2006/971/EC: Council Decision of 19 December 2006 concerning the Specific Programme Cooperation implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) (Text with EEA relevance).
Date: 2006-12-19
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU programme, international cooperation, research and development, research programme, scientific cooperation, scientific research, technological change

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COUNCIL DECISION 

of 19 December 2006 

concerning the Specific Programme "Cooperation"  

implementing the Seventh Framework Programme  

of the European Community for research,  

technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)  

(Text with EEA relevance) 

(2006/971/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. 

 
 
 
                                                 
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Whereas: 

(1) 

In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1982/2006/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 Framework Programme is structured in four types of activities: trans-national 

cooperation on policy-defined themes ("Cooperation"), investigator-driven research based 

on the initiative of the research community ("Ideas"), support of training and career 

development of researchers ("People"), and support of research capacities ("Capacities"). 

Activities under "Cooperation" as regards indirect actions should be implemented by this 

specific programme. 

(3) 

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

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

"the rules for participation and dissemination") should apply to this specific programme. 

1 

OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p 1. 

 
                                                 
 
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(4) 

The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member 

States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort 

for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular those on structural 

funds, agriculture, education, training, culture, competitiveness and innovation, industry, 

health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. 

(5) 

Innovation and SME-related activities supported under this Framework Programme should 

be complementary to those undertaken under the Framework Programme for 

Competitiveness and Innovation which will contribute to closing the gap between research 

and innovation, and promote all forms of innovation. 

(6) 

Implementation of the Framework Programme may give rise to supplementary 

programmes involving the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of 

the Community in programmes undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of 

joint undertakings or other arrangements within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 

of the Treaty. 

(7) 

This Specific Programme should provide a contribution to the European Investment Bank 

("EIB") for the constitution of a "Risk-Sharing Finance Facility" in order to improve access 

to EIB loans. 

 
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(8) 

Appropriate involvement of SMEs through concrete measures and specific actions for their 

benefit should be supported under this Specific Programme, in complementarity with other 

Community programmes. 

(9) 

As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, the Community has concluded a number 

of international agreements in the field of research and efforts should be made to 

strengthen international research cooperation with a view to further integrating the 

Community into the world-wide research community. Therefore, this Specific Programme 

should be open to the participation of countries having concluded agreements to this effect 

and should also be open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the 

participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific 

cooperation. 

(10) 

Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical 

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

European Union. 

(11) 

The implementation of the Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting 

sustainable development. 

 
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(12) 

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. 

(13) 

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 interests3, 

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 irregularities4 and 

Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 

25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office 
(OLAF)5. 

1 
2 

3 
4 
5 

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

 
                                                 
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(14) 

Since the measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision are essentially 

management measures, they should therefore be adopted by the management procedure 

provided for in Article 4 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down 
the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission1. On 

the other hand, research involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem 

cells raises specific ethical issues, as described in Article 4 of this Decision. Moreover, 

RTD actions involving research under the "Security" theme represent a new and very 

sensitive area, in particular with regard to potential threats and security incidents. 

Therefore, measures for the financing of such projects should be adopted by the regulatory 

procedure provided for in Article 5 of Decision 1999/468/EC. 

(15) 

Each thematic area should have its own budget line in the general budget of the European 

Communities. 

(16) 

In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender 

mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, working conditions, transparency of recruitment 

processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and 

programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission 

Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a 

Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers offers a reference framework, while 

respecting its voluntary nature, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

1 

OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 
22.7.2006, p. 11). 

 
                                                 
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Article 1 

The Specific Programme "Cooperation" for Community activities in the area of research and 

technological development, including demonstration activities, hereinafter the "Specific 

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

Article 2 

The Specific Programme shall support the activities for cooperation supporting the whole range of 

research actions carried out in trans-national cooperation in the following thematic areas: 

(a) 

Health; 

(b) 

Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Bio-technology; 

(c) 

Information and Communication Technologies; 

(d) 

Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; 

(e) 

Energy; 

(f) 

Environment (including Climate Change); 

(g) 

Transport (including Aeronautics); 

 
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(h) 

Socio-economic Sciences and Humanities; 

(i) 

(j) 

Space; 

Security. 

Implementation of this Specific Programme may give rise to supplementary programmes involving 

the participation of certain Member States only, the participation of the Community in programmes 

undertaken by several Member States, or the setting up of joint undertakings or other arrangements 

within the meaning of Articles 168, 169 and 171 of the Treaty. 

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

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 32 413 million, of which less than 6 % shall be 

for the Commission's administrative expenditure. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given 

in Annex II. 

Article 4 

1. 

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

compliance with fundamental ethical principles. 

 
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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. 

 
                                                 
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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 funding schemes 

established in Annex III to the Framework Programme.  

2. 

Annex III to this Specific Programme sets out the arrangements for a grant to the EIB for 

the establishment of a Risk-Sharing Finance Facility. 

3. 

Annex IV sets out an indicative list of possible Joint Technology Initiatives that could be 

the subject of separate decisions and an indicative list of initiatives for the possible joint 

implementation of national research programmes that could be the subject of a separate 

decision on the basis of Article 169 of the Treaty. 

4. 

The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to this Specific Programme. 

Article 6 

1. 

The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of this Specific 

Programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological 

priorities set out in Annex I, the funding scheme to be used for the topic on which 

proposals are invited, and the timetable for implementation. 

 
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2. 

The work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the 

Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations, and the 

achievement of European added-value as well the impact on industrial competitiveness and 

the relevance for other Community policies. It shall be updated where appropriate. 

3. 

Proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects 

shall be selected considering the criteria set out in Article 15(1a) of the rules for 

participation and dissemination. 

4. 

The work programme may identify: 

(a) 

organisations that receive subscriptions in the form of a membership fee; 

(b) 

support actions for the activities of specific legal entities. 

Article 7 

1. 

2. 

The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the Specific Programme. 

The management procedure laid down in Article 8(2) shall apply for the adoption of the 

following measures: 

(a) 

the work programme referred to in Article 6 including the funding schemes to be 

used, the content of the calls for proposals as well as the evaluation and selection 

criteria to be applied; 

(b) 

any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex II; 

 
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(c) 

the approval of the funding of actions under the thematic areas (a) - (g) and (i) 

referred to in Article 2, where the estimated amount of the Community contribution 

under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 1,5 million; 

(d) 

the approval of the funding of actions, other than those referred to in point (c) of this 

paragraph and the thematic area (j) referred to in Article 2, where the estimated 

amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more 

than EUR 0,6 million; 

(e) 

the drawing up of the terms of reference for the evaluations provided for in 

Articles 7(2) and 7(3) of the Framework Programme. 

3. 

The regulatory procedure laid down in Article 8(3) shall apply for the adoption of the 

following measures: 

(a) 

the work programme regarding the thematic area referred to in point (j) of Article 2, 

and the approval of the funding of actions under that thematic area; 

(b) 

the approval of the funding of actions involving the use of human embryos and 

human embryonic stem cells. 

1. 

The Commission shall be assisted by a Committee. 

Article 8 

 
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2. 

Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall 

apply. 

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months. 

3. 

Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall 

apply. 

The period laid down for in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two 

months. 

4. 

The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the 

implementation of the Specific Programme, and shall provide it with timely information on 

all RTD actions proposed or funded under this programme as specified in Annex V. 

5. 

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure. 

Article 9 

The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring, assessment and review 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. 

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

Article 10 

of the European Union. 

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels, 19 December 2006. 

For the Council 

The President 

J. KORKEAOJA 

 
 
 
 
 
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ANNEX I 

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES,  

BROAD LINES OF THE THEMES AND ACTIVITIES 

In this Specific Programme, support will be provided for trans-national cooperation at every scale 

across the European Union and beyond, in a number of thematic areas corresponding to major fields 

of the progress of knowledge and technology, where research must be supported and strengthened 

to address European social, economic, public health, environmental and industrial challenges. 

The overarching aim is to contribute to sustainable development within the context of promoting 

research, the primary purpose of which is to increase knowledge, at the highest level of excellence. 

The ten themes determined for Community action are the following: 

1) 

2) 

3) 

4) 

5) 

6) 

Health; 

Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Bio-technology; 

Information and Communication Technologies; 

Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; 

Energy; 

Environment (including Climate Change); 

 
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7) 

8) 

9) 

Transport (including Aeronautics); 

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities; 

Space; 

10) 

Security. 

Each theme is described in terms of the objective, the approach to implementation, and the activities 

including those involving large-scale initiatives (as set out indicatively in Annex IV), international 

cooperation, emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs. 

The principle of sustainable development will be duly taken into account. According to the 

European policy of equal opportunities between women and men, set out in Articles 2 and 3 of the 

Treaty, the activities of the Specific Programme will ensure the implementation of appropriate 

measures to promote gender equality and the participation of women researchers. Furthermore, 

considerations of the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of the research to be 

undertaken and its potential applications, as well as socio-economic impacts of scientific and 

technological development and foresight, will where relevant form a part of the activities under this 

Specific Programme. 

 
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Pluridisciplinary and cross-thematic research, including joint calls 

Special attention will be paid to priority scientific and technological areas which cut across themes, 

such as marine sciences and technologies. Pluridisciplinarity will be encouraged by joint 

cross-thematic approaches to research and technology subjects relevant to more than one theme. 

Such cross-thematic approaches will be implemented, among others, through: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the use of joint calls between themes where a research topic is clearly relevant to the 

activities under each of the respective themes, 

the special emphasis within the "emerging needs" activity for cross-disciplinary research, 

the use of external advice, including from researchers, from a broad range of disciplines 

and backgrounds for establishing the work programme, 

regular reporting on cross-thematic research areas as part of the overall monitoring, 

assessment and review of the programme, 

for policy-relevant research, ensuring coherence with Community policies. 

Coordination between the themes in this Specific Programme and the actions under other Specific 

Programmes of the Seventh Framework Programme, such as those on research infrastructures in the 
"Capacities" Specific Programme, will be ensured by the European Commission1. 

1 

With a view to facilitating the implementation of the programme, for each meeting of the 
programme committee as defined in the agenda, the Commission will reimburse, in 
accordance with its established guidelines, the expenses of one representative per Member 
State, as well as one expert/adviser per Member State for those agenda items where a 
Member State requires specific expertise. 

 
                                                 
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Adaptation to evolving needs and opportunities 

The continued industrial relevance of the themes, and the continued participation of industry in 

them, will be ensured by relying, among other sources, on the work of the various "European 

Technology Platforms". This Specific Programme, together with the contributions made by 

industry, will thereby contribute to the implementation of relevant Strategic Research Agendas such 

as those established and developed by the European Technology Platforms where these present 

genuine European added value. The broad research needs identified in available Strategic Research 

Agendas are already well reflected across the ten themes. European Technology Platforms, with 

possible participation of regional research-driven clusters, can play a role to facilitate and organise 

the participation of industry, including SMEs, in research projects relating to their specific filed, 

including projects eligible for funding under the Framework Programme. The more detailed 

incorporation of their technical content will be reflected subsequently when formulating the detailed 

work programme for specific calls for proposals. 

The continued relevance of the themes to the formulation, implementation and assessment of 

Community policies and regulations will also be ensured. This concerns policy areas such as those 

of health, safety, consumer protection, energy, the environment, development aid, fisheries, 

maritime affairs, agriculture, animal health and welfare, transport, education and training, 

information society and media, employment, social affairs, cohesion, and the establishment of an 

area for freedom, security and justice, along with pre normative and co normative research relevant 

to improving interoperability and the quality of standards and their implementation. In this context, 

platforms that bring together stakeholders with the research community to consider strategic 

research agendas relevant to social, environmental or other policy areas may play a role. 

 
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Under each theme, besides the activities defined, specific actions to respond to "emerging needs" 

and "unforeseen policy needs" will be implemented in an open and flexible way. The 

implementation of these actions will ensure a simple, coherent and coordinated approach 

throughout the Specific Programme and the funding of cross-disciplinary research cutting across or 

lying outside the themes. 

•  Future and Emerging Technologies: through specific support for research proposals aiming at 

identifying or further exploring new scientific and technological opportunities in a given field 

and/or in their combination with other relevant areas and disciplines through specific support for 

spontaneous research proposals, including by joint calls; to nurture novel ideas and radically new 

uses and to explore new options in research roadmaps in particular linked with a potential for 

significant breakthroughs; adequate coordination with the activities carried out under the "Ideas" 

programme will be guaranteed in order to avoid overlap and ensure an optimum use of funding. 

This will be implemented through: 

– 

open, "bottom up" research on topics identified by researchers themselves to develop 

new scientific and technological opportunities ("Adventure" actions) or to assess new 

discoveries or newly-observed phenomena which could indicate risks or problems to 

society ("Insight" actions), 

– 

initiatives focused on specific, highly challenging objectives in emerging scientific 

and technological fields that promise major advances and a large potential impact on 

economic and social developments, and may involve groups of complementary 

projects ("Pathfinder" actions). 

 
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•  Unforeseen policy needs: to respond in a flexible way to new policy needs that arise during the 

course of the Framework Programme, such as unforeseen developments or events requiring a 

quick reaction like new epidemics, emerging concerns in food safety, natural disaster responses 

or actions of solidarity. This will be implemented in close relationship with the relevant 

Community policies. The annual work programme may be altered in the event of urgent research 

needs. 

Dissemination, knowledge transfer and broader engagement 

The dissemination and transfer of knowledge is a key added-value of European research actions and 

measures will be taken to increase the use and impact of results by industry, policy makers and 

society. Dissemination will be considered an integral task under all thematic areas with appropriate 

restrictions for the security theme due to the confidentiality aspects of the activities, including 

through the funding of networking/brokerage initiatives, seminars and events, assistance by external 

experts and electronic information services. This will be implemented in each thematic area by 

means of: 

– 

– 

integration of dissemination and knowledge transfer actions within projects and consortia, 

through suitable provisions in the financing schemes and reporting requirements, 

offering targeted assistance to projects and consortia to provide them with access to the 

necessary skills to optimise the use of results, 

 
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– 

specific dissemination actions which take a proactive approach to disseminating results 

from across a range of projects, including those from previous Framework Programmes 

and other research programmes, and which target specific sectors or sets of stakeholders, 

with special emphasis on potential users, 

– 

dissemination to policy makers, including standardisation bodies, to facilitate the use of 

policy relevant results by the appropriate bodies at international, European, national or 

regional levels, 

– 

– 

CORDIS services to foster the dissemination of knowledge in a user-friendly way and the 

exploitation of research results, 

initiatives to foster dialogue and debate on scientific issues and research results with a 

broader public beyond the research community, including civil society organisation. 

Coordination of dissemination and knowledge transfer across the Framework Programme will be 

ensured. Complementary and synergies between this programme and other Community 

programmes will be ensured, in particular in the field of education with the aim of promoting 

careers in research. Actions to support innovation will be implemented by the Competitiveness and 

Innovation Programme. 

 
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SME participation 

The optimal participation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) will be facilitated across 

the thematic areas, in particular by improved financial and administrative procedures, and more 

flexibility in choosing the appropriate financial scheme. Furthermore, the research needs and 

potential of SMEs are duly taken into account in developing the content of the thematic areas of this 

Specific Programme, and areas which are of particular interest to SMEs will be identified in the 

work programme. Concrete measures, including support actions to facilitate SME participation, will 

be taken throughout the programme in the framework of a strategy to be developed under each 

theme. These strategies will be accompanied by quantitative and qualitative monitoring against the 

objectives set. The aim will be to enable at least 15 % of the funding available under this 

programme to go to SMEs. 

Specific actions to support research for the benefit of SMEs or SME associations are included in the 

"Capacities" Specific Programme, and actions to promote SME participation across the Framework 

Programme will be funded under the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme. 

 
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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, guidelines 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. 

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 accordance 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. At all events, 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. 

 
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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. 

No funding will be granted for research activities that are prohibited in all the Member States. 

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.  

1 

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

 
                                                 
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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. 

Research on ethics related to scientific and technological developments will be carried out in the 

"Science in Society" part of the "Capacities" Specific Programme. 

Collaborative research 

Collaborative research will constitute the bulk and the core of Community research funding. The 

objective is to establish, in the major fields of advancement of knowledge, excellent research 

projects and networks able to attract researchers and investments from Europe and the entire world, 

strengthening the European industrial and technological base and supporting Community policies. 

This will be achieved by supporting collaborative research, which will include the active 

participation of industry, through the range of funding schemes: collaborative projects, networks of 

excellence, and coordination/support actions. 

 
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Joint Technology Initiatives 

In a very limited number of cases, the scope of a RTD objective and the scale of the resources 

involved justify setting up long-term public private partnerships in the form of Joint Technology 

Initiatives. These initiatives, mainly resulting from the work of European Technology Platforms and 

covering one or a small number of selected aspects of research in their field, will combine private 

sector investment and national and European public funding, including grant funding from the 

Research Framework Programme and loan finance from the European Investment Bank. Each Joint 

Technology Initiative will be decided individually, either on the basis of Article 171 of the Treaty 

(this may include the creation of a joint undertaking) or on the basis of a modification of this 

Specific Programme in accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty. 

Joint Technology Initiatives are identified in an open and transparent way on the basis of a series of 

criteria including: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

inability of existing instruments to achieve the objective, 

scale of the impact on industrial competitiveness and growth, 

added-value of European-level intervention, 

the degree and clarity of definition of the objective and deliverables to be pursued, 

strength of the financial and resource commitment from industry, 

 
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– 

– 

importance of the contribution to broader policy objectives including benefit to society, 

capacity to attract additional national support and leverage current or future industry 

funding. 

The nature of the Joint Technology Initiatives must be clearly defined, in particular with regard to 

matters concerning: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

financial commitments; 

duration of the commitment of the participants; 

rules for entering and exiting the contract; 

intellectual property rights. 

Considering the particular scope and complexity of the Joint Technology Initiatives, strong efforts 

will be made to ensure their transparent operation and that any allocation of Community funding by 

the Joint Technology Initiatives will take place on the basis of the Framework Programme 

principles of excellence and competition. 

Particular attention will be paid to the overall coherence and coordination between Joint 
Technology Initiatives and national programmes and projects in the same fields1, while respecting 

their existing implementation procedures, as well as to ensuring that the participation in their 

projects is open to a wide range of participants throughout Europe, and in particular SMEs. 

1 

In particular with the activities carried out by the intergovernmental structure EUREKA. In 
addition, the experience gained by EUREKA clusters could be relevant to Joint Technology 
Initiatives in related areas. 

 
                                                 
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An indicative list of Joint Technology Initiatives is identified in Annex IV. Further Joint 

Technology Initiatives may be identified on the basis of the above criteria and be proposed during 

the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme. 

Coordination of non-Community research programmes  

The action undertaken in this field will make use of two main tools: the ERA-NET scheme and the 

participation of the Community in jointly implemented national research programmes (Treaty 

Article 169). The action will also be used to enhance the complementarity and synergy between the 

Framework Programme and activities carried out in the framework of intergovernmental structures 

such as EUREKA, EIROforum and COST. Financial support for the administration and 

coordination activities of COST will be provided so that COST can continue to contribute to 

coordination and exchanges between nationally funded research teams. 

Where the actions are within the scope of one of the themes, they will be supported as an integral 

part of the activities under that theme. Where the actions are of a horizontal nature or not directly 
linked to the ten themes, they will be supported jointly across all of the relevant themes.1 

Where the actions are within the scope of another Specific Programme implementing the 

Seventh Framework Programme, they will be supported under that Specific Programme. 

1 

This could include possible joint implementation of programmes in the field of Metrology. 

 
                                                 
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The ERA-NET scheme will develop and strengthen the coordination of national and regional 

research activities by:  

– 

providing a framework for actors implementing public research programmes to step up the 

coordination of their activities. This will include support for new ERA-NETs as well as for 

the broadening and deepening of the scope of existing ERA-NETs, e.g. by extending their 

partnership, as well as mutually opening their programmes. Where appropriate, 

ERA-NETs could be applied for programme coordination between European regions and 

between Member States to enable their cooperation with large-scale initiatives, 

– 

in a limited number of cases, providing additional Community financial support for those 

participants that pool resources for the purpose of joint calls for proposals between their 

respective national and regional programmes ("ERA-NET PLUS"). 

