ECCE BRUSSELS BRIEF:  EU policies and actions on Research and development; Education; Environment, Energy; Information Technology; General Interest; Project Financing; News from the European Parliament

° In the six months ahead, you will be able to find news and background information on the Greek EU Presidency on www.eu2003.gr 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

° At the Competitiveness Council on 3rd March, Ministers invited the Commission to present an action plan before their next meeting on how to increase research spending to achieve their 3% of GDP target by 2010.  The Council invited the Commission to present a report on co-operation with European inter-governmental research organisations.

Model Contract for 6th Framework Programme (6FP):  A new outline contract and cost models for 6FP produced by the Model Contract Working Group have been set out on the FP6 Model Contract page to foster discussion and comment. Final documents depend upon the outcome and discussions and decisions relating to the Framework Programmes, the specific programmes and participation Rules for FP6.

The standard contracts formalise the relationship between European Commission and project consortia regarding initiatives financed under FP6. The core contract covers for example - scope of the project, make up of the consortium, timeframes, reporting methods, and financial agreements. Annexes relate to general conditions, and the specifics of the new instruments: integrated projects and networks of excellence.  http://europa.eu.in/comm/dgs/research/index_en.html and http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/working-groups/model-contract/index_htm

New electronic proposal and Submission system (EPSS): Proposals can be sent online via CORDIS using a new electronic preparation tool.   The system is only available on 5 calls at present but will be extended in the near future. A help-desk is available to assist those using EPSS which can be accessed by visiting: http://fp6.cordis.lu/fp6/subprop.cfm

° OECD Report says European has not yet closed innovation gap with Japan and US:  According to the “Science, Technology and Industry Outlook 2002” report, although Sweden and Finland topped the chart of R&D investment, the gap separating the European Union as a whole from Japan and the United States has widened. In 2002 Japan spent 3% of GDP on research, the US 2.7% and EU 1.9%.  The Commission has meanwhile published its own third “European Report on Science and Technology Indicators 2003” which claims ‘unprecedented development’ in terms of the Community’s research policy in the last year.  Further information may be on the  OECD web-site http://www.oecd.org , also via the Commission’s Research Press Centre on http://europa.eu.int/comm./research/press_en.html   

° Sixth Framework Programme in brief: A commission document providing an overview of FP6, including a two-page “FP6 at a glance” summarising the mean features and the differences between FP6 and other public research funding programmes is to be found on: http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/research/index.html and on http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/fp6_glance.htm  Information on citizens and governance in a knowledge-based society is found on: http://www.cordis.lu/fp6/citizens.htm whilst the Commission's foresight activities are outlined on: http://www.cordis.lu/rtd2002/foresight/home.html

Calling women engineers: The European Commission actively seeks more women evaluators to reach the 40% target stipulated for the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), For further information on becoming an evaluator, please visit: http://www.cordis.lu/experts/fp6_candida ture.htm

Presidency research information: http://www.cordis.lu/greece/home.html

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION:

° Portal on education and training in Europe:  The “Ploteus” Portal on Learning Opportunities Throughout the European Space has now been launched.  (Its name derives from the ancient Greek word for “navigator”.  The EURES portal already provides a European database on job opportunities.  “Ploteus” is divided into a number of sections: Learning Opportunities; Education systems; Exchange contact; Moving to a Country.  Further information is to be found on http://www.ploteus.net

° Erasmus World is a proposed new Erasmus programme which would provide scholarships for graduate students from third countries other than EEA-EFTA states and EU candidate countries and for third-country scholars with outstanding academic and/or professional experience.  Erasmus World or ‘Erasmus Mundus/ would cover 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008.  The programme would also support partnerships between European universities and higher education establishments in third countries, aiming to raise interest in Europe as a place to pursue higher education. 

° The Commission also proposes creating EU masters degrees.  The Commission proposes a Euro 200 million budget which the Parliament’s Culture Committee, supported by the Budgets Committee seeks to raise this to Euro 300 million, providing this does not detract from existing programmes and financial limits.

° Professional recognition: The Presidency scheduled a Working Party on Establishment and Services (Diplomas) on 13th and 14th March.  Key areas for discussion were: Common professional platforms developed by professional associations or other bodies representing the profession in the Member States concerned, international between the Committee on the recognition of professional qualifications (Art. 54) and the group of experts assisting the Commission.  The usefulness of a 5-year Commission report analysing the Directive’s implementation was also to be considered.

