BRUSSELS BRIEF

This brief is intended to provide a monthly up-date on matters within the European Institutions. More detailed reports of meetings with European Commission and Parliament are provided to ECCE member organisations with Working Papers and Minutes of Meeting.

ECCE BRUSSELS BRIEF: Brussels and much of Europe are officially on holiday but relevant news is supplied where appropriate.

Regular updates are given where applicable on the EU policies and actions on Research and development; Education; Environment, Information Technology; General Interest; Project Financing

SUPPLEMENT: Dealing With Natural Disasters August 2003 Click Here

The focus on recommencing community activities at the end of August was on preparations for the work of the Intergovernmental Conference.

The term Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) is used to describe negotiations between the Member States' governments with a view to amending the Treaties. The most important Intergovernmental Conferences in recent years have resulted in the following treaties:

The Treaty of Amsterdam did not introduce all the institutional reforms needed to ensure that the institutions would function efficiently after enlargement. The subsequent IGC in 2000 led to the Nice Treaty, signed on 26 February 2001.

The Nice Treaty refers to a new IGC, to be held in 2004 following a broad public debate and preparation by a Convention on institutional reform. The 2004 IGC includes the following tasks: launching the European Constitution, the role of the European Union in the Middle East peace process on the institutional and foreign policy fronts, the protection of citizens' health, the re-launch of European cinema production and the development of the telecommunications sector.

A meeting was scheduled on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the 25-Member Union, under the guidance of Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, in Riva del Garda to examine main issues at the centre of the programme of the Italian Presidency and the community agenda. Key to discussions are preparations for the work of the IGC whose opening is planned for 4 October in Rome. The IGC will proceed to the passing of the future European Constitution. Another important issue at the centre of the talks is the definition of a new strategy for European security: a report will be presented by Javier Solana, following recommendations emerging from the European summit at Thessaloniki in June. The report will reflect on the operative priorities that the Union must establish in order to pass a definitive document in December, at the summit to mark the conclusion of the Italian Presidency.

Presidency R&D web-site: CORDIS and the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research, have jointly developed an Italian Presidency web-site to provide information on the three Competitiveness Councils and on various conferences illustrating Presidency priorities: reinforcement of the European Research Area, investment, mobility of researchers and the European space policy. The service also offers insights into the Italian research system and innovation policies under the "national research plan". http://www.cordis.lu/italy/home.html

° Independent high level study group report requested by Commission President Romano Prodi has outlined a path for growth in Europe: The study group emphasises innovation, research and higher education. It points to the lack of private sector R&D investment in Europe, substantial yet diminishing levels of public investment and poor efficiency in the distribution of available public funds. The report recommends that competition for funding and peer review and ex-post evaluation by independent and internationally recognised researchers is always implemented so as to avoid repeat funding for poor projects and the emergence of white elephants. http://europa.eu.int/comm/commissioners/prodi/pdf/agenda_for_growing_europe_en.pdf

° Tender for Evaluation of IST activity in FP5: The European Commission's Information Society DG published a call for tenders to be submitted by early September 2003 to evaluate networks of collaboration in information society technologies (IST) under the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5), and their evolution to collaborations in the European Research Area (ERA). Study aims were to assess the degree of collabo-ration between IST researchers across Europe as opposed to national level, the degree of integration of research on the information society across the ERA and how integration of IST is changing as a result of new FP6 measures. Full details appeared on: http://ted.publications.eu.int/static/do ccur/en/en/139796-2003.htm

° Hydrogen research: It was announced in August that Italy intends to join the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE) which will support the use of hydrogen energy technologies such as hydrogen power vehicles. IPHE will establish collaboration in hydrogen production, storage, transport and end-use technologies; common codes for hydrogen fuel utilisation and sharing of information necessary to develop hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. The USE has committed USD 1,700 million for the first 5 years of a long-term R&D programme for hydrogen, hydrogen infrastructures, fuel cells and hybrid vehicle technologies. The EU has committed Euro 2 billion to long-term R&D of renewable and hydrogen energy technologies. http://usinfo.stat.gov

° CORDIS database new search feature offer a quick and easy way to find information from amongst more than 40,000 web pages, nine databases and thousands of documents. The new search service is to be found on http://ica.cordis.lu/search A help file and search tips are on http://ica.cordis.lu/search/helpfile Cordis is also offering a new science and society service which is available on http://www.cordis.lu/science-society

The European Commission has also launched a new magazine focusing on industrial research in Europe. The first edition looks at the central role of industrial research in facilitating the change in Europe to a knowledge-based society. The magazine will provide a round-up of the latest news and views on industrial research, covered principally by Priority 3, 'nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices’; under the FP6.The magazine can be downloaded from: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/industrial_technologies/magazine_en.html

° In late July 2003, the European Commission announced that it had now adopted an action plan for 2004-2006 with a view to boosting language learning. The objectives state that “Language learning is a lifelong activity. Teaching should start as early as possible (even at pre-school level) and quickly cover two languages in addition to the child’s mother tongue, and should continue into higher education and adult education”. One of the ‘targeted measures’ is: “Using the EU’s Europa website as an internet information portal for professionals and the general public on the range of training opportunities and the advantages of speaking more than one language. This portal will become operational in 2006”.

