Legal provisions of COM(2001)279-1 - Specific programme 2002-2006 for research, technological development and demonstration aimed at integrating and strengthening the European Research Area

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Article 1

1. In accordance with the framework programme, a specific programme on integrating and strengthening the European Research Area (hereinafter referred to as 'the specific programme') is hereby adopted for the period from 30 September 2002 to 31 December 2006.

2. The objectives and scientific and technological priorities for the specific programme are set out in Annex I.

Article 2

In accordance with Annex II of the framework programme, the amount deemed necessary for the execution of the specific programme is EUR 12905 million, including a maximum of 6,0 % for the Commission's administrative expenditure. An indicative breakdown of this amount is given in Annex II.

Article 3

All research activities carried out under the specific programme must be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles.

Article 4

1. The detailed rules for financial participation by the Community in the specific programme shall be those referred to in Article 2(2) of the framework programme.

2. The specific programme shall be implemented by means of the instruments defined in Annex III to the framework programme and described in Annex III.

3. The rules for participation and dissemination shall apply to the specific programme.

Article 5

1. The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities set out in Annex I, and the timetable for implementation.

2. The work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, Associated States and European and international organisations. It shall be updated where appropriate.

Article 6

1. The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the specific programme.

2. The procedure laid down in Article 7(2) shall apply for the adoption of the following measures:

(a) the drawing up and updating of the work programme referred to in Article 5(1), including the instruments to be used on a priority basis, any subsequent adjustment to their use, the content of the calls for proposals as well as the evaluation and selection criteria to be applied;

(b) the approval of funding of:

(i) RTD actions involving networks of excellence and integrated projects,

(ii) RTD actions under the following priority thematic areas:

"Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health",

"Information society technologies",

"Nanotechnologies and nanosciences, knowledge-based multifunctional materials and new production processes and devices",

"Aeronautics and space",

"Food quality and safety",

"Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems",

where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 1,5 million,

(iii) RTD actions, other than those referred to in points (i) and (ii), where the estimated amount of the Community contribution under this programme is equal to or more than EUR 0,6 million;

(c) the drawing-up of the terms of reference for the external assessment provided for in Article 6(2) of the framework programme;

(d) any adjustment to the indicative breakdown of the amount as set out in Annex II.

3. The procedure laid down in Article 7(3) shall apply for the adoption of the following measures:

- detailed implementing provisions concerning research activities involving human embryos and human embryonic stem cells,

- RTD actions involving the use of human embryos and human embryonic stem cells.

Article 7

1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down in Articles 4(3) and 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at two months.

4. The committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

Article 8

1. The Commission shall regularly report on the overall progress of the implementation of the specific programme, in accordance with Article 4 of the framework programme; information on financial aspects and the use of instruments shall be included.

2. The Commission shall arrange for the independent monitoring and assessment provided for in Article 6 of the framework programme to be conducted concerning the activities carried out in the fields covered by the specific programme.

Article 9

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.