FP7 negotiations 'to dominate' UK Presidency research agenda

Brussels, 30 Jun 2005

With the UK taking over the EU Presidency on 1 July, the country's Under-Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Lord Sainsbury of Turville, has predicted that the research agenda during London's six-month tenure will be dominated by negotiations on the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

In a welcome message on the CORDIS UK Presidency's website, Lord Sainsbury says that a key aim during the UK stewardship of the EU will be to promote economic reforms aimed at increasing prosperity and jobs. Research, technological development and innovation are central pillars of that overall objective, he adds.

'We will look to make as much progress as we can on this vitally important legislative dossier, building consensus between Member States on the overall shape of the programme and seeking to provide a smooth transition from FP6 to FP7,' states Lord Sainsbury.

The UK Presidency will focus negotiations on achieving a framework programme that is 'aligned to the needs of its users and which is underpinned by simplified administrative procedures', reads a statement.

In other priorities, the UK Presidency promises to work closely with Member States to reach consensus on the key components of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) by the end of 2005. It also aims to find an agreement within the Space Council on a European Space Policy.

Further research issues are predicted to feature during the UK Presidency, with developments expected in the areas of competitive basic research funding, European support for research infrastructures, and security-related research. The UK also hopes to progress discussions on the computer implemented inventions directive.

Finally, Lord Sainsbury reveals that the UK is keen to stimulate private research investment during its Presidency: 'Europe must [...] become one of the best places in the world for business research and innovation if Europe is to meet its target that three per cent of GDP should be invested in research and development,' he concluded. The CORDIS UK Presidency service will be available from 1 July at: http://www.cordis.lu/united_kingdom

CORDIS RTD-NEWS / © European Communities
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