Article 1 
1. A multiannual framework programme for all Community activities, including demonstration activities, in the field of research and technological development, hereinafter referred to as the 'fifth framework programme`, is hereby adopted for the period 1998 to 2002. 2. The fifth framework programme shall, in accordance with Article 130g of the Treaty, comprise four Community activities: (a) implementation of research, technological development and demonstration programmes; (b) promotion of cooperation in the field of Community research, technological development and demonstration with third countries and international organisations; (c) dissemination and optimisation of the results of activities in Community research, technological development and demonstration; (d) stimulation of the training and mobility of researchers in the Community. The first Community activity shall relate to the following four themes: 1. quality of life and management of living resources; 2. user-friendly information society; 3. competitive and sustainable growth; 4. energy, environment and sustainable development. The second, third and fourth Community activities shall relate to the following three themes respectively: 1. confirming the international role of Community research; 2. promotion of innovation and encouragement of participation of SMEs; 3. improving human research potential and the socioeconomic knowledge base. Activities undertaken within the thematic programmes of the first Community activity will also contribute, in coordination and interaction with the horizontal programmes, to the achievement of the objectives of those three themes. Complementarity with relevant initiatives of the Member States, and initiatives such as COST and Eureka, will be sought. 3. The criteria for selecting the themes referred to in paragraph 2 and the related objectives are set out in Annex I. They shall apply for the purposes of the implementation of the fifth framework programme. 4. The general outlines of the Community activities, their scientific and technological objectives and the related priorities are set out in Annex II. Article 2 1. (a) The maximum overall amount for Community participation in the fifth framework programme shall be ECU 13 700 million. Of this amount: to ECU 3 140 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, to ECU 10 560 million is for the period 2000 to 2002. (b) The figure of ECU 10 560 million shall be deemed to be confirmed if it is consistent with the financial perspective in force in the period 2000 to 2002. In the case of any new financial perspective in force, this condition shall be met only if: - the financial perspective indicates the share of expenditure available for research, and - that share permits Community participation of ECU 10 560 million in the period 2000 to 2002. (c) If the figure of ECU 10 560 million is not consistent with the financial perspective in force in the period 2000 to 2002, or if there is no financial perspective in force in those years, - the European Parliament and the Council, acting under the conditions provided for in Article 130i(1) of the Treaty, shall set a new maximum overall amount and adjust the amounts in Annex III accordingly, - the Council, acting under the conditions provided for in Article 130i(4) of the Treaty, shall adapt the amounts deemed necessary for the specific programmes referred to in Article 3, so as to ensure their consistency with the new maximum overall amount. Pending the decisions provided for in the first and second indents above, the specific programmes shall not be implemented beyond the provision in the first indent of subparagraph (a) of this paragraph. 2. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 shall be subject to revision should new Member States accede before this framework programme expires. 3. Annex III fixes the respective amounts earmarked for each of the Community activities envisaged in Article 1 and indicates the breakdown between the themes of the first Community activity defined in Article 1(2). 4. All administrative expenditure arising from the research activities shall be paid from the overall amount of the programme. It shall be dealt with in the general budget of the European Communities according to the usual procedures applicable to other comparable administrative expenditure. Article 3 1. The fifth framework programme shall be implemented through eight specific programmes, four of which correspond to the four themes of the first Community activity, three are linked to the second, third and fourth Community activities respectively, and the eighth is a programme specific to the Joint Research Centre. The scientific, industrial and user communities will be closely involved throughout this implementation process. Each specific programme shall specify its precise objectives having regard to the scientific and technological objectives set forth in Annex II, define the detailed rules for its implementation, fix its duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. The Commission will establish and publish under its own responsibility a detailed manual of operational procedures and guidelines for the selection of research and technological development actions. 2. Implementation of the fifth framework programme may give rise, where necessary, to supplementary programmes within the meaning of Article 130k of the Treaty, to Community participation in research and development programmes undertaken by several Member States within the meaning of Article 130l or to the setting-up of joint undertakings or any other structure within the meaning of Article 130n. It may also give rise to cooperation with third countries or international organisations within the meaning of Article 130m. Article 4 The detailed rules for financial participation by the Community in the fifth framework programme shall be those laid down in accordance with the special provisions concerning research and technological development appropriations set out in the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (8), as supplemented by Annex IV to this Decision. Article 5 1. The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor each year, with the help of independent qualified experts, the implementation of the fifth framework programme and its specific programmes in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I and the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II. It shall assess, in particular, whether the objectives, priorities and financial resources are still appropriate to the changing situation. Where appropriate, it shall submit proposals to adapt or supplement the framework programme and/or the specific programmes, taking account of the results of this assessment. 