Decision on Fifth Framework Programme set for 22 December
The meeting of research ministers from EU member states to consider adopting the Fifth Framework Programme has been put off until 22 December 1998. The ministers were previously scheduled to decide on the proposal at a meeting of the Council on 10 December. However, the Council secretariat reports that the meeting has been postponed to enable the legislation to clear its final hurdle in the European Parliament. The decision to put off the meeting for two weeks is expected to help avoid any delay in publishing the new programme's first calls for proposals, which are expected in February or March 1999. The Parliament will vote on the Fifth Framework Programme at its plenary session during the week beginning 14 December. In this session the Members of the Parliament will consider both the overarching legislation establishing the Fifth Framework Programme and legislation setting up each of the specific programmes.