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

Commissioner Cresson thanked Parliament, which had supported the Commission’s proposal aimed at providing the framework programme in question with a budget of ECU 16.3 billion, while considering that the chances of achieving a unanimous vote in favour of the amount proposed were small. The Commission had therefore opted to maintain the amended proposal without including any amendments other than those already incorporated as they stood or largely unchanged at the conclusion of first reading. As for the group of amendments on the implementation and management of the framework programme, Mrs Cresson announced that a range of measures moving in the same direction as most of the amendments was being prepared by the Commission.