The participation of the Community in national research programmes jointly implemented on the 

basis of Article 169 is especially relevant to European cooperation on a large scale in "variable 

geometry" between Member States sharing common needs and/or interests. In well identified cases, 

such Article 169 initiatives will be launched in areas identified in close association with the 

Member States, including the possible cooperation with intergovernmental programmes, on the 

basis of the criteria defined in the Seventh Framework Programme decision. 

An indicative list of initiatives for the joint implementation of national research programmes is 

identified in the description in Annex IV and could be the subject of a separate decision on the basis 

of Article 169 of the Treaty. Further initiatives may be identified and proposed during the 

implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme. 

 
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International cooperation 

International cooperation actions, showing European added-value and being of mutual interest, will 

support an international Science and Technology policy that has two interdependent objectives: 

– 

to support and promote European competitiveness through strategic research partnerships 

with third countries including highly industrialised and emerging economies in science and 

technology by engaging the best third country scientists to work in and with Europe, 

– 

to address specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character, on the 

basis of mutual interest and mutual benefit. 

The international scientific cooperation policy of the Community will stress and develop 

cooperation to generate, share and use knowledge through equitable research partnerships taking 

into account the international, country, regional and socio-economic context and knowledge base of 

partner countries. The strategic approach is to enhance EU competitiveness and global sustainable 

development through such partnerships between the EU and third countries at bilateral, regional and 

global levels based on mutual interest and benefit. To this end the EU's role as a global player 

should be also promoted through multilateral international research programmes. The international 

cooperation actions supported will be connected to mainstream policy issues in order to support 

fulfilling international commitments of the EU and contribute to sharing European values, 

competitiveness, socio-economic progress, environmental protection and welfare under the 

umbrella of global sustainable development. 

 
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International cooperation will be implemented in this Specific Programme in each thematic area and 

across themes through: 

•  An enhanced participation of researchers and research institutions from all International 
Cooperation Partner countries and industrialised countries1 in the thematic areas, with 

appropriate restrictions for the security theme for all third countries other than associated 

countries due to the confidentiality aspects. In addition, there will be a particular emphasis to 

encourage third country participation in identified areas of mutual interest. 

•  Specific cooperation actions in each thematic area dedicated to third countries in the case of 

mutual interest in cooperating on particular topics to be selected on the basis of their scientific 

and technological level and needs. The identification of specific needs and priorities will be 

closely associated with relevant bilateral cooperation agreements and with ongoing multilateral 

and bi-regional dialogues between the EU and these countries or groups of countries. Priorities 

will be identified based on the particular needs, potential and level of economic development in 

the region or country. 

To this end, an international cooperation strategy and implementation plan will be developed with 

specific targeted actions within or across the themes, e.g. in health, agriculture, sanitation, water, 

food security, social cohesion, energy, environment, fisheries, aquaculture and natural resources, 

sustainable economic policy and information and communication technologies. 

1 

As defined in the Rules for Participation and Dissemination. 

 
                                                 
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These actions will serve as privileged tools for implementing the cooperation between the 

Community and these countries. Such actions are, in particular, actions aiming at reinforcing the 

research capacities and cooperative capacities of candidate, neighbourhood, and developing and 

emerging countries. The actions will be the subject of targeted calls and particular attention will be 

paid to facilitating access of the relevant third countries, notably developing countries, to the 

actions. 

These activities will be implemented in coordination with international cooperation actions under 

the "People" and the "Capacities" specific programmes. An overall strategy for International 

Cooperation within the Framework Programme will underpin this activity. 

THEMES 

1. 

Health 

Objective 

Improving the health of European citizens and increasing the competitiveness and boosting the 

innovative capacity of European health-related industries and businesses, while addressing global 

health issues including emerging epidemics. Emphasis will be put on translational research 

(translation of basic discoveries in clinical applications including scientific validation of 

experimental results), the development and validation of new therapies, methods for health 

promotion and prevention including promotion of child health, healthy ageing, diagnostic tools and 

medical technologies, as well as sustainable and efficient health care systems. 

 
 
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Approach 

This research will advance our understanding on how to promote good health more efficiently, to 

reduce the health differences across Europe, to prevent and treat major diseases and to deliver 

health care. Basic bio-medical research will be an integral part of this theme; multidisciplinary 

approaches are of particular importance in the health theme. 

This research will help integrate the vast amount of genomics, epidemiological, biological and 

bio-technology data and develop key technologies for health-related industries with a view to 

developing knowledge and capacity for intervention. It will foster translational health research, 

which is essential to ensure practical benefits including the improvement of life quality from 

bio-medical research. It will allow Europe to contribute more effectively to international efforts 

combating diseases of global importance, as illustrated by the ongoing programme on "European 

and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership" (EDCTP) for combating HIV/AIDS, malaria 
and tuberculosis (Article 169)1. It will reinforce health policy-driven research at the European level 

and especially the comparisons of the models, systems and data of national databases. The 

networking of relevant databases is particularly important in this respect. 

1 

Other new important initiatives regarding the coordination of national research programmes 
may be supported where needed. 

 
                                                 
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This research will help improve the competitiveness of European health care bio-technology and 

medical technology sectors, where SMEs are the main economic drivers, and pharmaceutical 
industries. It may include support for the European Technology Platform1 on Innovative Medicines, 

aiming at overcoming the research bottlenecks in the drug development process. Special attention 

will be given to bridging the gap between research activities and exploitation by providing support 

for demonstrating proof of concept and clinical validation. This research will also contribute to the 

development of norms and standards for new advanced therapies (e.g. regenerative medicine) 

needed to help EU industry face worldwide competition. Global leadership in European research 

and innovation in the field of alternative testing strategies, in particular non-animal methods, should 

be ensured. 

Gender aspects in research will be considered and integrated in the projects2 whenever appropriate. 

Special attention will be given to communicating research outcomes and engaging in dialogue with 

civil society, in particular with patient groups, at the earliest possible stage, of new developments 

arising from bio-medical and genetics research. A wide dissemination and use of the results will 

also be assured. 

1 

2 

Strategic research agendas of other European Technology Platforms may be supported 
where they are of major importance for health-related industries. 
Risk factors, biological mechanisms, causes, clinical manifestation, consequences and 
treatment of disease and disorders often differ between women and men. Therefore, all 
activities funded within this Theme must reflect the possibility of such differences in their 
research protocols, methodologies and analysis of results. 

 
                                                 
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The strategic issues, child health1 and the health of the ageing population will receive specific 

attention and will have to be taken into account whenever appropriate across all activities in this 

theme, with priorities highlighted in the work programme. Other multi-disciplinary areas will also 

be included. This will ensure a visible and coherent approach to these issues across the Theme, 

whilst avoiding duplication. 

Ethical, legal and socio-economic issues will be taken into account within each of the following 
activities2. 

Activities 

•  Bio-technology, generic tools and medical technologies for human health 

This activity aims at developing and validating the necessary tools and technologies that will make 

possible the production of new knowledge and its translation into practical applications in the area 

of health and medicine. 

– 

High-throughput research: to catalyse progress in developing new research tools for 

modern biology including fundamental genomics that will enhance significantly data 

generation and improve data and specimen (bio-banks) standardisation, acquisition and 

analysis. The focus will be on new technologies for: sequencing; gene expression, 

genotyping and phenotyping; structural and functional genomics; bio-informatics and 

systems biology; other "omics". 

1 

2 

Support will in particular be given to specific clinical studies to provide evidence for the 
appropriate use of off-patent products currently used off label in paediatric populations. 
Specific research on ethical, legal and socio-economic issues will be undertaken in the 
Theme Socio-Economic Sciences and the Humanities under the Specific Programme 
"Cooperation", and in the Specific Programme "Capacities". 

 
                                                 
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– 

Detection, diagnosis and monitoring: to develop visualisation, imaging, detection and 

analytical tools and technologies for bio-medical research, for prediction, diagnosis, 

monitoring and prognosis of diseases, and for support and guidance of therapeutic 

interventions. The focus will be on a multidisciplinary approach integrating areas such as: 

molecular and cellular biology, physiology, genetics, physics, chemistry, bio-medical 

engineering including nano-technologies, microsystems, devices and information 

technologies. Non- or minimally-invasive and quantitative methods and quality assurance 

aspects will be emphasised. 

– 

Predicting suitability, safety and efficacy of therapies: to develop and validate the 

parameters, tools, methods and standards needed for bringing to the patient safe and 
effective new or improved bio-medicines1. The focus will be on approaches such as 

pharmacogenomics, developing and validating biological markers, targeting and delivery 

approaches, in silico, in vitro (including alternatives to animal testing) and in vivo methods 
and models2. 

– 

Innovative therapeutic approaches and interventions: to research, consolidate and ensure 

further developments in advanced therapies and technologies with broad potential 

application. The focus will be on gene and cell therapy, regenerative medicine, 

transplantation, immunotherapy and vaccines, and other medicines. Related technologies, 

such as advanced targeted delivery systems, advanced implants and prosthetics, and non- 

or minimally-invasive technology-assisted interventions will also be addressed. 

1 

2 

For conventional medicines (Pharmaceuticals and Bio-pharmaceuticals), these issues could 
be addressed by a Joint Technology Initiative on Innovative Medicines. 
Replacement, refinement, reduction alternatives to animal usage in biomedical research. 

 
                                                 
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•  Translating research for human health 

This activity aims to increase knowledge of biological processes and mechanisms involved in 

normal health and in specific disease situations, to transpose this knowledge into clinical 

applications including disease control and treatment, and to ensure that clinical (including 

epidemiological) data guide further research. 

– 

Integrating biological data and processes: large-scale data gathering, systems biology. 

•  Large-scale data gathering: to use high-throughput technologies to generate data for 

elucidating the function of genes and gene products and their interactions in complex 

networks in important biological processes. The focus will be on: genomics; 

proteomics, "RNA-omics"; population genetics; comparative, structural and functional 

genomics. 

•  Systems biology: the focus will be on multidisciplinary research that will integrate a 

wide variety of biological data and will develop and apply system approaches to 

understand and model biological processes in all relevant organisms and at all levels of 

organisation. 

 
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– 

Research on the brain and related diseases, human development and ageing. 

•  Brain and brain-related diseases: to better understand the integrated structure and 

dynamics of the brain, and to study brain diseases including relevant age-related illness 

(e.g. dementia, Parkinson's disease) and search for new therapies. The focus will be on 

gaining a global understanding of the brain by exploring brain functions, from 

molecules to cognition including neuroinformatics, and brain dysfunction, from 

synoptic impairment to neurodegeneration. Research will address neurological and 

psychiatric diseases and disorders, including regenerative and restorative therapeutic 

approaches. 

•  Human development and ageing: use of a wide variety of methodologies and tools to 

better understand the process of life-long development and healthy ageing. The focus 

will be on the study of human and model systems, including interactions with factors 

such as environment, genetics, behaviour and gender. 

– 

Translational research in major infectious diseases: to confront major threats to public 

health. 

•  Anti-microbial drug resistance including fungal pathogens: the focus will be on 

combining basic research on molecular mechanisms of resistance, microbial ecology 

and host-pathogen interactions with clinical research towards new interventions to 

reduce the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant infections. 

 
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•  HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis: the focus will be on developing new therapies, 

diagnostic tools, preventive tools such as vaccines and chemical transmission barriers 

such as HIV microbicides. Research efforts will confront the three diseases at global 

level, but will also address specific European aspects of the three diseases as well as 

Hepatitis. Preclinical and early clinical research activities will be emphasised, and 

where relevant (e.g. for HIV/AIDS vaccines) collaboration with global initiatives is 

foreseen. 

•  Potentially new and re-emerging epidemics: the focus will be on confronting emerging 

pathogens with pandemic potential including zoonoses (e.g. SARS and highly 

pathogenic influenza). Where appropriate, provisions will be made for rapidly initiating 

collaborative research aimed at expediting development of new diagnostics, drugs and 

vaccines for efficient prevention, treatment, and control of infectious disease 

emergencies. 

– 

Translational research in other major diseases1 

•  Cancer: the focus will be on disease aetiology, new medicines and therapies; identifying 

and validating drug targets and biological markers that aid in the prevention, early 

diagnosis and treatment; and assessing the effectiveness of preventive prognostic, 

diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. 

1 

Aspects of palliative medicine and the use of active ingredients will be taken into account. 

 
                                                 
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•  Cardiovascular disease: the focus will be on diagnosis, prevention, treatment and 

monitoring of heart and blood vessel diseases (including vascular aspects of stroke) 

using broad multidisciplinary approaches.  

•  Diabetes and obesity: for the former, the focus will be on aetiologies of the different 

types of diabetes, and their related prevention and treatment. For the latter, the focus 

will be on multidisciplinary approaches including genetics, life style and epidemiology. 

For both diabetes and obesity, special attention will be given to juvenile diseases and 

factors operating in childhood. 

•  Rare diseases: the focus will be on Europe-wide studies of natural history, 

pathophysiology and on development of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic 

interventions. This sector will include rare Mendelian phenotypes of common diseases. 

•  Other chronic diseases: the focus will be on non-lethal diseases with a high impact on 

the quality of life at old age such as functional and sensory impairment and other 

chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, rheumatic and musculo-skeletal diseases and respiratory 

diseases including those induced by allergies). 

•  Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens 

This activity aims at providing the necessary basis both for informed policy decisions on health 

systems and for more effective and efficient evidence-based strategies of health promotion, disease 

prevention, diagnosis and therapy. 

 
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– 

Translating the results of clinical research outcome into clinical practice including better 

use of medicines, and appropriate use of behavioural and organisational interventions and 

new health therapies and technologies. Special attention will be given to patient safety 

including adverse effects of medication: to identify the best clinical practice; to understand 

decision making in clinical settings in primary and specialised care; and to foster 

applications of evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment. Focus will be on the 

benchmarking of strategies; investigating outcomes of different interventions including 

medicines, scientifically tested complementary and alternative medicines, and new health 

therapies and technologies, taking into consideration prescription strategies, some aspects 

of pharmacovigilance evidence, specificities of the patient (e.g. genetic susceptibility, age, 

gender and adherence) and cost benefits. 

– 

Quality, efficiency and solidarity of health care systems including transitional health 

systems, to allow countries to learn from the experience of other health systems and their 

sustainability, taking into account the importance of national contexts and population 

characteristics (ageing, mobility, migration, education, socioeconomic status and the 

changing world of work, etc). Focus will be on organisational, financial and regulatory 

aspects of health systems (assessing the cost, efficiency and benefits of different 

interventions including as regards patient safety), their implementation and their outcomes 

in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and equity (including disadvantaged groups). Special 

attention will be paid to investment issues and human resources including home care 

strategies. The question of independence, life quality and mobility of the ageing population 

will be covered. 

 
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– 

Enhanced health promotion and disease prevention: to provide evidence for the best public 

health measures in terms of life styles, work and living circumstances and interventions at 

different levels and in different contexts. Focus will be on the wider determinants of health 

and how they interact at both the individual and community level (e.g. diet, stress, tobacco, 

alcohol and other substances, physical activity, cultural context, socio-economic and 

environmental factors). In particular, mental health will be addressed in a life-course 

perspective. 

International cooperation 

International cooperation is an integral part of the Theme and is of particular importance for areas 

addressing global health problems, such as anti-microbial resistance, HIV/AIDS, malaria, 

tuberculosis, neglected diseases and emerging pandemics. This may also involve priority setting in 

the context of international initiatives, such as the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise. Subject to the 

consolidation of a long-term sustainable partnership in clinical research between Europe and 

Developing countries and subject to the integration of national programmes or activities from 

participating countries, further support may be provided to the European and Developing Countries 
Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) in response to its achievements and future needs1. The 

EDCTP programme will remain focused on advanced clinical testing for the development of new 

vaccines, microbicides and drugs against the three diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. For this purpose, 

the Work Programme may foresee a Community contribution to the EDCTP-European Economic 

Interest Grouping for carrying out the programme to be agreed by the Commission, including the 

reallocation of the Community contribution. 

1 

The Commission will carry out an evaluation of the EDCTP. 

 
                                                 
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Specific cooperation actions will be implemented in the areas formulated through bi-regional 

dialogues in third Countries/Regions and international fora, as well as within the context of 

Millennium Development Goals. Such priority areas adapted to local needs and through 

partnerships may include: health policy research, health systems and health care service research, 

maternal and child health, reproductive health, control and surveillance of neglected communicable 

diseases and emerging unforeseen policy needs in those regions.  

An annual subscription to the international Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation 
(HFSPO)1 will be made jointly with the "Information and Communication Technologies" theme. 

This will allow EU non-G8 Member States to fully benefit from the Human Frontier Science 

Programme (HFSP) and provide increased visibility for European research. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research on emerging needs will be implemented on the basis of "bottom up" and "focussed" 

initiatives, in coordination with other Themes and this will include a broad and inter-disciplinary 

research portfolio. Support for unforeseen policy needs may address, for example living and work 

conditions, health impact assessment, risk assessment, statistical indicators, management and 

communication in the public health domain, as well as obligations under international health treaties 
including the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control2 and the International Health 
Regulations3. This will complement the health policy-driven research supported above. 

1 

2 
3 

The European Community is a member of the HFSP Organisation (HFSPO) and has funded 
HFSP under previous Framework Programmes. 
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Decision 2004/513/EC. 
International Health Regulations 2005 – Resolution 58.3 of the 58th World Health 
Assembly, 23 May 2005. 

 
                                                 
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2. 

Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and Biotechnology 

Objective 

Building a European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy1 by bringing together science, industry and 

other stakeholders, to exploit new and emerging research opportunities that address social, 

environmental and economic challenges: the growing demand for safer, healthier, higher quality 

food and for sustainable use and production of renewable bio-resources, the increasing risk of 

epizootic and zoonotic diseases and food related disorders; threats to the sustainability and security 

of agricultural, aquaculture and fisheries production; and the increasing demand for high quality 

food, taking into account animal welfare and rural and coastal context and response to specific 

dietary needs of consumers. 

1 

The term "bio-economy" includes all industries and economic sectors that produce, manage 
and otherwise exploit biological resources (and related services, supply or consumer 
industries), such as agriculture, food, fisheries, forestry, etc. 

 
                                                 
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Approach 

This theme will strengthen the knowledge base, deliver the innovations and provide policy support 

for building and developing a European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE). Research will 

focus on the sustainable management, production and use of biological resources, in particular 

through life sciences and bio-technology and the convergence with other technologies, to provide 

new, safer, affordable, eco-efficient and competitive products from European agriculture, fisheries, 
aquaculture, feed, food1, health, forest based and related industries. Research will make important 

contributions to the implementation and formulation of Community policies and regulations and 

specifically address or support: the Common Agricultural Policy; agriculture and trade issues; 

safety aspects of GMOs; food safety regulations; Community plant health legislation; Community 

Animal Health Policy, disease control and welfare standards; environment and bio-diversity; 

European Forestry Strategy; and the Common Fisheries Policy aiming to provide sustainable 

development of fishing and aquaculture and the safety of seafood products. Research will also seek 

to develop new and existing indicators supporting analysis, development and monitoring of these 

policies. 

Recognising the multifunctional role of agriculture, research will support the role and opportunities 

for rural economies to deliver sustainable development objectives. 

1 

Food includes seafood. 

 
                                                 
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Agro-food industries, of which 90 % are SMEs, will particularly benefit from many research 

activities, including targeted dissemination and technology transfer activities, in particular as 

regards the integration and uptake of advanced eco-efficient technologies, methodologies and 

processes and the development of standards. High-tech start-ups from the bio-, nano- and ICT are 

expected to provide important contributions to the areas of plant breeding, improved crops and plant 

protection, advanced detection and monitoring technologies for ensuring food safety and quality, 

and new industrial bio-processes.  

Several European Technology Platforms, covering the areas of plant genomics and bio-technology, 

forestry and forest based industries, global animal health, farm animal breeding, food, aquaculture 

and industrial bio-technology, can contribute in setting common research priorities for this theme, 

in identifying possible future large-scale initiatives such as demonstration projects, and help ensure 

broad participation and integration of all stakeholders. Actions to enhance the coordination of 

national research programmes will be pursued wherever appropriate, in close coordination with 

ERA-Net projects, Technology Platforms and other relevant actors, such as the Standing Committee 

on Agricultural Research (SCAR) or any future European maritime research coordination structure. 

