BRUSSELS BRIEF

What’s happening in Brussels in August, In Europe’s traditional holiday period?

Denmark charts the outset of its Presidency: the Johannesburg Summit features on the global agenda, despite the lack of US presence. Summit concerns feature water scarcity whilst central and eastern Europe experience devastating floods.

In the summer vacation period Denmark arranged a number of bilateral visits with government ministers around Europe and prepared for its participation in the Global Environment Summit taking place in Johannesburg.

Denmark has published a list of open debates planned to take place at Council meetings. Common decisions proposed include a proposal for a Directive on intellectual property (30.09.02 Council); a proposal for a Directive on combined heat and power (CHP) (25.11.02 Council); a Decision on e-learning (12.11.02).

Whilst the Spanish Presidency featured various initiatives with South America and the Mediterranean, the Danish Presidency features progress on the “Northern Dimension”, which is the EU’s policy for northern Europe with a special focus on north-western Russia. It has 7 partner states: Russia, Poland, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. A Northern Dimension Conference took place in Ilulissat, Greenland on 28^th August: conclusions will form the basis for a new 3-year action plan for the Northern Dimension, beginning 1 January 2004. Guidelines for this work will be set out at a high level conference in October 2002. The conference added a new element by considering how to integrate the Arctic, including the Russian parts of the Arctic. The European Commission intends to maintain its leading role in this initiative but some responsibilities will be given to the Conference on the Baltic Sea States. The Conference demonstrated strong interest in improving co-ordination of project financing, emphasising the important role the private sector might make, provided that the framework for the operation of business in the areas is improved.

CORDIS produces new weekly R&D news: the European Commission’s Research and Development Information Service is offering a free weekly electronic newsletter on the latest topical European research and innovation developments. The newsletter is updated every Friday and covers a selection of CORDIS information. Information is posted on http://www.cordis.lu/express From late September 2002 the newsletter will be available under subscription by e-mail.

A new interface on national research programmes related to nanotechnology and nanosciences, multifunctional materials and new production processes – research subjects which will be covered by one of the sevent thematic priorities under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) is being hosed by CORDIS. To support added value projects and avoid duplications, the European Commission is carrying out a survey on current national funded activities and initiatives in these fields. For further information, please consult:

Denmark’s Minister for science technology and innovation seeks definition of European Research Area: The Danish Minister Helge Sander, has called for a foundation to be given to the concept of a European Research Area and for specific goals to be defined so that initiatives can be planned. He stated that EU funded research only represents around 5% of Member States’ total public expenditure on research; profits can be reaped if cooperation is increased regarding the remaining 95%. Under the Danish Presidency, the Research, Information Technology and Telecommunications Councils have merged to form one Council.

Discussion is underway in the scientific community on the Danish Presidency decision to raise the issue of a possible European research council at an October event. Euroscience has set up a discussion forum for stakeholders and interested parties. The association of heads of European research funding organisations (EUROHORCS) has already agreed that a non-governmental funding institution could effectively bring about trans-national competition between European laboratories, especially in areas not covered by the Framework programme. http://www.euroscience.org

Sand dredging guidelines: Results from a 3-year Euro 4.1 million EU funded project “SandPit” involving coastal oceanographers and engineers from 17 European institutes will be examined by the European Commission when drawing up new guidelines on commercial sand dredging activities. The project, begun in April 2002, will assess effects of commercial sea-sand dredging on sea-bed ecosystems and surrounding coastlines. European guidelines will be drafted for sand dredging based on the optimum size, sea-depth and distance from shore of any large scale commercial sand mining operation. The project will access eco-system’s ‘recovery time’ and pinpoint the depth at which sand mining has no measurable effect on the shore-line. The Dutch are at the forefront of activity: in addition to creating new land for offshore wind farms, they are also planning an offshore airport. Further info: http://sandpit.wldelft.nl/mainpage/mainpage.htm

European maritime research area: a thematic network – ERAMAR (European research area application in the maritime domain) - formed under the EU’s 5^th Framework Programme is being used to identify medium and long-term research needs and ultimately initiate the creation of a European maritime research area. Further information on EU funded marine research: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/growth/ka03-2.html#top

Intellectual property rights: Cambridge university’s decision to place restrictions on its researchers’ intellectual property rights from 1^st January 2003 has been criticised for the precedent it may set, affecting the researchers’ work and the universities ability to attract top researchers. The university has stated it is protecting researchers and students from venture capitalists seeking to benefit from them. (Cordis RTD News).

