Research RTD, 4th framework-programme 1994-1998: adjustment of funding following 1995 enlargement (amend. Decision 1110/94/EC)

The rapporteur, Mr LINKHOR, welcomed the fact that the common position of the Council had taken over the main amendments drawn up by Parliament at first reading. He regretted that the administrative costs associated with the introduction of the projects were seriously diminishing the impact of the appropriations and was disappointed to see that the research share of GDP was declining throughout the European Union. Finally, the rapporteur protested about the fact that Parliament was unable to intervene in the area of nuclear research programmes. He therefore thought that the Intergovernmental Conference should institute the codecision procedure in the EURATOM Treaty. As regards the financial supplement to the Fourth Framework Programme, Commissioner CRESSON pointed out that the Commission was faced with the problem of being realistic while at the same time delivering an efficient system. Given the difficult budget conditions, and in view of the fact that the Council had reached its decision by unanimous agreement, the Commissioner thought that the allocation of ECU 700 million was far from negligible. Finally, with regard to the slow pace and administrative cost of the procedures Mrs Cresson, while expressing her desire to see the situation improved, wanted the Commission to adopt a strict approach to the management of the programmes.