° Building a sustainable future: An EU project aiming to promote sustainable consumption predicts that by 2040, many people will be working from home several days a week, and when planning their holidays, will be limited to a certain number of 'air miles' per year to reflect the true environmental cost of air travel. The results of the Guilford (U.K.) survey show that residents believe that recycling and household energy conservation are the most pressing environmental concerns, while public authorities see traffic and transport as the main problem. The main obstacles cited as impediments to adopting sustainable technologies or practices include high prices, lack of availability, lack of information, and uncertainties over quality. Changes to protect the environment are most widely adopted when they fit easily into the everyday lifestyles of consumers, the survey also found.

Ideas generated during workshops aimed at creating sustainable European cities include government intervention to create a more environmentally sustainable economy; taxation shifts from labour to non-renewable materials; heavy taxes for polluting enterprises; raising money from green taxes; and the investment of fines in research and development into sustainable technologies. http://www.toolsust.org/

° Future powers proposed for European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) A further Commission proposal in the wake of the “Erika” and “Prestige” disasters would provide EMSA with the legal and technical means required to operate specialised pollution response ships and equipment for collecting oil and other noxious substances in the sea. The Commission also proposes to dien EMSA powers to permit it a decisive role in implementing European legislation relating to maritime security and qualifications of seafarers.

° The European Commission infringement procedures: France has been ordered to pay costs in relation to long-term pollution form the lake “Etang de Berre” – a saltwater marsh area in the Mediterranean region. Portugal has been ordered to pay costs for failing to adopt measures in relation to drinking water under Council Directive 80/778/EEC. Greece has been ordered to pay costs for failing to legislate on disposal of end-of-life vehicles and the U.K. has been ordered to pay costs for failing to adopt the laws, regulations and administrative provisions to comply with Directive 2000/53/EC of 18 September 2000 on end-of life vehicles (OJ L 269, 21.10.2000, p. 34) (re UK - Case Filing C-277/03). Italy has been ordered to pay costs for failure to require registration of companies collecting and transporting their own non-hazardous waste (Case Filing C-270/03 Commission v Italy). http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/droit_com/index_en.htm#infractions

° New OECD Study Shows ICT's Growth Potential Linked to Regulatory Environment Countries with high levels of product and labour market regulation have had lower shares of investment in ICT in recent years than countries where the regulatory environment is lighter, according to a new OECD report, “ICT and Economic Growth”. Based on evidence from OECD countries evidence and firms, it notes that productivity growth in countries such as the U.S., Australia and Canada with a record of strong investment in information and communications technologies (ICT) has remained robust despite the recent economic slowdown. By contrast, productivity growth in some other countries has weakened, in spite of investment in ICT.

To make effective use of ICT investment, the report observes, companies need to be able to innovate and adjust their organisational structures and workforces to new working methods. With ICT networks now spreading throughout much of the business sector in OECD countries, it recommends governments to focus on ensuring that the right regulatory environment is in place to reap maximum advantage from them. http://www.oecd.org

° The growing digital divide: A new report “A sustainable Europe: can ICT create economic, social and environmental value?” indicates that 88% of all internet users account for only 15% of the world’s population in the industrialised world. Digitally advanced countries such as Finland have more internet users than the whole of Latin America. The report proposes that the Commission’s Enterprise Directorate General set up a new award scheme to highlight e-business initiatives which create environmental and social benefit.

° Merger investigation gives green light to tunnel venture: The European Commission has approved the setting-up of a 50/50 joint venture between SNCF and TRENITALIA, the French and Italian rail companies. The joint venture, also known as Autoroute Ferroviaire Alpine, will provide a new rail shuttle service for lorries and semi-trailers through the Fréjus tunnel under Mont Cenis linking France and Italy and intended to ease the traffic congestion caused by lorries and other heavy vehicles on routes crossing the Alps.

· Austria: The EIB is lending EUR 40 million for a freight terminal and logistic centre in Graz. This project is one of first projects in Austria to be financed by SCHIG under a Private Public Partnership structure, whereby the Austrian Federal Government contributions directly fund 47% of the Project and the private operator of the Cargo Center Graz terminal will generate the remaining 53% through lease payments.