2. Before submitting its proposal for a sixth framework programme, the Commission shall have an external assessment conducted by independent highly qualified experts into the implementation and achievements of Community activities carried out during the five years preceding that assessment in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I, the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II and the implementation of this Decision via the specific programmes based thereon. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its comments, to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 3. The independent qualified experts referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be drawn in particular from scientific, industrial and user communities and chosen by the Commission, which shall take account, in a balanced fashion, of the various research players. The Commission shall make known the full list of experts and their individual qualifications following their appointment. 4. The Commission shall regularly inform the European Parliament and the Council of the overall progress of the implementation of the framework programme and the specific programmes. Article 6 Halfway through the term of the fifth framework programme, the Commission shall review progress with the programme and shall submit to the European Parliament and tho the Council, on the basis of the assessments of the various specific programmes, a communication accompanied, if appropriate, by a proposal for the adaptation of this Decision. Article 7 All research activities conducted pursuant to the fifth framework programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, including animal welfare requirements, in conformity with Community law. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1998. For the European Parliament The President J.M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council C. EINEM (1) OJ C 173, 7.6.1997, p. 10, and OJ C 291, 25.9.1997, p. 15. (2) OJ C 355, 21.11.1997, p. 38, and OJ C 73, 9.3.1998, p. 133. (3) OJ C 379, 15.12.1997, p. 26. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 18 December 1997 (OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 171), Council Common Position of 24 March 1998 (OJ C 178, 10.6.1998, p. 49) and Decision of the European Parliament of 17 June 1998 (OJ C 210, 6.7.1998, p. 131). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 December 1998 and Decision of the Council of 22 December 1998. (5) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision No 2535/97/EC (OJ L 347, 18.12.1997, p. 1). (6) OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, p. 5. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ L 356, 31.12.1977, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, ECSC, Euratom) No 2548/98, OJ L 320, 28.11.1998, p. 1.
Article 2 
1. (a) The maximum overall amount for Community participation in the fifth framework programme shall be ECU 13 700 million. Of this amount: to ECU 3 140 million is for the period 1998 to 1999, to ECU 10 560 million is for the period 2000 to 2002. (b) The figure of ECU 10 560 million shall be deemed to be confirmed if it is consistent with the financial perspective in force in the period 2000 to 2002. In the case of any new financial perspective in force, this condition shall be met only if: - the financial perspective indicates the share of expenditure available for research, and - that share permits Community participation of ECU 10 560 million in the period 2000 to 2002. (c) If the figure of ECU 10 560 million is not consistent with the financial perspective in force in the period 2000 to 2002, or if there is no financial perspective in force in those years, - the European Parliament and the Council, acting under the conditions provided for in Article 130i(1) of the Treaty, shall set a new maximum overall amount and adjust the amounts in Annex III accordingly, - the Council, acting under the conditions provided for in Article 130i(4) of the Treaty, shall adapt the amounts deemed necessary for the specific programmes referred to in Article 3, so as to ensure their consistency with the new maximum overall amount. Pending the decisions provided for in the first and second indents above, the specific programmes shall not be implemented beyond the provision in the first indent of subparagraph (a) of this paragraph. 2. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 shall be subject to revision should new Member States accede before this framework programme expires. 3. Annex III fixes the respective amounts earmarked for each of the Community activities envisaged in Article 1 and indicates the breakdown between the themes of the first Community activity defined in Article 1(2). 4. All administrative expenditure arising from the research activities shall be paid from the overall amount of the programme. It shall be dealt with in the general budget of the European Communities according to the usual procedures applicable to other comparable administrative expenditure. Article 3 1. The fifth framework programme shall be implemented through eight specific programmes, four of which correspond to the four themes of the first Community activity, three are linked to the second, third and fourth Community activities respectively, and the eighth is a programme specific to the Joint Research Centre. The scientific, industrial and user communities will be closely involved throughout this implementation process. Each specific programme shall specify its precise objectives having regard to the scientific and technological objectives set forth in Annex II, define the detailed rules for its implementation, fix its duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. The Commission will establish and publish under its own responsibility a detailed manual of operational procedures and guidelines for the selection of research and technological development actions. 