safety of
food products, chemicals, air quality, water quality, nuclear safety, to protection against fraud. Almost all this support
will be carried out in close collaboration with laboratories and research centres in Member States and elsewhere. To
the JRC has refocused its non-nuclear activities into two core areas, supported by horizontal
achieve this,
competencies:

(cid:151) Food, chemical products and health

(cid:151) Environment and sustainability

The core areas will be complemented by horizontal activities:

(cid:151) Technology foresight

(cid:151) Reference materials and measurements

(cid:151) Public security and anti-fraud.

2.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

2.1. Food, chemical products and health

The health protection of consumers particularly from the potentially harmful effects of contaminants in food and of
chemical products is a key European policy. This is evidenced by the creation of a European Food Authority and the
development of a new Community policy on chemicals.

In the framework programme 2002-2006 the JRC will respond to a series of specific requirements associated with
the rapidly evolving food and chemical Community policies. It will develop further as a scientific reference and
validation centre in selected areas linked to the quality and safety of food, the safety of chemical products, the
Community dimension of chemical measurement/metrology infrastructure and health-related information. JRC’s
strategy relies heavily on extensive networking with laboratories in the Member States, on the maintenance of
advanced analytical facilities and reference measurement and material production and on expanded competencies in
life sciences including proteomics and bioinformatics. Services like information systems, data banks (e.g. molecular
register) will be provided in support to relevant EU policies. Given the novelty of many issues and the complexity of
the regulatory environment, training will also be a priority. Work will be focused on the following priorities:

(cid:151) Food safety and quality

(cid:151) Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

(cid:151) Chemical products

(cid:151) Biomedical applications

F o o d s a f e t y a n d q u a l i t y

Emphasis will be on the development and validation of reliable methods and reference materials for the detection of
contaminants (natural such as mycotoxins and man-made such as PCBs), residues (e.g. pesticides, growth hormones
and veterinary drugs) and ingredients and additives in food as well as in animal feed. JRC’s prime role will be the
co-ordination of
testing of methods and materials and the submission of approved results to support risk
assessment and management (in close support to the European Community Reference Laboratories for Veterinary
Residues). As most food-borne diseases derive from microbiological including virus contamination, emphasis will be
placed on evaluation of new approaches for rapid identification and monitoring. Research on genomics and
proteomics will identify the cause of many food-related problems such as allergenicity, and the nature of TSE
diseases. The JRC will maintain flexibility to deal with new public health issues as they arise and will establish
additional efforts in the area of microbiology.

Standardisation of tests and evaluation of new methods for sensitive detection of BSE and TSE will involve the
implementation of quality control of large scale post-mortem testing in abattoirs in collaboration with relevant DGs,
TSE Ad-hoc Scientific Committee and leading TSE research laboratories. The JRC will investigate the fate of specific
risk material (monitoring of food products for presence of central nervous tissue, recycling and safe handling of
animal meal). Special emphasis will be put on safety aspects of animal feed being the prime route to the food chain.

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Food quality will grow in importance due to the relationship between health and food. Apart from assessment of
compliance with labelling (detection of frauds and adulteration) there is a strong need to judge the efficacy and/or
side effects of food supplements and functional food. The growing popularity of organic food requires the avail-
ability of suitable methods to assess authenticity. The JRC will focus its expertise in the area of food authenticity
towards the emergence of (cid:145)nutraceuticals(cid:146) and their effectiveness.

Technological prospective research will be conducted on the development of food products and processes, and on
the impact of food safety policies on the agri-food sector.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Concerning the presence of GMOs in food and environment the JRC will provide considerable scientific and
technical support in this field. This support will be carried out in the context of the European network of GMO
laboratories, co-ordinated by JRC at the request of EU Member States. Tasks will include development and validation
methods for GMO detection, identification and quantification, increasing the range of certified reference materials
(new species, processed food), development of biomolecular databases, and training. Research activities (e.g. on
sampling and traceability) focusing on novel varieties of food and feeds or on tackling the problem of species
unauthorised for use in EU will be performed to underpin regulatory needs and to achieve pan European harmon-
isation.

The study of GMOs in the environment will require the building of new competencies to deal with the genetic,
biodiversity and agronomic aspects of introducing new organisms in the environment.

