Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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# 92000E0440

**WRITTEN QUESTION P-0440/00 by Bernd Lange (PSE) to the Commission. Procedure for concluding contracts under the Fifth framework programme for research.** 
  
*Official Journal 330 E , 21/11/2000 P. 0159 - 0159*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0440/00

by Bernd Lange (PSE) to the Commission

(11 February 2000)

Subject: Procedure for concluding contracts under the Fifth framework programme for research

Now that the legal basis for the Fifth framework programme for research has been established, there is increasing criticism of the arrangements for contracts, in particular that they are padded out with unnecessary information and dealt with too slowly. These are circumstances which could be a disincentive to participation in the programme.

Is the Commission aware of such problems in concluding contracts under the framework programme for research?

What speedy and effective action does the Commission intend to take to simplify the procedure for concluding contracts?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 2000)

The Commission is aware of a number of complaints relating to the complexity of the procedures that were set up in 1999 for the Fifth Framework programme.

At the end of 1999 the Commissioner responsible for research established an interservice group to review procedures in the light of the experience of the first year of the programme. The aim of the group is to simplify a number of steps in the procedures, to the extent that this is possible under the existing rules which apply to the programme. The Commission would hope to take the first decisions to simplify internal procedures in March 2000. The review process will then continue in order to identify other measures that might be taken.

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