Consideration of the social, ethical, gender, legal, environmental, economic and wider cultural 

aspects and potential risks and impacts (foresight) of the scientific and technological development 

will form a part of the activities, where relevant. 

 
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Activities 

•  Sustainable production and management of biological resources from land, forest, and aquatic 

environments1 

– 

Enabling research on the key long-term drivers of sustainable production and management 

of biological resources (micro-organisms, plants and animals) including the exploitation of 

bio-diversity and of novel bio-active molecules within these biological systems. Research 

will include 'omics' technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and 

converging technologies, and their integration within systems biology approaches, as well 

as the development of basic tools and technologies, including bio-informatics and relevant 

databases, and methodologies for identifying varieties within species groups. 

– 

Increased sustainability and competitiveness, while safeguarding consumer health, 

decreasing environmental impacts, and taking account of climate change, in agriculture, 

horticulture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture through the development of new 

technologies, equipment, monitoring systems, novel plants and production systems, crop 

management through selected plant breeding, plant health and optimised production 

systems, the improvement of the scientific and technical basis of fisheries management, 

and a better understanding of the interaction between different systems (agriculture and 

forestry; fisheries and aquaculture) across a whole ecosystem approach. Research into 

maintenance of autochthonous ecosystems, development of bio-control agents, and 

micro-biological dimension of bio-diversity and metagenomics will be undertaken. 

1 

Complementary research relating to sustainable management and conservation is addressed 
under "Environment including Climate Change". Research on other tools and technologies 
that support sustainable production and management will be done under the relevant themes. 

 
                                                 
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•  For land-based biological resources, special emphasis will be placed on low input 

(e.g. pesticides and fertilisers), and organic production systems, improved management 

of resources and novel food and feeds, and novel plants (crops and trees) with respect to 

their composition, resistance to stress, ecological effect, nutrient and water use 

efficiency, and architecture. This will be supported through research into bio-safety, 

co-existence and traceability of novel plants systems and products, and monitoring and 

assessment of impact of genetically modified crops on environment and human health 

as well as the possibility of their broader benefit for society. 

•  Plant health and crop protection will be improved through better understanding of 

ecology, biology of pests, diseases, weeds and other threats of phytosanitary relevance 

and support to controlling disease outbreaks and enhancing sustainable pest and weed 

management tools and techniques. Improved methods will be developed for monitoring, 

preservation and enhancement of soil fertility. 

•  For biological resources from aquatic environments, emphasis will be placed on 

essential biological functions, safe and environmentally friendly production systems and 

feeds of cultured species and on fisheries biology, dynamics of mixed fisheries, 

interactions between fisheries activities and the marine ecosystem and on fleet-based, 

regional and multi-annual management systems. 

 
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– 

Optimised animal health, production and welfare, across agriculture, fisheries and 

aquaculture, inter alia through:  

•  the exploitation of genetic knowledge, new breeding methods, improved understanding 

of animal physiology and behaviour; and  

•  the better understanding and control of pests, parasites and infectious animal diseases 

and other threats to the sustainability and security of food production, including 

zoonoses.  

The latter will also be addressed by developing tools for monitoring, prevention and 

control, by underpinning and applied research on vaccines and diagnostics, studying the 

ecology of known or emerging infectious agents and other threats, including malicious 

acts, and impacts of different farming systems and climate.  

New knowledge for the safe disposal of animal waste and improved management of 

by-products will also be developed. 

 
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– 

Providing the tools needed by policy makers and other actors to support the 

implementation of relevant strategies, policies and legislation and in particular to support 

the building of the European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) and the needs of 

rural and coastal development. The Common Fisheries Policy will be supported through 

the development of adaptive approaches supportive to a whole ecosystem approach for the 

harvesting of marine resources. Research for all policies, including the Common 

Agricultural Policy, will include socio-economic studies and cost-benefit analysis, 

comparative investigations of different farming systems including multifunctional ones, 

cost-effective fisheries management systems, the rearing of non-food animals, interactions 

with forestry and studies to improve rural and coastal livelihoods. 

•  Fork to farm: Food (including seafood), health and well being 

– 

Understanding consumer behaviour and consumer preferences as a major factor in the 

competitiveness of the food industry and the impact of food on the health, and well-being 

of the European citizen. The focus will be on consumer perception and attitudes towards 

food, including traditional food, understanding societal and cultural trends, and identifying 

determinants of food choice and consumer access to food. The research will include the 

development of data bases on food and nutrition research. 

 
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– 

Understanding beneficial and harmful dietary factors as well as the specific needs and 

habits of population groups as a major controllable factor in the development and reduction 

of occurrence of diet-related diseases and disorders including obesity and allergies. This 

will involve the investigation of new dietary strategies, the development and application of 

nutrigenomics and systems biology, and the study of the interactions between nutrition, 

physiological and psychological functions. It could lead to reformulation of processed 

foods, and development of novel foods and ingredients, dietetic foods and foods with 

nutritional and health claims. The investigation of traditional, local, and seasonal foods and 

diets will also be important to highlight the impact of certain foods and diets on health, and 

to develop integrated food guidance. 

– 

Optimising innovation in the European food industry through the integration of advanced 

technologies into traditional food production including fermented food, tailored process 

technologies to enhance the functionality, quality and nutritional value of food including 

organoleptic aspects in food production including new foodstuffs. Development and 

demonstration of high-tech, eco-efficient processing and packaging systems, smart control 

applications and more efficient valorisation and management of by-products, wastes, water 

and energy. New research will also develop sustainable and novel technologies for animal 

feed, including safe feed processing formulations, and for feed quality control. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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– 

Assuring chemical and micro-biological safety and improving quality in the European food 

supply. This will include understanding the links between microbial ecology and food 

safety; developing methods and models addressing the integrity of the food supply chains; 

new detection methods, traceability and its further development, technologies and tools for 

risk assessment, including emerging risks, management, and communication, as well as 

enhancing the understanding of risk perception. This will also include science based 

methods for risk benchmarking in the field of food safety. 

– 

Protecting both human health and the environment through a better understanding of the 

environmental impacts on and of food/feed chains. This will involve study of food 

contaminants and health outcomes, monitoring of environmental effects, developing 

enhanced tools and methods for the assessment and management of impacts on, and 

resistance of, food and feed chains to global changes in particular to the environment. 

Assuring quality and the integrity of the food chain requires new models for commodity 

chain analysis and total food chain management concepts, including consumer aspects. 

 
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•  Life sciences, bio-technology and bio-chemistry for sustainable non-food products and 

processes 

– 

Strengthening the knowledge base and developing advanced technologies for terrestrial or 

marine bio-mass production for applications in industrial processes and in energy 

production. This will include plant, animal and microbial genomics and metabolomics to 

improve the productivity and composition of raw materials and bio-mass feedstocks for 

optimised conversion to high added-value products including biological resources 

utilisable in pharmaceutical industry and medicine, while exploiting natural or enhanced 

terrestrial and aquatic organisms as novel sources. This will fully incorporate life cycle 

analysis of bio-mass production practices, transportation, and storage and market 

deployment of bio-products. 

– 

Addressing the application of industrial bio-technologies within whole crop and forest 

bio-mass chains to realise the full potential of the bio-refinery approach (e.g. green 

chemicals), including socioeconomic, agronomic, and ecological and consumer aspects. 

This will be enhanced by an increased understanding and control of plant and microbial 

metabolism at the cellular and sub-cellular level, and how this is integrated into whole 

system performance in the production of high value commodities deploying bio-processes 

with increased yield, quality and purity of conversion products, including bio-catalytic 

process design. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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– 

Using or developing bio-technologies for novel and improved high quality, high 

added-value and renewable forest-based products and processes to increase sustainability 

of wood and wood production, including timber, renewable materials and bio-energy 

stocks. 

– 

– 

Addressing the potential of bio-technology to detect, monitor, prevent, treat and remove 

pollution. 

Maximising the economic value of waste and by-products through new and potentially 

energy-saving bio-processes, alone or in combination with plant systems and/or chemical 

catalysts. 

International cooperation 

International cooperation is a priority aspect for Food, Agriculture and Bio-technology research and 

will be strongly encouraged throughout the entire area. Research of specific interest for developing 

countries and emerging economies will be supported, taking into account Millennium development 

goals and already ongoing activities. Specific actions will be undertaken to foster cooperation with 

priority partner regions and countries - particularly those involved in bi-regional dialogues and 

bilateral S&T agreements as well as neighbourhood countries and emerging economies and 

developing countries. 

 
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Furthermore, multilateral cooperation will be carried out to address either challenges requiring 

broad international efforts, such as the dimension and complexity of systems biology in plants and 

micro-organisms, or to address global challenges and EU international commitments (security and 

safety of food and drinking water, global spread of animal diseases, equitable use of bio-diversity, 

the restoration, in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, of world fisheries to 

Maximum Sustainable Yield by 2015 and the influence of/on climate change). 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs  

Research on emerging needs may address, for example, the development of new concepts and 

technologies, such as on crisis management systems and the integrity of the food chain. 

A flexible response to unforeseen policy needs will take particular account of relevant policies for 

building a European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/141 

3. 

Information and Communication Technologies 

Objective 

Improve the competitiveness of European industry and enable Europe to master and shape the 

future developments of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) so that the demands of 

its society and economy are met. ICT is at the very core of the knowledge-based society. Activities 

will strengthen Europe's scientific and technology base and ensure its global leadership in ICT, help 

drive and stimulate product, service and process innovation and creativity through ICT use and 

ensure that ICT progress is rapidly transformed into benefits for Europe's citizens, businesses, 

industry and governments. These activities will also help reduce the digital divide and social 

exclusion. 

Approach 

Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a unique, proven role in fostering 

innovation, creativity and competitiveness of all industry and service sectors. They are essential for 

addressing key societal challenges and modernising public services and they underpin progress in 

all science and technology fields. Europe must therefore master and shape the future developments 

of ICT and ensure that ICT-based services and products are taken up and used to deliver the 

maximum possible benefits for citizens and businesses. 

These are the targets of the Community's Information Society policy, as highlighted in the 

i2010 initiative, aiming at a competitive convergent information economy in Europe, a significant 

rise in European investment in ICT research and innovation and a very high level of accessibility in 

the Information Society. 

 
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New ICT technologies will open up many new opportunities for higher-value products and services, 

many of which are in areas where Europe already enjoys industrial and technological leadership. 

Partnering at European level is the optimal approach to ICT investment. ICT research activity based 

on "open source" development model is proving its utility as a source of innovation and increasing 

collaboration. More than ever before, such efforts are needed to keep pace with soaring research 

costs in an era of global competition, and increasingly complex and interdependent technologies. 

The ICT theme prioritises strategic research around key technology pillars, ensures end-to-end 

integration of technologies and provides the knowledge and the means to develop a wide range of 

innovative ICT applications. The activities will leverage industrial and technological advance in the 

ICT sector and improve the competitive edge of important ICT-intensive sectors – both through 

innovative high-value ICT-based products and services and from new or improved organisational 

processes in businesses and administrations alike. The theme will also support other policies of the 

Community, such as health and environmental protection, by mobilising ICT to meet public and 

societal demands, in particular demands of people with special needs including the ageing 

population and the disabled. 

Activities will cover collaboration and networking actions and could support Joint Technology 
Initiatives1 and national programme coordination initiatives2. The priorities of the activities will 

include topics relying, among other sources, on the work of European Technology Platforms. 

Thematic synergies will also be developed with related activities in other Specific Programmes. 

1 

2 

These could include selected aspects of research in the areas of Nanoelectronics 
Technologies, Embedded Computing Systems.  
This could include possible joint implementation of programmes in the field of 
Ambient-Assisted Living. 

 
                                                 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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The active participation of small and medium-sized enterprises and other small entities in the 

activities is essential given their role in promoting innovation. They play vital roles in the 

development and nurturing of new visions in ICT and their applications and in transforming them 

into business assets. 

Activities 

•  ICT Technology Pillars: 

– 

Nano-electronics, photonics and integrated micro/nano-systems: process, device, design 

and testing technologies and methodologies to improve size, density, performance, energy 

efficiency, manufacturing and cost-effectiveness for components, systems-on-a-chip, 

systems-in-a-package and integrated systems; basic photonic components for wide range of 

applications including ultra fast components; radio frequency (RF) systems; 

high-performance/high-density data storage systems; very large area/highly integrated 

display solutions; sensing, actuating, vision and imaging devices; ultra low power systems, 

power components, alternative energy sources/storage; heterogeneous 

technologies/systems integration; smart systems; multi-functional integrated 

micro-nano-bio-info-systems; large-area electronics; integration in different 

materials/objects; interfacing with living organisms; (self-)assembly of molecules or atoms 

into stable structures. 

 
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– 

Ubiquitous and unlimited capacity communication networks: cost-effective, reconfigurable 

and flexible mobile and broadband network technologies, systems and architectures, 

including terrestrial and satellite networks and optical switching and other technologies for 

high speed end-to-end connectivity; convergence of different fixed, mobile, wireless and 

broadcasting networks and services spanning from the personal area to the regional and 

global area; interoperability of wired and wireless communications services and 

applications, management of networked resources, service reconfigurability; complex 

networking of ad-hoc intelligent multimedia devices, sensors and microchips. 

– 

Embedded systems, computing and control: more powerful, secure, distributed, reliable 

and efficient hardware/software systems that can perceive, control and adapt to their 

environment while optimising the use of resources; methods and tools for system 

modelling, analysis, design, engineering and validation to master complexity; open 

composable architectures and scale-free platforms, middleware and distributed operating 

systems to enable truly seamless collaborative and ambient intelligent environments for 

sensing, actuation, computing, communication, storage, and service delivery; computing 

architectures incorporating heterogeneous, networked and reconfigurable components 

including compilation, programming and run-time support, high performance systems and 

services; control of large-scale, distributed, uncertain systems. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/145 

– 

Software, Grids, security and dependability: technologies, tools and methods for dynamic 

and trusted software, architectures and middleware systems that underpin 

knowledge-intensive services, including their provision as utilities; service-oriented, 

interoperable and scale-free infrastructures, grid-like virtualisation of resources, including 

domain-specific platforms, network-centric operating systems; open source software; open 

standards platforms and collaborative approaches for development and validation of 

software, services and systems; composition tools including programming languages; 

mastering emergent behaviours of complex systems; improving dependability and 

resilience of large-scale, distributed and intermittently connected systems and services; 

secure and trusted systems and services, including privacy-aware access control and 

authentication, dynamic security and trust policies, dependability and trust meta-models. 

– 

Knowledge, cognitive and learning systems: methods and techniques to acquire, create and 

interpret, represent and personalise, navigate and retrieve, share and deliver knowledge, 

recognising the semantic relationships in content for use by humans and machines; 

artificial systems that perceive, interpret and evaluate information and that can cooperate, 

act autonomously and learn; theories and experiments that move beyond incremental 

advances benefiting from insights into natural cognition, in particular learning and 

memory, also for the purpose of advancing systems for human learning. 

 
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– 

Simulation, visualisation, interaction and mixed realities: tools for modelling, simulation, 

visualisation, interaction, virtual, augmented and mixed reality and their integration in 

end-to-end environments; tools for innovative design and for creativity in products, 

services and digital audio-visual media; more natural, intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces 

and new ways to interact with technology, machines, devices and other artefacts; language 

technology including multilingual and automatic machine translation systems. 

– 

New perspectives in ICT drawing on other science and technology disciplines 

(mathematics and physics, materials, bio-technologies, life-sciences, chemistry, cognitive 

and social sciences, the humanities, etc.) are provided in the whole of the ICT theme. 

These are bringing breakthroughs that lead to innovation in ICT and to entirely new 

industry and service sectors. They span from miniaturisation of ICT devices to sizes 

compatible and interacting with living organisms (like novel ICT components and 

computing systems based on synthetic bio-molecular structures), to new computing and 

communication sciences inspired by the living world, to fully eco-compatible ICT devices 

inspired by natural systems, and to modelling and simulation of the living world (like 

simulation of human physiology across several biological levels). 

•  Integration of Technologies: 

– 

Personal environments: integration of multimodal interfaces, sensing techniques and 

micro-systems, personal communication and computing devices, ICT systems embodied in 

personal accessories, wearable systems and implants and their connection to services and 

resources, placing emphasis on integrating all facets of a person's presence and identity. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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– 

Home environments: communication, monitoring, control and assistance of the home, 

buildings and public spaces; seamless interoperability and use of all devices taking account 

of cost efficiency, affordability, usability and safety; new services and new forms of 

interactive digital content and services including entertainment; access to information and 

management of knowledge. 

– 

Robotic systems: flexible and dependable robot systems operating in human and 

unstructured environments and cooperating with people; networked and cooperating 

robots; miniaturised robots; humanoid technologies; modular design and modelling of 

integrated robotic systems. 

– 

Intelligent infrastructures: ICT tools making critical infrastructures more efficient and 

user-friendly, easier to adapt and maintain, more robust to usage and resistant to failures; 

data integration tools; ICT for systemic risk assessment, early warning and automated 

alerts, planning and decision support. 

•  Applications Research: 

– 

ICT meeting societal challenges: To ensure that all European citizens can reap the 

maximum benefit from ICT products and services, to improve inclusiveness, seamless 

access and interactivity of services of public interest, and to strengthen the innovation role 

of public sector services, improving their efficiency and effectiveness. 

 
L 400/148 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

– 

For health: personal non-obtrusive systems that enable citizens to manage their well-being 

such as wearable or implantable monitoring devices and autonomous systems for 

supporting a healthy state; emerging techniques such as molecular imaging for improved 

prevention and individualised medicine; health knowledge discovery, management and 

application in clinical practice; modelling and simulation of organ functions; micro- and 

nano-robotic devices for minimally invasive surgical and therapeutic applications. 

– 

For governments at all levels: use of ICT in an interdisciplinary approach in public 

administrations combined with organisational change and new skills in order to deliver 

innovative, citizen-centric services for all; advanced ICT based research and solutions to 

improve democratic and participatory processes and the performance and quality of public 

sector services, interaction with and between administrations and governments, and 

support legislative and policy development processes in all stages of democracy. 

– 

For inclusion: to empower individuals and their communities and improve equal 

participation of all citizens in the information society, while preventing digital divides due 

to disability, low skills, poverty, geographic isolation, culture, gender or age, inter alia 

through support to assistive technology, promoting independent living, increasing e-skills, 

and developing products and services designed-for-all. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/149 

– 

For mobility: integrated ICT-based safety systems for vehicles based on open, secure and 

dependable architectures and interfaces; interoperable cooperative systems for efficient, 

safe and environment-friendly transport, based on communication between vehicles and 

with the transport infrastructure and integrating accurate and robust location and 

navigation technologies; personalised, location-aware info-mobility and multi-modal 

services, including intelligent service solutions for tourism. 

– 

In support of the environment, risk management and sustainable development: risk and 

emergency management; smart sensor networks to improve hazard forecasting, natural 

resources management including systems for reduction of pollutants; increasing energy 

efficiency; managing human response to environmental stresses and to sustain 

bio-diversity; alert systems and timely and reliable public safety communication; assistive 

technologies and support systems for operation under harsh, hazardous or risky conditions; 

eco-efficient and sustainable production of ICT including electronics; advanced data and 

information management for environmental monitoring and risk assessment, contributing 

to INSPIRE; GMES and GEOSS. 

– 

ICT for content, creativity and personal development: 

•  novel forms of interactive, non-linear and self-adaptive content including for 

entertainment and for design; creativity and enriched user-experience; cross-media 

content customisation and delivery; combining all-digital content production and 

management with emerging semantic technologies; user-oriented use, access to and 

creation of content; 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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•  technology-enhanced learning systems, tools and services, adapted to different learners 

in different contexts; issues underlying human learning including pedagogical theories 

when the process is mediated by using ICT; improving people's abilities to become 

active learners; 

•  intelligent services for access to cultural heritage in digital form; access to and use of 

scientific resources; tools for communities to create new cultural memory based on 

living heritage; methods and tools for preservation of digital content; making digital 

objects usable by future users whilst keeping authenticity and integrity of their original 

creation and context of use. 

