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Research Fund for Coal and Steel: research programme, multiannual technical guidelines

2007/0135(CNS)

PURPOSE: to establish a Research Programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel and the multiannual technical guidelines for this programme.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2008/376/EC on the adoption of the Research Programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel and on the multiannual technical guidelines for this programme.

CONTENT: the Research Programme shall support the competitiveness of the Community sectors related to the coal and steel industry by complementing the Seventh Research Framework Programme of the EU in these sectors.

Coal: the research projects shall aim to:

  • improve the competitive position of Community coal by reducing the total costs of mining production, improving the quality of the products and reducing the costs of using coal;
  • achieve scientific and technological progress with a view to gaining a better understanding of the behaviour and control of deposits in relation to rock pressure, gas emissions, the risk of explosion, ventilation and all other factors affecting mining operations;
  • improve health and safety in mines;
  • minimise the impact of mining operations and the use of coal on the atmosphere;
  • improve the use of coal as a clean energy source;
  • enable better management of external dependence on energy supply.

Steel: the research projects shall aim to:

  • improve steelmaking and finishing techniques with a view to enhancing product quality and increasing productivity through new techniques;
  • undertake measures in respect of the utilisation of steel to meet the future requirements of steel users and to create new market opportunities;
  • encourage the conservation of resources, the preservation of the ecosystem and the improvement of working conditions and safety issues.

The maximum total financial contribution of the Research Fund shall be:

  • for research projects up to 60%;
  • for pilot and demonstration projects up to 50%;
  • for accompanying measures, support and preparatory actions up to 100%.

The multiannual technical guidelines for this programme are amended so as to ensure complementarity with the Seventh Research Framework Programme and to take account of the incorporation into the EU of new Member States. The guidelines shall be reviewed every seven years, first period ending on 31 December 2014.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 21/05/2008.

APPLICATION: from 16/09/2007.