§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the outcome of the European Union Research Council on 22 June. [48479]
§ Mr. BattleI chaired the meeting of the EU Research Council on 22 June 1998.
The Council made useful progress on the negotiations on the Fifth Framework for Research Technological Development and Demonstration Activities 1998–2002 (FP5), achieving consensus in a number of areas and maintaining momentum against the tight timetable for introducing FP5 by the end of this year. This Council consolidated the achievements of our Presidency in pressing forward these negotiations.
The Council reached a "common position" on the proposed decisions on the rules governing participation in the Framework Programmes and the dissemination of results, which are essential for implementing the programme. Although formal decisions could not be made at this stage, the Council reached broad consensus on the scientific and technological content of three of the ten specific programmes that give detailed effect to FP5, and on the underpinning general provisions broadly common to these programmes. It also took note of the progress made in negotiations so far on the distribution of funding within each of the specific programmes, which will be the subject of further consideration under the Austrian Presidency.
The Council also agreed conclusions on the management of Community RTD programmes that reflect the agreement reached at the Colloquium of EU research ministers that I chaired on 28 April. An important aspect of these conclusions is the Commission's undertaking to report on the progress made in meeting performance targets, adopting new management approaches and on plans for future improvements.
The Council agreed a resolution aimed at strengthening the links and complementarity in space research between the EU and ESA. A parallel resolution was adopted by the ESA Council on 23 June. The resolution represents a significant step towards increased co-operation in this field between the EU and the European Space Agency.