– 

ICT supporting businesses and industry: 

•  dynamic, network-oriented business systems, including their monitoring in real time, for 

product and service creation and delivery; decentralised control and management of 

intelligent items; digital business ecosystems, in particular software solutions (also 

based on grids) adaptable to the needs of small- and medium-sized organisations; 

collaboration services for distributed context-aware workspaces; augmented group 

presence, group management and sharing support; knowledge sharing and interactive 

services; 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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•  manufacturing including traditional industry: networked intelligent controls for 

high-precision manufacturing and low-resource utilisation; wireless automation and 

logistics for rapid plant reconfiguration; integrated environments for modelling, 

simulation, optimisation, presentation and virtual production; manufacturing 

technologies for miniaturised ICT systems and for systems interwoven with all kinds of 

materials and objects. 

– 

ICT for trust and confidence: 

•  tools supporting the trust and confidence of ICT and its applications; multiple and 

federated identity management systems; authentication and authorisation techniques; 

systems meeting privacy needs deriving from new technological developments; rights 

and asset management; tools to protect against cyber threats, in coordination with other 

themes, in particular the "Security" theme. 

International cooperation 

International cooperation will be encouraged in the ICT theme to address issues of common interest 

aiming at interoperable solutions with strategic partners with high mutual benefits, and to contribute 

to the spread of the information society in emerging economies and developing countries. Specific 

actions will be identified for the countries or regions with which Europe needs to focus 

collaboration, with a particular emphasis on cooperation with emerging economies and developing 

countries and neighbourhood countries. 

 
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A subscription will be made available jointly with theme 1 "Health" to the international Human 

Frontier Science Programme (HFSP) to promote interdisciplinary research and novel collaborations 

between scientists from different fields, and provide the possibility for non-G8 Member States to 

fully benefit from the programme. 

Activities under this Theme support the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) scheme, which 
allows RTD cooperation between its member regions1. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

A Future and Emerging Technologies activity will attract and foster trans-disciplinary research 

excellence in emerging ICT-related research domains. Foci include: exploring the new 

miniaturisation and computing frontiers including for example the exploitation of quantum effects; 

harnessing the complexity of networked computing and communication systems including software; 

exploring new concepts of and experimenting with intelligent systems for new personalised 

products and services. 

Research that aims at better understanding trends and impacts of ICT on society and the economy 

may include, for example: impacts of ICT on productivity, employment, skills and wages; ICT as a 

driver for innovation in public and business services; obstacles to wider and faster innovation and 

use of ICT; new business models and exploitation paths, in coordination with other themes where 

ICT will play an important role in changing the approach to production and services; usability, 

utility and acceptability of ICT-based solutions; privacy, security and trust of ICT infrastructures; 

ethical issues of ICT developments; links to ICT-related legal, regulatory and governance 

frameworks; analyses of ICT support to, and impact on, Community policies. 

1 

The agreement for scientific and technical cooperation in the domains of IMS concluded 
between the European Community and the United States of America, Japan, Australia, 
Canada, Korea and the EFTA States of Norway and Switzerland. 

 
                                                 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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4. 

Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies 

Objective 

Improve the competitiveness of European industry and generate knowledge to ensure its 

transformation from a resource-intensive to a knowledge-intensive industry, by generating step 

changes in knowledge and implementing decisive knowledge for new applications at the crossroads 

between different technologies and disciplines. This will benefit both new, high-tech industries and 

higher-value, knowledge-based traditional industries, with a special focus to the appropriate 

dissemination of RTD results to SMEs. These activities are primarily concerned with enabling 

technologies which impact all industrial sectors and many other Seventh Framework Programme 

Themes. 

Approach 

To enhance its competitiveness, European industry needs radical innovations. It must concentrate its 

capabilities on high added-value products, related processes and technologies to meet customer 

requirements, as well as environmental, health and other societal expectations. Research is integral 

to meeting these competing challenges. The competitiveness of the industry of the future will 

largely depend on nano-technologies and their applications. RTD in nano-sciences and 

nano-technologies taken up by several areas can accelerate European industry's transformation. The 

EU has recognised leadership in fields such as in nano-sciences, nano-technologies, materials and 

production technologies which must be strengthened in order to secure and increase the EU position 

in a highly competitive global context. The competitiveness of more mature industries is also 

largely dependent on their capacity to integrate new technologies. 

 
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A key element of this theme is the effective integration of nano-technology, materials sciences, 

design and new production methods so as to achieve and maximise the impacts for industrial 

transformation and, at the same time, supporting sustainable production and consumption. In this 

respect, materials with new properties are in particular important for the future competitiveness of 

European industry and the basis for technological progress in many areas. The theme will support 

industrial activities operating in synergy with other themes. Applications in all sectors and areas 

will be supported including materials sciences and technologies, high performance manufacturing 

and process technologies, nano-bio-technology and nano-electronics. 

The medium-term approach is to focus on a convergence of knowledge and skills drawn from 

different disciplines exploiting application-driven scientific and technological synergies. In the long 

term the theme aims to capitalise on the enormous prospects of nano-sciences and 

nano-technologies for the creation of a true knowledge-based industry and economy. In both cases 

it will be essential to ensure uptake of the knowledge generated through effective dissemination and 

use of the results. 

Strong contributions to industrial needs and complementarities through initiatives and funded 

projects will be ensured in particular through activities like the European Technology Platforms 

(e.g. in the potential areas of sustainable chemistry, energy, new manufacturing, power generation, 

industrial safety, nano-medicine, steel, textiles, ceramics, forest-based sector, etc) and possible 

support to Joint Technology Initiatives. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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The theme is particularly relevant to SMEs due to their needs and role in advancing and using 

technologies. Areas of particular relevance include: nano-instruments, -tools, and -devices as well 

as aero-space systems (due to the concentration of high-growth, knowledge-intensive SMEs in these 

sectors); technical textiles including their coating, (typical of a traditional sector undergoing a rapid 

transformation process affecting many SMEs); mechanical industries (e.g. machine tools- where 

European SMEs are world leaders); high added-value chemicals, as well as other sectors which 

involve many SMEs that will benefit from the introduction of new business models, materials and 

products. 

Specific actions to coordinate programmes and joint activities conducted at national and regional 

level will be carried out through the ERA-NET and ERA-NET PLUS schemes so as to promote 

convergence of research programmes, and to reinforce critical mass and synergies within the 

European Technology Platforms. Industrial research will also benefit from the coordination of 

activities in areas such as metrology, toxicology, standards and nomenclature. 

Activities 

•  Nano-sciences and nano-technologies 

The objective is to create materials and systems with pre-defined properties and behaviour, based 

on increased knowledge and experience with matter at the nano-scale. This will lead to a new 

generation of high added-value, competitive products and services with superior performance across 

a range of applications, while minimising any potential adverse environmental and health impacts. 

Interdisciplinarity, integrating theoretical and experimental approaches, will be promoted. 

 
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The focus will be: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

new knowledge of the interactions of atoms, molecules and their aggregations with both 

natural and artificial entities, 

the realisation of nano-structures, systems or materials using this knowledge, 

activities aiming at understanding or imitating the natural processes at nano-metric scale, 

processes for nano-fabrication, surface functionalisation, thin layers, self assembling 

properties, 

methods and processes for measuring and characterisation. 

The research will also address the relevant instruments, tools, pilot lines and demonstration 

activities required for highly novel approaches to nano-technology-based manufacturing in the most 

promising industrial sectors. 

Moreover, the activity will focus on related challenges and the societal context and acceptance of 

nano-technology. This will include research on all aspects of risk assessment (e.g. nano-toxicology 

and eco-toxicology), as well as safety, nomenclature, metrology and standards which are becoming 

increasingly important to pave the way for industrial applications. Specific actions may also be 

launched for establishing dedicated centres of knowledge and expertise as well as a focal point to 

implement the Commission's integrated and responsible approach towards nano-technology as 
outlined in the associated Action Plan1. 

1 

Commission Communication, Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: an action plan for 
Europe 2005-09 – COM(2005) 243. 

 
                                                 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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•  Materials 

New advanced materials and surfaces with higher knowledge content, new functionalities and 

improved performance are increasingly critical for industrial competitiveness and sustainable 

development. According to the new models of manufacturing industry, it is the materials 

themselves which are becoming the first step in increasing the value of products and their 

performance, rather than the processing steps. 

Research will focus on developing new knowledge-based multifunctional surfaces and materials 

with tailored properties and predictable performance for new products and processes as well as for 

their repair. The emphasis will be on high performance multifunctional materials with a wide range 

of applications. 

This requires the control of intrinsic properties and performance, processing and production, and 

taking into account potential impacts on health and the environment throughout their entire life 

cycle. Emphasis will be placed on new advanced materials and systems obtained using the potential 

of nano-technologies and bio-technologies and/or "learning from nature", in particular higher 

performance nano-materials, bio-materials, hybrid materials and artificial materials with 

electro-magnetic properties not found in nature. 

 
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A multidisciplinary approach will be fostered, involving chemistry, physics, engineering sciences 

including computational modelling and increasingly the biological sciences. Materials 

characterisation, design and simulation are also essential to better understand materials phenomena, 

in particular the structure-property relationships at different scales; to improve materials assessment 

and reliability including resistance to ageing, and to extend the concept of virtual materials for 

materials design. The integration of nano-molecular-macro levels in chemical and materials 

technologies will be supported for developing new concepts and processes such as in catalysis, and 

process intensification and optimisation. Issues related to process development and scaling up and 

industrialisation of new materials will also be addressed. 

•  New Production 

A new approach to manufacturing is required for the transformation of EU industry from a resource 

intensive to a sustainable knowledge-based industrial environment and will depend on the adoption 

of totally new attitudes towards the continued acquisition, deployment, protection and funding of 

new knowledge and its use, including towards sustainable production and consumption patterns. 

This entails creating the right conditions for industry to engage in continuous innovation (in 

industrial activities and production systems, including design, construction, devices, and services) 

and for developing generic production "assets" (technologies, organisation and production facilities 

as well as human resources) while also meeting safety and environmental requirements. 

 
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The activities will focus on: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the development and validation of new industrial models and strategies covering all aspects 

of product and process life-cycle; 

adaptive production systems that overcome existing process limitations and enable new 

manufacturing and processing methods, 

networked production to develop tools and methods for cooperative and value-added 

operations at a global scale, 

tools for the rapid transfer and integration of new technologies into the design and 

operation of manufacturing processes, 

the exploitation of multidisciplinary research networks and of the convergence of the 

nano-, micro-, bio-, geo-, info-, optical and cognitive technologies to develop new 

added-value hybrid technologies, products and engineering concepts and the possibility of 

new industries. 

Particular attention should be paid to promoting activities which support the adaptation and 

integration of SMEs to the new needs of the supply chain as well as to giving an impulse to the 

creation of high tech SMEs. 

 
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•  Integration of technologies for industrial applications 

The integration of knowledge and technologies of the three areas of research above is essential in 

order to speed up the transformation of European industry and its economy, while adopting a safe, 

socially responsible and sustainable approach. 

The research will focus on new applications and novel, step-change solutions responding to major 

challenges, as well as to the RTD needs including those identified by the different European 

Technology Platforms. The integration of new knowledge from nano-, materials-, and 

production-technologies will be supported in sectoral and cross-sectoral applications such as health, 

food, construction and building including cultural heritage, aero-space industry, transport, energy, 

chemistry, environment, information and communication, textiles, clothing and footwear, 

forest-based industry, steel, mechanical and chemical engineering, as well as in the generic subjects 

of industrial safety and measurement and testing. 

International cooperation 

The increasingly international dimension of industrial research requires a well-coordinated 

approach to working with third countries. International cooperation will therefore be important 

across the theme. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/161 

Specific actions may include: activities with industrialised countries and those having signed a 

S&T cooperation agreement in the fields of the Theme; specific initiatives with emerging 

economies and developing countries to secure their access to knowledge; dialogue with major 

countries on a "code of conduct" for the responsible and safe development of nano-technology; and 

the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) scheme, which allows RTD cooperation between its 
member regions1. Initiatives to coordinate and exchange research data will be encouraged (such as 

in environmental and health safety issues for nano-technologies), paving the way for a common 

understanding of regulatory needs by policy makers across the world. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research on emerging needs will be implemented notably to develop and consolidate European 

capabilities in specific emerging and interdisciplinary research areas with high potential for the 

future. Any unforeseen policy needs will be addressed in a flexible way and may, for example, 

relate to standardisation, to support the safe transformation towards a knowledge based industry, or 

to potential environmental and health impacts arising from nano-technologies. 

1 

The agreement for scientific and technical cooperation in the domains of IMS is between the 
European Community and the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Canada, Korea 
and the EFTA States of Norway and Switzerland. 

 
                                                 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

5. 

Energy 

Objective 

Adapting the current energy system into a more sustainable one, less dependent on imported fuels 

based on a diverse mix of energy sources, in particular renewables, energy carriers and 

non-polluting sources; enhancing energy efficiency, including by rationalising use and storage of 

energy; addressing the pressing challenges of security of supply and climate change, whilst 

increasing the competitiveness of Europe's industries. 

Approach 

Current projections in the EU and worldwide show most of the crucial energy indicators 

(e.g. energy consumption, fossil fuel dependency, the finite nature of conventional oil and natural 

gas reserves, import dependency, CO2 emissions, energy prices) to be moving away from a 

sustainable and reliable energy system. Energy research will facilitate reversing these trends, 

striking a balance between increasing the efficiency, affordability, acceptability and security of 

existing technologies and sources of energy, whilst simultaneously aiming at a longer-term 

paradigm shift in the way Europe generates and consumes energy. Energy research will thus 

directly contribute to the success of Community policy and, in particular, the achievement of 

current and future EU energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/163 

Following a broad technology portfolio approach, in accordance with the conclusions of the 
2000 Green Paper "Towards a European strategy for the security of energy supply"1, the 
2005 Green Paper on Energy Efficiency2 and the 2006 Green Paper on a European strategy for 
sustainable competitive and secure energy3, research will focus on the identification and 

development of cost-effective technologies for a more sustainable energy economy for Europe (and 

world-wide), based on affordable energy costs for our citizens and industries, and allow European 

industry to compete successfully on the global stage. Activities will address all time horizons, 

separately or in combination, and embrace the whole chain from fundamental and applied research 

and technological development through to large-scale technology demonstration, underpinned by 

cross-cutting and socio-economic research to validate research results and to provide a rational 

basis for policy decisions and market framework development. 

Wherever possible, an integrated approach will be adopted, stimulating the necessary feedback and 

cooperation between the various stakeholders concerned. Integrated actions that cut across or 

exploit the synergies between different research areas will be encouraged. 

Strengthening the competitiveness of the European energy sector, in the face of severe global 

competition, is an important objective of this Theme, providing the capability for European industry 

to maintain and develop its world leadership in key energy generation and energy efficiency 

technologies and materials. This will require large R&D efforts and international collaboration. In 

particular, SMEs are important actors in the energy sector play a major role in the energy chain and 

will be key to promoting innovation. Their strong participation in research and demonstration 

activities is essential and will be actively promoted. 

1 
2 
3 

COM(2002) 279, 29.11.2000. 
COM(2005) 265. 
COM(2006) 105. 

 
                                                 
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30.12.2006 

The strategic research agendas and deployment strategies developed by European Technology 

Platforms are an important input for the research priorities in the Theme. Such platforms are 

established on hydrogen and fuel cells and photovoltaics and the concept is being extended to 

bio-fuels, zero emission power generation and future electricity networks and other energy-related 

areas. Actions to enhance the coordination of national programmes will be pursued wherever 

appropriate. 

Increasing efficiency throughout the energy system, from source to user, is essential and underpins 

the whole of the Energy Theme. Recognising their important contribution to future sustainable 

energy systems, renewables and end-use energy efficiency will be the major part of this Theme. 

Particular attention will be paid to stimulating research, development and demonstration and 

promoting capacity building in this area. Synergies with the Intelligent Energy-Europe Programme 

component of the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme will be fully exploited in this regard. 

The potential for future large-scale initiatives integrating funding from various sources (e.g. JTI) 

will also be explored. 

In order to strengthen the diffusion and use of the output of research, the dissemination of 

knowledge and transfer of results, including to policy makers, will be supported in all areas. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/165 

Activities 

•  Hydrogen and fuel cells 

The integrated research and deployment strategy developed by the European Hydrogen and Fuel 

Cell Technology Platform provides the basis for a strategic, integrated programme for transport, 

stationary and portable applications, aimed at providing a strong technological foundation for 

building a competitive EU fuel cell and hydrogen supply and equipment industry. The programme 

will comprise: fundamental and applied research and technological development; demonstration 

projects at an appropriate scale to validate research results and provide feedback for further 

research; cross-cutting and socio-economic research activities including infrastructure issues to 

underpin sound transition strategies and provide a rational basis for policy decisions and market 

framework development. 

The industrial applied research, demonstration and cross-cutting activities of the programme could 

be implemented through a Joint Technology Initiative. This strategically managed, goal-oriented 

action will be complemented and closely coordinated with more upstream collaborative research 

effort aimed at achieving breakthrough on critical materials, processes and emerging technologies. 

 
L 400/166 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

•  Renewable electricity generation 

Research into, development and demonstration of integrated technologies for electricity production 

from renewables, suited to different regional conditions where sufficient economic and technical 

potential can be identified, in order to provide the means to raise substantially the share of 

renewable electricity production in the EU. Research should increase overall conversion efficiency, 

cost efficiency, significantly drive down the cost of electricity production from indigenous 

renewable energy resources including bio-degradable fraction of waste, enhance process reliability 

and further reduce the environmental impact and eliminate existing obstacles. Emphasis will be on 

photovoltaics, wind and bio-mass including CHP. Furthermore, research will aim at realising the 

full potential of other renewable energy sources: geothermal, thermal solar, ocean (e.g. wave, tidal 

power) and hydropower. 

•  Renewable fuel production 

Research into, development and demonstration of improved fuel production systems and conversion 

technologies for the sustainable production and supply chains of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels 

from bio-mass (incl. bio-degradable fraction of waste). Emphasis should be on new types of 

bio-fuels in particular for transport and electricity as well as on new production, storage and 

distribution routes for existing bio-fuels, including the integrated production of energy and other 

added-value products through bio-refineries. Aiming to deliver "source to user" carbon benefits, 

research will focus on improving energy efficiency, enhancing technology integration and use of 

feedstock. Issues such as feedstock logistics, pre-normative research and standardisation for safe 

and reliable use in transport and stationary applications will be included. To exploit the potential for 

renewable hydrogen production, bio-mass, renewable electricity and solar energy driven processes 

will be supported. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/167 

•  Renewables for heating and cooling 

Research into, development and demonstration of a portfolio of technologies and devices including 

storage technologies to increase the potential of active and passive heating and cooling from 

renewable energy sources to contribute to sustainable energy. The aim is to achieve substantial cost 

reductions, increase efficiencies, further reduce environmental impacts and optimise the use of 

technologies in different regional conditions where sufficient economic and technical potential can 

be identified. Research and demonstration should include new systems and components for 

industrial applications (incl. thermal seawater desalination), district and/or dedicated space heating 

and cooling, building integration and energy storage. 

•  CO2 capture and storage technologies for zero emission power generation 

Fossil fuels will inevitably continue to contribute a significant share of the energy mix for decades 

to come. To make this option compatible with the environment, particularly as regards climate 

change, drastic reductions in the adverse environmental impacts of fossil fuel use are needed, 

aiming at highly efficient and cost-effective power and/or heat generation with near zero emissions. 

The research into, development and demonstration of efficient, cost effective and reliable CO2 

capture and storage technologies, in particular underground storage, are crucial across different 

types of CO2 geological reservoirs, aiming at decreasing the cost of CO2 capture and storage to less 

than EUR 20/tonne, with capture rates above 90 %, as well as proving the long-term stability, safety 

and reliability of CO2 storage. 

