2006/975/EC: Council Decision of 19 December 2006 concerning the Specific Programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)
Date: 2006-12-19
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU programme, EU research policy, Joint Research Centre, research and development, research programme, scientific research, technological change

L 400/368 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

COUNCIL DECISION 

of 19 December 2006 

concerning the Specific Programme to be carried out  

by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre  

under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community  

for research, technological development  

and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) 

(2006/975/EC) 

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 Parliament1, 

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee2, 

1 
2 

Opinion of 30 November 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal). 
OJ C 185, 8.8.2006, p. 10. 

 
                                                 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/369 

Whereas: 

(1) 

In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 967/2006/EC of the 

European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 concerning the Seventh 

Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological 
development and demonstration activities, (2007-2013) 1 (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. 

(2) 

The Joint Research Centre, hereinafter referred to as "the JRC" should carry out so-called 

direct R&D activities under a JRC Specific Programme implementing the EC Framework 

Programme.  

(3) 

In implementing its mission, the JRC should provide the EU policy-making process with 

customer-driven scientific and technical support, ensuring support to the implementation 

and monitoring of existing policies and responding to new policy demands. In order to 

achieve its mission the JRC should carry out research of the highest comparable European 

quality, including by maintaining its own level of scientific excellence. 

(4) 

The direct actions conducted by the JRC should be implemented by the present Specific 

Programme. In implementing this Specific Programme in accordance with its mission, the 

JRC should place particular emphasis on areas of key concern for the Union: prosperity in 

a knowledge-intensive society, solidarity, sustainability and responsible management of 

resources, security and freedom, and Europe as world partner.  

1 

OJ L 381,30.12.2006. 

 
                                                 
L 400/370 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

(5) 

This Specific Programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent 

manner, taking into account the relevant need of JRC's user and Community polices, as 

well as respecting the objective of protecting the Community's financial interests. The 

research activities carried out under the programme should be adapted where appropriate to 

these needs and to scientific and technological developments and aim to achieve scientific 

excellence. 

(6) 

The rules for participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the 

dissemination of research results, for the Framework Programme (hereinafter referred as 

'the rules for participation and dissemination') relating to direct actions should also apply to 

the R&D activities carried out under this Specific Programme. 

(7) 

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 international cooperation activities, in particular on the basis of 

Article 170 of the Treaty, with third countries and international organisations. 

(8) 

In support to EU enlargement and integration, the JRC aims at promoting the integration of 

new Member States' organisations and researchers in its activities in particular on the 

implementation of the scientific and technological components of the Community acquis, 

as well as an increased cooperation with those from Candidate Countries. A progressive 

opening is also envisaged towards the Neighbouring Countries, specifically on priority 

topics of the European Neighbourhood Policy. 

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/371 

(9) 

Research activities carried out within this Specific Programme should respect fundamental 

ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights 

of the European Union.  

(10) 

The JRC should continue to generate additional resources through competitive activities; 

these include participation to the indirect actions of the Framework Programme, third party 

work and to a lesser extent the exploitation of intellectual property. 

(11) 

Sound financial management of the Framework Programme and its implementation should 

be ensured in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while ensuring legal 

certainty and the accessibility of the programme for all participants, in compliance with 

Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial 
Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities1 and 
Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) 2342/20022 laying down detailed rules for the 

implementation of that Financial Regulation and any future amendments. 

1 
2 

OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. 
OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC, 
Euratom) No 1261/2005 (OJ L 201, 2.8.2005, p. 3). 

 
                                                 
L 400/372 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

(12) 

Appropriate measures – proportionate to the European Communities' financial interests – 

should be taken to monitor both the effectiveness of the financial support granted and the 

effectiveness of the utilisation of these funds in order to prevent irregularities and fraud 

and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly 

used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 
18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests1, 

Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning 

on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the 
European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities2 and 

Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning 
investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)3. 

(13) 

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. 

(14) 

The JRC's Board of Governors has been consulted on the scientific and technological 

content of this specific programme, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

1 
2 
3 

OJ L 312, 23.12.1995, p. 1. 
OJ L 292, 15.11.1996, p. 2. 
OJ L 136, 31.5.1999, p. 1. 

 
                                                 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/373 

Article 1 

The Specific Programme related to the direct actions in research, technological development and 

demonstration to be carried out by the Joint Research Centre, hereinafter the "Specific Programme" 

is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. 

Article 2 

The Specific Programme shall establish the activities for the non-nuclear actions of the Joint 

Research Centre, providing customer driven scientific and technical support to the Community 

policy making process, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies 

and responding to new policy demands. 

