Specific research programme RTD: marine sciences and technologies (1994-1998)

The Commission's amended proposal took over the European Parliament's amendments concerning: the implementation schedule for the programme (the first appropriations would be allocated within twelve months of the adoption of the programme); the measures to simplify and improve the procedures and make them more transparent; the staff and administrative expenditure; the reference to the financial perspective; the reference to the economic significance of marine resources for Europe; the need for measures aimed at promoting the participation of SMEs through the development of generic technologies and advanced systems; the importance of making effective use of equipment, including research vessels. The Commission did not accept the amendments concerning comitology, international cooperation (extension of the Commission's negotiating mandate to the countries of the Mediterranean Basin) and systematic priority for SMEs in the selection of projects. �