 
L 400/168 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

•  Clean coal technologies 

Coal fuelled power plants remain the workhorse of electricity generation worldwide, but have 

considerable potential for further efficiency gains and emissions reductions, particularly concerning 

CO2. To maintain competitiveness and contribute to the conservation of resources and the 

management of CO2 emissions, the research into, development and demonstration of clean coal and 

other solid hydrocarbons conversion technologies will be supported, both for existing and future 

power plants. Conversion technologies, including chemical processes, producing secondary energy 

carriers (including hydrogen) and liquid and gaseous fuels will also be supported. This will 

significantly increase plant efficiency and reliability, minimise pollutant emissions and reduce 

overall costs, under various operating conditions. Looking towards future zero emission power 

generation, these activities will be linked to and prepare for CO2 capture and storage technologies 

and co-utilisation of bio-mass. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/169 

•  Smart energy networks 

To facilitate the transition to a more sustainable energy system, a wide-ranging R&D effort is 

required to increase the efficiency, flexibility, safety, reliability and quality of the European 

electricity and gas systems and networks notably within the context of a more integrated European 

energy market. For electricity networks, the goals of transforming the current electricity grids into a 

resilient and interactive (customers/operators) service network, controlling the real time flows and 

removing the obstacles to the large-scale deployment and effective integration of renewable energy 

sources and distributed generation (e.g. fuel cells, micro turbines, reciprocating engines), will 

necessitate the research, development and demonstration of key enabling technologies 

(e.g. innovative ICT solutions, storage technologies for RES, power electronics and 

superconducting devices) including the development of new control and reliability tools for 

electricity systems. For gas networks, the objective is to demonstrate more intelligent and efficient 

processes and systems for gas transport and distribution, including the effective integration of 

renewable energy sources and the use of bio-gas in the existing networks. 

 
L 400/170 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

•  Energy efficiency and savings 

The vast potential for final and primary energy consumption savings and improvements in energy 
efficiency1 need to be harnessed through the research into, optimisation, validation and 

demonstration of new concepts, optimisation of proved and new concepts and technologies for 

buildings, services and industry. This incorporates the combination of sustainable strategies and 

technologies for increased energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy and co- and 

poly-generation and the integration of demand management measures and devices at large scale in 

cities and communities, and the demonstration of minimum climate impact buildings 

(eco-buildings). These large-scale actions may be supported by innovative R&D addressing specific 

components or technologies, e.g. for poly-generation and eco-buildings (including lighting). A key 

aim is the optimisation of the local community energy system, balancing a significant reduction in 

energy demand with the most affordable and sustainable supply solution, including the use of new 
fuels in dedicated fleets2. 

•  Knowledge for energy policy making 

Development of tools, methods and models to assess the main economic and social issues related to 

energy technologies. Activities will include the building of databases and scenarios for an enlarged 

EU and the assessment of the impact of energy and energy-related policies on security of supply, 

environment, society, competitiveness of the energy industry and issues of public acceptability. Of 

particular importance is the impact of technological progress on Community policies. Activities will 

include scientific support for policy development. 

1 

2 

As recognised by the Green Paper on Energy Efficiency or "Doing More for Less" – 
COM(2005) 265, 22.6.2005. 
Building upon the experience of the CONCERTO and CIVITAS initiatives supported in the 
6th Framework Programme. 

 
                                                 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/171 

International cooperation 

Given the global nature of the challenges, threats and opportunities, international collaboration is an 

increasingly important element of energy research. Specific actions will support strategically 

important multi-lateral cooperation initiatives, such as the International Partnership for the 

Hydrogen Economy (IPHE), the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) and the 

Johannesburg Renewable Energy Coalition (JREC). Other specific actions will be supported, 

addressing issues such as the environmental consequences of energy policies, energy supply 

inter-dependency, technology transfer and capacity building and will engage emerging economies 

with significant energy needs. 

International Scientific Cooperation in the field of energy will also support the aim of the 

EU Energy Initiative for poverty eradication and sustainable development (EUEI) launched at the 

World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), namely to contribute to the achievement of 

the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through the provision of reliable and affordable access 

to sustainable energy for the poor. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research on emerging needs will help to identify and explore new scientific and technological 

opportunities in the domain of energy supply, conversion use and sustainability, often in 

combination with other areas and disciplines, such as bio-technology and new materials and 

production processes. Unforeseen policy needs for which a quick reaction might be required 

include, for example, the developments of international climate change actions and the response to 

severe disruptions or instabilities in energy supply or price. 

 
L 400/172 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

6. 

Environment (including Climate Change) 

Objective 

Sustainable management of the environment and its resources through advancing our knowledge of 

the interactions between the climate, biosphere, ecosystems and human activities, and developing 

new technologies, tools and services, in order to address in an integrated way global environmental 

issues. Emphasis will be put on prediction of climate, ecological, earth and ocean systems changes, 

on tools and on technologies for monitoring, prevention, mitigation of and adaptation to 

environmental pressures and risks including on health, as well as for the sustainability of the natural 

and man-made environment. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/173 

Approach 

Protecting the environment is essential for the quality of life of current and future generations as 

well as for economic growth. Given that the Earth's natural resources and the man-made 

environment are under pressure from growing population, urbanisation, construction, continuous 

expansion of the agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, transport and energy sectors, land use as 

well as climate variability and warming at local, regional and global scales, the challenge facing the 

EU is to ensure continuous and sustainable growth while at the same time reducing negative 

environmental impacts. EU-wide cooperation is motivated by the facts that countries, regions and 

cities face common environmental problems and that critical mass is needed given the scale, scope 

and high level of complexity of environmental research. Such cooperation also facilitates common 

planning, use of connected and inter-operable databases, and the development of common 

indicators, of assessment methodologies and of coherent and large-scale observation and forecasting 

systems. Furthermore international cooperation is necessary for the completion of knowledge and 

the promotion of better management at a global level. 

 
L 400/174 

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30.12.2006 

Research under this topic1 will contribute to the implementation of international commitments of 

EU and Member States such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 

Kyoto and Montreal protocols, post-Kyoto protocol initiatives, the UN Convention on Biological 

Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the Stockholm Convention on persistent 

organic pollutants and the World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, including the 

EU Water Initiative (as well as promoting sustainable production and consumption). It will also 

contribute to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Group on the Earth Observation 

(GEO) initiative and take into account the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. In addition, it will 

support the research needs arising from existing and emerging Community legislation and policies 

(e.g. Natura 2000, Reach), the implementation of the 6th Environmental Action Programme, 

associated thematic strategies (e.g. marine, soil strategies) and other emerging strategies (e.g. the 

mercury strategy), and the action plans on Environmental Technologies and on Environment and 

Health. 

The promotion of innovative environmental technologies will contribute to achieving sustainable 

use of resources, to mitigating and adapting to climate change, and to protecting the ecosystems and 

the man-made environment. Research will also contribute to technological developments that will 

improve the market positioning of European enterprises, in particular of SMEs, in areas such as 

environmental technologies. European Technology Platforms, such as those on water supply and 

sanitation, sustainable chemistry, construction, and forestry, confirm the need for EU level action 

and the implementation of relevant parts of their research agendas will be supported in the activities 

below. 

1 

Complementary research relating to the production and use of biological resources is 
addressed under the "Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology" theme. 

 
                                                 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/175 

Coordination of national programmes will be reinforced by broadening and deepening the scope of 
existing ERA-NETs in environmental research1. 

Specific attention will be paid to strengthening the dissemination of Community research outcomes 

– also through the exploitation of synergies with complementary funding mechanisms at 

Community and Member State levels – and to stimulating their uptake by relevant end-users, 

targeting in particular policy makers. 

Where relevant, integrated concepts, tools and management strategies will be developed under the 
activities below. Coordination with cross-cutting issues2 will be ensured. Activities will take the 

socio-economic aspects of policies and technologies into account where relevant. 

1 

2 

This could include joint implementation of programmes in Baltic Sea research, and new 
ERA-NETs. 
As regards environmental technologies, coordination with CIP is particularly important. 

 
                                                 
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30.12.2006 

Activities 

•  Climate change, pollution, and risks 

– 

Pressures on environment and climate 

Integrated research on the functioning of climate and the earth and marine system, including the 

polar regions, is needed in order to observe and analyse how these systems evolved in the past and 

predict their future evolution including observations, experimental studies and advanced modelling 

and taking into account the anthropogenic forcing. This will enable the development of effective 

adaptation and mitigation measures to climate change and its impacts. Advanced climate change 

models from the global to the local scale will be developed and validated. These models will be 

applied to assess changes, potential impacts and critical thresholds (e.g. for ocean acidity). Changes 

in atmospheric composition and in the water cycle will be studied and risk based approaches will be 

developed taking into account changes in droughts, storms and floods patterns. Quantification and 

study of carbon and greenhouse gases (including aerosols) budget will be undertaken. Pressures on 

environmental quality and on climate from natural and anthropogenic pollution of the air, water and 

soil will be investigated as well as the interactions between the atmosphere, the stratospheric ozone 

layer, land surface, ice and oceans. Consideration will be given to feedback mechanisms and abrupt 

changes (e.g. ocean circulation), and to impacts on bio-diversity and ecosystems, including the 

effects of sea level rise on coastal zones, and impacts on sensitive areas such as mountain regions. 

 
30.12.2006 

EN 

Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/177 

– 

Environment and health 

Multidisciplinary research on interactions of environmental and climate risk factors and human 

health is needed to support the Environment and Health action plan and the integration of public 

health concerns and disease characterisation related to emerging environmental risks. Research will 

focus on the impact of global change (climate change, land use, globalisation) multiple exposures 

via different exposure routes, identification of pollution sources and new or emerging 

environmental stressors and vectors (e.g. indoor and outdoor environment, issues related to urban 

environment, air pollution, electromagnetic fields, noise and exposure to toxic substances including 

development of integrated risk assessment and methodologies for hazardous substances), and their 

potential health effects. Research will also aim at integrating research activities on human 

bio-monitoring regarding scientific aspects, methodologies and tools to develop a coordinated and 

coherent approach. It will include European cohort studies, with attention to vulnerable population 

groups, and methods and tools for improved risk characterisation, assessment and comparisons of 

risks and health impacts. Research will develop bio-markers and modelling tools taking into 

account combined exposures, variations in vulnerability and uncertainty. It will also deliver 

advanced methods and decision support tools (indicators, data bases, cost-benefit and multi-criteria 

analyses, health impact assessment, burden of disease and sustainability analysis) for risk analysis, 

validation and linkage of models and systems, and for management and communication which are 

supporting policy development, assessment and monitoring. 

 
L 400/178 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

– 

Natural hazards 

Managing natural disasters requires a multi risk approach, combining risk specific needs with 

comprehensive planning. There is a need for improved knowledge, methods and integrated 

framework for the assessment of hazards, vulnerability and risks. Furthermore, mapping, 

prevention, detection and mitigation strategies including consideration of economic and social 

factors need to be developed. Disasters related to climate (such as storms, droughts, forest fires, 

landslides, avalanches, floods and other extreme events), and geological hazards (such as 

earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis) and their impact will be studied. This research will allow the 

underlying processes to be better understood. It will also allow for the detection, prediction and 

forecasting methods to be improved on the basis of deterministic and probabilistic approaches. It 

will underpin the development of early warning and information and rapid response systems aiming 

also to reduce the vulnerability of human settlements. Societal repercussions of major natural 

hazards will be quantified, including impacts on ecosystems. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/179 

•  Sustainable Management of Resources 

– 

Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources and 

bio-diversity 

Research activities will be targeted to improve the knowledge basis and develop advanced models 

and tools needed for the sustainable management of resources and the creation of sustainable 

consumption patterns. This will enable the prediction of the behaviour of ecosystems and their 

restoration, and the mitigation of degradation and loss of important structural and functional 

elements of ecosystems (for bio-diversity, water, soil and marine resources). Research on ecosystem 

modelling will take account of protection and conservation practices. Innovative approaches to 

develop economic activities from ecosystem services will be promoted. Integrated approaches will 

be developed to prevent and combat desertification, land degradation and erosion (including 

rational use of water), to stop bio-diversity loss and to mitigate negative consequences of human 

interference. Research will also address sustainable use and management of forests, landscape and 

urban environment including post-industrialised zones addressing in particular planning, and 

sustainable waste management. The research will benefit from and contribute to the development of 

open, distributed, inter-operable data management and information systems and will underpin 

assessments, foresight, and services related to natural resources and their use. 

 
L 400/180 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

– 

Management of marine environments 

Specific research is required to improve our understanding of the impacts of human activities on the 

ocean and seas and on the resources of the marine environment, including the pollution and 

eutrophication of regional seas and coastal areas. Research activities in aquatic environments 

including coastal, regional and deep sea ecosystems and seabed, will be carried out in order to 

observe, monitor and predict the behaviour of this environment and enhance understanding of the 

sea and the sustainable use of ocean resources. The impact of human activities on the ocean will be 

assessed through integrated approaches taking into account marine bio-diversity, ecosystem 

processes and services, ocean circulation and seabed geology. Development of concepts and tools 

for the support of strategies for the sustainable use of the ocean and its resources will be undertaken. 

This will include methodologies, information systems and databases, assessment tools of policies 

and instruments. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/181 

•  Environmental Technologies 

– 

Environmental technologies for observation, simulation, prevention, mitigation, adaptation, 

remediation and restoration of the natural and man-made environment 

New or improved environmental technologies are needed to reduce the environmental impact of 

human activities, protect the environment and manage resources more efficiently and to develop 

new products, processes and services more beneficial for the environment than existing alternatives. 

Research will target in particular: technologies preventing or reducing environmental risks, 

mitigating hazards and disasters, mitigating climate change and the loss of bio-diversity; 

technologies promoting sustainable production and consumption; technologies for managing natural 

resources or treating pollution more efficiently, in relation to water, soil, air, marine and other 

resources including urban environment and waste (including waste recycling). Cross-cutting 

coordination will be ensured with other related themes. 

– 

Protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, including human habitat 

Technologies for the environmentally sound and sustainable management of the human 

environment including the built environment, urban areas, landscape, as well as for the protection, 

conservation and restoration of cultural heritage from environmental pollution, including 

environment impact assessment, models and tools for risk evaluation, advanced and non-destructive 

techniques for damage diagnosis, new products and methodologies for restoration, mitigation and 

adaptation strategies for the sustainable management of both movable and immovable cultural 

assets. 

 
L 400/182 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

30.12.2006 

– 

Technology assessment, verification and testing 

Research will focus on the risk and performance assessment of technologies, including processes 

products and services, and the further development of related methods such as the life cycle 

analysis. Moreover, focus will be given to: long-term opportunities, market potential and 

socio-economical aspects of environmental technologies; forest based sector technology, water 

supply and sanitation Platform, sustainable chemistry Platform; chemicals risk assessment focusing 

on intelligent testing strategies and methods for minimising animal testing, risk quantification 

techniques; and research support to the development of the European Environmental Technologies 

Verification and Testing system, complementing third party assessment instruments. 

•  Earth observation and assessment tools for sustainable development 

– 

Earth and ocean observation systems and monitoring methods for the environment and 

sustainable development 

Research activities will be devoted to the development and integration of the Global Earth 

Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) for environment and sustainable development issues in 
the framework of the GEO initiative1 to which Global Monitoring for Environment and Security 

(GMES) is complementary. Interoperability between observation systems, information management 

and data sharing, and optimisation of information for understanding, modelling and predicting 

environment phenomena and related human activities will be addressed. These activities will focus 

on natural hazards, climate change, weather, ecosystems, natural resources, water, land use, 

environment and health, and bio-diversity (including the aspects of risk assessment, forecasting 

methods and assessment tools) in order to produce advances for the GEOSS societal benefit areas 

and contribute to GMES. 

1 

Including financial support for the GEO secretariat. 

 
                                                 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/183 

– 

Forecasting methods and assessment tools for sustainable development taking into account 

differing scales of observation 

Tools are needed to quantitatively assess the environmental and research policy contribution to 

competitiveness and sustainable development, including assessments of market-based and 

regulatory approaches as well as the impacts of current trends in production and consumption 

patterns. Such tools will include models that consider the links between the economy, environment 

and society and hence beneficial and efficient strategies of adaptation and prevention. Overall 

assessment of the global environmental change including interaction between ecosystems and 

socio-economic systems will be part of this interdisciplinary research. Research will also seek to 

improve existing indicators and develop new ones to assess sustainable development policy 

priorities, and to analyse the linkages between them, taking into account the existing set of 

EU sustainable development indicators. The analysis of technology, socio-economic drivers, 

externalities and governance, sustainability impact assessment as well as foresight studies, will be 

included. Areas of application include land use and marine policies, urban development, 

bio-diversity and the economic, political and social conflicts related to climate change. 

 
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International cooperation 

Environmental problems have invariably a transboundary, regional or global dimension and 

international cooperation will be an important aspect in this theme. Particular areas relate to 

EU international commitments, such as Climate Change, Bio-diversity, Desertification, Water 

Resource Management and chemicals and wastes conventions as well as the Johannesburg Summit 

decisions on sustainable development as well as other regional conventions. Attention will also be 
given to relevant research actions stemming from EU environmental strategies and action plans1. 

Scientific and technological partnerships with developing countries and emerging economies will 

contribute to the Millennium Development Goals in several fields (e.g. prevention and mitigation of 

the impact of climate change and natural disasters, reverse the loss of environmental resources, 

improvement of water management, supply and sanitation, prevention and combat of 

desertification, sustainable production and consumption and facing the environmental challenges of 

urbanisation), areas where SMEs could also play a key role. Particular attention will be given to the 

relation between global environmental issues and the regional and local development problems 

relating to natural resources, bio-diversity, ecosystems, land use, natural and man-made hazards and 

risks, climate change, environmental technologies, environment and health as well as on policy 

analysis tools. Cooperation with industrialised countries will enhance access to global research 

excellence; scientists from developing countries should be actively involved in particular regarding 

better scientific understanding of sustainable development aspects. 

1 

Examples are the Killarney recommendations for Biodiversity Research Priorities for the 
2010 Target (Malahide conference in 2004), the EU Action Plan on Climate Change in the 
Context of Development Cooperation (2004), priority actions identified by the Committee 
for Science and Technology of the UNCCD, EU and global strategies addressing chemicals 
and pesticides safe management, etc. 

 
                                                 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/185 

The establishment of the GEOSS for Earth observation will promote international cooperation for 

understanding Earth systems and sustainability issues, and coordinated data collection for scientific 

and policy purposes with the involvement of public and private stakeholders. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research on emerging needs in this theme may address questions such as the interactions between 

people, ecosystems and the biosphere or new risks related to natural, man induced and 

technologically induced disasters. 

Support to respond to unforeseen environmental policy needs could, for example, relate to 

sustainability impact assessments of new policies such as in environment, maritime policy, 

standards and regulations. 

7. 

Transport (including Aeronautics) 

Objective 

Based on technological and operational advances and on the European transport policy, develop 

integrated, safer, "greener" and "smarter" pan-European transport systems for the benefit of all 

citizens, and society and climate policy, respecting the environment and natural resources; and 

securing and further developing the competitiveness attained by the European industries in the 

global market. 

 
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Approach 

The European transport system is a vital element to European economic and social prosperity. It 

serves key roles in the transportation of people and goods in a local, regional, national, European 

and international context. This theme will address some of the ongoing challenges, as recognised in 
the White Paper on Transport1, in improving the contributions that transport systems make to 

society and industrial competitiveness within an enlarged EU, whilst minimising the negative 

impacts and consequences of transport in relation to the environment, energy usage, security and 

public health. 

A new integrated approach will be taken which links all transport modes, addresses the 

socio-economic and technological dimensions of research and knowledge development, and 

encapsulates both innovation and the policy framework. 

The various Technology Platforms set up in this field (ACARE for aeronautics and air transport, 

ERRAC for rail transport, ERTRAC for road transport, WATERBORNE for waterborne transport, 

Hydrogen and Fuel cells) have elaborated long-term visions and Strategic Research Agendas (SRA) 

which constitute useful inputs to the definition of this theme and complement the needs of policy 

makers and expectations of society. Selected aspects of the SRAs may justify setting up Joint 

Technology Initiatives. ERA-NET activities present opportunities to facilitate further trans-national 

coordination for specific topics within the Transport sector and will be pursued wherever 

appropriate. 