The objectives and the broad lines of those activities are set out in the Annex. 

Article 3 

In accordance with Annex II of the Framework Programme, the amount deemed necessary for the 

execution of the Specific Programme shall be EUR 1 751 million.  

Article 4  

1. 

All research activities carried out under the Specific Programme shall be carried out in 

compliance with fundamental ethical principles. 

 
L 400/374 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

2. 

The following fields of research shall not be financed under this programme: 

– 

– 

research activity aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes, 

research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which 
could make such changes heritable1, research activities intended to create human 

embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell 

procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer. 

3. 

Research on human stem cells, both adult and embryonic, may be financed, depending 

both on the contents of the scientific proposal and the legal framework of the Member 

State(s) involved. 

Any application for financing for research on human embryonic stem cells shall include, as 

appropriate, details of licensing and control measures that will be taken by the competent 

authorities of the Member States as well as details of the ethical approval(s) that will be 

provided. 

As regards the derivation of human embryonic stem cells, institutions, organisations and 

researchers shall be subject to strict licensing and control in accordance with the legal 

framework of the Member State(s) involved. 

1 

Research relating to cancer treatment of the gonads may be financed. 

 
                                                 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/375 

4. 

The fields of research set out above shall be reviewed for the second phase of this 

programme (2010-2013) in the light of scientific advances. 

Article 5 

1. 

The Specific Programme shall be implemented by means of the direct actions as 

established in Annex III to the Framework Programme. 

2. 

The rules for participation and dissemination relating to direct actions shall apply to the 

Specific Programme. 

Article 6 

1. 

The Commission shall draw up a multi-annual Work Programme for the implementation of 

the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and 

technological priorities set out in the Annex, and the timetable for implementation. 

2. 

The multi-annual Work Programme shall take account of relevant research activities 

carried out by the Member States, Associated States and European and international 

organisations. It shall be updated where appropriate. 

 
L 400/376 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

Article 7 

The Commission shall arrange for the independent assessment provided for in Article 7 of the 

Framework Programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered 

by the Specific Programme. 

This Decision shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal 

Article 8 

of the European Union. 

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006. 

For the Council 

The President 

K. KORKEAOJA 

 
 
 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/377 

1. 

Objective 

ANNEX 

To provide customer-driven scientific and technical support to the Community policy making 

process, ensuring support to the implementation and monitoring of existing policies and responding 

to new policy demands. 

2. 

Approach 

The JRC will reinforce its customer-driven orientation, and its strong networking with the scientific 

community, in the specific context of growth, sustainable development and security by: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

flexibly responding to the developing needs and requirements of the European policy 

makers,  

focusing attention on issues which are important in terms of societal concern, which have a 

research component and which have a dominant Community dimension,  

developing partnerships with research centres, universities, industry, public authorities, 

regulatory bodies in the Member States and with third countries and international bodies; 

reinforcing its competencies and facilities, 

 
L 400/378 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

– 

the JRC has focused its resources to respond to the S/T challenges arising from the 

complex and multi-faceted aspects of Community policy related issues. It has done so by 

organising its activities around the main policy areas and by establishing synergies with 

other sources of S/T support available in the Member States. It will further enhance this 

capacity, also by collaborating with EU Agencies, other EU Institutions, notably with the 

European Parliament, and authorities in the Member States,  

– 

increasing transparency when setting its research priorities by making the criteria for these 

priorities publicly available. 

An integrated approach to the provision of S/T support to policies represents a key feature of this 

Specific Programme. Indeed, in various areas the need for understanding interactions between 

technological change, scientific developments, innovation and competitiveness and different 

regulatory and policy approaches (e.g. economic instruments, voluntary schemes and flexible 

mechanisms) is very acute. A strong research base will underpin such objectives. The participation 

in the direct actions of the Framework Programme will strive to maximise complementarity with the 

institutional programme outlined in section 3 below. 

The JRC will strengthen its position in the European Research Area, by facilitating access to its 

facilities by European and non-European researchers, including early-stage scientists. It will 

increase its cooperation with other public and private research organisations, consistently improve 

the scientific quality of its own activities and contribute more scientifically to training, which will 

remain a high priority for the JRC. 

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/379 

Dissemination of knowledge among the various stakeholders involved in this process will represent 

a key feature of the approach and efforts should be made to increase the involvement of SMEs in 

research actions. Activities will also be aimed at the support to the implementation and monitoring 

of legislation and at the dissemination of best practises in the context of EU-25, Candidate and 

Neighbouring Countries.  

