EU parliament backs key research proposals

The European parliament has backed a commission proposal designed to boost research in a number of key industry sectors.

The proposal consists of four joint undertakings under the seventh research framework programme to boost research on embedded computing systems (Artemis), on nanoelectronics (Eniac), on innovative medicines (IMI), and on environmentally-friendly technologies for civil air transport (clean sky).

MEPs stressed that the last call for proposal should take place in 2013 to ensure that all projects are completed in time before the termination of the joint undertakings in 2017.

Gianni De Michelis was the rapporteur on the establishment of Artemis, Nikolaos Vakalis for Eniac, Françoise Grossetête for innovative medicines and Lena Ek for the clean sky joint undertaking. 

Within the seventh research framework programme (FP7), the European community will co-finance these first public-private partnerships at European level with €420m for the Artemis initiative, €450m for the Eniac joint undertaking, €1bn for the innovative medicines Initiative, and €800m for the clean sky joint undertaking.

Parliament said that all joint technology initiatives should have their seat in Brussels and should cease working by the end of 2017.

A possible extension of the joint technology initiatives after this period was rejected.

With regard to this so called 'sunset clause', MEPs clarify that after the last call for proposals in 2013 the running projects have to be implemented, monitored and funded until 2017.

The specific programme cooperation of FP7 names two further areas for joint technology initiatives: hydrogen and fuel cells, and global monitoring for environment and security.

The commission will present its proposal for the fuel cells and hydrogen joint undertaking to the industry committee on 19 December.

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