1 

"European Transport Policy for 2010: time to decide" – COM(2001) 370. 

 
                                                 
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Activities of particular relevance to SMEs include efforts to ensure robust technology-driven supply 

chains in the various sectors; enabling SMEs to access research initiatives; and facilitating the role 

and start-up of high-tech SMEs, particularly in the advanced transport technologies and 

'services-related' activities specific to transport as well as the development of systems and 

applications in satellite navigation domains. 

Existing policy needs as well as the development, assessment and implementation of new policies 

(for example Maritime Policy and the implementation of the European Single Sky), will be 

addressed within and across the different activity lines. The work will include studies, models and 

tools that deal with strategic monitoring and forecasting and integrate knowledge relating to the 

main economic, social, safety, security and environmental issues for transport. Activities supporting 

cross-cutting thematic topics will focus on transport specificities, for example security aspects as an 

inherent requirement to the transport system; the use of alternative energy sources in transport 

applications; and monitoring of environmental effects of transport, including climate change; and 

measures to improve the economic integration. Environmental research should cover ways of 

reducing the adverse impact of transport and optimising traffic and should include boosting 

transport efficiency. 

Support will also be given to dissemination and exploitation activities and impact assessments, with 

particular attention to the specific user needs including those of the disadvantaged and policy 

requirements in the transport sector. 

 
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Activities 

•  Aeronautics and air transport 

Activities will contribute to key Community policies as well as to the implementation of the 

ACARE Strategic Research Agenda. The quantitative objectives correspond to the 2020 time 

horizon of this Agenda. The scope of the research includes all aircraft, passenger travel and airside 

related aspects of the air transport system. 

– 

The greening of air transport: Developing technologies to reduce the environmental impact 

of aviation with the aim to halve the emitted carbon dioxide (CO2), cut specific emissions 

of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 80 % and halve the perceived noise. Research will focus on 

furthering green engine technologies including alternative fuels technology as well as 

improved vehicle efficiency of fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft (including helicopters 

and tiltrotors), new intelligent low-weight structures, and improved aerodynamics. Issues 

such as improved aircraft operations at the airport (airside and landside) and air traffic 

management, manufacturing, maintenance, and recycling processes will be included. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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– 

Increasing time efficiency: Realising a step-change in aviation in order to accommodate 

the projected growth of three times more aircraft movements by improving punctuality in 

all weather conditions and reducing significantly the time spent in travel-related 

procedures at airports while maintaining safety. Research will develop and implement an 
innovative Air Traffic Management (ATM) system within the context of the SESAR1 

initiative, by integrating air, ground and space components, together with traffic flow 

management and more aircraft autonomy. Design aspects of aircraft to improve handling 

of passengers and cargo, novel solutions for efficient airport use and connecting air 

transport to the overall transport system will also be addressed. The most efficient 

coordination of the development of ATM systems in Europe will be ensured through the 
SESAR initiative2. 

– 

Ensuring customer satisfaction and safety: Introducing a quantum leap in passenger choice 

and schedule flexibility, whilst achieving a five-fold reduction in accident rate. New 

technologies will enable a wider choice of aircraft/engine configurations ranging from 

wide body to smaller size vehicles including rotorcraft, increased levels of automation in 

all the elements of the system, including the piloting. Focus will also be on improvements 

for passengers' comfort, well being and new services, cabin logistic systems and active and 

passive safety measures with special emphasis on the human element. Research will 

include the adaptation of airport and air traffic operations to different type of vehicles and 

24-hour utilisation at acceptable community noise levels. 

1 

2 

SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) – European air traffic control infrastructure 
modernisation related to the Single European Sky implementation. 
For this purpose, the establishment of a Joint Undertaking for the coordination of 
ATM activities is envisaged. 

 
                                                 
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– 

Improving cost efficiency: Fostering a competitive supply chain able to halve the 

time-to-market, and reduce product development and operational costs, resulting in more 

affordable transport for the citizen. Research will focus on improvements to the whole 

business process, from conceptual design to product development, manufacturing and 

in-service operations including the integration of the supply chain. It will include improved 

simulation capabilities and automation, technologies and methods for the realisation of 

innovative and zero-maintenance, including repair and overhaul, aircraft, as well as lean 

aircraft, airport and air traffic management operations. 

– 

Protection of aircraft and passengers: Preventing hostile action of any kind to incur injury, 

loss, damage or disruption to travellers or citizens due to the effects of aircraft misuse. 

Research will focus on the relevant elements of the air transport system including security 

measures in cabin and cockpit designs, automatic control and landing in the case of 

unauthorised use of aircraft, protection against external attacks, as well as security aspects 

of airspace management and airport operations. 

– 

Pioneering the air transport of the future: Exploring more radical, environmentally 

efficient, accessible and innovative technologies that might facilitate the step change 

required for air transport in the second half of this century and beyond. Research will 

address aspects such as new propulsion and lifting concepts, new ideas for the interior 

space of airborne vehicles including design, new airport concepts, new methods of aircraft 

guidance and control, alternative methods of air transport system operation and its 

integration with other transport modes. 

 
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•  Sustainable surface transport (rail, road and waterborne) 

– 

The greening of surface transport: Developing technologies and knowledge for reduced 

pollution (air including greenhouse gases, water and soil) and environmental impact on 

such areas as climate change, health, bio-diversity and noise. Research will improve the 

cleanliness and energy-efficiency of power-trains (e.g. hybrid-solutions) and promote the 

use of alternative fuels, including hydrogen and fuel cells as mid- and long-term options, 

taking into account cost-efficiency and energy efficiency considerations. Activities will 

cover infrastructure, vehicles, vessels and component technologies, including overall 

system optimisation. Research in developments specific to transport will include 

manufacturing, construction, operations, maintenance, diagnostics, repair, inspection, 

dismantling, disposal, recycling, end of life strategies and interventions at sea in case of 

accident. 

 
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– 

Encouraging and increasing modal shift and decongesting transport corridors1. Developing 

and demonstrating seamless door-to-door transport for people and goods as well as 

technologies and systems to ensure effective intermodality, including in the context of rail 

and waterborne transport competitiveness. This includes activities addressing the 

interoperability and operational optimisation of local, regional, national and European 

transport networks, systems and services and their intermodal integration in an integrated 

approach. The activities will aim at European-wide strategies, optimised use of 

infrastructure including terminals and specialised networks, improved transport, traffic and 

information management, enhanced freight logistics, passenger intermodality and modal 

shift strategies to encourage energy efficient means of transport. Intelligent systems, new 

vehicle/vessel concepts and technologies including loading and unloading operations as 

well as user interfaces will be developed. Knowledge for policy making will include 

infrastructure pricing and charging, assessments of Community transport policy measures 

and trans-European networks policy and projects. 

1 

In view of the objective to re-establish the modal split of 1998 activities addressing one 
single mode will concentrate on rail and waterborne transport. 

 
                                                 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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– 

Ensuring sustainable urban mobility for all citizens, including the disadvantaged: Focusing 

on the mobility of people and goods by research on the 'next generation vehicle' and its 

market take-up, bringing together all elements of a clean, energy efficient, safe and 

intelligent road transport system. Research on new transport and mobility concepts, 

innovative organisational and mobility management schemes and high quality public 

transport will aim at ensuring access for all and high levels of intermodal integration. 
Innovative strategies for clean urban transport1 will be developed and tested. Particular 

attention will be paid to non-polluting modes of transport, demand management, 

rationalisation of private transport, and information and communication strategies, services 

and infrastructures. Tools and models supporting policy development and implementation 

will cover transport and land use planning including the relationship with growth and 

employment. 

1 

Building upon the experiences of the CIVITAS Initiative. 

 
                                                 
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– 

Improving safety and security: Developing technologies and intelligent systems to protect 

vulnerable persons such as drivers, riders, passengers, crew, and pedestrians. Advanced 

engineering systems and risk analysis methodologies will be developed for the design and 

operation of vehicles, vessels and infrastructures. Emphasis will be placed on integrative 

approaches linking human elements, structural integrity, preventive, passive and active 

safety including monitoring systems, rescue and crisis management. Safety will be 

considered as an inherent component of the total transport system embracing 

infrastructures, freight (goods and containers), transport users and operators, vehicles and 

vessels and measures at policy and legislative levels, including decision support and 

validation tools; security will be addressed wherever it is an inherent requirement to the 

transport system. 

– 

Strengthening competitiveness: Improving the competitiveness of transport industries, 

ensuring sustainable, efficient and affordable transport services and creating new skills and 

job opportunities by research and developments. Technologies for advanced industrial 

processes will include design, manufacturing, assembly, construction and maintenance and 

will aim at decreasing life cycle costs and development lead-times. Emphasis will be 

placed on innovative and improved product and system concepts and transport services 

ensuring higher customer satisfaction. New production organisation including the supply 

chain management and distribution systems will be developed. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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•  Support for the European global satellite navigation system (Galileo and EGNOS) 

The European Global Satellite Navigation system, encompasses Galileo and EGNOS, and provides 
a worldwide positioning and timing infrastructure1. 

– 

Exploiting the full potential: promoting growth in the use of the services ranging from 

open to commercial access, safety-of-life to "search and rescue" and public regulated 

service; transport management applications including freight and hazardous materials 

transportation; exploiting by-product services; demonstrating the benefits and efficiencies 

of satellite navigation. 

– 

Providing the tools and creating the appropriate environment: ensuring safe and secure use 

of services, mainly through certification in key application domains; preparing and 

confirming the adequacy of services to new policies and legislation, including their 

implementation; addressing public regulated services according to the approved policy of 

access; developing essential digital topology, cartography, geodesy data and systems for 

use in navigation applications; addressing safety and security needs and requirements. 

– 

Adapting receivers to requirements and upgrading core technologies: improving receiver 

performances, integrating low-power consumption and miniaturisation technologies, 

completing in-door navigation coverage, coupling with radio frequency identification 

devices, exploiting software receiver technology, combining with other functions such as 

telecommunication, supporting key navigation ground-based infrastructure technology to 

ensure robustness and flexibility. 

1 

The research activities will be managed by the European GNSS Supervisory Authority. 

 
                                                 
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30.12.2006 

– 

Supporting infrastructure evolution: preparing second generation system, adapting to 

evolving user demands and market forecasts, taking advantage of infrastructure 

internationalisation to address global markets and developing world-wide standards. 

International Cooperation 

International cooperation is an important component of the RTD activities in this field, and will be 

encouraged where there are interests for industry and policy-makers. Broad topic areas for specific 

actions will be considered where there is market attraction (for example global trade development 

and connecting networks and services at continental and intercontinental level); opportunities to 

access and acquire science and technology that is complementary to the current European 

knowledge and of mutual benefit; and where Europe responds to global needs (for example climate 

change) or contributes to international standards and global systems (for example applied logistics 

and satellite navigation infrastructure). 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Initiatives under emerging needs will support research that responds to critical events and 

challenges of future transportation systems for example novel transport and vehicle concepts, 

automation, mobility or organisation. 

Unforeseen policy needs that may require specific transport-related research could include broad 

societal issues such as the changes in the demographics, lifestyles and expectations of society for 

transport systems; as well as emerging risks or problems of high importance to European society. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/197 

8. 

Socio-Economic Sciences and the Humanities 

Objective 

Generating an in-depth, shared understanding of complex and interrelated socio-economic 

challenges Europe is confronted with, such as growth, employment and competitiveness, social 

cohesion, social, cultural and educational challenges in an enlarged EU, sustainability, 

environmental challenges, demographic change, migration and integration, quality of life and global 

interdependence, in particular with the view of providing an improved knowledge base for policies 

in the fields concerned. 

Approach 

The research priorities address key societal, economic and cultural challenges facing Europe and the 

world now and in the future. The proposed research agenda constitutes a coherent approach to 

addressing these challenges. The development of a socio-economic and humanities knowledge base 

on these key challenges will make a significant contribution to promoting shared understanding 

across Europe and to the resolution of wider international problems. The research priorities will 

help improve the formulation, implementation, impact and assessment of policy including 

regulatory measures in many Community policy areas at the European, national, regional and local 

levels, and a substantial international perspective is included in most of the research. 

 
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In addition to socio-economic and socio-cultural research and foresight an emphasis will be placed 

on humanities research, which will provide different perspectives and make an essential 

contribution across the theme on, for example, the historical, cultural and philosophical aspects, 

including relevant language, identity and values questions. 

The work could also build upon relevant national research programmes, complementing the 

research activities below, and taking advantage of the ERA-NET scheme and the possible use of 

Article 169. For certain issues, use may also be made of social platforms to discuss future research 

agendas; these would involve the research community and societal stakeholders. 

The research will be facilitated by research infrastructures which generate new research data, 

including through surveys (both quantitative and qualitative), make available existing data for 

international comparative research, and provide access to source materials and advanced research 

tools as well as to the results of existing research in many fields. Some of these actions will be 

carried out through the Infrastructures element of the Capacities programme and others by projects 

under this theme. The research will rely on access to and the use of official statistics. 

Specific dissemination actions targeted at particular groups and the general public will be 

undertaken, including workshops and conferences for researchers to exchange views with 

policy-makers and other stakeholders, and the diffusion of results using various media. 

Appropriate coordination of socio-economic and humanities research and foresight elements across 

the Cooperation and other specific programmes will be assured. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/199 

Activities 

•  Growth, employment and competitiveness in a knowledge society 

This will aim to develop and integrate research on the issues affecting growth, employment and 

competitiveness in order to provide an improved and integrated understanding of these issues for 

the continued development of a knowledge society. It will benefit policy and support progress 

towards achieving these objectives. The research will integrate the following aspects of the 

question: 

– 

The changing role of knowledge throughout the economy, including the role of different 

types of knowledge, skills and competences on a global scale, formal and informal 

education and lifelong learning, and intangible goods and investment. 

– 

Economic structures, structural change including spatial aspects such as regionalisation 

and internationalisation, and productivity issues, including the role of the services sector, 

of finance, demographics, demand and the processes of long-term change. 

– 

Institutional and policy questions, including macroeconomic policy, labour markets, social 

and welfare systems, national and regional institutional contexts, and policy coherence and 

coordination. 

 
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Research will address important new challenges and opportunities from increased globalisation, 

emerging economies, relocation, and EU enlargement; as well as socio-economic stability, the role 

of technology and international transfer of technology, various forms of innovation and economic 

renewal, outsourcing and insourcing, youth and youth policy, economic and social 

entrepreneurship, and the economic potential of European cultural heritage and the creative sector. 

Employment questions will include unemployment and underemployment. 

•  Combining economic, social and environmental objectives in a European perspective 

This aims to support the societal goal of combining economic, social and environmental objectives 

and so improve the basis for sustainable development. The research in this activity will address two 

interrelated issues: 

– 

How European socio-economic models and those outside Europe have fared in combining 

the objectives, the conditions under which this occurred including the role of dialogue, 

social partnership, sectoral transformation, institutional change and their ability to confront 

new challenges. 

– 

Economic cohesion between regions and urban and regional development in an enlarged 

EU; and social cohesion (including inequalities, social protection and social services, 

taxation policies, ethnic relations and migration, education and social exclusion, and 

health) as well as its relation to social problems such as poverty, housing, crime, 

delinquency and drugs. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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– 

In addressing these issues, consideration will be given to 

– 

the existence of trade-offs or synergies between the economic, social, environmental 

objectives in the world context, 

the interaction between environment1, energy and society, 

long-term sustainability, 

issues for developing countries, 

spatial aspects including urban planning, the role of cities, metropolitan and other 

city regions and related governance issues, 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

cultural issues; and the socio-economic impact of European policies and legislation. 

The question of welfare states as a development resource, and the employment and housing of 

migrants and their descendants, will also be addressed. 

1 

Global environment change will be mainly dealt in the Theme Environment. 

 
                                                 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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•  Major trends in society and their implications 

The aim is to understand and assess the causes and implications of particular key trends in society 

that have major consequences for European citizens, their quality of life and for policies, and thus to 

provide an underpinning for many policy areas. Empirical and theoretical research will address 

initially three major trends: 

– 

Demographic change including ageing, fertility and migration. The broad societal and 

economic implications and issues will be addressed, including societal and economic 

potential of active ageing, the effects on pension systems, the challenges of migration and 

integration and the implications for urban development. 

– 

Changes in the related aspects of lifestyles, families, work, consumption (including 

consumer protection aspects), health and quality of life including child, youth and 

disabilities issues and reconciliation of work and family life. 

– 

Cultural interactions in an international perspective including traditions from different 

societies, diversity of populations including ethnic groups, multicultural issues, differing 

identities, languages and religious practices, and possible issues in this context including 

discrimination, racism, xenophobia and intolerance. 

Gender issues, inequalities and changing values will be included. In addition, changes in criminality 

and crime perception will be examined, as will changes in corporate social responsibility. 

 
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•  Europe in the world 

The aim is to understand changing interactions and interdependencies between world regions 

including emerging and developing regions and their implications for the regions concerned, 

especially for Europe, and the related issue of addressing emerging threats and risks in a world 

context and their connection to human rights, freedoms and well-being. The research will involve 

two related tracks: 

– 

Flows of trade, finance, investment, migration and their impact; uneven development, 

poverty and sustainability; economic and political relations, global governance including 

international institutions. This will explore cultural interactions including media and 

religions and distinctive non-European approaches. 

– 

Conflicts, their causes and resolution, and fostering peace; the relation between security 

and destabilising factors such as poverty, crime, environmental degradation, resource 

scarcity, uneven development, financial instability and debt; terrorism, its causes and 

consequences; security-related policies and perceptions of insecurity and civil-military 

relations. 

In both, Europe's role in the world, the development of multilateralism and international law, the 

promotion of democracy and fundamental rights including different notions of these, and Europe as 

seen from outside, will be addressed. 

 
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•  The citizen in the European Union 

In the context of the future development of the EU, the aim is to improve understanding of, first, the 

issues involved in achieving a sense of democratic "ownership" and active participation by citizens 

as well as effective and democratic governance at all levels including innovative governance 

processes to enhance citizens' participation and the cooperation between public and private actors, 

and, second, Europe's diversities and commonalities in terms of culture, religion, institutions, law, 

history, languages and values. The research will address: 

– 

Participation (including youth, minorities and gender aspects), representation, 

accountability and legitimacy; the European public sphere, media and democracy; various 

forms of governance in the EU including economic and legal governance and the role of 

the public and private sectors, policy processes and opportunities to shape policies; the role 

of civil society; citizenship and rights; the implications of enlargement; and related values 

of the population. 

– 

European diversities and commonalities, including their historical origins and evolution; 

differences in institutions (including norms, practices, laws); cultural heritage; various 

visions and perspectives for European integration and enlargement including the views of 

the populations; identities including European identity; approaches to multiple coexisting 

cultures; the role of language, the arts and religions; attitudes and values. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/205 

•  Socio-economic and scientific indicators 

With a view to improving the use of indicators in policy, the aim is to develop a more profound 

understanding of their use in policy development and implementation and to propose improvements 

in indicators and methods for their use. The research will address: 

– 

How indicators are used in policy objectives, policy development and implementation, in a 

variety of fields and from macro to micro levels, the adequacy of existing indicators and 

their use, techniques to analyse them and proposals for new indicators and sets of 

indicators. 

– 

How evidence-based policy might be better supported by indicators and methods for their 

use; indicators for policy with multiple objectives, for policy coordination and for 

regulation; support by official statistics for such indicators. 

– 

Use of indicators and related approaches for evaluation of research programmes including 

impact assessment. 

 
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•  Foresight activities 

The aim is to provide national, regional and Community policy-makers and others with foresight 

knowledge for the early identification of long-term challenges and areas of common interest that 

can help them formulate policy. Four types of activities will be covered: 

– 

Wide socio-economic foresight on a limited number of key challenges and opportunities 

for the Community, exploring issues such as the future and implications of ageing, 

migration, globalisation of the production and dissemination of knowledge, changes in 

crime and major risks. 

– 

– 

– 

More focused thematic foresight on the developments in emerging research domains or 

those cutting across existing domains, as well as on the future of scientific disciplines. 

