§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there has been a change in the view of EU partners on Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme since his answer of 28 January 1999,Official Report, column 395. [75181]
§ Ms QuinThe UK has always supported Israel's Association with the Fifth Framework Programme in principle. It became clear recently that EU partners were also moving towards a positive view, and we were able to see this agreed at the General Affairs Council on 22 February.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the EU will decide on Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme of research. [75165]
§ Ms QuinThe EU General Affairs Council on 22 February agreed to Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme of Research.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what criteria are used by the EU to decide on the participation of non-EU member states in the Fifth Framework Programme. [75167]
§ Ms QuinThere are no generalised criteria. Proposals for third country association with the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5), and for project-by-project participation by researchers from third countries, are assessed on their individual merits in the context of the EU's interests.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent(a) each of the 10 Central and Eastern European countries, (b) Cyprus, (c) Israel and (d) Switzerland meet the criteria for participation in the Fifth Framework Programme. [75166]
§ Ms QuinThese countries are at various stages in the process of negotiation for full participation as countries associated with the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5). There are no generalised criteria: each case is assessed on its merits in the context of the EU's interests.