Chemical products

The new Community policy on chemicals will impact strongly on the support required of JRC (1) throughout this
Framework Programme. The role for JRC will encompass operating an expanded scheme to regulate chemicals; this
will reinforce the already close links with relevant Member State authorities, industry and with international bodies
e.g. OECD. The risk assessment experience and expertise of the ECB will also provide a solid foundation for
significant research effort in this area.

The validation of alternative methods will increase in importance in support of the new testing programme of the
new chemicals policy. Research will also take place on the safety of vaccines and on the challenging area of the
long-term effects of repeated low doses of potentially hazardous substances.

Exchange of validated information through telematic means on health and medicines between regulatory bodies in
EU Candidate Countries and diffusion to all user-groups including consumers and patients are pursued.

The JRC will contribute to risk assessment on existing dangerous substances with attention paid to the migration of
harmful compounds from materials in contact with human and food, e.g. plasticisers in toys and the harmful effects
of cosmetics. Prospective analyses of the relations between Community policies and innovation and competitiveness
of the European chemical industry will also be undertaken.

Biomedical applications

An ageing population will inevitably change the profile of demand on EU health systems. The JRC plans to apply its
expertise in materials and life sciences on the biocompatibility and long-term reliability of implants and on the use
of optical techniques in minimally invasive medical systems. This work necessitates networking with research
laboratories, hospitals, industry and regulatory authorities. It will also work towards a globally accepted system
for clinical diagnostic measurement
in collaboration with the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry
(Directives on In-Vitro-diagnostics and Medical Devices).

JRC’s nuclear and isotopic facilities and competencies in the production and use of radioactive and stable isotopes
will also be used for medical purposes as in new types of cancer therapies [Æ-immunotherapy, Boron Neutron
Capture Therapy (BNCT)] as well as in clinical reference materials.

(1) Includes work of the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB) of the JRC.

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2.2. Environment and sustainabililty

The quality and use of water, air and soils, the sustainable use of energy and the threat of global warming are
concerns of growing political attention. Community policy developments in those fields call for adequate knowledge
of causes, processes, impacts and trends. The JRC defines its programme in a manner which takes direct account of
those requirements. It will thereby consolidate its role as a centre of knowledge and reference in environmental
matters of significant European dimension. It will do so by becoming increasingly involved in reference networks
with Member States and internationally, particularly in the accession States. Service to the policy making process
will be strengthened by developing a closer partnership with the relevant Commission Services and by pursuing
cross-policy, techno-economic prospective research. Attention will also be given to reinforcing the synergy with the
European Environment Agency with particular attention to the diffusion of scientific results. The programme will
cover the following areas:

(cid:151) assessing and preventing global change;

(cid:151) protection of the European environment (air, water and terrestrial resources);

(cid:151) contributions to sustainable development (new and renewable energies, environmental assessment);

(cid:151) support to GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security).

Assessing and preventing adverse global change

The JRC will provide support to the development of EU’s strategy to combat global warming, making use of its
combined technical, socio-economic, modelling and research skills. The implementation of the Kyoto Protocol
necessitates the understanding of the causes and processes controlling greenhouse gas cycles. A priority for JRC
will be the direct support of the EU Monitoring Mechanism of green house gases (Council decision 92/296). Closing
gaps of knowledge by specific research contribution will be a critical part of the role of the JRC in this context.
Work will focus on the establishment of a reference system which will enhance data quality and reduce uncertainty.
A critical part of this is the monitoring of changes in land cover, land use and forestry at various scales (see also
GMES). Energy scenarios for the future as well as carbon emission forecasts are also key to the implementation of
relevant measures. Policy options to reduce emissions in a cost-effective way will also be investigated. To maximise
its efforts, the JRC will conduct its global change activities in a dedicated cluster. Issues associated with climate
policy implementation, carbon sequestration, atmospheric quality measurements, the dynamics of ozone and UV
radiation over Europe could also be examined.

