Commission looks into alternative funding options for rejected FP6 project proposals

Brussels, 01 Oct 2003

EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin has spoken of a new idea within the Commission with regard to funding for interesting projects proposed for the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) that were not selected for EU support.

Speaking to CORDIS News on 29 September, Mr Busquin referred to the huge number of projects proposals received, and the inability of the Commission to finance all those which received a positive evaluation.

'We have to make it known that these projects are not receiving finance, not because they're not good, but because we don't have the capacity,' said the Commissioner.

While there is as yet no concrete proposal, Mr Busquin suggested that 'if this could allow Member States to finance these projects, that would be very good.'

The Commission is currently in the process of concluding negotiations with project consortia. Once contracts have been signed, a final list of projects to be funded under the first FP6 call will be available.

CORDIS RTD-NEWS / © European Communities