Research RTD, 6th EC Framework-programme 2002-2006: strengthening the European Research Area

PURPOSE : to adopt a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration: "Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area" (2002-2006). COMMUNITY MEASURE : Council Decision 2002/834/EC. CONTENT : the Council adopted the decisions establishing the five specific Programmes for Research under the 6th Research Framework 2002-2006 (EC and Euratom). This particular programme ("Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area (EC)") was adopted by qualified majority with the Italian delegation voting against. Adoption of the Specific Programmes will contribute to the timely implementation of the new Framework Programme, as requested by the European Council, so as to promote the creation of a European Research Area and to strengthen innovation in the European Union. The five Specific Programmes cover the following themes: - Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area (EC): EUR 12905 million; - Structuring the European Research Area (EC): EUR 2605 million; - Joint Research Centre activities (EC): EUR 760 million; - Nuclear energy (Euratom): EUR 940 million; - Joint Research Centre activities (Euratom): EUR 290 million. The Specific Programmes establish programme management provisions, scientific and technological objectives and budgetary allocations for the different research activities to be financed under the Framework Programme. It is stipulated that no funding will go to research aimed at human reproductive cloning, modification of the genetic heritage of human beings or the creation of human embryos solely for the purpose of research or stem cell procurement. In addition, further elaboration on ethical issues is provided for in a statement for the Council minutes, namely that: - further provisions on the funding of research activities which involve the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells will be established before the end of 2003, on the basis of a new proposal from the Commission and in consultation with the European Parliament; - until then, the Commission will not propose to finance such research projects, unless they involve banked or isolated human embryonic stem cells in culture; - proposals for research projects in these areas will be submitted to a regulatory committee.