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

In adopting the report by Mrs QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL (EPP, D) Parliament set the overall amount for Community financial participation in the fifth framework programme for R & D at ECU 15.4 billion (the Commission proposed an amount of ECU 14.833 billion). Parliament considered that the research activities supported under the fifth framework programme should have as their aim the improvement of the quality of life of citizens and the scientific and technological conditions of the Union's international competitiveness, while satisfying the condition of ecological sustainability. It advocated the adoption of measures to encourage the effective participation of SMUs in the programmes. The European Commission had proposed three themes for the first Community activity (research programmes) but Parliament adopted an amendment providing for four themes: a) life sciences and technologies: health, food and environment, fight against transmissible and rare diseases, the cell factory, chemical and molecular biology bases and degenerative diseases, especially diseases and handicaps relating to age; b) information and communication technologies: systems and services for the citizen, new working methods and electronic trading, multimedia, essential technologies and infrastructures; c) transport - mobility - production: land-based and marine transport and technologies, aeronautics and astronautics, mobility and interoperability, products, procedures and organizations; d) energy - environment - sustainable development: advanced energy systems and services in the energy sector, including fossil fuels and renewable energies and, in the environment sector, cultural heritage and sustainable development; rural and mountain areas, coastal areas, urban areas, global climate change, water management and technologies. Parliament also adopted an amendment concerning the amounts and their breakdown for the four activities in the period 1998-2002: - first activity (research programmes): ECU 12.165 billion (Commission ECU 11.775 billion); - second activity (cooperation with third countries and international organizations): ECU 550 million (Commission: ECU 491 million); - third activity (dissemination and optimization of results): ECU 410 million (Commission ECU 350 million); - fourth activity (stimulation of the training and mobility of researchers): ECU 1.460 billion (Commission: ECU 1.402 billion). Parliament called on the Commission to submit a proposal for adaptation of the scientific and technological objectives and measures halfway through the term of the fifth framework programme. It also proposed that Parliament should establish mechanisms enabling its members to scrutinize the implementation of all parts of the framework programme. �