Parliamentary report on direct actions by Joint Research Centre (link)

Brussels, 23 October 2006

Report on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the Specific Programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre under the 7th Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) ( COM(2005) 0439 - C6 0380/2005 - 2005/0184(CNS))
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
Rapporteur: David Hammerstein Mintz

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Introduction

The rapporteur welcomes the Commission's proposal and considers that it forms proper continuation of JRC activities, focused on providing the scientific advice and technical know-how to support EU policies. Nevertheless, several suggestions are made to strengthen its role, broaden its activities and reinforce the consumer-driven aspect of the JRC.

Role of the JRC

The JRC, created in 1957, is a research-based, policy-support organisation and an integral part of the European Commission. Its principal task is to provide the policy makers, in particular the European Commission, the Council, the European Parliament and Member States, with independent scientific and technical support. The JRC supports European institutions in shaping key European policies and, specialised in measurements, analyses and testing, the JRC provides the scientific base, necessary for the EU legislative processes.

Your rapporteur believes, however, that the JRC should be more open to the outside world as it carries out research that EU citizens would be proud of if they knew about it - of course, with necessary confidentiality. The JRC should be open to collaboration with Civil Society Organisations that may have needs of research.

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OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the specific programme to be carried out by means of direct actions by the Joint Research Centre under the 7th Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013)
( COM(2005) 0439 - C6 0380/2005 - 2005/0184(CNS))
Draftswoman: Marilisa Xenogiannakopoulou

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