Publication of a call for tenders for CORDIS (Community Research and Development Information Service) project for 2003-2007 indicates that the Commission envisages implementing new and experimental services such as a European innovation policy portal (EIPP), a virtual European technology market place (ETMP) and integrating other services by a portal approach. The tender is set out in five lots (content; development; dissemination; quality/helpdesk; external monitoring) with an indicative global annual budget of Euro 11. 1 million. Further information on http://www.cordis.lu and http://www.cordis.lu/temp/CfT2002

EP report recommends increased EU support for universities: A report by Spanish MEP Christina Gutierrez Cortines, argues that while universities should remain autonomous, EU support is important for the creation of a dynamic European higher education area. The draft resolution calls for increased mobility and genuine recognition of qualifications and diplomas. Member states and universities are urged to tackle the legal and administrative obstacles in the way of mobility. MEPs will call on the Commission to draw up a Green Paper on a future European higher education sector.

The education information below is extracted from the August edition of SEFI’s electronic newsletter :

Germany now has 94 programmes designated B.A. and M.A. conforming to degrees offered in English-speaking countries, which run in parallel with the traditional German degrees of Dip.Ing. The Fachhochschulen, newly titled as Universities of Applied Sciences, offer 21 B.A. level and 35 M.A. level degrees. Courses are predominantly in engineering-oriented categories. Further information may be found on the German Universities Information Service. Further information on: http://www.his.de

Record engineering unemployment in the U.S. has spurred IEEE-USA to call for congressional action. Although the overall U.S. unemployment rate fell in the second quarter 2002, it increased significantly for engineers and computer scientists from 3.6% to 4.0%. IEEE-USA is concerned that increased engineering unemployment is not a short-term cyclical phenomenon, but represents a more fundamental shift. IEEE-USA is asking Congress to investigate impacts of increased hiring of non-US guest workers, greater use of temporary workers and the outsourcing of engineering work. Further info: http://www.ieeeusa.org

US educators say that if the US does not increase the number of engineering graduates soon it will lose out in the global marketplace. In “EE Times Online”, Charles Murray states that the US brought in 90,000 foreign engineers and computer scientists; domestic graduates comprised 65,000 engineers and 15,000 computer scientists. A high percentage of undergraduate students drop out of engineering schools. Engineering schools graduate between 1/3 and ½ of students who start out in engineering programmes. Further info http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20020702S0041

Reports of a recent White House forum on the future of technology indicate that the 100 IT executives gathered believed that a better maths and science programme for students would benefit the national economy and strengthen security since foreign workers would not be needed for critical positions. A Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology has been created which will help steer policy on broadband rollout. A USD 1 billion 5-year programme will support maths and science partnerships between higher education and secondary elementary schools. Details on: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStory.cfm?ArticleID=3843

The European Commission has selected 109 new environment demonstration projects for co-funding under the LIFE-Environment programme: the 69 million euro provided represents part of a total investment of around Euro 213 million. Selected projects cover: promoting the integration of environmental considerations in to land-use development and planning and urban management; encouraging sustainable management of water resources; preventing, recycling and re-using waste; mitigating the environmental impact of economic activity and promoting integrated product policy. A brief overview of the projects selected in each country is available on the LIFE web-site: http://europa.eu.int/environment/life/news/life-env_press02.htm ; more detailed descriptions of the 2002 projects will be made available in September on the LIFE database.

Consultation on construction products and materials in contact with water intended for human consumption: with a view to introducing a European Acceptance Scheme (EAS) to take effect by the end of 2004, the European Commission is inviting comments on the justification for this approach, the key features of the scheme, relationships between EAS, CEN (standardisation), EOTA and national acceptance schemes. The EAS would apply to all construction products and materials in contact with water intended for human consumption. It would enable EAS approved products to be CE-marked and sold across Europe with an EAS logo. At present further work is required, including research. The consultation will be open till March 2003.

New research shows benefit of nature conservation over development : New research by UK and US researchers shows that maintaining wild places as natural environments brings higher financial gains than developing them – the cost-benefit ratio of maintaining wild sites is grater than 100 to one and that each year destruction of wild habitats leads to a loss of 250 billion euro. The researchers studied five habitats that had been developed and gauged the benefits- they found that roughly half of the ecosystem’s total economic value was lost when it was converted to human use. Loss of storm and flood protection, hunting, tourism and other elements all led to a lower economic value following development. One of the authors, Andrew Balmford, expressed surprise at the results “We thought that the numbers would favour conservation, but not this much” .

