Report on the proposed decision concerning the seventh framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) (link)

Brussels, 02 Jun 2006

FINAL A6-0202/2006
1.6.2006 Type of Procedure: Codecision procedure (first reading)
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the seventh framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)
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2. The agreement reached by the European Council on 15/16 December on a new financial Framework 2007 - 2013 are not satisfying as regards to Research policy. In order to avoid a blockage of legislative work on the new programmes, the Trialogue Parliament, Council, Commission of 18 October, has agreed on a joint declaration "Guidelines for legislative proposals related to the 2007-2013 multi-annual financial framework". It allows EP and Council to proceed to the legislative work pending an agreement on the IIA. EP should not abandon its legislative work, every time a legislative act has budgetary implications. It should continue "normal' first readings also in the case of FP 7, in accordance with the legislative procedure set out in Article 251 of the Treaty and taking into account the large majority of the resolution of 8 June 2005. Therefore, your draftswoman wishes to maintain the amounts proposed in the Commission proposal in order to be consistent with the EP negotiating position of 8 June 2005.

3. In order to achieve the Lisbon objectives, your rapporteur is convinced that all has to be done to improve the regulatory environment for SMEs and their access to 7 FP. The ongoing reform of the Financial Regulation and its Implementing measures is an opportunity also for FP 7 to lessen bureaucracy and to make life easier for beneficiaries such as SMEs who can not afford to meet with a too heavy administrative burden.

4. The ongoing volatility of oil prices in the last 2 years and the recent natural disasters linked to global warming do show it very clearly: Europe must become less dependent from oil. Your draftswoman welcomes the proposal of the European Commission to commit attention to activities in modern renewable energy technologies.

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy - Rapporteur: Jerzy Buzek - Draftswoman: Marilisa Xenogiannakopoulou - Draftsman: Satu Hassi - Draftsman: Jaromír Kohlícek - Draftsman: Alyn Smith - Draftsman: Thijs Berman - Draftswoman: Rosa Miguélez Ramos - Draftsman: Aloyzas Sakalas - Draftswoman: Britta Thomsen