European metrology research and development programme 2009-2017

2008/0230(COD)

The European Parliament adopted by 661 votes to 11, with 4 abstentions, a legislative resolution modifying, under the first reading of the codecision procedure, the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation by the Community in a European metrology research and development programme undertaken by several Member States.

The amendments were the result of a compromise negotiated with the Council.

The term “contribution” that appeared in the initial proposal has been replaced by “financial contribution” throughout the text.

In relation to annual reporting and evaluation of the programme, an amendment states that the Commission shall, with the assistance of an independent expert group, conduct a final evaluation of the general, specific and operational objectives of the programme. This group shall base its assessment on, inter alia, the following indicators:

  • the scientific excellence of the projects and grants awarded as measured by the number of publications, patents and other scientific output indicators;
  • the level of participation in the programme by outside researchers and research institutions;
  • the increase in metrology capacity of Member States and countries associated with the Seventh Framework Programme whose metrology programmes are at an early stage of development;
  • the number and quality of training activities;
  • the number and quality of activities related to metrology communication and diffusion.