Combating Aids, malaria and tuberculosis: research partnership Europe/developing countries

The Council held an exchange of views on the proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and the Council on Community participation in a research and development programme aimed at developing clinical interventions to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis through a long-term partnership between Europe and developing countries. Following the debate, the Presidency drew the following conclusions: The Council confirmed its intention to pursue this proposal as a pilot programme for the use of Article 169, it being acknowledged that further detailed discussions with the European Parliament will take place. In this context, Ministers: - underlined the importance of ensuring the commitment of financial and human resources at the national level, including, as appropriate, those of third countries, to carrying out these activities; - stressed the importance of associating very closely the developing countries with all aspects of the programme, including in the decision making process, and reinforcing current collaboration in this area as well as ensuring the establishment of the necessary modalities for effective coordination between the different actors in this field. Recognising the pioneering nature of this proposal, Ministers stressed the need for an in-depth examination of all aspects of this initiative and how best to link this programme to other activities in the implementation of the Sixth Framework Programme and the creation of ERA. Ministers stressed the need for establishing the appropriate structure and effective management arrangements for carrying out the programme, bearing in mind the need to provide for a similar level of scientific excellence and protection of Community financial interests as in other instruments implementing the Sixth Framework Programme. As to the way forward, therefore: - the Permanent Representative Committee should continue the examination of this proposal in close cooperation with the European Parliament, with particular attention to the modalities of the Community participation in EDCTP and also the question of liability of the participants; - the participating Member States should agree on the form of the legal entity and the common structure which will be responsible for the implementation and execution of the EDCTP activities, prior to the decision being taken by the European Parliament and the Council.