2. Implementation of the fifth framework programme may give rise, where necessary, to supplementary programmes within the meaning of Article 130k of the Treaty, to Community participation in research and development programmes undertaken by several Member States within the meaning of Article 130l or to the setting-up of joint undertakings or any other structure within the meaning of Article 130n. It may also give rise to cooperation with third countries or international organisations within the meaning of Article 130m. Article 4 The detailed rules for financial participation by the Community in the fifth framework programme shall be those laid down in accordance with the special provisions concerning research and technological development appropriations set out in the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (8), as supplemented by Annex IV to this Decision. Article 5 1. The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor each year, with the help of independent qualified experts, the implementation of the fifth framework programme and its specific programmes in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I and the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II. It shall assess, in particular, whether the objectives, priorities and financial resources are still appropriate to the changing situation. Where appropriate, it shall submit proposals to adapt or supplement the framework programme and/or the specific programmes, taking account of the results of this assessment. 2. Before submitting its proposal for a sixth framework programme, the Commission shall have an external assessment conducted by independent highly qualified experts into the implementation and achievements of Community activities carried out during the five years preceding that assessment in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I, the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II and the implementation of this Decision via the specific programmes based thereon. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its comments, to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 3. The independent qualified experts referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be drawn in particular from scientific, industrial and user communities and chosen by the Commission, which shall take account, in a balanced fashion, of the various research players. The Commission shall make known the full list of experts and their individual qualifications following their appointment. 4. The Commission shall regularly inform the European Parliament and the Council of the overall progress of the implementation of the framework programme and the specific programmes. Article 6 Halfway through the term of the fifth framework programme, the Commission shall review progress with the programme and shall submit to the European Parliament and tho the Council, on the basis of the assessments of the various specific programmes, a communication accompanied, if appropriate, by a proposal for the adaptation of this Decision. Article 7 All research activities conducted pursuant to the fifth framework programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, including animal welfare requirements, in conformity with Community law. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1998. For the European Parliament The President J.M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council C. EINEM (1) OJ C 173, 7.6.1997, p. 10, and OJ C 291, 25.9.1997, p. 15. (2) OJ C 355, 21.11.1997, p. 38, and OJ C 73, 9.3.1998, p. 133. (3) OJ C 379, 15.12.1997, p. 26. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 18 December 1997 (OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 171), Council Common Position of 24 March 1998 (OJ C 178, 10.6.1998, p. 49) and Decision of the European Parliament of 17 June 1998 (OJ C 210, 6.7.1998, p. 131). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 December 1998 and Decision of the Council of 22 December 1998. (5) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision No 2535/97/EC (OJ L 347, 18.12.1997, p. 1). (6) OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, p. 5. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ L 356, 31.12.1977, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, ECSC, Euratom) No 2548/98, OJ L 320, 28.11.1998, p. 1.
Article 3 
1. The fifth framework programme shall be implemented through eight specific programmes, four of which correspond to the four themes of the first Community activity, three are linked to the second, third and fourth Community activities respectively, and the eighth is a programme specific to the Joint Research Centre. The scientific, industrial and user communities will be closely involved throughout this implementation process. Each specific programme shall specify its precise objectives having regard to the scientific and technological objectives set forth in Annex II, define the detailed rules for its implementation, fix its duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. The Commission will establish and publish under its own responsibility a detailed manual of operational procedures and guidelines for the selection of research and technological development actions. 2. Implementation of the fifth framework programme may give rise, where necessary, to supplementary programmes within the meaning of Article 130k of the Treaty, to Community participation in research and development programmes undertaken by several Member States within the meaning of Article 130l or to the setting-up of joint undertakings or any other structure within the meaning of Article 130n. It may also give rise to cooperation with third countries or international organisations within the meaning of Article 130m. Article 4 The detailed rules for financial participation by the Community in the fifth framework programme shall be those laid down in accordance with the special provisions concerning research and technological development appropriations set out in the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (8), as supplemented by Annex IV to this Decision. Article 5 1. The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor each year, with the help of independent qualified experts, the implementation of the fifth framework programme and its specific programmes in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I and the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II. It shall assess, in particular, whether the objectives, priorities and financial resources are still appropriate to the changing situation. Where appropriate, it shall submit proposals to adapt or supplement the framework programme and/or the specific programmes, taking account of the results of this assessment. 