Research RTD 1994-1998: participation of undertakings, research centres, universities. Specific programmes

The common position incorporates the content of the three European Parliament amendments accepted by the Commission in its amended proposal. The main amendments: - include a reference to the "financial contribution by the Community"; - introduce two basic conditions for the participation of legal entities in third countries: their participation must serve Community policies and they must cooperate with a minimum number of Community participants; priority will be given to European countries and to cooperation within a negotiated framework (bilateral agreements); - introduce an optional system of calls for expression of interest for information purposes; - include a reference to assistance activities of a competitive nature; - include technical monitoring clauses in contracts; - clarify the status of the JRC as regards its future participation; - clarify the links with the provisions of Annex IV to the fourth framework programme (ceilings on the financial participation of the Community); inclusion of the European Parliament's amendment concerning the need for payment "in good time"; distinction between the use of the usual method of real costs and the use of other methods; clarification of the notion of "fixed compound rates"; clearer definition of the notion of "additional costs"; - clarification of the possibilities given to SMEs to participate outside the context of ordinary calls for proposals; - limitation of the duration of rules to projects under the fourth framework programme with the possibility of subsequent extension; - annual reports on the implementation of the rules and final examination before the end of the fourth framework programme.