88/521/EEC: Council Decision of 14 October 1988 adopting specific research programmes to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre for the European Economic Community (1988 to 1991)

COUNCIL  DECISION
of 14 October 1988
adopting specific research programmes to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre for the European Economic Community (1988 to 1991)
(88/521/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, in adopting Decision 87/516/Euratom, EEC (4), as amended by Decision 88/193/EEC, Euratom (5), concerning the framework programme for Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1987 to 1991), the Council acknowledged the importance of activities relating to the environment, industrial safety, the science and technology of advanced materials, technical standards, measurement methods and reference materials;
Whereas the Joint Research Centre (JRC) as an integral component of the Community's R & D strategy defined in the framework programme must retain its institutional role of providing the Commission with neutral and independent scientific and technical support in the implementation of Community policies;
Whereas, whilst contributing to the general objective of strengthening the scientific and technological basis of European industry and encouraging it to become more competitive at international level, the JRC has as one of its tasks, in accordance with its terms of reference and on the basis of its technical expertise, to advise the Commission when laying down technical regulations and standards for the development and application of new technologies, on the environmental compatibility of such technologies and their possible negative effects on the quality of life;
Whereas, for the period covered by this Decision, the implementation of the specific research programmes will continue to be the JRC's predominant task, although the use of other forms of action will occupy an increasingly important part in the JRC's activity;
Whereas the JRC is in a position to contribute to the process of reducing the gap in technological development between the different parts of the Community and thereby to contribute to the strengthening of its economic and social cohesion;
Whereas it is therefore appropriate that the JRC should develop and strengthen its collaboration with research institutes in the Member States;
Whereas it is important to provide for the adequate dissemination of the results of the JRC's specific research programmes, whilst having due regard for the necessity to safeguard the Community's technological achievements and industrial property rights in respect of the results of research;
Whereas, in particular, the European Parliament and the Council should be kept well informed of the JRC's activities;
Whereas the role of the board of governors of the JRC will be strengthened by the Commission to enable the board to play a more effective part in the future organization of the Centre, its staff and financial management, and in the implementation of its research programmes;
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (Crest) has expressed its opinion,