The ENVIRONMENT:

° Proposed Directive on the quality of bathing water On 4th March the Environment Council held a policy debate on this proposal.  EU water policy was restructured following adoption of the Water Framework Directive in 2000.  The proposal sets out provisions for monitoring and classifying bathing water, extensive reporting to the public and comprehensive management options.  The proposal to replace the 1976 Directive has been ‘in the pipeline’ for about a decade.  It aims to reflect scientific knowledge gained since the ‘70s.  The proposal also aims to complement the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the Directive on Nitrates Pollution form Agricultural Sources. http://eu.eu.int/pressData/en/envir/7476.3.pdf

° Also on the Environment Council agenda was the Marine Environment.  Initiatives put in place since the November 2002 “Prestige” oil tanker disaster were discussed e.g. a proposal for a Regulation banning single hull oil tankers with heavy grades of oil, a proposal for penal sanctions for polluters.  The December 2002 Council has already proposed that a compensation fund to cover future oil spills of up to Euro 1,000 million in EU waters be put in place by end 2003. (hyperlink as above).

° Discussion on Environmental Liability at the Council meeting saw differing views on whether a financial system for the polluter pays principle should be compulsory.  The Commission favours a voluntary approach.  The Presidency concluded that this complex issue requires a further analysis of the insurance market.  The Presidency aims for political agreement on this issue by end June.  The environmental liability proposal aims to make operators financially responsible for the necessary preventive and remedial measures (hyperlink as above).  (Information on the current proposal is in ECCE’s February Brussels Brief).

° Kyoto Protocol and climate change:  Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstroem accompanied by the Environment Ministers of Greece and Italy visited Moscow in early March to urge Russia to complete ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.  The Kyoto Protocol sets emission reduction targets for developed countries and will only become binding when it enters into force.  This requires ratification by at least 55 countries representing 55% of the developed countries’ greenhouse emissions (based on 1990 figures).  So far, 104 countries, representing over 2/3 of world population, have ratified.  Russia is responsible for 17.40% of 1990 emissions and so its ratification is essential.

° Packaging and Packaging Waste - revision of Directive 94/62/EC The Council has proposed only a limited revision.  The Commission’s new definition of “packaging” (i.e. distinguishing between mechanical, chemical and feedstock recycling) is not accepted.  Minimum target for recovery is an increase to 60% of minimum target for recovery (no maximum set), 55% minimum target for recycling (80% maximum).  Specific targets have been set for certain materials.  General deadline is 31 December 2008 with three Member States gaining four year derogations for compliance.

° The 'water for life' report, examining issues relating to water and their impact on the environment, food production, health, climate and ecosystems, was published to coincide with the 3rd World Water Forum in Kyoto, Japan on 16th to 23rd March. European delegates were there to present the progress on the EU water initiative and to discuss potential partnerships with regions such as Africa, the newly independent states (NIS) and the Mediterranean. The report pays particular attention to the Commission's efforts to meet the 2002 EU water initiative objective; this seeks to halve the number of people world-wide living without drinking water and basic sanitation. The report also provides an overview of all the EU projects funded under its research framework programme. For further information, please visit the following web address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/water-initiative/index_en.html

° 5th “Environment for Europe” pan-European Ministerial Conference: This will be held in Kiev, Ukraine from 21st to 23rd May.  The Commission’s contribution is set out in a recent Communication “Pan-European Environment Co-operation after the 2003 Kiev Conference”.  Among recommendations appearing in Council Conclusions are strengthening of the Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme for South Eastern Europe and improvement implementation of Agenda 21 at regional and local level.

° Biofuels for Road Transport: The Council of Ministers has set out two “reference figures” for the total of bio-fuel placed on the market: 2% for 2005, 5.75% for 2010.  MEPs on the European Parliament’s Industry Committee seek monitoring of targets via a strengthened role for the Commission - in addition they seek a review of the Directive post 2007.

° Commission Consultation on Financing of Natura 2000: Article 8 of the Habitats Directive was drafted in order that Natura 2000 did not place an “exceptional financial burden” on Member States.  It is now realised that Art. 8 is not sufficient to ensure full implementation of Natura 2000.  A December 2002 Working Group report will form the basis for a September 2003 Communication.  Reactions and comments on the report are invited for 24th April.  Web address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/environment/index_en.htm

° A Case has been brought against Belgium for failure to provide for disposal of urban waste water - Case Filing C-27/03: Commission v Belgium.  The kingdom of Belgium has been ordered to pay costs by the European Court of Justice.

