Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre (2002-2006) (presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 250 (2) of the EC Treaty)
Date: 2002-01-30
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EAEC, EU programme, EU research policy, European industrial area, research and development, research programme, technological change

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Official Journal of the European Communities

30.7.2002

Amended proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme for research, tech-
nological development and demonstration to be carried out by means of direct actions by the
Joint Research Centre (2002-2006) (1)

(2002/C 181 E/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2002) 43 final — 2001/0124(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty on 31 January 2002)

(1) OJ C 240 E, 28.8.2001, p. 238.

INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Unchanged

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 the Economic and Social
Committee,

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.

‘framework programme’)

to be

is

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

the creation of

‘integrating research’,

(2) The framework programme is structured in three main
blocks of activities,
‘structuring the
European Research Area’, and ‘strengthening the foun-
dations of the European Research Area’, 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.

and

activities,
research’,

‘Focusing
‘structuring

(2) The framework programme is structured in three main
integrating
blocks
of
European
Community
Research Area’, and ‘strengthening the foundations of
the European Research Area’, within the first of which
the direct actions conducted by the Joint Research
Centre
specific
implemented
programme, while contributing in part to the aims of
the other two.

should

this

the

by

be

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

Unchanged

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

(5) 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 appropriate to engage in inter-
national cooperation 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.

(5) 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 appropriate to engage in inter-
national cooperation activities, in particular on the basis
of Article 170 of the Treaty, with third countries and
international organisations. Special attention should be
paid to Candidate Countries.

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

fundamental

respect

the

Unchanged

(7) Following the Commission Communication ‘Women and
Science’ (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.

(7) Following the Commission Communication ‘Women and
Science’ (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, and further
enhanced action is needed.

(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.

Unchanged

(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
Joint Research
1996 on the
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.

___________
(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.

___________
(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.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

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

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In accordance with Decision [. . .] on the framework
1.
programme 2002-2006 (hereinafter
‘the
framework programme’), 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 ‘the specific programme’) 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.

to Decision [. . ./. . .]/the
In accordance with Annex II
framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for the
execution of the specific programme is EUR 760 million. An
indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II to
this Decision.

Article 3

Unchanged

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
the instruments defined in Annexes I and III
framework programme and in Annex III to this Decision.

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

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

Article 5

AMENDED PROPOSAL

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

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 6 of

Article 7

Unchanged

This decision is addressed to the Member States.

ANNEX I

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES AND BROAD OUTLINES OF THE ACTIVITIES

1.

INTRODUCTION

Unchanged

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
JRC (1) and
recommendations of
requirements necessitated by the Reform of the Commission. In
particular, it includes:

evaluations of

recent

the

— A strengthened user-orientation

— 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.

— The concentration of activities on selected themes;

___________
(1) Davignon Report

(2000), 5-year assessment of

JRC (2000), 1999 JRC

Scientific Audit, 2001 Prioritisation Audit.

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

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— including training of researchers

— the training of researchers using,

in particular,

large scale

facilities and specialised laboratories.

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 (1).

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 (1).

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 vali-
dation of tests and methods or the integration of results for
policy-making purposes).

Unchanged

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 competi-
tiveness 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
the whole policy
process. This encompasses the ability to respond rapidly in the
event of unforeseen circumstances and to taking a more
responsible view of potential longer-term impact of science and
technology developments. The development of common European
systems of scientific and technical reference, as foreseen in the
ERA, is an important step in this direction.

throughout

With the implementation of
the JRC's refocused mission to
support EU policies (2), 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
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).

characteristics permeate

EU policies (2),

sixth Framework

the JRC's refocused mission to
With the implementation of
support
the
Programme
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
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).

characteristics permeate

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

Unchanged

— Provide demand-led S & T support to European policy formu-
implementation and monitoring in its

lation, development,
areas of competence,

— Contribute to the establishment of common scientific and
technical reference systems within the European Research
Area.

___________
(1) Annual users workshops,

agreements, etc.

interservice group of users DGs, bilateral

___________
(1) Annual users workshops,

interservice group of users DGs, bilateral

agreements, in association with the High Level Users Group.

(2) Fulfilling the JRC's mission in the European Research Area. Communication
from the Commission to the Council and European Parliament 215 of
22.4.2001.

(2) Fulfilling the JRC's mission in the European Research Area. Communication
from the Commission to the Council and European Parliament COM(2001)
215 of 22.4.2001.

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AMENDED PROPOSAL

The thrust of JRC's support to EU policies lies in the provision of
technical support on issues related to environmental 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
— 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 achieve this,
the JRC has refocused its non-nuclear activities into two core
areas, supported by horizontal competencies:

— Food, chemical products and health

— Environment and sustainability.

The core areas will be complemented by horizontal activities:

— Technology foresight

— Reference materials and measurements

— 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 devel-
opment of a new Community policy on chemicals.

food,

infrastructure

the Community dimension of

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
the safety of
areas linked to the quality and safety of
chemical
chemical products,
measurement/metrology
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
in life
material production and on expanded competencies
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:

and

— Food safety and quality

— Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

— Chemical products

— Biomedical applications

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Food safety and quality

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 coordination of testing of methods
and materials and the submission of approved results to support
risk assessment and management
to the
European Community Reference Laboratories
for Veterinary
Residues). As most
food-borne diseases derive from microbi-
ological 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.