Foresight on research systems and policies in Europe and elsewhere and on the future of 

key actors involved. 

Mutual learning and cooperation between national and/or regional foresight initiatives; 

cooperation between EU, third country and international foresight initiatives. 

 
30.12.2006 

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Official Journal of the European Union 

L 400/207 

International cooperation 

Given the strong international dimension of the research, international cooperation will be 

developed in all areas of the theme. Specific international cooperation actions will be undertaken on 

a number of selected subjects on a multilateral and bilateral basis identified on the basis of the 

needs of the partner countries as well as those of Europe. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research on emerging needs will offer a space for researchers to identify and address research 

challenges not specified above. It will encourage innovative thinking about challenges facing 

Europe not being widely discussed up to now or other relevant combinations of issues, perspectives 

and disciplines. Research to respond to unforeseen policy needs will also be undertaken, in close 

consultation with those involved in policy. 

9. 

Space 

Objective 

Supporting a European Space Programme focusing on applications such as GMES with benefits for 

citizens and for the competitiveness of the European space industry. This will contribute to the 

development of a European Space Policy, complementing efforts by Member States and by other 

key players, including the European Space Agency (ESA). 

 
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Approach 

In this field, the Community will contribute to the definition of common objectives based on user 

requirements and policy objectives; to the coordination of activities, to the avoidance of 

duplications, to the facilitation of interoperability and to the improvement of cost-effectiveness. It 
will also contribute to the definition of standards. The European Space Policy1 will serve the 

objectives of the public authorities and decision-makers while strengthening the competitiveness of 

the European industry. It will be implemented through a European Space Programme, and the 

Seventh Framework Programme will contribute to support or complement research and 

technological development actions provided by other stakeholders, public and private, in Europe. 

Actions in this theme will support Community policy objectives, for example in the fields of 

agriculture, forestry, fisheries, environment, telecommunications, security, development, health, 

humanitarian aid, transport, science, education as well as ensuring that Europe is involved in 

regional and international cooperation. Space tools are also foreseen to contribute to law 

enforcement in some of these fields. 

With particular focus on the use of existing capabilities in Europe, the activities set out in this 

priority aim primarily at: the exploitation of space assets for the implementation of applications, in 

particular GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) which together with Galileo 

represents the flagship of the European Space Policy, as well as space exploration efforts; and 

enabling technologies supporting the strategic role of the European Union. 

1 

"European Space Policy: Preliminary Elements" – COM(2005) 208. 

 
                                                 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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Application-oriented activities are expected to be complementary to actions carried out under other 

themes in the "Cooperation" Specific Programme (notably those carried out under "Environment" in 

connection with earth observation and GEOSS, and those carried out under "Information and 

Communication Technologies"). Thematic synergies will also be developed with related activities 

in other specific programmes. Complementary actions are envisaged through the Competitiveness 

and Innovation Framework Programme and the Education and Training Programme. 

Research and technology transfer activities in the theme could be particularly appealing for SMEs 

developing innovative technologies, needing familiarisation with new space technology 

opportunities (spin-in), or developing application for their own space technologies to other markets 

(spin-off). 

Management of certain parts of the space activities could be entrusted to existing external entities, 
such as ESA1, and other entities and agencies at European or national level. In the case of GMES, 

research activities could be implemented through a Joint Technology Initiative (see Annex III). 

1 

Within the terms of the Framework Agreement between the European Community and the 
European Space Agency (OJ L 261, 6.8.2004, p. 64). 

 
                                                 
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Activities 

•  Space-based applications at the service of the European Society 

– 

Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) 

The objective is to develop appropriate satellite based monitoring and early warning systems, 

including for the safety of citizens, as unique and globally available data sources and to consolidate 

and stimulate evolution of their operational use. This programme will also provide support to the 

development of operational GMES services, which enable decision-makers to better anticipate or 

mitigate crisis situations and issues relating to the management of the environment and security and 

the handling of natural disasters, starting with "fast-track" services on Emergency Response, Land 

Monitoring and Marine Services. Research activities should mainly contribute to maximise the use 

of GMES data collected from space-borne sources and to integrating these with data from other 

observation systems in complex products designed to deliver information and customised services 

to end-users through an efficient data integration and information management. Other satellite 

technologies (e.g. Communication, Navigation) will be integrated, where necessary, into the 

development of GMES services. Research activities should also contribute to enhance monitoring 

techniques and associated instrument technologies, to develop where necessary new space-based 

systems or improve the interoperability of existing ones, and to enable their use in (pre-)operational 

services responding to specific types of demand. Research should support the development of 

sustainable space-based and in situ (including ground-based and airborne) systems in particular: for 

land monitoring, ocean monitoring and crisis management, with frequent, high-resolution imagery 

for zones of high importance, including sensitive, urban and rapidly evolving zones; for risk 

prevention and risk management and all kinds of emergency, enhancing convergence with 

non-space systems. 

 
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Official Journal of the European Union 

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•  In the environmental domain, the demands include the acquisition of independent knowledge on 

the state and evolution of sustainable use of renewable resources (such as vegetation and forests), 

wetlands, desertification, land cover including snow and ice, and land use, the food supply, 

agricultural environment and fishing, carbon sinks and stocks; atmospheric processes and 

chemistry; and conditions of seas. The EC 6th Environmental Action Plan on environmental 

policies monitoring climate change, air, soil and water quality will be considered. 

•  In the security domain demands include improving acquisition, access and exchange of data and 

information needed in the context of emergency relief response and management. Support is to 

be given for prevention/mitigation, monitoring, risk management and assessment of natural and 

technological hazards as well as to humanitarian aid for the purpose of proper need assessment 

and emergency planning in the context of natural disasters (such as forest fires, floods and 

earthquakes) and humanitarian crises (refugees, internally displaced persons, etc.). Support is 

also to be considered for the implementation of the Community policies such as the 

establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, and in the domain of border 

surveillance. 

 
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– 

Security aspects (complementary to security research and to GMES activities) 

The EC SPASEC Report1 underlined that space services play such a key role in the well-being of 

European society that protection of critical infrastructure in the space sector is a priority. This may 

need services and capabilities for surveillance of space based assets as well as protection for 

terrestrial infrastructure. The space surveillance system could for example provide information 

concerning the main characteristics of satellites (e.g. orbital parameters, activity status), the main 

characteristics of potentially threatening debris (e.g. trajectory, physical parameters) and pertinent 

information related to space weather and Near Earth Objects. Feasibility studies and the financing 

of demonstration projects can be foreseen in this area. 

– 

Applications of Satellite Communications 

The objective is to support innovative satellite communication applications and services, seamlessly 

integrated in global electronic communication networks, for citizens and enterprises in application 

sectors encompassing civil protection, security, e-government, telemedicine, tele-education, search 

and rescue, tourism and leisure activities, transport including fleet management and personal 

navigation, agriculture, forestry and meteorology. Research emphasis will be on the development of 

new applications and the deployment of demonstration missions and pre-operational systems where 

satellite communications represent an efficient response to these needs in terms of GMES 

downstream services. 

1 

Report of the Panel of Experts on Space and Security (March 2005). 

 
                                                 
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•  Exploration of space 

– 

The objective is to provide R&D support and maximise scientific added-value 

through synergies with initiatives of ESA or other entities and agencies at European 

or national level in the field of space exploration, including related technology 

transfer implications, and to facilitate access by the scientific community to 

results/data acquired during exploration missions undertaken in the frame of the 

European Space Programme. Research activities will be carried out, in particular, 

through supporting actions, feasibility studies and pre-operational projects. 

Additional dimensions will have to be considered: the intrinsic international 

cooperation opportunities and the importance of keeping awareness and 

disseminating results. 

– 

Supporting actions and feasibility studies are also envisaged as a means to better 

coordinate efforts for the development of space-borne telescopes and detectors as 

well as for data analysis in space sciences. Actions in this context will complement 

relevant national and international programmes (notably by ESA) and will aim at 

examining international cooperation opportunities. 

•  RTD for strengthening space foundations 

– 

Space technology 

In general the objective is to support the increase of the competitiveness, cost-effectiveness 

and independent access of the European space technology sector at large. 

 
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In particular that objective could be met through space research and the development for 

long-term needs including space transportation, for example by: assessing the long-term 

needs; contributing to system studies taking into account the end-user requirements; 

contributing to upstream technology research for the next generation of space 

transportation and propulsion systems. 

– 

Space sciences 

The objective is to contribute to the development of advanced technologies to be used in 

space sciences. Space sciences not only provide deep insights into the structure of the 

universe, improved understanding of Planet Earth and the Solar System, and a new 

approach to bio-medicine and life and physical sciences, they are also a strong driving 

force for new technology developments with many subsequent applications of benefit to 

society. The Seventh Framework Programme should complement the ongoing scientific 

programmes where gaps are identified and be in support of scientific activities including 

on-board the International Space Station (ISS). Supporting activities aiming at facilitating 

access to scientific data including those obtained from previous missions are also 

envisaged. 

International cooperation 

Exploitation and exploration of space are, by nature, global ventures. Effective international space 

cooperation will help to raise the Union's political standing in the world, strengthen its economic 

competitiveness and enhance its reputation for scientific excellence. Cooperation in the space sector 

will also support Community's external policy objectives (e.g. support for developing countries, 

neighbourhood countries). 

 
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In this respect, focus will be on developing an overall strategy in international space cooperation as 

well as an efficient coordination mechanism involving all relevant European players. 

Space has to be considered a privileged sector for developing international activities, in particular in 

cooperation with main and emerging space powers, such as Russia, the United States, China, India, 

Canada, Japan, Ukraine and other countries carrying out space activities. 

Efforts will be pursued to promote the use of space-based solutions in support of sustainable 

development and prevention of risks in the context of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, 

particularly in Africa. This is coherent with the global approach taken by GMES with regard to the 
monitoring of the environment1 and security. 

To provide better opportunities for efficient collaboration and to ensure that best international 

expertise in the space field is integrated in the European Space Programme, specific cooperation 

actions will be used for bi-or multilateral projects, international and global initiatives and 

cooperation with emerging economies and developing countries. Activities will include assessing 

and monitoring of international commitments. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

Research on emerging needs will enable innovative solutions to technological developments in the 

space research area, and possible adaptations and applications in other fields (e.g. resources 

management, biological processes, and new materials). Research to respond to unforeseen policy 

needs may address topics such as providing space based solutions in support of developing 

countries, developing new space-observation and communication tools and methods related to 

relevant Community policies and contributions to social inclusion. 

1 

For example, the Kyoto Protocol, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 
UN Biodiversity Convention, 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development conclusions 
and 2005 G-8 Summit conclusions. 

 
                                                 
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10. 

Security 

Objective 

To develop the technologies and knowledge for building capabilities needed to ensure the security 

of citizens from threats such as terrorism, natural disasters and crime, while respecting fundamental 

human rights including privacy; to ensure optimal and concerted use of available and evolving 

technologies to the benefit of civil European security, to stimulate the cooperation of providers and 

users for civil security solutions, improving the competitiveness of the European security industry 

and delivering mission-oriented research results to reduce security gaps. 

Approach 

Security in Europe is a precondition of prosperity and freedom. The Security Research theme has an 

exclusively civil application focus and it supports the implementation of Community policies and 

initiatives relevant to security such as the establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, 
transport, health (including the EU Health Security Programme1), civil protection (including natural 

and industrial disasters), energy, environment and external policies. Through this, the theme will 

contribute to growth and employment and the competitiveness of the European security industry. It 

will facilitate the various national and international actors to cooperate and coordinate in order to 

avoid unnecessary duplication and to explore synergies wherever possible. It will be aimed at filling 

capability gaps and will provide clear added-value to security needs in Europe. The respect of 

privacy and civil liberties will be a guiding principle throughout the theme. It will not work on any 

technology for lethal and/or destructive weapons. 

1 

With the objective to improve preparedness and response to deliberate releases of biological 
and/or chemical agents. 

 
                                                 
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The special requirements concerning confidentiality are to be enforced but the transparency of 

research findings is not to be unnecessary restricted. In addition, areas are to be identified that 

permit the present transparency of research findings. 

These non-defence activities at Community level will address four civil security mission areas 

which have been identified in response to specific challenges of high political relevance and 

European added-value with regard to threats and potential security incidents, and three areas of 

cross-cutting interest. Each mission area covers six phases which vary in time and emphasis. These 

six phases are: identify (incident-related), prevent (threat-related), protect (target-related), prepare 

(operation-related), respond (crisis-related) and recover (consequence-related); they describe what 

efforts to undertake in the respective phases. The first four phases refer to efforts of avoiding an 

incident and mitigating its potential negative impacts, the last two refer to efforts of coping with the 

incident situation and longer-term consequences. 

For each phase of the individual mission areas, a specific group of capabilities becomes relevant 

which those responsible for the security of the citizens need to possess in order to effectively cope 

with threats and incidents. The capabilities indicate how the efforts would be undertaken and will in 

several cases contribute to more than one phase and/or mission area. Acquiring the capabilities is 

based on a combination of knowledge, technologies and organisational measures. This theme will 

also address ways of ensuring an effective connection between the enhanced knowledge and 

technologies, better use of common ICT-systems in the fields of different operations, and processes 

developed and their actual implementation by the various end-users, in order to achieve 

improvements in European security capabilities. 

 
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Research will in particular focus on filling capability gaps by developing technologies and skills 

required by the specific mission area and identified by a "top-down" approach guided by a dialogue 

with end-users, in conformity with objectives and priorities. As end-users of the security research, 

public authorities, the private sector and EU citizens will be fully involved in the identification of 

the security research requirements to be addressed. A "System Analysis" approach will be adopted 

to conduct an analysis of civil security gaps and their R&D requirements in each mission area. The 

activities will include the analysis of the security requirements of civil business. This identification 

of research requirements should be continuously an important element of research under this 

Theme. 

This capability gap driven approach will be complemented by a "bottom-up" approach which 

scopes and examines technologies in order to assess how they could be utilised to enhance 

European security. An important aspect is to draw on the excellence of the supply side 

(e.g. industry, universities, research centres) to bring forward innovative security solutions. 

Research will be multidisciplinary and mission-oriented, it will range from technology and 

methodology development, to technology and systems integration, demonstration and validation. 

A multi-purpose nature of technologies is encouraged to maximise the scope for their application, 

and to foster cross-fertilisation and take-up of available and evolving technologies for the civil 

security sector. The Security Research theme will aim at preparing medium to long-term effective 

solutions which are sufficiently adaptable and innovative to defy relevant threats. It will also 

complement and integrate the technology- and more systems-oriented research relevant to civil 

security which is carried out in other themes. 

 
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Security research needs specific implementation rules to take into account its special nature with the 

aim of protecting sensitive information related to security, and to providing sufficient information 

on the results for the Member States and end-users. 

Research will be focussed exclusively on civil security applications. Recognising that there are 

areas of dual use technology relevant to both civilian and military applications, a suitable 

framework will be established to coordinate with the activities of the European Defence Agency 

(EDA). Moreover, to provide mutual information and to avoid unnecessary duplication of funding a 

coordination of security research with other activities at national and European level will be 

established. 

The involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the activities is as strongly 

encouraged as that of authorities and organisations responsible for the security of the citizens. The 

longer term research agenda elaborated by the European Security Research Advisory Board 
(ESRAB)1 will support the definition of the content and structure of the research in this theme. 

1 

Established in the course of the three years Preparatory Action for Security Research 
(PASR 2004-2006). 

 
                                                 
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Activities 

Activities will address the following mission areas: 

•  Security of citizens: Activities will concentrate on threat aspects of potential incidents of a 

transnational importance, such as offenders, equipment and resources used by them or as 

mechanisms of attack. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many 

of which primarily relate to the phases "identify", "prevent" and "prepare" and "respond". The 

ambition is both to avoid an incident and to mitigate its potential consequences. To build up the 

required capabilities with the aim of providing civil protection, including bio-security and 

protection against risks arising from crime and terrorist attacks, emphasis will be on issues such 

as: threat (e.g. Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, CBRN) awareness (e.g. 

intelligence gathering, collection, exploitation, sharing; alerting), detection (e.g. hazardous 

substances, explosives, agents B or C, individuals or groups, suspect behaviour), identification 

and authentification (e.g. of persons, type and amount of substances), prevention (e.g. control of 

access and movements, with respect to financial resources, control of financial structures), 

preparedness (e.g. risk assessment; CBRN protection, control of intentionally released biological 

and chemical agents; assessment of levels for strategic reserves such as manpower, skills, 

equipment, consumables; with respect to large-scale events, etc.), neutralisation (e.g. missiles, 

communications, vehicles, non-destructive systems) and containment of effects of terrorist 

attacks and crime, law enforcement data processing. 

 
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•  Security of infrastructures and utilities: Activities will concentrate on targets of an incident or 

disaster of transnational importance, examples for infrastructures include large-scale event sites, 

significant sites of political (e.g. parliament buildings) or symbolic (e.g. particular monuments) 

value and utilities being those for energy (including oil, electricity, gas), water, transport 

(including air, sea, land), communication (including broadcasting), financial, administrative, 

public health, etc. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of 

which primarily relate to the phases "protect" but also "prepare". The ambition is both to avoid 

an incident and to mitigate its potential consequences. To build up the required capabilities, 

emphasis will be on issues such as: analysing, modelling and assessing vulnerabilities of 

physical infrastructure and its operations; securing existing and future public and private critical 

networked infrastructures, systems and services with respect to their physical, logical and 

functional side; control and alert systems to allow for quick response in case of an incident; 

protection against cascading effects of an incident, defining and designing criteria to build new 

secure infrastructures and utilities. 

 
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•  Intelligent surveillance and border security: Activities will deal with issues relevant to all the 

consecutive tiers of European border security strategy, starting with visa application procedures 

in embassies and consular posts (1st level), cross-border cooperation (2nd level), measures at the 

border crossing points at land borders, harbours and airports as well as between the border 

crossing points at green and blue borders (3rd level) and finally activities inside the European 

external borders (4th level) such as exchange of information, compensatory measures, Schengen 

Information System (SIS), Judicial and Police, Customs and Border Guard cooperation (PCB). A 

series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which primarily relate 

to the phases "identify", "prevent" and "protect". The ambition is both to avoid an incident and to 

mitigate its potential consequences. 

To build up the required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues such as: enhancing the 

effectiveness and efficiency of all security relevant systems, equipment, tools and processes used 

at border crossing points (e.g. identification of accessing people, non-invasive detection of 

people and goods, tracking of substances, sampling, spatial recognition including data capture 

and analysis, etc.); improving the security of Europe's land and sea borders (e.g. through non 

invasive and underwater detection of vehicles, tracking of vehicles, spatial recognition including 

data capture and analysis, surveillance, remote operations, etc.); maritime security; assessment 

and management of (illegal) migration flows. A suitable framework will be established to 

coordinate with the activities of the European Agency for the Management of Operational 

Cooperation at the External Borders. 

 
 
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•  Restoring security and safety in case of crisis: Activities will focus on technologies providing 

an overview of, and support for diverse emergency management operations, such as in civil 

protection (including natural disasters and industrial accidents), humanitarian aid and rescue 

tasks. A series of capabilities are required to cope with this mission area, many of which 

primarily relate to the phases "prepare", "respond" and "recover". The ambition is to mitigate the 

consequences of the incident. To build up the required capabilities, emphasis will be on issues 

such as: general organisational and operational preparedness to cope with security incidents (e.g. 

inter-organisational coordination and emergency communication, assessment of strategic 

reserves, strategic inventories, etc.), crisis management (e.g. integrated means of alert and 

management, assessment of the incident and priority requirements, integration of heterogeneous 

actors and resources, evacuation and isolation, neutralisation and containment of effects of 

terrorist attacks and crime, etc.), intervention in hostile environment, emergency humanitarian 

aid and the management of the consequences and cascading effects of a security incident 

(e.g. the functioning of the public health care system, business continuity, confidence building 

measures, restoring the disrupted or destroyed functioning of society, etc.). 

