The 6th EU Research Framework Programme ready for the kick-off: Commissioner ippe Busquin outlines the way forward

What? FP6 launch press conference Who? EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin Where? In Brussels, at Breydel building’s press room When? On June 27, 2002, from 11.00 to 12.00 hrs.

Parliament and Council have formally adopted the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Development, that will foresee a budget of EUR 17,5 billion to be spent for European research projects and networks over 4 years. What will be done with this money? Why should EU research centres and companies be interested in it? What is the added value at European level? How does it contribute to the objectives of the Lisbon and Barcelona summits for Europe to become the most competitive knowledge-based economy? To answer these, and many more questions, EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin is meeting the press on June 27, 2002, from 11.00 to 12.00 hours, at the Commission’s Breydel press room (Avenue d’Auderghem 45, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium). „EU citizens are sometimes confused by EU jargon, complex procedures and technical issues“, says Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. „I intend to present our blueprint for the next four years in EU research, a EUR 17.5 billion effort aiming at improving European competitiveness and quality of life“.

Following the European Parliament’s vote last month, the Council of Ministers formally approved the 6th EU Research Framework Programme (FP6, 2003-2006) on 3 June 2002. Parliament and Council are now finalising discussions on the Rules for Participation and Specific Programmes. The whole „FP6 package“ is to be ready by mid-July 2002.

With EUR 17,5 billion over 4 years, FP6 represents the third operational budget line within EU overall budget, after Common Agricultural Policy and Structural Funds. It will be instrumental in achieving the March 2000 Lisbon European Council goal of turning Europe into the world’s most competitive knowledge-based economy by 2010. Unlike previous research programmes, FP6 has been designed as an instrument to help achieve the objectives of the EU’s research policy, namely the creation of a true European Research Area (ERA), a European internal market for research and knowledge, where EU and national R&D efforts are better integrated.

Priorities covered by FP6 include life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health, information society technologies, nanotechnologies and nanosciences, „intelligent“ materials, new production processes and devices, aeronautics and space, food quality and safety, sustainable development, global change and ecosystems, citizens and governance, and other promising research areas, including support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participation. FP6 will also address research and innovation, human resources and mobility, research infrastructures, and science/society relationship. Commissioner Busquin will be ready to answer questions on FP6, such as:

* What is the EU Framework Programme (FP) for research?
* What are the main objectives of the FP?
* Who decides about the spending of the FP money and on the basis of what criteria?
* What are the main differences between the 6th and previous Framework Programmes?
* What is the overall budget, and how will it be allocated?
* What are the FP’s main priorities?
* What are the „new instruments“?
* What is in the „specific programmes“? And how do they differ from the overall Framework Programme?
* What are rules for participation?
* What are „calls for expression of interest“?
* What are calls for proposals?
* How much money can one expect once a proposal is selected for funding?
* Who can apply for FP support and who stands a realistic chance to get it?
* Is there any kind of assistance or support provided by the Commission or national authorities to help applicants who have no experience with „Brussels“ or who feel lost in all the new rules and regulations?

…. and many others.

Are you interested in participating? Do you want to receive further information on FP6 and EU research? Do you wish to interview Commissioner Busquin?

Please contact

Fabio Fabbi
EU Commission
Press and Communication Directorate-General
Spokesman for Research & Development – Commissioner Philippe Busquin
Office: Breydel I, 6/126
B-1049 Brussels
tel. +32 2 296.41.74
GSM +32 (0)498 96.41.74
fax +32 2 296.30.03
e-mail Fabio.Fabbi@cec.eu.int