92/247/EEC: Council Decision of 29 April 1992 adopting a specific research and technological development programme in the field of measurements and testing (1990-1994)

COUNCIL DECISION  of 29 April 1992  adopting a specific research and technological development programme in the field of measurements and testing (1990-1994)  (92/247/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 130q (2) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),
In cooperation with the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),
Whereas, by its Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC (4), the Council adopted a third framework programme for Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1990-1994), specifying, inter alia, the measures required for improved  harmonization of methods of testing, measuring and analysis, for the elimination of certain obstacles to trade in the large internal market; whereas this Decision should be taken in the light of the grounds set out in the preamble to that Decision;
Whereas Article 130k of the Treaty stipulates that the framework programme is to be implemented through specific programmes developed within each activity;
Whereas the Joint Research Centre contributes to the realization of these activities, by means of its own programme; whereas close coordination between the Centre and this specific programme should be ensured;
Whereas, pursuant to Article 4 and Annex I of Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC, the amount deemed necessary for the whole framework programme includes an amount of ECU 57 million for the centralized dissemination and exploitation of results, to be divided  up in proportion to the amount envisaged for each of the activities;
Whereas, in the context of this programme, an assessment should be made of the economic and social impact as well as of any eventual technological risks;
Whereas basic research in the field of measurements and testing must be encouraged throughout the Community;
Whereas, in addition to the specific programme concerning human resources and mobility, it is necessary to encourage the training of research workers in the context of this programme;
Whereas Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC provides that a particular aim of Community research must be to strengthen the scientific and technological basis of European industry and to encourage it to become more competitive at international level; whereas  that Decision also provides that Community action is justified where research contributes, inter alia, to the strengthening of the economic and social cohesion of the Community and to the promotion of its overall harmonious development, while being  consistent with the pursuit of scientific and technical excellence; whereas this programme should contribute to the achievement of these objectives;
Whereas small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) should be involved to the maximum extent possible in this programme; whereas account should be taken of their special requirements, without prejudice to the scientific and technical quality of this  programme;
Whereas, in accordance with Article 130g of the Treaty, the Community's activities aimed at strengthening the scientific and technological basis of European industry and encouraging it to become more competitive include promoting cooperation on research  and technological development with third countries, particularly European countries, and international organizations; whereas such cooperation may prove particularly beneficial for the development of this programme;
Whereas it is necessary, as Annex II to Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC provides, for the laboratories of the Member State to be equipped with the technical means necessary to carry out measurements and tests in a harmonized manner and to be able to have  the validity of their respective results recognized, which is considered of the utmost importance for an adequate functioning of the internal market;
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (CREST) has been consulted,