Protection of the European environment

(cid:151) P r e s e r v i n g a i r q u a l i t y

Air pollution is a key concern for the European citizen and is also the focus of a large body of regulatory
instruments (e.g. CAFE). The cornerstones of JRC’s efforts will be a) the assessment of emissions by vehicles and
stationary sources (new emission directives, standards for diesel/gasoline, new fuels, particulate matter and dioxin
emissions; harmonisation/standardisation of world-wide reference test cycles and of measuring methods for
industrial emissions) and b)
the provision of reference for the implementation and the development of air
quality directives (analysis quantification of air pollution, monitoring, techniques, pre-normative work, methods
for evaluating the impact of air quality policies on human exposure and modelling tools for data analysis and
comparisons of abatement scenarios.

Cross-sectoral
integrated analysis of the transport, energy, health and enterprise policies will be conducted to
determine their effect on emissions and ambient pollution levels. The work will be conducted in the context of
large networks of experts including representatives from the automotive and energy industries.

(cid:151) W a t e r q u a l i t y

Water is a key resource issue of the future; maintaining natural water sources and securing good quality drinking
water are of particular relevance. The Framework Directive on Water will oblige co-ordination and harmonisation
of monitoring and reporting processes of all Community regulatory existing instruments during the next six years.
Research leading to the harmonisation of a common database on reports by Member States on implementation of
various water related directives (e.g. Residual urban water, Nitrates, Surface water, etc.) will be pursued. JRC will
focus on the determination of ecological water quality parameters (also in the context of supporting existing generic
European metrological infrastructure), identification of significant pollutants, indicators of quality in inland and
coastal waters and on the identification of microbiological hazards, especially in waste waters as well as on
socio-economic implications of the new regulatory framework. Impacts on health are addressed under the (cid:145)Food
Safety and Quality(cid:146) chapter of this programme. Integrated coastal zone management research will be pursued to
provide community reference approaches.

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(cid:151) T e r r e s t r i a l r e s o u r c e s

The soils and the landscapes are the site of most human activities and their characteristics are determined by
management practices. The environmental component of the agricultural policy as well as well as several pieces of
EU legislation (e.g. Water Directive, Spatial Development Perspective, Urban Agenda, Climate Change and others)
deal with a range of those issues. The JRC will provide support to the development of a common platform for
integrated spatial analysis as a basis for policy making and evaluation. Catchment areas will be used as units of
study for evaluating various processes and impacts. The extensive database managed by the European Soils Bureau
will be expanded through networking; the ongoing collaboration with Eurostat will also be reinforced. Attention
will be paid to the development of tools and to provide information on natural landscapes in the context of forestry,
land use and biodiversity conservation. Support to the environmental component of the Common agricultural
policy will be provided in terms of landscape analysis and use of indicators. Information on the state and changes in
urban and regional environment will be produced. Work will rely upon the use of advanced remote sensing
techniques, geographical information systems and modelling of spatial processes.

Contributions to sustainable development

Work on sustainable development pervades the whole JRC programme and attention is paid to the integration of
economic, social and environmental dimensions.

(cid:151) E n e r g y

The Kyoto protocol has given a critical dimension to the energy debate since energy use and transport, two
cornerstones of economic life, have major impacts on the emission of greenhouse gases. The importance of new
and renewable energies as well as of energy efficiency and technology for the security of supply has been underlined
in a recent Green Paper and in a Communication on (cid:145)Renewables(cid:146).

The JRC experience in the field of renewables, energy policy and energy technology will be exploited to provide
support to emerging Community issues in a deregulated market; a concentration on the following areas of work is
foreseen:

(cid:151) development of reference systems (cid:151) through accredited laboratory and certification schemes (cid:151) in renewable

energy production (with priority on solar electricity), storage and energy use in buildings.

(cid:151) technology assessment, validation and modelling activities of new and conventional energy technologies with
particular reference to safety, efficiency, waste and biomass generated power technologies and waste incin-
eration performances.

(cid:151) energy scenarios and forecasting in the context of greenhouse gases emissions and market assessment for new

and renewable energy technologies in a competitive energy economy.