European Parliament holds online poll on environment: The first Online Global Poll is being conducted in conjunction with the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development being held in Johannesburg from 25^th August to 4^th September. The poll allows many thousands of people worldwide to express how they feel about the environment and what they feel their leaders should do to protect their environment.

EU study published on hazardous household waste (HHW): A study on HHW covering the 15 Member States, Hungary and Romania has been published. It provides an indication of best practice across Europe. It is estimated that the total quantities of HHW collected separately in the EU currently amount to some 400,000 tonnes per annum, excluding Austria and Germany for which it was not possible to estimate the amount.

The cost of HHW treatment varies depending on the method adopted and the standards with which the chosen method has to comply. It reportedly ranges between Euro 0.42 and 2.2 per kg. The total cost for HHW collection and treatment is more liley to range between Euro 1 – 2 per kg. Given a total 1.5 million tonnes of HHW arising per annum, it is estimated that the total cost for collection and proper disposal of all HHW in the EU would be in the order of Euro 1.5 – 3 billion per annum.

Bathing Water Report 2001: ECCE has been monitoring the Commission’ expected adoption of a proposal for a revision of the Bathing Water Directive expected before August. It was announced some time ago that the revision would be based on (1) improving the level of protection against gastric and other illnesses; (2) improving application of the Directive to promote risk management (rather than monitoring and reporting only); (3) simplifying the Directive to focus more on real threats to health (bacteriological rather than chemical); (4) bathing water Directive requirements should complement obligations of the Water Framework Directive as much as possible; (5) internet and other means are to be used to ensure reliable information is available to the public as quickly as possible.

Blow for EU information society development: News that availability of a full 3G mobile telecommunications network will not be available in Sweden for another four years could signify a delay in one of the key elements of the information society roll-out in the EU. Sweden had opted to pursue a plan to suit the country rather than auction to the highest bidder. The request for a 3-year delay from one of the country’s four licence holders, Orange, has caused dismay. The original schedule would have provided coverage for 99% of the population by 2003 – the new 3G coverage date is end 2006. Orange now seeks to reduce coverage level in Sweden from 8.86 to 8.3million. Worryingly, plans to establish 3G infrastructure in rural areas required collaboration between all four licence holders. Orange has also announced spending cuts at its German venture, Mobilcom. Telefonica, a Spanish telecommunications company has said it will not spend any money on non-Spanish 3G developments. (Source: Cordis RTD news)

e-Arbitration: A new online service to help resolve business disputes funded under the IST section of the Fifth Framework programme, “E-Arbitration-T”, offers electronic support for “intelligent case management and ‘what’s next’ guidance” plus a “visible case map adapted to the needs of the current dispute. The project consortium says that their electronic signatures and online payment system offers security and confidentiality. Further details: http://www.e-arbitration-t.com http://dbs.cordis.lu

Candidate countries lag behind in progress to information society: Research in Europe indicates that many EU candidate countries are still charging high and variable rates for usage. In Hungary only 10% of Hungarians use the internet on a regular basis, compared to a global figure of 34%. Just 3% of the population use the internet for shopping.

Spain brought together the largest number of internet users in the world, drawn largely from European and Latin America, when it hosted the Sixth ‘Campus Party’ in Valencia from 5-11 August. The event was seen by Spain’s Ministry of science and technology as bringing the internet closer to people. Further details: http://www.mcyt.es

China is preparing to make a great leap forward in IT, according to an article from “Der Spiegel”. A goal of 20% annual growth has been set for the country’s IT sector, with a view to surpassing the US in IT production by 2010. Details on http://www.worldpress.org

E-entrepreneurs may wish to access information on national e-commerce legislation now available free of charge at www.eLexPortal.com The website, supported under 5FP’s IST programme, has grouped information on regulatory and legislative provisions on e-commerce. A helpdesk is planned for the service as well as on-line tutorials.

Road Safety: Sweden expresses alarm at increasing fatalities - Research in Sweden over a five-year period indicates that there are now over 30% more deaths among 18-24 year olds group although the number of drivers in this age group is declining. The annual number of accidents involving heavy trucks has doubled from around 35. In half of all traffic deaths the victims had not used their seat belts.