The JRC will respond to the call for 'better regulation' of the new Lisbon agenda by underpinning 

ex-ante as well as ex-post policy assessment and appraisals, supporting the Commission 

evidence-based policy initiatives. Furthermore, requirements issued in the context of policy 

implementation and monitoring will lead to the setting up of fit-for-purpose support activities 

insofar as they are research based.  

New challenges associated with the growing need to respond to crises, emergencies, and pressing 

political imperatives will be met by building up capacities and facilities in selected areas to provide 

adequate support in an EU context.  

 
L 400/380 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

Community external and security-related policies will exercise new demands upon the JRC 

throughout the duration of the Seventh Framework Programme. These areas of work will be 

supported by in-house and secure information/analysis systems to respond at short notice. By the 

same token, the global and international dimension of the JRC's work will also develop further in 

the present programme. 

A specific part of the JRC's resources is devoted to exploratory research, to develop new knowledge 

and new competencies. Resources are invested in exploratory research as "seed money" which 

might yield practical results at a later stage and, if successful, will contribute to the activities of the 

JRC in the medium to long term. 

When requested in the context of its support for thematic policies, the JRC will engage into specific 

exercises leading to a better exploitation (including dissemination when feasible) of relevant 

EU-wide research results. In doing so it will enhance the benefits of knowledge society. Where and 

when appropriate, research conducted by the JRC should be coordinated with the research 

undertaken under the "Themes" of the "Cooperation" Specific Programme, in order to avoid overlap 

and duplication. 

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/381 

3. 

Activities 

3.1. 

Policy Theme 1: Prosperity in a knowledge intensive society 

3.1.1.  Agenda 1.1 Competitiveness and Innovation 

Fostering EU competitiveness, transparency of internal market and trade will be pursued by the 

production and dissemination of internationally accepted references and the promotion of a 

common European measurement system. Comparability of measurement results will be fostered 

through the provision of quality assurance tools like reference materials, reference measurements, 

validated methods and data in a broad range of policy related areas such as: 

– 

safety of chemicals and products including cosmetics, through the development of a 

system of reference for integrated chemical risk assessment and by S/T support to the 

chemicals legislation including support (training) to the preparation of European 

Chemicals Agency (ECA), 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

alternative (non-animal) testing approaches and intelligent testing strategies, 

food safety, quality and authenticity; feed safety; bio-technology, 

eEnergy (cleaner and renewable energy sources and carriers), 

security and protection of the citizen, 

environment and health. 

 
L 400/382 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

This reference work will be pursued in close cooperation with Member State institutions, 

international standardisation bodies (ISO, CEN, Codex Alimentarius, AOAC), regulatory 

authorities and industry. The JRC maintain a role as Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) in 

the areas of genetically modified food and feed, food contact materials and feed additives and take 

up a role as CRL in further related fields of its competence. 

The JRC will pursue the development of advanced econometric modelling and sensitivity analysis 

techniques in a wide range of policy fields, in macro-economic modelling, short term analysis of 

financial and business cycles and the development and assessment of composite indicators.  

The JRC will also continue to apply the financial econometrics and statistics tools in the area of 

financial services (for instance, Clearing and Settlement and banking directives). It will remain 

involved in a variety of initiatives by providing support to ex ante and ex post assessments 

(including impact assessments) by developing specific indicators and carrying out analyses. 

The JRC will increase its support to the development of Community policy on international trade, 

with particular emphasis on the impact of trade policy on sustainable development and 

competitiveness.  

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/383 

The Lisbon agenda for growth and jobs will be supported by direct quantitative socio-economic 

analysis – also in relation to the "better regulation" principle – in a number of policy areas like 

macro-economic stability and growth, financial services, aspects of competitiveness, lifelong 

learning and the human capital dimension of the Lisbon strategy, agriculture, climate change, 

sustainable energy and transport systems. The JRC will contribute to a better understanding of the 

relationship between education provision and the needs of the knowledge society, of circulation of 

knowledge, of factors affecting equity in education and how efficient use of educational resources 

can be achieved. 

At the core of competitiveness and environment objectives are the eco-efficient technologies which 

will continue to be identified and assessed by the European Integrated Pollution Prevention and 

Control Bureau and by input to the implementation and monitoring of the Environmental 

Technology Action Plan. The conditions under which these technologies are developed will be 

studied, to identify the barriers to their dissemination, to assess performance targets and use and to 

analyse the measures to improve their uptake. 