(in close support

Standardisation of
tests and evaluation of new methods for
involve the implemen-
sensitive detection of BSE and TSE will
tation 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.

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
food
strong need to judge the efficacy and/or side effects of
supplements and functional
food. The growing popularity of
organic food requires the availability of suitable methods to
assess authenticity. The JRC will focus its expertise in the area
of food authenticity towards the emergence of ‘nutraceuticals’ 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, coordinated by JRC at
the request of EU Member States. Tasks will include development
identification and
and validation methods for GMO detection,
quantification,
reference
materials (new species, processed food), development of biomol-
ecular 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 harmonisation.

range of

increasing

certified

the

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INITIAL PROPOSAL

AMENDED PROPOSAL

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

introducing new organisms

aspects of

Chemical products

throughout

The new Community policy on chemicals will impact strongly on
JRC (1)
the support
required of
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
in EU
Candidate Countries and diffusion to all user-groups including
consumers and patients are pursued.

between regulatory

bodies

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. Pros-
pective analyses of the relations between Community policies and
innovation and competitiveness of
the European chemical
industry will also be undertaken.

Biomedical applications

life

and

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

biocompatibility

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 (α-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 sustainability

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 pros-
pective 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:

— assessing and preventing global change;

— protection of

the European environment

(air, water and

terrestrial resources);

— contributions to sustainable development (new and renewable

energies, environmental assessment);

— 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 implemen-
tation 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 greenhouse gases (Council Decision 92/296/EEC).
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,
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.

the JRC will conduct

Protection of the European environment

— 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).

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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
from the automotive and energy industries.
representatives

— W a t e r q u a l i t y

regulatory

all Community

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
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 ‘Food Safety and Quality’ chapter of this programme.
Integrated coastal zone management research will be pursued to
provide community reference approaches.

— 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
several pieces of EU legislation (e.g. Water Directive, Spatial Devel-
opment 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
and use of
be provided in terms of

landscape

analysis

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indicators. Information on the state and changes in urban and
regional environment will be produced. Work will rely upon the
use of
geographical
sensing
information systems and modelling of spatial processes.

advanced remote

techniques,

Contributions to sustainable development

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

the whole JRC
integration of

— 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 ‘Renewables’.

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 concen-
tration on the following areas of work is foreseen:

— development of

reference systems — through accredited
laboratory and certification schemes — in renewable energy
production (with priority on solar electricity), storage and
energy use in buildings,

— technology assessment, validation and modelling activities of
new and conventional energy technologies with particular
reference to safety, efficiency, waste and biomass generated
technologies and waste incineration performances,
power

— energy scenarios and forecasting in the context of greenhouse
gases emissions and market assessment for new and renewable
energy economy.
energy technologies

competitive

in a

— 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 ‘integrated’ 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
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

an integrated analysis

area where

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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 environ-
mental 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.

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

specific

a

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 implemen-
tation of operational services for collecting, analysing and dissemi-
nating a range of information items related to changes in environ-
mental 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
focuses
primarily on the use of earth observation techniques for main-
taining an adequate long-term watch on key landscape parameters
(such as land cover, use, resource degradation or depletion etc.) at
various geographical
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 environ-
mental agreements, assessing risks and hazards, and evaluating
environmental stress.

It will also call

the citizen.

levels.

It

2.3. Technology foresight

Increasingly, the definition of EU policies is dependent on the
in
timely anticipation and understanding of developments
science and technology and the social and economic environment.
JRC's expertise in analysing inter-relationships between technology
and society, and its experience in coordinating cross-sectoral and
multidisciplinary foresight research on an international scale will
contribute to the implementation of
the
the framework
European Research Area (ERA). Throughout
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:

the objectives of

— Techno-economic foresight

— International Foresight Cooperation forum.

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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 cooperation forum

(ESTO)

The JRC will strengthen its working relationships with inter-
think-tanks and top level advisors, by following up
national
the European science and
existing successful experiences (e.g.
technology
the High-Level
network,
observatory
Economists Group) and by pursuing the establishment of an Inter-
national foresight cooperation 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 estab-
lished in the context of regional exercises with particular attention
to Candidate Countries.

2.4. Reference materials and measurements

JRC will

reference measurements, produce

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.
further
support the existing or developing European metrological infra-
structure to produce results of demonstrated quality, develop
specific
certified reference
materials (CRMs) to improve their global acceptance, organise
international measurement
and will
establish trans-national databases
to EU policies.
Throughout
JRC's work programme agreed reference methods
and materials are required, whether in environment, food safety,
In addition to work
public health or
described in the previous sections,
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.

evaluation programmes
in support

JRC plans to support

the nuclear

industry.

— BCR (1) and industrial certified reference materials

— Metrology in chemistry.