° Protecting the environment through criminal law: The European Commission has decided to ask the European Court of Justice to annul a Framework Decision adopted by the Council of the EU on 27th January 2003, on protection of the environment through criminal law.  When adoption the Decision the Council disregarded the Commission proposal for a directive on the subject and the Commission now challenges the legal basis for the Council Framework Decision.  (Ref. Commission Press release ref IP/03/461 of 31.03.03)

ENERGY:

° Renewable energy - Altener programme: -: Information for Candidates and Guidelines and Candidate Declaration and Form  on “How to become a Renewable Energy Partner of the European Commission” is available on the internet on http://europa.eu.int/comm./energy/renewable/guidelines-2003.en.pdf and http://europa.eu.int/comm./energy/renewable/declaration-2003-en.pdf.  General details on DG TREN homepage i.e. http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_transport/homepage

° Once completed these forms can be sent to:  European Commission, Directorate General for Energy and Transport, Renewable Energy Partnerships (Unit D1), Rue de La Loi 200 B-1049 Brussels

° A Eurobarometer statistical report on public opinion relating to energy issues has been published.  40% of those questioned believed research into energy resources could be the way forward.  74% of respondents agree that transport is largely responsible for climate change, 69% believe that renewable energy sources are worth more research in the future.  Whilst the public recognise the need for energy saving measures, preference is given to measures that do not impose obligations on individuals.  FP6 is providing Euro 610 million for sustainable transport systems and Euro 750 million for nuclear fusion research over the next four years.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:

° E-SIGN - standards for electronic signatures: In April an Open Meeting on European Electronic Signatures standardization “European Signatures versus Global Signatures” will be held in Rome.  Two documents produced by CEN/ISSS E-SIGN workshop were made available for urgent comment (by 21st March) on http://www2.ni.din.de/sixcms/detail.php?id=5886 (scroll down to “Drafts for public information and comments”).  E-SIGN is expected to vote on this in April.

° Raising awareness of knowledge technologies: the “KTweb” project, a 2-year initiative, is part of the MULTIPLE project, an accompanying measure of the IST section of the 5th Framework Programme.  The project will identify emerging areas of research and development, and assist on-going projects to form net-works and commercialise results.  Technology fact sheets will explain the technology and its actual and potential uses.  Of particular relevance will be the semantic web, ontology, GRID computer, we services, knowledge representation and agent technologies.  http://www.ktweb.org

° Structural funds - their positive impact on the information society: A study comparing data from 150 regional and three national programmes supported by European funds 2000-2006 has just been published.  It is estimated that Euro 10 billion funding (7.3% of Structural Funds) will be given to measures in this field. Further information: http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/sources/docgener/evaluation/rado_en.htm

° Urbancity, a UN-backed web-site provides city officials with a range of resources aimed to improve understanding of sustainable urban management and development issues, as well as current planning tools.  An “Urban Resources Library” provides reference for urban planners and researchers.  Information available through: http://europa.eu.in/comm/dgs/research/index_en.html

European Investment Bank (EIB): 

° Research and Development Funding: Commission President Romano Prodi has asked EIB President, Philippe Maystadt, to seek new sources of funding for major research and development (R&D) projects. In a speech to the European Parliament on 26 March, Mr Prodi referred to the lack of investment in trans- European networks and the 'equally depressing' state of R&D. It is 'high time for a substantial increase in funding' for both priorities,  he said.

 Information on European Investment Bank loans is to be found on http://www.eib.org

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

° The bank’s largest-ever loan for a single project, amounting to USD 245 million, will finance a barrier to protect the city of St. Petersburg from threat of floods.  EBRD financing will be complemented by funds from the EIB, Nordic Investment Bank and Russian Government, to raise the project’s USD 418 million capital budget.

° A Euro 80 million loan to the Estonian water company Tallinna Vesi (ASTV) has been successfully syndicated by the EBRD and DEPFA Investment Bank Ltd to a group of Western European banks.  This highlights private sector interest in  projects with a sound economic structure and is seen by EBRD as a major boost for private public partnership initiatives. http://www.ebrd.org

The European Parliament  held a plenary session in Strasbourg from XXXXXXX March 2003.

Reports of potential interest to professional civil engineers and to the construction sector:

• Report on  the Council common position for adopting a European Parliament and Council directive on the promotion of the use of biofuels for transport  Rapporteur:Mari­a del Pilar Ayuso Gonzalez , MEP (Spain),  Doc Ref: A5-0057/2003
• Report on the guidelines for the 2004 budgetary procedure” Rapporteur Jan Mulder MEP (Netherlands) Doc Ref A5-0039/2003)
• “Enlargement and the 2004 EU budget”   Rapporteur: Neena Gill (U.K.) MEP,  Ref: A5-0041/2003

In the report on guidelines for budgetary procedure, MEPs emphasised that the successful integration of the new Member States is dependent on further improvements in administrative structures, especially in the new countries.  Both reports stress that current limits of the financial perspective only allow for ambitions relating to regional and social cohesion to be satisfied to a very limited degree.