Est. 2min 21-12-2005 (updated: 05-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Now that an initial deal on the EU’s long-term budget has been reached, the Austrian and Finnish Presidencies are set to concentrate on fast adoption of FP7 to ensure a smooth transition between the current FP6 and FP7. Top priority for the year 2006 will be to speed up the process for the adoption of FP7 and the related specific programmes. Indeed, all decisions related to the next Framework Programme for 2007-2013 will have to be made before the end of 2006 in order for FP7 to begin in 2007. Furthermore, drawing more human resources into research and reinforcing the links between science and society in general are set to receive more attention as the EU tries to establish a true European Research Area. Other 2006 research highlights include: Space Work will continue on further developing and implementing an overall European space policy. A management structure for the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) will be developed during 2006 with the Commission planning to set up an internal GMES organisational structure. ITER The year 2006 will see the last decisions taken on the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor). The Commission is expected to publish, at the beginning of the year, its proposals on the conclusion of an international agreement between the participating parties and the creation of a European legal entity. 3% Action Plan The Austrian and Finnish Presidencies will continue to “monitor and encourage” the implementation of the 3% Action Plan, the aim of which is to increase EU investment in research to three per cent of GDP by 2010. The work will be reinforced by the Commission’s recent Action Plan for investing in research in Europe. The European Institute of Technology (EIT) is also set to be established in 2006 and a final decision on the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation (CIP) (2007-2013) is expected before the end of the year. As to security research, there will be more co-operation between civil and military security research. Read more with Euractiv Commission opts for hands-off approach on waste policy The proposed new waste strategy seeks to cut waste generation and boost recycling and recovery through a new 'life-cycle' approach. But it leaves the thorny issue of recycling and prevention targets to EU states. Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters PositionsScience and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik sees two main issues for future action in the field of EU research: "One is to make sure that best use will be made of the EU's research budget. The other is to improve the framework conditions for R&D in Europe." BackgroundThe year 2005 saw Commission proposals on the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) and the related specific programmes. The Commission's proposal to double the amount of current EU funding for research received an enthusiastic welcome from the research community and the European Parliament but left the Council with mixed feelings as negotiations on the next fianancial perspective turned out to be extremely difficult. An initial deal on the EU's long-term budget was finally found under the UK Presidency in December 2005. The deal looks promising for EU research as it would mean a 75% increase, in real terms, of the EU's investment in research by 2013, compared to 2006. The financial perspective still needs to be adopted by the European Parliament. Timeline First reading of FP7 in the Parliament is planned for March 2006. Commission proposal for a Regulation establishing the European Institute of Technology is expected to be adopted in the 2nd quarter of 2006. The Commission is set to adopt a communication on Galileo's future applications in October 2006. The Commission will adopt a communication on optimal use of tax incentives for research and development in 2006. The Commission will prepare, in 2006, European guidelines for companies showing them how to build bridges with academia in different member states (contractual negotiations, intellectual property etc.). Further ReadingEU official documents The Austrian and Finnish Delegations:Draft Operational Programme of the Council for 2006 submitted by the(5 December 2005) Commission:Commission work programme 2006 Austrian Presidency:website Commission press release:Speech of Commissioner Potocnik - European Technology Platforms: making the move to implementation(16 December 2005)