Support to competitiveness will also be provided through activities such as: 

– 

– 

support to the setting up and maintenance of European standards such as Eurocodes, 

Euronorms, IEC, ISO norms and European Reference Materials, 

developing standards for environmental and security monitoring systems and harmonised 

data access in the context of INSPIRE (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe) 

and GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security), 

 
L 400/384 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

– 

strengthening the European Measurement Infrastructure by interlaboratory comparisons in 

support to accreditation/certification processes. 

The JRC will also provide its scientific/technical support for the development of risk assessment 

and management procedures as a tool for European decision-making. 

3.1.2.  Agenda 1.2 European Research Area 

The JRC will contribute directly to European Research Area by increasing its scientific networking, 

training and mobility of researchers, access to research infrastructures and collaborative research. It 

will participate in European Technology Platforms, Joint Technology Initiatives and Article 169 

actions where relevant. Special attention will be paid to involving partners in the new Member 

States and Candidate Countries. 

The JRC will provide support to evidence-based research policy-making at both Community and 

Member State levels. 

This strategic support to research policy-making will be complemented by providing technology 

assessments of the research priorities in individual thematic areas.  

The consolidation, development and dissemination of science and technology foresight methods 

will also be promoted at European level. 

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/385 

3.1.3.  Agenda 1.3 Energy and Transport 

The JRC will focus its energy activities on a smooth transition to less carbon intensive and 

renewable sources and carriers of energy (including hydrogen), increased efficiency of energy 

systems and improved safety and security of energy supply. The objectives of the JRC in the area of 

energy are: 

– 

to provide a sustainable energy reference system feeding the Community policy needs with 

S/T expertise on technological innovation and evolution (all energy sources and end-use 

energy efficiency), 

– 

– 

to act as reference centre for pre-normative performance verification and certification of 

selected technologies (i.e. cleaner fossil, bio-mass, photovoltaic, fuel cell and hydrogen), 

to provide information on reliability of energy supply for Europe and on the availability of 

renewable energy resources. In addition, the JRC will facilitate a fact-based debate and 

informed decision-making on the appropriate energy mix to meet the European energy 

needs. 

The JRC will contribute to the development of sustainable transport in Europe by focusing on:  

– 

the environment with research on emission control and related impacts on ecosystems; the 

potential to reduce emissions by emerging technologies under different policy scenarios, 

 
L 400/386 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

– 

the techno-economic dimension with research on the assessment of externalities, improved 

fuels and engines, alternative vehicles concepts and the impact of innovation on 

competitiveness and economic growth as well as to assessments of transport policy 

options, 

– 

the social dimension, with activities including research in spatial, urban planning, impacts 

on health and awareness raising. Efforts will also be devoted to aspects of safety and 

security of air, land and maritime transport.  

Energy and transport are the main sectors responsible for pollution affecting the air quality. The 

JRC will support the EU thematic strategy on air pollution (CAFE Clean Air for Europe) with 

particular attention on characterisation and apportioning of emissions from various sources in 

support to the development of emission abatement strategies. Harmonisation/Normalisation of 

reference tests and methodologies for measurement of emissions will be undertaken. 

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/387 

3.1.4.  Agenda 1.4 Information Society 

The JRC will support the formulation of Information Society Technology policies and instruments 

contributing to a competitive European knowledge society by generating prospective analyses and 

strategies related to the knowledge society. Growth, solidarity, inclusion and sustainability will be 

points of attention. The JRC will also contribute to the implementation of the Community policies 

closely linked with or strongly benefiting from Information Society Technology developments. This 

covers applications in e-business, e-health, personal security, home environment, e-learning, 

e-governance, and environment as well as the determination of the potential for new developments 

in the pursuit of the overall European strategies on growth, inclusion and quality of life and ICT for 

trust and confidence.  

The JRC will work on "convergence" in the IST area with the aim of assessing potential impact on 

society in terms of competitiveness, privacy, ownership and social inclusion. Convergence 

applications will be pursued in the area of health (bio-sensors, nano-technology and cognitive 

sciences), security (sensors, public security and personal integrity) and environment (monitoring 

technologies and sustainable environmental management).  

 
L 400/388 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

3.1.5.  Agenda 1.5 Life Sciences and Bio-technology 

Life sciences and bio-technology are pertinent to many policy areas where they can significantly 

contribute to the Community objectives. This potential is broadly recognised in health, agriculture, 

food, environment and other sectors where applications are being rapidly developed. The provision 

of reference materials and validated methods requires access to and control of a broad range of 

advanced bio-technological instruments. In the context of its collaboration with competent national 

organisations, the JRC will further develop its competencies in this area in view of the legislative 

and regulatory context.  

