Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92002E1248

**WRITTEN QUESTION P-1248/02 by W.G. van Velzen (PPE-DE) to the Commission. State aid.** 
  
*Official Journal 309 E , 12/12/2002 P. 0100 - 0101*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1248/02

by W.G. van Velzen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 April 2002)

Subject: State aid

Is it true that the European Commission has decided on an extension of the current framework for state aid for R & D for another three and a half years?

Can the Commission explain why it will be continuing with the old framework, knowing that the framework is old-fashioned and that it was decided in Barcelona to stimulate the increase in spending on R & D in the Union to at least 3 % of GDP by 2010, with two thirds of this new investment having to come from the private sector?

Can the Commission promote adaptation of the old framework in such a way that it will be compatible with the new ambitions of the EU Council in Barcelona with regard to higher spending on R & D? If so, what are the changes necessary with respect to this framework?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(28 May 2002)

Yes. On 24 April 2002, the Commission decided to prolong the existing State Aid framework for Research and Development(1) without any modification until the end of 2005. A communication to this effect is published in the Official Journal(2).

While it is well aware of criticism expressed against the framework, the Commission is of the view that, on the whole, the current framework has functioned satisfactorily and that in particular the aid intensities permitted by the framework have proven to be favourable for research and development. Furthermore, the framework is also suitable for supporting the objective adopted by the Barcelona European Council (15 and 16 March 2002) which is to increase investment in research and development in Europe to 3 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2010. This objective should in the first place be achieved by efforts coming from the private sector directly. State aid for research and development is only one instrument among others to achieve this objective.

The Commission therefore believes that the framework as it stands supports the achievement of the Barcelona objective, and no changes are necessary in this is respect.

(1) OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, as amended by the Commission communication amending the Community framework for state aid for research and development, OJ C 48, 13.2.1998.

(2) OJ C 111, 8.5.2002.

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