Resaerch RTD, 5th framework-programme EC 1998-2002: research, technological development and demonstration activities

EP/Commission Agreement was reached with the Council about the implementation of the Fifth Framework Research Programme 1998-2002. After long negotiations, the EP and Council delegations finally could accept an overall amount for EC and Euratom research activities of Ecu 14.960 million, of which Ecu 13.700m for the EC programme and Ecu 1.260m for Euratom. Council finally agreed to an additional Ecu 50 million for the EC programme, Ecu 25m going to the Joint Research Centre and Ecu 25m pro rata for other activities. It was also agreed that 10% of the amount available for the first activity of the programme will be spent on SMEs. A solution was found for the so-called guillotine clause. A compromise was arrived at which will safeguard Parliament's position. Taking into account that a new financial perspective will be negotiated during the course of the programme, it was decided that in case of inconsistency of the maximum overall amount with the amount available for research a new decision should be taken on an amount under the condition provided for under the Treaty. Equivalent arrangements should be made for the specific programmes. In the absence of such arrangements the specific programms could not be implemented. Parliament will be involved through codecision not only in the adaptation of the overall amount and the breakdown between the different activities but also on changes in the content of the framework programme. Originally, the EP Delegation vehemently rejected the guillotine clause as running counter to the Treaty. Now, Parliament's co-decision prerogatives will be ensured. Vice President IMBENI and rapporteur Godelieve QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL (EPP, D) said this morning that the compromise fell short of what Parliament had initially wanted, a good result had nevertheless been reached. The EP delegation emphasized that negotiating with Council was difficult where the Council has to agree unanimously. The delegation also felt that negotiations will be less complicated in future, when, under the Treaty of Amsterdam, Council will no longer have to decide by unanimity. Rapporteur QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL pointed out that, in view of the aim in the member states to save money, the overall amount of Ecu 13.700m for research and development was the best that could be obtained. Vice President IMBENI added that the greater part of Parliament's amendments had been adopted and Mrs QUISTHOUDT underlined that Council had taken on board the Parliament's proposals as to the structure of the 5th framework programme. Other amendments accepted during the conciliation procedure concerned the following: it was agreed to introduce a mid-term review; the Commission shall now review progress with the programme and shall submit a proposal to modify the programme as required; the Commission will confirm that it is possible for the EP to request the Joint Research Centre to undertake certain research tasks; the EP shall be entitled to request research to be done by the JRC; there will now be a specific action on research related to the disabled;any activities involving human cloning will be excluded programme;a European Descartes prize will awarded to researchers for outstanding scientific and technological achievements resulting from European collaborative research. �