 
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The above areas will be supported by activities in the following areas of cross-cutting interest: 

•  Security Systems Integration, interconnectivity and interoperability: Activities related to 

intelligence, information gathering and civil security will enable and/or contribute to the 

performance of technology required for building up the above listed capabilities, thus focusing 

on cross-cutting issues such as: enhancing the interoperability and intercommunication of 

systems, equipment, services and processes, including law enforcement, fire fighting, civil 

defence and medical information infrastructures, while ensuring their reliability, protection of 

confidentiality and integrity of information, traceability of all transactions and their 

processing, etc. Activities will also address standardisation and training matters (including such 

with respect to cultural, human and organisational interoperability). 

 
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•  Security and society: Activities are of a cross-cutting nature and should be conducted by 

interacting between natural sciences, technology and other sciences, in particular political, social 

and human sciences. The focus will be on targeted cultural and socio-economic, as well as 

systemic risk analyses, scenario building and other research activities related to subjects such as: 

Security as an evolving concept (comprehensive analyses of security-related needs, in order to 

define the main functional requirements to address the fluctuating security landscape); 

interdependencies, vulnerabilities due to disasters and new threats (e.g. in the field of terrorism 

and organised crime); the attitude of citizens in crisis situations (e.g. perception of terrorism and 

crime, behaviour of crowds, public understanding of civil rights and socio-cultural forms of 

protection and acceptance of security (and safety) controls); preparedness and readiness of the 

citizen in case of terrorist attacks; issues related to communication between authorities and 

citizens in crisis situations; raising public awareness for threats; citizens' guidance on the internal 

security advisory and assistance systems in the Member States and at EU level; behavioural, 

psychological and other relevant analyses of terrorist offenders; ethical issues with respect to 

personal data protection and integrity of information. Research will also be directed into 

developing statistical indicators on crime to permit assessments of changes in criminality. 

•  Security Research coordination and structuring: This area provides the platform for activities 

to coordinate and structure national, European and international security research efforts, to 

develop synergies between civil, security and defence research as well as to coordinate between 

the demand and the supply side of security research. Activities will also focus on the 

improvement of relevant legal conditions and procedures. 

 
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International cooperation 

International cooperation in the Security Research activities will be implemented in line with 

internal and external aspects of Community policies. Due to the particular sensitivity of this area, 

international cooperation will be considered on a case-by-case basis with respect to the countries 

involved. Particular requirements and criteria for international cooperation may be specified in the 

work programme. 

Specific international cooperation actions will be considered where there is mutual benefit, such as 

research relating to security activities of global applicability, e.g. management of large-scale 

disasters. 

Responding to emerging needs and unforeseen policy needs 

The Security Research theme is by nature and design flexible. Activities will allow the 

accommodation of as yet unknown future security threats including disasters, and related policy 

needs that may arise. This flexibility will complement the mission-oriented character of the research 

activities set out above. 

 
 
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ANNEX II 

INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF THE AMOUNT 

The indicative breakdown is as follows (in EUR million): 

Health 

Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Bio-technology 

Information and Communication Technologies 

6 100 

1 935 

9 050 

Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and new Production Technologies   3 475 

Energy 

Environment (including Climate Change) 

Transport (including Aeronautics) 

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities 

Space 

Security 

TOTAL1, 2, 1, 2 

2 350 

1 890 

4 160 

623 

1 430 

1 400 

32 413 

1 

2 

Including Joint Technology Initiatives (including financial plan, etc.) and the part of the 
coordination and international cooperation activities to be funded within the themes. 
The aim will be to enable at least 15 % of the funding of the programme to go to SMEs. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
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1 

2 

Including a contribution of up to EUR 800 million to the European Investment Bank for its 
Risk-Sharing Finance Facility, as referred to in Annex III. The themes will contribute on a 
proportional basis, except the Socio-Economic Sciences and the Humanities theme, which 
does not contribute to RSFF. 
An amount of the order of EUR 400 million will be committed in annual instalments for the 
period 2007-2010. 
Of which at least EUR 210 million and up to EUR 250 million for COST, subject to the 
mid-term evaluation. This financial support will be provided through a grant which will be 
paid on the basis of a grant agreement between the Commission and a legal entity 
designated by COST as its implementing agent and communicated to the Commission by 
the General Secretariat of the Council and identified in the Work Programme.  

 
 
                                                                                                                                                                  
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ANNEX III 

Risk-Sharing Finance Facility 

In accordance with Annex II, the Community will provide a contribution (coordination and support 

action) to the European Investment Bank (EIB) which will be a risk-sharing partner for the 

Risk-Sharing Finance Facility (RSFF). RSFF, which will be co-funded by the Community and the 

EIB, is aimed at fostering private sector investment across Europe in research, technological 

development and demonstration (RTD) as well as innovation. 

The Community contribution will increase the capacity of the Bank to manage risk, thus allowing 

for (i) a larger volume of EIB lending and guarantee operations for a certain level of risk, and 

(ii) the financing of riskier European RTD actions that would not be possible without such 

Community support, thus helping overcome market deficiencies. It will aim at: 

•  adding value in areas where the market cannot provide the required funding; and 

•  providing catalytic effect in leveraging private investment. 

The Community contribution will be committed to RSFF in line with the provisions set out in 

Annex II. 

The EIB will lend funds raised from international financial markets and provide guarantees to its 

financing partners in accordance with its standard rules, regulations and procedures. 

 
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It will use this contribution on a "first come, first served basis", as provisions and capital allocation 

within the Bank to cover part of the risks associated with its operations supporting eligible 

European RTD actions. 

Based on its financial evaluation, the EIB will assess the level of financial risks and decide the 

value of the provision and capital allocation. 

The risk assessment and grading, and the resulting decisions on provisioning and capital allocation, 

will follow standard procedures of the Bank, under its Structured Finance Facility, approved and 

monitored by its shareholders and as updated and modified from time to time. They will not be 

altered as a result of the Community contribution. 

The risk to the Community budget is limited to the amounts paid or committed to be paid. There 

will be no contingent liability for the Community budget, as any remaining risk is borne by the EIB. 

The Community contribution will be disbursed annually based on a multi-annual plan and taking 

into account the evolution of demand. The annual amount will be established in the Work 

Programme, on the basis of the activity report and forecasts presented by the EIB. 

The multi-annual plan will be funded from each of the contributing themes and, if appropriate, 

adapted in accordance with the principle of proportional contributions. 

 
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The agreement to be concluded with the EIB, following close consultations with Member States, 

will establish terms and conditions under which the Community funds can be used as provisions 

and capital allocation. It will include, inter alia, the following terms and conditions: 

•  The eligibility of Community RTD actions. "Joint Technology Initiatives", Collaborative 

Projects, Networks of Excellence and Research for the benefit of SMEs funded by the 

Community shall be automatically eligible provided their objectives fall within the scope of the 

contributing themes of this Specific Programme. Legal entities established in third countries 

other than Associated Countries are also eligible if they participate in FP7 indirect actions and 

their costs are eligible for Community funding. 

Other European actions (such as EUREKA) shall be eligible provided they concern research, 

technological development or demonstration activities within the scope of the contributing 

themes responding to European research principles and criteria and that the borrowers or 

guarantee beneficiaries are legal entities established in Member States or Associated Countries. 

RSFF will be offered in all Member States and associated countries in order to ensure that all 

legal entities, irrespective of size (including SMEs and research organisations, including 

universities) in all Member States, may benefit from this facility for the funding of their 

activities in eligible actions. 

Innovation activities of a commercial nature are eligible for RSFF only via the use of the EIB's 

own contribution. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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In accordance with the Regulation on Rules for Participation adopted pursuant to Article 167 of 

the Treaty, the agreement will also establish procedures for the Community to object, in duly 

justified cases, to the use of the Community contribution by the EIB. 

The rules for defining the share of the financial risk that will be covered by the Community 

contribution and the risk threshold beyond which the EIB can use the Community contribution as 

well as sharing of corresponding income. 

The level of the Community contribution for each operation shall depend on the financial risk 

evaluation carried out by the EIB. The level of total provisioning and capital allocation for the 

majority of RSFF operations is expected to fall within the range of 15 %-25 % of the nominal 

value of such operations. In no case shall the level of total provisioning and capital allocation 

amounts of the Community contribution exceed 50 % of the nominal loan or guarantee value. 

There will be risk sharing under each operation. 

The arrangements by which the Community will monitor the EIB lending and guarantee 

operations related to the Community contribution, including operations through the 

EIB financing partners. 

The EIB may only use the Community contribution for operations approved between the date of 

entry into force of this Specific Programme and 31 December 2013. 

 
 
 
 
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Interests and incomes generated by the Community contribution during this period shall be reported 

annually by the EIB to the Commission, which shall inform the European Parliament and the 

Council. In accordance with Article 18(2) of the financial regulation, they shall be considered as 

assigned revenues to the RSFF and entered into the budget. 

When adopting the Work Programme, the Commission may decide to reallocate, for the purpose of 

any other indirect actions of the contributing themes of this Specific Programme, any amount not 

used by RSFF and, therefore, recovered from the EIB, after the mid-term evaluation referred to in 

Annex II of the Framework Programme. The mid-term evaluation will include an external 

assessment of the impact of the RSFF. 

The Commission will closely monitor the effective use of the Community Contribution, including 

ex-post assessments of the successful features of the action, and regularly report to the programme 

committee. In addition, the Commission will include main findings in this respect to the annual 

report on research and technological development activities which it will send to the European 

Parliament and the Council pursuant to Article 173 of the Treaty. 

 
 
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ANNEX IV 

Joint Technology Initiatives and Coordination of non-Community research programmes 

Joint Technology Initiatives1 

The research areas for an indicative list of Joint Technology Initiatives are identified below based 

on the criteria set out in Annex I. These Joint Technology Initiatives address a diverse range of 

challenges. Accordingly, structures must be designed on a case-by-case basis so that they address 

the particular characteristics of the research area in question. In each case, a specific structure 

would be identified for the purpose of implementing the agreed research agenda of the Joint 

Technology Initiative and bring together the necessary public and private investments and 

coordination of European efforts. The Community could grant an amount for the implementation of 

the research agenda on the basis of separate proposals. Further Joint Technology Initiatives may be 

identified on the basis of the criteria specified in Annex I and be proposed during the 

implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme. 

•  Innovative Medicines Initiative 

The Innovative Medicines Joint Technology Initiative aims at increasing the competitiveness of the 

European Pharmaceutical sector by providing a coordinated approach to overcome the research 

bottlenecks in the drug development process, reducing drug development time and clinical attrition 

rate for new medicines. This will enable faster access to more targeted medicines and an earlier 

return on research investment and thus leverage more private investment for further research. 

1 

The list of proposed JTIs is solely indicative and could be adjusted in the light of future 
developments. Each JTI will be decided individually (see Annex I, Chapter "Scientific and 
technological objectives, broad lines of the themes and activities"). 

 
                                                 
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Pre-competitive research, as defined through the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) of the 

Innovative Medicines Initiative will include: development of tools and methods to better predict the 

suitability, safety and efficacy of drugs, intelligent infrastructures for data integration and 

knowledge management through close cooperation between industry, academia and clinical centres 

at all necessary steps. It will also address education and training gaps to ensure that Europe has the 

skills to translate research results into benefits for the patient. Close cooperation between the 

European Community and the Industry and other stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, 

patients, academia, clinicians, etc., will be ensured, as well as the mobilisation of public and private 

funds. The implementation of the SRA will be carried out via the Innovative Medicines Initiative 

(IMI), the appropriate public-private partnership structure to be established especially for this 

purpose. 

•  Nano-electronics Technologies 2020 

Nano-electronics is of high strategic importance for European competitiveness because its products 

are key enablers for innovation in other sectors (multimedia, telecommunications, transport, health, 

environment, industrial processing, etc.). It requires that R&D and innovation efforts are better 

structured, optimised and integrated into a larger process involving all actors crucial to achieving a 

successful outcome in the domain. 

The initiative will address the needs for silicon-based technologies throughout four technology 

domains: (i) the shrinking of logic and memory devices to increase performance and reduce costs, 

(ii) the development of value-added functions, include sensing, actuating and packaging functions, 

and their embedding with logic and memory to form complex System-on-Chip or 

System-in-Package solutions, (iii) equipment and materials, and (iv) design automation. 

 
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•  Embedded Computing Systems 

Embedded computing systems - the invisible electronics and software that impart intelligence to 

products and processes - are of strategic importance to the competitiveness of important European 

industrial sectors such as automotive, avionics, consumer electronics, telecommunications, medical 

systems and manufacturing. Furthermore, the increasing connectivity of these devices creates 

potential for entirely new markets and societal applications in which Europe must be well placed to 

benefit from. 

The Joint Technology Initiative on Embedded Computing Systems will pull together and focus the 

research effort, leveraging private and public investment to share the high risks and maintain a high 

level of ambition. The initiative will address the design, development and deployment of 

ubiquitous, interoperable and cost-effective, yet powerful, safe and secure electronic and software 

systems. It will deliver reference designs that offer standard architectural approaches for given 

ranges of applications, middleware that enable seamless connectivity and interoperability, 

integrated design software tools and methods for rapid development and prototyping, as well as new 

approaches for interaction between computers and the real world. 

•  Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Initiative 

Hydrogen and fuel cells are energy technologies that can bring about a paradigm shift in the way 

Europe produces and uses energy, offering massive development potential towards long-term 

independent sustainable energy supply and providing Europe with a crucial competitive edge. The 

transition to a hydrogen-oriented economy implies large research and capital investment in the 

creation of new industries, new supply chain structures, infrastructure and human resources. 

 
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The Joint Technology Initiative will define and execute a target-oriented European programme of 

industrial research, technological development and demonstration to deliver robust hydrogen and 

fuel cell technologies developed to the point of commercial take-off. The main themes of the 

JTI research agenda will be: fuel cell development for all application sectors and ranges; sustainable 

hydrogen supply, including production, distribution, storage and delivery; integrated, large-scale 

demonstration of maturing and advanced technologies in a real operational context; and, market 

framework preparatory activities. This will be implemented on the basis of a sound and 

continuously developing EU technology roadmap and business case, detailing transition strategies 

and long-term goals and implementation milestones. 

•  Aeronautics and Air Transport 

Europe must remain at the forefront of key technologies if it is to have sustainable, innovative and 

competitive aeronautics and air transport industries in the future. The development of green 

technologies is key to ensuring the competitiveness of the entire air transport sector. Innovative 

technologies are of paramount importance in order to maintain competitiveness in areas of 

increasing competitive pressure and to regain competitiveness in areas where Europe has the 

potential for establishing a substantial market share, such as regional transport. As an 

RTD-intensive industry, the existing competitiveness of the European aeronautical and air transport 

companies in world markets has been built on significant private research investments (typically 

13-15 % of the turnover) over many decades. Given the specificities of the sector, new 

developments often depend on effective cooperation between the public and the private sector. 

 
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Certain aspects of the ACARE Strategic Research Agenda require a scale of effect and continuity of 

purpose which requires a Joint Technology Initiative focusing on a coherent and dedicated 

programme of research on advanced technologies and fostering aspects such as integration, 

large-scale validation, and demonstration. 

In the field of Aeronautics and Air Transport, different areas would be addressed, such as 

environmentally friendly and cost efficient air transport system ("The Green Air Transport 

System"), and air traffic management in support of the Single European Sky policy and 

SESAR initiative. 

•  Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) 

Europe needs autonomous capability based on a European standard for global monitoring. This will 

considerably help Europe and its industries in this area, where its competitors are investing heavily 

in the development of standards for global monitoring systems. 

GMES has to respond to the political mandate expressed in the Council Resolution of 

13 November 2001 on the launch of the initial period of global monitoring for environment and 
security (GMES)1 that followed the June 2001 Gothenburg Summit, the Action Plan on GMES 
presented in February 20042, and its inclusion in the "Initiative for Growth" and the "Quick-start" 

list. 

1 
2 

OJ C 350, 11.12.2001, p. 4). 
"Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES): Establishing a GMES capacity 
by 2008 - (Action Plan (2004-2008)" – COM(2004) 65, 3.2.2004. 

 
                                                 
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The future of GMES depends on significant long-term investments by both users and infrastructure 

providers (both public and private). For this it is essential that GMES assert its a clear and coherent 

image of itself, which can be easily identified by users, public authorities and industry. 

Independently of the specific application areas of GMES, this will involve a set of accepted 

standards, validation mechanisms and policies, under a single political responsibility. 

To that purpose a GMES management structure in the form of a Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) 

could be set up to bring together all relevant players with their resources, notably user organisations 

at both national and European level. 

A JTI for GMES should ensure a strong coordination of GMES-related activities, including through 

the following functions: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

consolidation of user requirements for each application area of GMES, 

overseeing and supporting of the development of GMES operational services, associated 

capacities and infrastructures, 

validation of such services, where appropriate, 

development of mechanisms aiming at ensuring long-term access to data ("data buying"). 

 
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A GMES JTI would also be an effective vehicle to promote an active involvement of the private 

sector, in that it would act as a coordinating and funding agent for industry (including SMEs) and 

other potential contractors wishing to contribute to the implementation of GMES through the 

relevant competitive processes. 

GMES will give Europe leadership in an area of management and use of major infrastructures, 

including strategic space capacities. It could also provide a basis for an efficient exploitation of 

finite natural resources by both public and private entities. It will, thus, help to improve productivity 

in many sectors which have a need for coherent and up-to-date information on available assets. 

Coordination of non-Community research programmes1 

An indicative list of initiatives for the joint implementation of national research programmes are 

identified below and could be the subject of a separate decision on the basis of Article 169 of the 

Treaty. Further initiatives may be identified and proposed during the implementation of the 

Seventh Framework Programme. 

In the case of each decision, if and when adopted, a dedicated implementation structure would be 

set up, together with the organisational structure and appropriate governance bodies necessary for 

the implementation of the action. In accordance with Annex II, the Community could provide 

financial support to the initiatives and could participate actively in the implementation by the means 

which are most appropriate for the action. 

1 

The list is solely indicative and the proposed initiatives are subject of separate decisions on 
the basis of Article 169 (see Annex I, Chapter "Scientific and technological objectives, 
broad lines of the themes and activities"). 

 
                                                 
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•  Article 169 initiative in the field of Baltic Sea Research 

The aim will be to launch and implement a joint R&D programme integrating a number of national 

programmes in the field of marine science and sustainable development of the Baltic Sea. In line 

with a number of international, European and regional conventions dealing with the Baltic Sea, this 

initiative will enable the creation of a platform for synthesising and disseminating findings in the 

field and will create the necessary R&D to support sustainable development of the Baltic Sea. 

•  Article 169 initiative in the field of Ambient Assisted Living 

A joint R&D programme on Ambient Assisted Living will aim at bringing together national 

research efforts to address how ICT can enhance the quality of life of elderly people and extend the 

time they can live independently in their home environment and their surroundings. This includes 

for example assistance to carry out daily activities, facilitating social contacts, health and activity 

monitoring and enhancing safety and security. Focus will be the integration of devices, systems and 

services into cost-effective, reliable and trusted solutions. This initiative will aim at a large-scale 

European cooperation with sufficient critical mass and long-term commitment. 

•  Article 169 initiative in the field of Metrology 

The aim will be to launch and implement a cohesive joint metrology R&D programme integrating a 

number of national programmes, which will enable Europe to respond to the growing demands for 

cutting-edge metrology as a tool for innovation, supporting scientific research and policy. The 

initiative will support, in particular, the objectives of the European National Measurement Systems 

delivered via the National Metrology Laboratory networks. 

 
 
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ANNEX V 

Information to be provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 8(5) 

1. 

Information on individual projects, enabling the monitoring of the entire lifetime of each 

proposal, covering in particular: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

submitted proposals, 

evaluation results for each proposal, 

grant agreements, 

completed projects. 

2. 

Information on the outcome of each call and project implementation, covering in 

particular: 

– 

– 

– 

results of each call, 

outcome of negotiations on grant agreements, 

project implementation, including payment data and outcome of projects. 

3. 

Information on programme implementation, including relevant information at the level of 

the Framework Programme, the Specific Programme and each theme. 

This information (in particular, on proposals, their evaluation and grant agreements) should be 

provided in a uniform structured electronically-readable and treatable format accessible through an 

IT-based information and reporting system which readily enables data analysis.