In particular, the JRC will carry out studies on the socio-economic impact of selected applications 

of bio-technology and life sciences in support of future legislation. With an integrated effort in 

nano-bio-technology, physics, biology and chemistry applied to detection techniques the JRC will 

contribute to the development of new strategies and technologies for environment and health 

monitoring, (eco) toxicology studies, food and feed chain control and security. 

Activities will be developed inter alia. in the following areas: 

1) 

Bio-technology and health-related aspects: 

– 

provision of quality assurance tools for genetic testing,  

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/389 

– 

studies on genome-based diagnostic applications and drug development 

(e.g. pharmacogenomics), 

– 

development and validation of advanced methods for refining, reducing and 

replacing animal tests for bio-technological pharmaceuticals, for predicting the 

toxicity of chemicals by in vitro cell cultures, high throughput techniques and 

toxicogenomics, 

– 

identification and assessment of novel bio-informatic methodologies in support to 

"omics" approaches, integrating physiological responses modulated by individual 

susceptibility and life style factors, 

– 

development of a methodological framework for properly considering risk modifiers 

in human health risk assessment, 

– 

assessment of environmental and health impacts of nano-technologies including 

nano-toxicology. 

2) 

Bio-technology in agriculture, food and feed: 

– 

prospective studies on emerging bio-technological applications in food production 

(e.g. functional food, cloned farm animals and molecular "pharming" crops), 

– 

GMO detection, identification and quantification (includes validation of high 

throughput screening methods, and quality assurance tools for GMOs of next 

generations), 

 
L 400/390 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

– 

studies on the coexistence of GM/non-GM crops; studies on the economics of 

GM crops. 

3.2. 

Policy Theme 2: Solidarity and the responsible management of resources 

3.2.1.  Agenda 2.1 Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries 

The JRC will with its research support European policies for Rural Development, Agriculture and 

Fisheries covering all the three dimensions of sustainability: 

– 

Production aspects: support to implementation, control and monitoring of the CAP (Single 

Payment Schemes, Cross compliance and Farm Advisory Systems), including Integrated 

Administration and Control Systems for arable lands and permanent crop registers, and 

implementation of rural/urban cadastre to support market and investment (using 

positioning/navigation techniques). Crop production forecast based on growth simulation 

models, area frame techniques, remote sensing and an agro-phenological network. Support 

to the implementation of an EU farmer insurance system. Support to the methodological 

aspects of the new EU agriculture statistical system (including LUCAS).  

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/391 

– 

Environmental aspects: Assessing implications of good agricultural and environmental 

conditions and studying impacts and effectiveness of agri-environmental measures on soil 

and water conditions, bio-diversity and European landscapes. Analysing links between 

agricultural, rural development and regional policies and their impacts on European land 

use changes through the development of indicators and spatial models. Evolution of 

promotion measures for low input and organic agriculture and soil fertility. Supporting the 

development of targeted territorial strategies for the implementation of rural development 

programmes. Assessing the impact of climate change on agriculture in view of adaptation 

measures. Contribution to mitigation of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by dedicated 

energy crops and by energy recovery from agri-wastes. 

– 

Producer/consumer aspects: Strategic policy analyses in areas such as: impact of the 

CAP reform on the sustainability of farming systems; responsiveness of agriculture to 

consumer demands: food characterisation and control, impact of quality assurance (QA) 

and certification schemes managed within supply chains, and responsiveness to 

environmental and animal welfare standards; projection and policy impact analyses of 

main European agricultural commodities in terms of production, world market, prices, 

income and consumer welfare; impact of changes in trade policy and world commodity 

markets; agricultural policies in rural development in conjunction with other policies. 

Specific attention will be given to the impact of CAP Reform in the new Member States 

and Candidate Countries and the analysis of impacts/effects of rural development policies.  

 
L 400/392 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

Common Fisheries Policy objectives will be addressed by improving the quality and 

timeliness of scientific data and by developing processes for the assessment of the 

economic and social impact of management options. New technologies, including fish 

origin identification based on DNA analysis, will be used to identify non-compliance. 

Attention will be paid to techniques which favour stakeholder involvement. In line with the 

Community's emerging maritime policy, the feasibility of services developed for fisheries 

– such as vessel monitoring by remote sensing and electronic reporting, will be extended to 

merchant vessel identification. The impact of a growing aquaculture sector, including in 

environmental, and socio-economic terms, will be assessed. 