___________
(1) Bureau Communautaire de Référence.

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

Metrology in chemistry

Metrology in chemistry and physics

the Commission in inter-
The JRC will continue to represent
national bodies responsible for the development of a world-wide
chemical measurement system. Strategic tasks will
include the
development of primary measurement techniques, the production
and certification of isotopic reference materials and organisation
of
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.

responsible

The information generated by studying the interactions of
neutrons with matter is fundamental to many applications areas.
Infrastructures will be maintained to investigate basic metrology in
physics in a systematic manner over a wide energy range, empha-
sising its relevance for
training. The radionuclide metrology
activity provides support to food, chemical and environmental
safety. The JRC will continue to represent the Commission in
international bodies
the development of a
world-wide chemical measurement system. Strategic tasks will
include the development of primary measurement
techniques,
the production and certification of isotopic reference materials
Evaluation
and organisation of
Programmes. Topics depend on EU policy requirements and
evaluations rely heavily on the participation of numerous labora-
tories, especially those which have a reference role to play in their
sector or
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.

International Measurement

region. Through the

for

2.5. Public security and anti-fraud

Unchanged

a

to

Public security issues — proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction, the globalisation of the economy,
infringements to
privacy and Internet vulnerabilities, risks from natural or tech-
coordinated international
nological disasters — require
approach. The EU is providing a framework through a number
of mechanisms and at the same time it has declared zero tolerance
to fraud. These political
initiatives and commitments need
support and the JRC is shaping its
scientific and technical
specific
of
answer
programme
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.
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:

directly

In the

those

some

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— International humanitarian security

— Natural and technological hazards, risks and emergencies

— Cybersecurity

— 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.

a

that

European

The JRC, through the GMES initiative, will also contribute to
developing
integrated
capability
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.

allows

a

that

European

The JRC, through the GMES initiative, will also contribute to
developing
integrated
capability
space-based data, environmental data and socio-economic data
to be made available for European security policies,
including
humanitarian aid, 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.

allows

Natural and technological hazards, risks and emergencies

Unchanged

In the

Framework

in the Community.

JRC will continue to support efforts to develop a European
forecasting, assessing, managing and reducing
framework for
risks
Programme
2002-2006 the JRC will further develop a system approach to
the management of natural and technological hazards. For tech-
nological risks — from aircraft incidents and industrial hazards —
JRC's efforts will be centred round its operation and improvement
(ECCAIRS (1)
of harmonised European monitoring
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.

systems

___________
(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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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 appro-
priate EU response to risks of cybercrime, privacy and Internet
vulnerabilities. Efforts will concentrate on methods for better char-
acterising these risks, on criteria for evaluating technical counter-
measures 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 Communication on ‘Creating
security of
a safer
information infrastructures
computer-related
crime’ (COM(2000) 890 final).

information society by improving the

and combating

Monitoring compliance with EU regulations and fraud control

to the

support

The JRC supports the Commission's efforts to increase the effec-
tiveness of anti-fraud measures, both by providing advanced tech-
nologies 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
common agricultural
policy, the common fisheries policy and the European Anti-Fraud
Office, OLAF. As well as exploring the application of new tech-
nologies — DNA analysis for livestock identification, satellite
fishing
image interpretation for crop acreage monitoring or
vessel
isotopic analysis of
beverages and foodstuffs to determine contents and origin, intel-
ligence gathering from open sources,
language technology to
analyse multilingual documents — 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 visualisation and estimation.

identification, cross-correlation of

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 — developing procedures and regulations that involve less
bureaucracy and that are intrinsically less prone to fraud.

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ANNEX II

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT

Activity

Food, Chemical products and Health

Environment and Sustainability

Horizontal Activities

(EUR million)

Amount

207

286

222

Activity

Food, Chemical products and Health

Environment and Sustainability

Horizontal Activities

(EUR million)

Amount

212

286

262

— Technology Foresight; Reference Materials and
Measurements; Public Security and Antifraud

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 partici-

pation in indirect actions.

— Technology Foresight; Reference Materials and
Measurements; Public Security and Antifraud
(EUR 222 million)

— Research Training; Access to Infrastructures

(EUR 40 million)

Total

760 (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 partici-

pation 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).

Unchanged

2.

In the implementation of
the JRC will, whenever
its activities,
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 cooperation with industry,
especially with small and medium-sized enterprises. Research
bodies established in third countries may also cooperate on
projects,
in accordance with the relevant provisions of Article 6
of the Framework Programme and, where applicable, of agreements
the
for
Community
Particular
attention will be paid to cooperation with research laboratories
and institutes in the Candidate Countries and countries of central
and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

technological

cooperation

concerned.

countries

scientific

between

third

and

and

the

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).

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3. The accompanying measures shall include:

— organisation of the visits of JRC staff to national laboratories,

industrial laboratories and universities,

— the promotion of mobility of young scientists, particularly from
the Candidate countries, with particular attention to encourage
participation of women,

— specialised training in support of

elaboration and/or
implementation of the European policies with the emphasis on
multidisciplinarity,

the

— 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,

— systematic exchange of

the
information,
organisation of scientific seminars, workshops and colloquiums
and scientific publications,

inter alia,

through,

— the independent

scientific and strategic evaluation of

the

performance of the projects and programmes.