Helpdesk launched to explain financial aspects of FP6 in new Member States

Brussels, 12 Apr 2005

The EU funded Finance-NMS-IST project has launched a new Financial Helpdesk Portal, aimed at improving understanding of the financial aspects of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) among organisations in the ten new Member States.

The portal is geared towards technology companies wishing to participate in the information society technologies (IST) programme of FP6. The site includes a helpline, through which questions can be submitted to experts, a database of frequently asked questions, and links to other useful sources of information on the EU's framework programmes.

According to Myer Morron, CEO of project coordinator EFP Consulting: 'Just because you have read the highway code does not mean you can drive. We saw a gap in the services and information available to [interpret] the financial guidelines.'

The consortium behind the portal believes that such a service is long overdue, citing the Marimon report on the new instruments, which concluded: 'The financial regulation and the way it is used should be revised in order to ensure a service-minded approach is feasible. [...] Assistance on such matters could be channelled through a specialist helpdesk.'

As well as the portal, the Finance-NMS-IST project also trains financial personnel in the new Member States on the financial workings of the IST programme. The organisations that receive such support include accounting companies, academic institutions and commercial companies, who in turn can explain the financial responsibilities of entering into an EU contract to colleagues and clients.

To access the Financial Helpdesk Portal, please consult the following web address:
http://www.finance-helpdesk.org

CORDIS RTD-NEWS / © European Communities
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