3.2.2.  Agenda 2.2 Natural Resources 

The JRC is participating in the work towards a holistic approach related to monitoring change and 

analysing impacts and pressures on natural resources aiming to develop integrated concepts for 

sustainable development. In complement to the Agenda 2.1, this research will be closely aligned to 

the EU's seven thematic environmental strategies. It will pay attention to the sharing of 

environmental information and feed the development of GMES by playing an important role in its 

research activities. Applications will conform to INSPIRE principles.  

More specifically, activities will concentrate on: 

– 

Water management in the context of the Water Framework Directive and Maritime Policy 

with attention to ecological quality of inland and coastal water of Europe, pollutant cycles, 

harmonised measurements of chemical and biological contaminants, dynamic modelling 

and pan-European information systems.  

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/393 

– 

Soil protection initiatives identified in the Soil Framework Directive, with focus on 

streamlining the flow of soil information in Europe, the definition of common criteria and 

methods for delineating risk areas of soil threats, and approaches for soil monitoring. 

– 

Life-cycle analysis approaches to track resources from extraction through use, recycling 

and ultimate disposal of materials. Sustainable production and consumption of natural 

resources and materials, and the environmental impact and sustainability of products under 

different technology and policy scenarios. 

– 

Forestry; a system for monitoring Community forests will be established with information 

on forest fires, forest ecological condition and forest resources. Activities will cover forest 

bio-diversity indicators, tools for the analysis of post-fire impacts, analysis of interactions 

of forest fires, soils and climate change, and the integration of information related to 

forests resources available from Member States. 

– 

Provision of continuing technical support to the development of INSPIRE: contribution to 

the EU shared environment information system (in close cooperation with the European 

Environment Agency and ESTAT). 

– 

Impact assessment of structural and cohesion programmes and support to the definition and 

evaluation of Community Regional Policies by mean of territorial indicators at regional 

and urban level. 

 
L 400/394 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

3.2.3.  Agenda 2.3 Environment and Health  

The link between environment and health represent a new focus of attention at European level. The 

JRC will contribute to this emerging policy field by: 

– 

the development and validation of methods for monitoring pathways and assessing 

exposure: ambient air (air quality), indoor air (products, smoke), drinking water and food 

(including contact materials, contaminants in food chain). A contribution to the 

development of total human exposure approach is foreseen notably in the area of 

chemicals, 

– 

– 

the assessment of health effects through experimental work, bio-monitoring, 

toxicogenomic analyses, computational techniques and analytical tools, 

exploiting knowledge derived from the two items above in order to contribute to the future 

development of an integrated environment and health system, in line with the policy 

framework on environment and health information being developed under the EU Action 

Plan. 

3.2.4.  Agenda 2.4 Climate Change  

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a central objective of the Kyoto protocol. Assessing the 

potential for reducing GHG emissions (mitigation measures) in a common framework is therefore a 

key item in the JRC agenda. Quality assessment, verification and analysis of GHG emission data 

will be pursued, especially in difficult sectors such as agriculture and forestry. Similar work will 

address the issue of verification in the context of carbon trading.  

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/395 

Adaptation to climate change has become imperative and the JRC will continue to collect and 

assess data related to climate impacts on various vulnerable sectors of the European economy. This 

includes agriculture, forestry, water resources and natural risks. Assessing hazards related to climate 

change will focus on the incidence at European level of floods, droughts, forest fires, storms, 

deterioration of air quality and coastal and marine processes.  

Adequate knowledge of the signals and impacts of climate change around the world is necessary. 

Global monitoring techniques will be further developed to assess changes in the atmosphere, oceans 

and terrestrial biosphere which either drive or result from climate change. This work forms part of 

the European contribution to the global observing systems formally endorsed by the UN Framework 

Convention on Climate Change (contribution to the Global Climate Observation System). Similar 

work will address the verification of carbon trading associated with the Kyoto Protocol's flexible 

mechanisms (Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism) and future regimes beyond 

2012. The JRC will engage in a 3rd phase of the TREES (Tropical Ecosystem Environment 

observations by Satellites) programme, to update the preceding assessments of global forest cover. 

The JRC will collaborate with other modelling centres around Europe to develop trade-off scenarios 

and cost-benefit analyses. Of particular relevance for the Seventh Framework Programme is the 

analysis of options for the post-Kyoto period which will open discussions on integrating climate 

policies in other sectoral policies.  

 
L 400/396 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

3.3. 

