3.3. Framework Programmes

European Commission R&D programmes are grouped together in so-called 'framework programmes' covering several years of activity. These ensure that the different actions planned are coherent and harmonious. CORDIS provides regular updates on their execution. The current R&D framework programme is the seventh in the series (thus called the seventh framework programme, or FP7 for short) with a budget of 53 200 million euro for the period 2007-2013. Information of the earlier Sixth, Fifth and Fourth framework programmes are still available on-line, while the details of projects funded under earlier programmes are integrated into the CORDIS databases.