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

The Commission's second amended proposal incorporates the spirit and substance of several of Parliament's amendments, particularly the one proposing a fourth thematic programme. However, some of Parliament's amendments concerning the wording of the themes and the detailed formulation of their scientific and technological content reflect an approach by sectors and by disciplines which departs from that advocated by the Commission. In addition, where the points of view converge as to the substance, the Commission's amended proposals are based on suggestions made by the Council. The major amendments concern: (1) The structure of the first action of the framework programme which now comprises four thematic programmes: (a) improving the quality of life and the management of living resources; (b) creating a user-friendly information society; (c) promoting competitive and sustainable growth; (d) preserving the ecosystem. In this reconfiguration, the Commission is encouraging the integrated, multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach pursued so far. The first programme is refocused around concerns relating to health, the quality of life and the management of living resources, while the new (fourth) programme addresses the safeguarding of the natural resources heritage. The third programme will now focus mainly on a combination of issues relating to production and transport. (2) The key actions: - the two key actions 'health and food' and 'environment and health' of the programme 'Improving the quality of life and the management of living resources' have been merged into one single key action 'health, food and environmental factors'; - the key action 'advanced energy systems and services' is split into two separate key actions 'promoting the sustainable use of energy' and 'developing cleaner, more competitive and diversified energy supply' and transferred to the new programme 'preserving the ecosystem'; - two additional key actions are created: the first on 'the ageing population' within the programme 'improving the quality of life and the management of living resources' and the second 'global environmental change in climate' within the new programme 'preserving the ecosystem'; - the title of the key action 'the city of tomorrow' is amended to include the cultural heritage. (3) As regards the overall allocation and distribution of funds, it is proposed that the figures proposed by the Commission for the overall amount (ECU 14 833 m) and its breakdown over the four activities be confirmed. As regards the breakdown of resources within the first activity, the changes made reflect the revised structure on the basis of four programmes: (a) improving the quality of life and the management of living resources: ECU 2650 millions; (b) creating a user-friendly information society: ECU 3925 millions; (c) promoting competitive and sustainable growth: ECU 3100 millions. (d) preserving the ecosystem: ECU 2100 million. �