Policy Theme 3: Freedom, security and justice  

3.3.1.  Agenda 3.1 Internal Security 

JRC will give S/T support to Community policies related to the establishment of the area of 

freedom, security and justice, and customs in particular through its research activities. The focus 

will be on applying IT and systems analysis competencies to the protection against crime and fraud, 

smuggling and illicit trafficking; the protection of citizens and critical infrastructures against 

terrorism; and migration and border management. Technical support to integrated border 

management (e.g. interoperability) will also be provided.  

Activities will include support to: 

– 

the capacity to detect and monitor fraud against the Community budget and diversion of 

funds through automatic intelligence gathering and advanced analytical techniques applied 

to large datasets, 

– 

assessing threats and vulnerabilities of critical infrastructures in key sectors at the Union 

level (e.g. information systems, financial systems, industrial plants, public buildings, 

transport systems and infrastructures, communication networks, financial networks, 

navigation systems, electricity and gas/oil infrastructures, food distribution systems, etc), 

– 

the prevention, preparedness and risk management of scenarios triggered by intentional 

acts (sabotage of industrial installations, blasts, impacts, biological and chemical agents, 

attacks to food systems) on infrastructures, 

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/397 

– 

– 

– 

border security and management through standards and testing for bio-metric sensors, 

monitoring systems to detect illicit trafficking, monitoring migration flows, 

information gathering in the field of transport of goods by air, sea, road, using various 

tracking technologies, 

the EU crisis room structure (ARGUS) and crisis response mechanisms. 

3.3.2.  Agenda 3.2 Disasters and Response 

In the context of natural and technological disasters and accidents, the JRC will foster a better 

capacity to understand and deal with vulnerabilities, risks, early warning, alert systems, monitoring 

and damage assessment, prevention and mitigation measures. In particular it will contribute to the 

improvement of Community response capacity and crisis management in terms of rapid response, 

monitoring, damage assessments (e.g., in the context of the Civil Protection Mechanism and 

Solidarity fund intervention).  

The Major Accidents Hazards Bureau will contribute to safety management through monitoring 

accidents and incidents and drawing lessons learned, specifically in Seveso II installations.  

With respect to natural disasters, the JRC will focus on the development of early warning and alert 

systems drawing upon models, earth observation technologies, and measurement networks for a 

variety of situations across Europe including floods, droughts, oil spills, earthquakes, forest fires, 

avalanches, landslides and storms. Multi-hazard risks will be studied for the Mediterranean/Black 

Sea basin and the fringes of the Atlantic Ocean. Reporting on and drawing lessons from natural 

disasters will be continued. Work in this agenda will also be conducted in support to the 

development of GMES services related to crisis and emergencies. 

 
L 400/398 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

3.3.3.  Agenda 3.3 Food and Feed Safety and Quality 

Activities will be in line with the Fork to Farm concept. The JRC will provide validation of methods 

and harmonised procedures for a broad range of food and feed types. It will also reinforce its ability 

to deal with food and feed crises by its expertise in food and feed analysis and by entering new 

areas where needed. Attention will be paid to a close cooperation with the European Food Safety 

Authority.  

Specific domains of action will cover: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

validation of molecular biology and hyphenated techniques for food and feed control e.g. 

in the area of allergens, functional and organic food,  

areas related to food and health where future legislation is expected (e.g. micro-biology, 

functional and organic food, allergens, health claims in labelling),  

areas related to feed safety for existing legislation (e.g. feed additive authorisations), 

micro-biology for food and feed, validation of bio-molecular detection methods for 

micro-organisms, in particular for pathogens in food and water, 

validation of analytical methods for the detection of banned substances, of contaminants, 

feed additives and animal proteins, compliance with labelling Directives and for 

designation of origin (e.g. isotopic methods),  

– 

electronic traceability along the feed-food chain. 

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/399 

3.4. 

Policy Theme 4: Europe as world partner 

The JRC will support Community decision-making in the framework of external policy instruments 

(development cooperation, trade and instruments responding to crises and peaceful conflict 

prevention including the instruments for Stability and Humanitarian Aid). 

3.4.1.  Agenda 4.1 Global Security 

The JRC will, through its research, enhance its support to Community reconstruction and 

humanitarian aid programmes through novel technologies (including space, geo-spatial analysis, 

web intelligence, real-time information systems) to serve several levels of intervention (from 

preparedness to rapid response and field operations) in order to address the identification of 

forgotten crises, early warning of potential crises, humanitarian needs assessment and relief, 

integrated crisis response and post-crisis damage assessment. Support for international humanitarian 

aid will also be provided through an extension of the functionalities of the Global Disaster Alert and 

Response System, to cover a broad range of humanitarian disasters in close cooperation with the 

UN Agencies (especially its Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). 

