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The Luxembourg Presidency of the first half of 2005 is taking place at a crucial time in the Lisbon and Barcelona processes: the mid-point evaluation of these ambitious projects will initiate a new phase and constitute a qualitative jump, providing them with a new impetus to take on the challenges inherent to the creation of the European Research Area.

We concur with the European Council of Barcelona in believing that research, technology development and innovation are keystones of the Lisbon strategy. The Luxembourg presidency's agenda for Research and Innovation actively supports the developments initiated within the framework of the Barcelona objectives and aims to provide a sustained contribution to the deployment of the European Research and Innovation area.

The Luxembourg Presidency will provide particular encouragement to the development and implementation of concrete activities initiated on the basis of the advancement report on the "3% Action Plan" with a view to promoting additional private and public investment in R&D and innovation.

The 7th Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7) is a major element of the creation of a European Research Area. In order to adopt the FP7 within a reasonable timeframe, we will initiate the required preparatory work. This work will be part of the debate on the major goals of the future FP7 as they will be defined by the European Commission proposal.

We will pay particular attention to reinforcing activities in the field of nanotechnology, to the development of a preliminary version of the future European Space Programme and to human resources in the field of science and technology, especially with respect to the development of measures to facilitate the mobility of researchers and to clarification of the status of researcher. In addition, taking our cue from the Council decision made under the Dutch Presidency, the Luxembourg Presidency will strive to put the Council in a position that will enable it to make the decisions required to advance the ITER project.

Development of the European Research and Innovation area is important to us. It is a means to build a more competitive Europe, a Europe which is based on knowledge and innovation. This maxim will guide us in our actions and efforts and is the goal on which we will focus our strengths.

François Biltgen

Minister of Labour and Employment
Minister for Culture, Higher Education and Research
Minister for Religious Communities

Jeannot Krecké

Minister of the Economy and Foreign Trade
Minister of Sport

Octavie Modert

Secretary of State for Relations with Parliament
Secretary of State for Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development
Secretary of State for Culture, Higher Education and Research