(cid:151) E n v i r o n m e n t a l a s s e s s m e n t

The need for an (cid:145)integrated(cid:146) assessment of environment quality is increasingly recognised. The JRC will support the
EU Sustainable Development strategy through the development of appropriate integrated policy assessment tools
and through activities leading to the integration of environmental concerns in EU policies. The European Integrated
Pollution Prevention and Control Bureau (IPPC) will continue its directive-linked work on assessing best available
technologies in view of reducing pollution in selected industrial sectors. Complex emission scenarios are needed to
link air pollution and global change. Waste management is an important area where an integrated analysis from
waste generation to treatment and disposal is necessary. Environmental integrity and human health is another area
of integrated studies to which the JRC will contribute. New assessment tools and approaches to eco-toxicology will
be developed to address topics such as air pollution and contaminants in waters (endocrine disrupters, biocides and
pharmaceuticals). The JRC will also provide methodological support to the integration of
the environmental
dimension in development assistance.

The JRC will contribute to the fulfilment of the EC legislation for exchanging environmental monitoring data (incl.
radioactivity) and information (through model intercomparison) under routine and emergency conditions.

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A focus on inter-policy linkages and impacts will be retained by JRC as a specific contribution to the implemen-
tation of sustainable development practices at Community level.

Support to GMES

The need for independent information on key issues affecting the world’s environment and the security of the
citizen is increasingly recognised. GMES is a European initiative towards the implementation of operational services
for collecting, analysing and disseminating a range of information items related to changes in environmental quality,
resource availability and management, natural risks and hazards. The GMES is being implemented under the dual
concern of preserving the global environment and reducing or anticipating threats to the security of the citizen. It
focuses primarily on the use of earth observation techniques for maintaining an adequate long-term watch on key
landscape parameters (such as land cover, use, resource degradation or depletion etc.) at various geographical levels.
It will also call for techniques to support the assessment of natural risks and the management of catastrophic events.
The JRC will focus on the development of EU-policy relevant applications which feed into the GMES concept in
three areas of work: support to international environmental agreements, assessing risks and hazards, and evaluating
environmental stress.

2.3. Technology foresight

Increasingly, the definition of EU policies is dependent on the timely anticipation and understanding of devel-
opments in science and technology and the social and economic environment. JRC’s expertise in analysing inter-
relationships between technology and society, and its experience in co-ordinating cross-sectoral and multidis-
ciplinary foresight research on an international scale will contribute to the implementation of the objectives of
the European Research Area (ERA). Throughout the framework programme 2002-2006, the JRC’s activities in this
research area will be based on a close collaboration with DG RTD and other customer DGs. The activity will focus
on:

(cid:151) Techno-economic foresight

(cid:151) International Foresight Co-operation forum

Techno-economic foresight

JRC will undertake medium to long-term prospective studies on crucial technological developments affecting the EU
and the relevant impact on growth, sustainable development, employment, social cohesion and competitiveness.
This activity will also provide background analysis and information that will be valuable in the implementation by
the JRC of its work in its specific competence areas It will include prospective analysis to identify technological
bottlenecks and opportunities, including quantitative estimations; identification of promising technologies and the
conditions required for their uptake.

International foresight co-operation forum

The JRC will strengthen its working relationships with international think-tanks and top level advisors, by following
up existing successful experiences (e.g. the European science and technology observatory (ESTO) network, the
High-Level Economists Group) and by pursuing the establishment of an International
foresight co-operation
framework. The availability of a mechanism to share analysis on the main emerging challenges will in particular
prove useful
in promoting Europe’s role in the international debate on science and governance. A common
reference system in policy-oriented foresight analysis will be established in the context of regional exercises with
particular attention to Candidate Countries.

2.4. Reference materials and measurements

Recognition of standards and measurements in products is an important component for the implementation of
Community policies related to consumer safety, free trade, competitiveness of European industry and external
relations. JRC will further support the existing or developing European metrological
infrastructure to produce
results of demonstrated quality, develop specific reference measurements, produce certified reference materials
(CRMs) to improve their global acceptance, organise international measurement evaluation programmes and will
establish trans-national databases in support of EU policies. Throughout JRC’s work programme agreed reference
methods and materials are required, whether in environment, food safety, public health or the nuclear industry. In
addition to work described in the previous sections, JRC plans to support the creation of a European Certified
Reference Material system. This will put the Centre in position to provide sound advice to Commission services
where applicable to EU legislation and practice.