The JRC will establish a global geo-spatial database and contribute to services (rapid mapping) in 

support of crisis management and security; inter-operability of systems and standards for supporting 

data exchange between systems, notably with Council SitCen and EU Satellite Centre. This activity 

is undertaken in the context of the development of future GMES pilot services. 

 
L 400/400 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

The JRC will provide S/T support in relation to the implementation of measures in the context of 

the envisaged Instrument for Stability, addressing trans-border challenges and longer-term global 

stability and security issues. JRC will work on the issue of proliferation of WMD and dual use 

goods and technologies, including export control, border control, supply chain security, and country 

profiling. Systems to be further developed for that purpose include export control classification 

systems, intelligence based systems, data warehousing and multi-lingual web mining intelligence 

tools. Strong integration with the relevant JRC activities under the Euratom specific programme is 

foreseen. 

Remote sensing analysis techniques and systems for integration and analysis of multiple source data 

(including earth observation and open source) are central to the approach; they will be used in 

support to the implementation of the Community's external policy activities such as those relevant 

for the Kimberley process and mechanisms for monitoring illegal trade including in timber and dual 

use items. These activities will contribute to the global dimension of the GMES initiative. 

3.4.2.  Agenda 4.2 Development Cooperation 

An Observatory for Sustainable Development and Environment will initially be established in 

Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries. Environmental diagnostics and country profiles, scenario 

building and cross policy interactions will be the three components served by the information 

gathering and communication system lying at the heart of the Observatory. The provision of 

long-term observation of resources and environmental parameters (e.g. on land cover, forest cover, 

fires, bio-diversity, coastal zones, climate vulnerability, etc.) will support trends analyses. The 

development will be carried out in close collaboration with the GMES initiative and the Africa 

Monitoring for Environment and Sustainable Development programme.  

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/401 

The global crop monitoring component of the observatory will be developed in the context of food 

security and the Community initiative on poverty eradication and sustainable development. 

Research work will focus on new methods for assessing food supply and needs, food security 

information systems and vulnerability assessments. 

End products delivered will be "client driven", i.e. in this particular case be designed in a way that 

they respond to the needs and are manageable by Developing Countries. 

Cooperation with major actors (UNEP, FAO, EUMETSAT, WFP, ESA GMES-GMFS) will be 

reinforced. 

Ethical aspects 

During the implementation of this specific programme and in the research activities arising from it, 

fundamental ethical principles are to be respected. These include, inter alia, the principles reflected 

in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including the following: protection of human 

dignity and human life, protection of personal data and privacy, as well as animals and the 

environment in accordance with Community law and the latest versions of relevant international 

conventions and codes of conduct, e.g. the Helsinki Declaration, the Convention of the Council of 

Europe on Human Rights and Bio-medicine signed in Oviedo on 4 April 1997 and its Additional 

Protocols, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration on the human 

genome and human rights adopted by UNESCO, UN Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention 

(BTWC), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the 

relevant World Health Organisation (WHO) resolutions. 

 
L 400/402 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

Account will also be taken of the Opinions of the European Group of Advisers on the Ethical 

Implications of Bio-technology (1991-1997) and the Opinions of the European Group on Ethics in 

Science and New Technologies (as from 1998). 

In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of approaches existing in Europe, 

participants in research projects must conform to current legislation, regulations and ethical rules in 

the countries where the research will be carried out. In any case, national provisions apply and no 

research forbidden in any given Member State or other country will be supported by Community 

funding to be carried out in that Member State or country. 

Where appropriate, those carrying out research projects must seek the approval of the relevant 

national or local ethics committees prior to the start of the RTD activities. An ethical review will 

also be implemented systematically by the Commission for proposals dealing with ethically 

sensitive issues or where ethical aspects have not been adequately addressed. In specific cases an 

ethical review may take place during the implementation of a project. 

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/403 

The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the Treaty requires the Community to 

pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in formulating and implementing Community 

policies including research. Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the 

approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding 
the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes1 requires that all 

experiments be designed to avoid distress and unnecessary pain and suffering to the experimental 

animals; use the minimum number of animals; involve animals with the lowest degree of 

neurophysiological sensitivity; and cause the least pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. Altering 

the genetic heritage of animals and cloning of animals may be considered only if the aims are 

ethically justified and the conditions are such that the animals' welfare is guaranteed and the 

principles of bio-diversity are respected. 

During the implementation of this programme, scientific advances and national and international 

provisions will be regularly monitored by the Commission so as to take account of any 

developments. 

1 

OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. Directive as amended by Directive 2003/65/EC of the European 
Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32).