· Pakistan: The EIB is providing a US Dollar 50 million loan to Pak Arab Refinery Ltd for the construction of a pipeline to transport refined petroleum from Karachi to the Multan area of Central Pakistan. Pipeline construction started early in 2003 - independent environmental impact assessment and audit have been organised.

The EIB may lend Euro 2.48 billion during 2000-2006 to support capital investment projects implemented by subsidiaries of EU companies or joint-ventures between EU and ALA firms, or investment that results in environmental improvements or fosters regional integration.

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

· The EBRD and a consortium of international banks are making a US Dollar 75 million loan to OAOAK Transnefteproduct (TNP) owner and operator of the Russia pipeline system for transporting oil products to finance the modernisation of its network. Two-thirds of its 15,200 km pipelines have been in service for over 30 years. The EBRD is lender of record and is providing USD 30 million own funds.

· The EBRD is lending Euro 45 million to HAC, the Croatian Motorway Company, for the Euro 90 million Corridor 10 Motorway Completion Project. Technical co-operation funds will be sought to assist the HAC with the development of options and a proposal for introducing cost-based tolling system for the motorway network in Croatia. http://www.ebrd.com/oppor/procure/opps/index.htm

° In the course of August, the European Union Enlargement Treaty was ratified by Cyprus and Poland.

The European Parliament is on vacation during the month of August. News of Parliamentary activity will be resumed in the September Brussels Brief.

° Press reports indicate that in September the Industry Committee will adopt reports on security of gas supply, petroleum and crude oil stocks. There will also be discussion in second reading of the railway package on development of railways and railway safety.

The 20th Czech and Slovak National Conference will look at newly built structures and bridges; production, erection, quality, needs, standards; design, theoretical and experimental research; diagnostics, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, corrosion protection and fire design. Call for papers to 15th June 2003. Information from: http://www.fsv.cvut.cz/OK2003 e-mail: studnicka@fsv.cvut.cz

° Information days on mobility funding opportunities, UK, September-October 2003

The UK national mobility contact point is organising four information days on mobility funding opportunities under the Sixth Framework Programme. The programme includes: an overview of FP6, the Marie Curie actions, also an outline of the proposal, submission and evaluation procedures. Information days are scheduled as follows: 15 September, London; 17 September, Manchester; 19 September, Bangor, Wales; 10 October, Bristol. Further information: http://www.ukro.ac.uk/public/Mobility/Ev ents/ncpeventautumn.htm

° "Skills mismatches and how to get over it", Cedefop Conference, Thessaloniki, Greece, 29th and 30th September 2003

Experts of international repute will report on the state of education and training research today; company managers will explain how they get the skills they are looking for and why they recruit over-qualified staff; political decision makers will expound the concepts driving their work. http://www.cedefop.eu.int/events.asp?Actione=2&MonthF=9&YearF=2003

For registration: ARTION Conferences & Events, Ag. Sofias 24, 54622 Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel: +30 2310 252339 (agora line), +30 2310 272275, fax +30 2310 272276, +30 2310 277964
e-mail: agora@artion.com.gr

° FP6 energy and transport information day, Brussels, 24th September 2003

The European Commission's Energy and Transport DG will hold an information day on the ongoing calls for proposals under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) in the fields of energy and transport covering the FP6 thematic priorities 4, 6.1 and 6.2. It is primarily aimed at those who have already started to prepare a proposal. Further information and details obligatory registration:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_tra nsport/rtd/6/call_2/index_en.htm

° 6th Framework Programme for RTD (2002-2006) - Second Information Day on Second Call for Proposals the 24/09/2003 on CIVITAS II, CONCERTO, Railway Research and Infrastructure Charging & Electronic Fee Collection on Roads, Brussels 24th September 2003

° “Construction research in an enlarged European Union”, Warsaw, Poland, 6th and 7th November

This workshop event aims to generate collaborative partnerships between researchers from Member States and Associated States in the field of construction research. The programme includes keynote presentations by representatives from the European Commission, Member States and Associated States, as well as industry leaders and experts in the field of construction research.

° Integrated Lifetime Engineering of Buildings and Civil Infrastructures, Kuopio, Finland, 1st to 3rd December 2003

Symposium themes will be: 1. Ownership planning and management of investments, 2. Integrated life-cycle design, 3. Lifetime management systems 4. Integration and design of management processes, 5. Data for life-time design and management, 6. Norms, standards and guidelines, 7. Best practices in applying life-cycle design and management. Registration and further information may be obtained from http://www.ril.fi/ILCDES2003 or by e-mail to kaisa.venalainen@ril.fi

° Ninth international conference on technology supported learning and training, Berlin, 3rd - 5th December 2003

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