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(cid:151) BCR (1) and industrial certified reference materials

(cid:151) Metrology in chemistry

BCR and certified reference materials

This activity concerns developing concepts and techniques for the production and certification of reference
materials to improve their global acceptance under the EU-US Mutual Recognition Agreement, where JRC
advises DG TRADE.
industrial
processes and products. As support to DG RTD, JRC will, where feasible, extend its responsibility for storage
and distribution of BCR to the management of the production and certification of new CRMs from indirect
actions. Nuclear reference materials used for safeguards and nuclear materials accountancy will be expanded to
the environment.

JRC will concentrate on production of BCRs and new CRMs for control of

Metrology in chemistry

the production and certification of

The JRC will continue to represent the Commission in international bodies responsible for the development of a
world-wide chemical measurement system. Strategic tasks will include the development of primary measurement
techniques,
International
Measurement Evaluation Programmes. Topics depend on EU policy requirements and evaluations rely heavily on
the participation of numerous laboratories, especially those which have a reference role to play in their sector or
region. Through the establishment of networks (PECOMet-Network and MetMED) support will be provided to
EU-Candidate countries and Mediterranean countries to build up a structured measurement system in chemistry.

isotopic reference materials and organisation of

2.5. Public security and anti-fraud

Public security issues (cid:151) proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,
the economy,
infringements to privacy and Internet vulnerabilities, risks from natural or technological disasters (cid:151) require a
coordinated international approach. The EU is providing a framework through a number of mechanisms and at the
same time it has declared zero tolerance towards fraud. These political initiatives and commitments need scientific
and technical support and the JRC is shaping its programme to directly answer some of those specific requirements.
JRC has, over the years, developed a broad-based and well-recognised expertise in the general domain of security
and anti-fraud, in the handling of large information infrastructures and in dealing with complex systems. In the
framework programme 2002-2006, such expertise will be provided to user European institutions according to their
priorities and needs. Increased emphasis will be given to exploiting networks with other research institutions and
stakeholders in order to deepen and widen the support. JRC will concentrate on the following issues:

the globalisation of

(cid:151) International humanitarian security

(cid:151) Natural and technological hazards, risks and emergencies

(cid:151) Cyber-security

(cid:151) Monitoring compliance with EU regulations and fraud control

International humanitarian security

The JRC will maintain a focus on technical aspects of EU efforts in humanitarian demining, firstly to improve
knowledge of existing technology for minefield survey and detection through testing and benchmarking, secondly to
assess new technologies, and thirdly to increase the visibility, transparency and efficiency of EU mine action
operations.

The JRC, through the GMES initiative, will also contribute to developing a European capability that allows inte-
grated space-based data, environmental data and socio-economic data to be made available for European security
policies on a timely basis. Based on its expertise in safeguarding nuclear materials, the JRC is prepared, if required,
to deal with the technical issues raised in non-proliferation and disarmament of weapons of mass destruction.

(1) Bureau Communautaire de RØfØrence.

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Natural and technological hazards, risks and emergencies

JRC will continue to support efforts to develop a European framework for forecasting, assessing, managing and
reducing risks in the Community. In the Framework Programme 2002-2006 the JRC will further develop a system
approach to the management of natural and technological hazards. For technological risks (cid:151) from aircraft incidents
and industrial hazards (cid:151) JRC’s efforts will be centred round its operation and improvement of harmonised
European monitoring systems (ECCAIRS (1) MAHB (2), EPERC (3) which will be further extended to the enlargement
countries. For natural hazards, JRC will endeavour to provide Europe with a similar capability. At the same time,
efforts to develop a common European approach towards floods and forest fires will continue through a focus on
integration of advanced modelling, conventional and space-based data. A link to the GMES initiative will be
developed. Various networks, such as the European network of earthquake engineering laboratories will be
extended to international level. Similarly, JRC in collaboration with European partners will set up a network of
experimental facilities to develop a common integrated initiative for structural safety.

Cybersecurity

The JRC will build on experience gained in supporting the EU’s dependability initiative, out-of-court dispute
settlement systems as well as the observatory on electronic payment systems. Working closely with the responsible
Commission Services and Member State organisations,
it will support the development of an appropriate EU
response to risks of cybercrime, privacy and Internet vulnerabilities. Efforts will concentrate on methods for
better characterising these risks, on criteria for evaluating technical countermeasures and on testing them in JRC
facilities and on developing appropriate and harmonised measures, indications and statistics in consultation with
other interested parties,
including Europol. The JRC will also maintain an Internet website on the issue of
cybercrime and report its progress to the EU Forum established in the framework of the Commission Communi-
cation on (cid:145)Creating a safer information society by improving the security of information infrastructures and
combating computer-related crime(cid:146) [COM(2000) 890 final].

