RTD 5th framework programme 1998-2002: research, development, demonstration, direct actions by the JRC

OBJECTIVE: to adopt a specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration, to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre (1998 to 2002). SUBSTANCE: with a view to the implementation of the fifth framework programme of R&TD, the Commission proposes adopting a specific programme to be carried out by means of actions by the Joint Research Centre for the period 1998-2002. The amount deemed necessary for the implementation of the specific programme is ECU 815 m (ECU 200 m for 1998-1999; ECU 615 m for 2000-2002). The three main themes of the programme are as follows: a) serving the citizen: the objective is to support a policy intended to protect members of the public as individuals (measures to guarantee the quality of foodstuffs, beverages and consumer goods; protecting tax-payers against fraud; health care; reliable information; protecting the public against man-made and natural hazards); b) enhancing sustainability: analysing the environmental impact of various political options, bolstering anti-fraud measures under the agricultural and fisheries policies; supporting international efforts to combat global climate change; studying the development of European ecosystems and ways of preserving them; c) underpinning European competitiveness: measures to promote the transfer of know-how and research results from the scientific community to industrial users (e.g. remote sensing and advanced materials).