Push for outline deal on research programme funds

Date: 08/05/1997

THE European Commission will next week push for an agreement in principle on the scale of funding to be allocated to the fifth programme for research and development.

Although no figure will be set for the framework programme until after the Amsterdam summit of EU leaders in June, the Commission believes it should be no less than 0.05&percent; of Union gross domestic product and is expected to propose funding in the order of 16 and 17 billion ecu.

A spokesman for R&D Commissioner Edith Cresson welcomed the fact that ministers would discuss the content of the programme without precise funding details at their meeting next Wednesday (14 May).

“This way the discussions will not be polluted by disputes on the amount,” he said.

Divisions have already emerged between member states about the breakdown of funds between different activities in the programme.

France is proposing a focus on new technologies and industrial activities, whereas Mediterranean countries want the programme to remain broad-based. Spain and Portugal, in particular, fear they would lose some of their regional activities if there was too much emphasis on industrial projects.

Ministers will also discuss how would-be EU members in central and eastern Europe (CEECs) might participate in the Fifth Framework Programme, seeking to strike a balance between good intentions and not making too many promises.

The main obstacle to CEEC participation in the programme will be financial, with many member states urging a cautious approach.

It is unlikely that ministers will be able to reach any conclusions at the Council.