During the first half of 2002, 179 people died on Swedish roads. Some of the factors cited as leading to road deaths are increased risks, deteriorating behaviour, increasing speeds and heavier vehicles. Researchers claim that road measures alone will not do – whilst “2+1” roads have saved about 10 lives per year, talking on cell phones while driving has cost as many lives. Researchers hope for a return to a more traditional combination of technical improvements plus forceful measures to influence driver behaviour. http://www.vti.se

CEN, CENELEC and ETSI have been mandated by the European Commission to draw up a new common programme of work in Road Transport and Traffic Telematics (RTTT) – more usually knows as ‘Intelligent Transport Systems”. The programme covers major market needs for standards up to the end of the decade and addresses 10 key areas of activity. Full details may be found on: http://www.cenorm.be/default.htm

In the plenary session to be held in Strasbourg on 2-5^th September, the Commission will issue a statement on the floods in Europe; the Council will present the draft general budget for 2003. Reports of interest to ECCE members inlcude:

This information briefing was prepared by Diana Maxwell, Secretary General, ECCE

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy at time of going to press, we do not take any responsibility for errors in the information presented in this document.

ECCE on the Web: http://www.eccenet.org

The registered office address of the European Council of Civil Engineers is: One Great George Street, London SW1P 3AA

Tel: (+44) 20 7222 7722 Fax: (+44) 207 222 7500 e-mail: eccesecretariat@hotmail.com

Written correspondence addressed to the Secretary General should be sent to:

ECCE Secretariat, 3 Springfields, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5JU

Web presentation: Matthew Easton, Elgin, Morayshire

BRUSSELS BRIEF – LATE NEWS SUPPLEMENT

Brussels, 28 August 2002

Commission responds to the floods in Germany, Austria and certain applicant countries

In the wake of the terrible floods that continue to devastate parts of Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the European Commission has repeated its message of sympathy for the victims. Greatly moved ever since the start of these tragic events, it has restated its commitment to stand alongside the Member States and applicant countries affected. With this in mind, it proposes setting up an aid fund of between €500 million and €1 billion to be used in the event of natural, technological or environmental disasters. It has also confirmed that a raft of measures covering different fields, including the Structural Funds, will be implemented.

President Romano Prodi took this opportunity to stress that "the European Commission has today reaffirmed that it will stand by the people so cruelly devastated in the wake of the floods and by the leaders of the States affected. Today, when some of our citizens are enduring such difficult conditions, it is more important than ever that the European message of solidarity is clearly heard, not only within the European Union but also in the countries that are soon to join us. More than ever, we need to find swift, practical and effective remedies. The plan to set up this special fund as quickly as possible and to reallocate assistance under the Structural Funds to Germany and Austria is an illustration of what can be done."

The Commission has decided to propose to Parliament and the Council that a special aid fund be set up to be drawn on in the event of natural, technological or environmental disasters. Endowed with between €500 million and €1 billion, it will have its own budget line and will be available for both the Member States and the applicant countries with which accession negotiations are under way. It is the Commission's wish to have it up and running as quickly as possible. The Commission has also confirmed that Germany and Austria may reallocate part of the Structural Funds earmarked for them for the period 2000-06. The idea of using the Structural Funds reserve (4%) is also under consideration.

The Commission has also confirmed that the measures announced on 15 and 23 August (IP/02/1220) concerning agriculture (IP/02/1228), civil protection and the applicant countries affected by the floods will be implemented. A raft of new measures affecting various aspects of Community life will also be put in place, affecting the following sectors:

· Trans-European networks: funds not assigned will be reallocated;

· EIB: loans will be made available;

· applicant countries: in the Czech Republic and Slovakia pre-accession funds not assigned (Ispa, Phare and Sapard) will be reallocated;

· agriculture: there will be derogations regarding set-aside areas, while advances on direct payments will be paid, cereal intervention stocks used and derogations granted and procedures speeded up in connection with rural development aid;

· state aid: the Commission may approve state aid to repair up to 100% of the flood damage. It may also approve fresh aid where projects that had already received public funding have been destroyed. It undertakes to examine the aid projects as soon as possible and urges the Member States to make initial contact quickly as this will speed up the process;

· public procurement: procedures will be speeded up and, where Member States can demonstrate exceptional circumstances, it will be possible to derogate from the requirement to publish a contract notice;

· civil protection: the Monitoring and Information Centre (Mic) will coordinate assistance and information and a European risk-prevention strategy will shortly be adopted.