Monitoring compliance with EU regulations and fraud control

The JRC supports the Commission’s efforts to increase the effectiveness of anti-fraud measures, both by providing
advanced technologies to bodies that operate at the EU level and by supporting Member States in the use of the
latest technologies. The JRC, working closely with the concerned Commission services, will maintain appropriate
support to the Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy and the European Anti-Fraud Office,
OLAF. As well as exploring the application of new technologies (cid:151) DNA analysis for livestock identification, satellite
image interpretation for crop acreage monitoring or fishing vessel
identification, cross-correlation of isotopic
analysis of beverages and foodstuffs to determine contents and origin, intelligence gathering from open sources,
language technology to analyse multilingual documents (cid:151) the JRC will continue to provide customers with the
integrated knowledge that includes the entire cycle from data capture, data fusion, data mining through to visual-
isation and estimation.

The JRC will also build on its methodological experience to provide timely, reliable and more socially-robust
information to the policy process. This will be achieved for official statistics through the coordination, with
Eurostat, of thematic research networks with emphasis on short-term indicators, business cycle and financial
analysis and through the development of a quality assurance methodology for scientific input to governance.

Increased importance will be devoted to early warnings and trend detection, dissemination, awareness raising and
knowledge-sharing with partner laboratories in the Member States. The fraud problem will not be tackled on an
individual case basis but at a system level (cid:151) developing procedures and regulations that involve less bureaucracy
and that are intrinsically less prone to fraud.

(1) European Coordination Centre for Aircraft Mandatory Accident Reporting Systems.
(2) Major Accidents Hazard Bureau.
(3) European Pressure Equipment Research Council.

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ANNEX II

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT

Activity

Amount (EUR million)

Food, Chemical products and Health

Environment and Sustainability

Horizontal Activities (Technology Foresight; Reference Materials and Measurements;
Public Security and Anti-fraud)

207

286

222

Total

715 (1) (2)

(1) Of which approximately 6 % may be allocated to exploratory research and up to 2 % for exploitation of own JRC results and

technology transfer.

(2) This total includes the JRC’s budget contribution necessary for its participation in indirect actions.

ANNEX III

SPECIFIC RULES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME

1. The Commission, after consulting the Board of Governors of the JRC, shall implement the direct action on the basis
of the scientific objectives and contents described in Annex I. The activities relating to this action shall be performed
in the relevant institutes of the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

2. In the implementation of its activities, the JRC will, whenever appropriate and feasible, participate in or organise
networks of public and private laboratories in the Member States or European research consortia supporting the
European policy-making process. Particular attention shall be paid to co-operation with industry, especially with
small and medium-sized enterprises. Research bodies established in third countries may also co-operate on projects,
in accordance with the relevant provisions of Article 6 of the Framework Programme and, where applicable, of
agreements for scientific and technological co-operation between the Community and the third countries concerned.
Particular attention will be paid to co-operation with research laboratories and institutes in the Candidate Countries
and countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

It will also use appropriate mechanisms to continuously identify the requirements and needs of its customers and
users and to involve them in the related activities.

The knowledge gained through implementation of the projects will be disseminated by the JRC itself (taking into
account possible limitations due to confidentiality issues).

3. The accompanying measures shall include:

(cid:151) organisation of the visits of JRC staff to national laboratories, industrial laboratories and universities,

(cid:151) the promotion of mobility of young scientists, particularly from the Candidate countries, with particular attention

to encourage participation of women,

(cid:151) specialised training in support of the elaboration and/or implementation of the European policies with the

emphasis on multidisciplinarity,

(cid:151) the organisation of visits to JRC institutes of visiting scientists and seconded national experts, particularly from

Candidate countries, with particular attention to encourage participation of women,

(cid:151) systematic exchange of information, through, inter alia, the organisation of scientific seminars, workshops and

colloquiums and scientific publications,

(cid:151) the independent scientific and strategic evaluation of the performance of the projects and programmes.