2. Before submitting its proposal for a sixth framework programme, the Commission shall have an external assessment conducted by independent highly qualified experts into the implementation and achievements of Community activities carried out during the five years preceding that assessment in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I, the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II and the implementation of this Decision via the specific programmes based thereon. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its comments, to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 3. The independent qualified experts referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be drawn in particular from scientific, industrial and user communities and chosen by the Commission, which shall take account, in a balanced fashion, of the various research players. The Commission shall make known the full list of experts and their individual qualifications following their appointment. 4. The Commission shall regularly inform the European Parliament and the Council of the overall progress of the implementation of the framework programme and the specific programmes. Article 6 Halfway through the term of the fifth framework programme, the Commission shall review progress with the programme and shall submit to the European Parliament and tho the Council, on the basis of the assessments of the various specific programmes, a communication accompanied, if appropriate, by a proposal for the adaptation of this Decision. Article 7 All research activities conducted pursuant to the fifth framework programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, including animal welfare requirements, in conformity with Community law. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1998. For the European Parliament The President J.M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council C. EINEM (1) OJ C 173, 7.6.1997, p. 10, and OJ C 291, 25.9.1997, p. 15. (2) OJ C 355, 21.11.1997, p. 38, and OJ C 73, 9.3.1998, p. 133. (3) OJ C 379, 15.12.1997, p. 26. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 18 December 1997 (OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 171), Council Common Position of 24 March 1998 (OJ C 178, 10.6.1998, p. 49) and Decision of the European Parliament of 17 June 1998 (OJ C 210, 6.7.1998, p. 131). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 December 1998 and Decision of the Council of 22 December 1998. (5) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision No 2535/97/EC (OJ L 347, 18.12.1997, p. 1). (6) OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, p. 5. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ L 356, 31.12.1977, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, ECSC, Euratom) No 2548/98, OJ L 320, 28.11.1998, p. 1.
Article 4 
The detailed rules for financial participation by the Community in the fifth framework programme shall be those laid down in accordance with the special provisions concerning research and technological development appropriations set out in the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (8), as supplemented by Annex IV to this Decision. Article 5 1. The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor each year, with the help of independent qualified experts, the implementation of the fifth framework programme and its specific programmes in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I and the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II. It shall assess, in particular, whether the objectives, priorities and financial resources are still appropriate to the changing situation. Where appropriate, it shall submit proposals to adapt or supplement the framework programme and/or the specific programmes, taking account of the results of this assessment. 2. Before submitting its proposal for a sixth framework programme, the Commission shall have an external assessment conducted by independent highly qualified experts into the implementation and achievements of Community activities carried out during the five years preceding that assessment in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I, the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II and the implementation of this Decision via the specific programmes based thereon. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its comments, to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 3. The independent qualified experts referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be drawn in particular from scientific, industrial and user communities and chosen by the Commission, which shall take account, in a balanced fashion, of the various research players. The Commission shall make known the full list of experts and their individual qualifications following their appointment. 4. The Commission shall regularly inform the European Parliament and the Council of the overall progress of the implementation of the framework programme and the specific programmes. Article 6 Halfway through the term of the fifth framework programme, the Commission shall review progress with the programme and shall submit to the European Parliament and tho the Council, on the basis of the assessments of the various specific programmes, a communication accompanied, if appropriate, by a proposal for the adaptation of this Decision. Article 7 All research activities conducted pursuant to the fifth framework programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, including animal welfare requirements, in conformity with Community law. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1998. For the European Parliament The President J.M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council C. EINEM (1) OJ C 173, 7.6.1997, p. 10, and OJ C 291, 25.9.1997, p. 15. (2) OJ C 355, 21.11.1997, p. 38, and OJ C 73, 9.3.1998, p. 133. (3) OJ C 379, 15.12.1997, p. 26. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 18 December 1997 (OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 171), Council Common Position of 24 March 1998 (OJ C 178, 10.6.1998, p. 49) and Decision of the European Parliament of 17 June 1998 (OJ C 210, 6.7.1998, p. 131). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 December 1998 and Decision of the Council of 22 December 1998. (5) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision No 2535/97/EC (OJ L 347, 18.12.1997, p. 1). (6) OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, p. 5. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ L 356, 31.12.1977, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, ECSC, Euratom) No 2548/98, OJ L 320, 28.11.1998, p. 1.
Article 5 
1. The Commission shall continually and systematically monitor each year, with the help of independent qualified experts, the implementation of the fifth framework programme and its specific programmes in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I and the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II. It shall assess, in particular, whether the objectives, priorities and financial resources are still appropriate to the changing situation. Where appropriate, it shall submit proposals to adapt or supplement the framework programme and/or the specific programmes, taking account of the results of this assessment. 2. Before submitting its proposal for a sixth framework programme, the Commission shall have an external assessment conducted by independent highly qualified experts into the implementation and achievements of Community activities carried out during the five years preceding that assessment in the light of the criteria set out in Annex I, the scientific and technological objectives set out in Annex II and the implementation of this Decision via the specific programmes based thereon. The Commission shall communicate the conclusions thereof, accompanied by its comments, to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. 3. The independent qualified experts referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be drawn in particular from scientific, industrial and user communities and chosen by the Commission, which shall take account, in a balanced fashion, of the various research players. The Commission shall make known the full list of experts and their individual qualifications following their appointment. 4. The Commission shall regularly inform the European Parliament and the Council of the overall progress of the implementation of the framework programme and the specific programmes. Article 6 Halfway through the term of the fifth framework programme, the Commission shall review progress with the programme and shall submit to the European Parliament and tho the Council, on the basis of the assessments of the various specific programmes, a communication accompanied, if appropriate, by a proposal for the adaptation of this Decision. Article 7 All research activities conducted pursuant to the fifth framework programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, including animal welfare requirements, in conformity with Community law. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1998. For the European Parliament The President J.M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council C. EINEM (1) OJ C 173, 7.6.1997, p. 10, and OJ C 291, 25.9.1997, p. 15. (2) OJ C 355, 21.11.1997, p. 38, and OJ C 73, 9.3.1998, p. 133. (3) OJ C 379, 15.12.1997, p. 26. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 18 December 1997 (OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 171), Council Common Position of 24 March 1998 (OJ C 178, 10.6.1998, p. 49) and Decision of the European Parliament of 17 June 1998 (OJ C 210, 6.7.1998, p. 131). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 December 1998 and Decision of the Council of 22 December 1998. (5) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision No 2535/97/EC (OJ L 347, 18.12.1997, p. 1). (6) OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, p. 5. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ L 356, 31.12.1977, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, ECSC, Euratom) No 2548/98, OJ L 320, 28.11.1998, p. 1.
Article 6 
Halfway through the term of the fifth framework programme, the Commission shall review progress with the programme and shall submit to the European Parliament and tho the Council, on the basis of the assessments of the various specific programmes, a communication accompanied, if appropriate, by a proposal for the adaptation of this Decision. Article 7 All research activities conducted pursuant to the fifth framework programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, including animal welfare requirements, in conformity with Community law. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1998. For the European Parliament The President J.M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council C. EINEM (1) OJ C 173, 7.6.1997, p. 10, and OJ C 291, 25.9.1997, p. 15. (2) OJ C 355, 21.11.1997, p. 38, and OJ C 73, 9.3.1998, p. 133. (3) OJ C 379, 15.12.1997, p. 26. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 18 December 1997 (OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 171), Council Common Position of 24 March 1998 (OJ C 178, 10.6.1998, p. 49) and Decision of the European Parliament of 17 June 1998 (OJ C 210, 6.7.1998, p. 131). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 December 1998 and Decision of the Council of 22 December 1998. (5) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision No 2535/97/EC (OJ L 347, 18.12.1997, p. 1). (6) OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, p. 5. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ L 356, 31.12.1977, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, ECSC, Euratom) No 2548/98, OJ L 320, 28.11.1998, p. 1.
Article 7 
All research activities conducted pursuant to the fifth framework programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, including animal welfare requirements, in conformity with Community law. Done at Brussels, 22 December 1998. For the European Parliament The President J.M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council C. EINEM (1) OJ C 173, 7.6.1997, p. 10, and OJ C 291, 25.9.1997, p. 15. (2) OJ C 355, 21.11.1997, p. 38, and OJ C 73, 9.3.1998, p. 133. (3) OJ C 379, 15.12.1997, p. 26. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 18 December 1997 (OJ C 14, 19.1.1998, p. 171), Council Common Position of 24 March 1998 (OJ C 178, 10.6.1998, p. 49) and Decision of the European Parliament of 17 June 1998 (OJ C 210, 6.7.1998, p. 131). Decision of the European Parliament of 15 December 1998 and Decision of the Council of 22 December 1998. (5) OJ L 126, 18.5.1994, p. 1. Decision as last amended by Decision No 2535/97/EC (OJ L 347, 18.12.1997, p. 1). (6) OJ C 45, 17.2.1996, p. 5. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ L 356, 31.12.1977, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC, ECSC, Euratom) No 2548/98, OJ L 320, 28.11.1998, p. 1.