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 The Dutch Presidency in the second half of 2004 takes place under historic circumstances: an enlarged European Union, the election of a new European Parliament and the installation of a new European Commission. These events mark a new phase in the realisation of the Lisbon and Barcelona ambitions and offer new challenges and perspectives for the European Research and Innovation Area.
 We want to move the European agenda on Research and Innovation ahead. The objective is to make a well focussed contribution to the realisation of the Lisbon and Barcelona ambitions. The agenda on Research and Innovation of the Dutch Presidency will be driven by the development of the European Research and Innovation Area and the discussion on the future of European research and technology policy.
Building upon the progress made during the Irish Presidency, the Dutch Presidency will focus attention on the realisation of the 3% objective through the open method of coordination and more specifically on the supply, quality and mobility of knowledge workers and the interaction between the public knowledge base and industry. Specific attention will be given to the promotion of excellence in basic research and the possible creation of an European Research Council, the improvement of the human capital base, the enhancement of European cooperation in the field of research infrastructures, the position of SME's and the interaction between science and industry, in particular through the creation of European Technology Platforms. In addition, in accordance with the request made at the Spring Summit of 25-26 March, the Council of Ministers will continue to try to reach agreement on the Community patent.
To conclude, the midterm review of the Lisbon process and the evaluation of the new instruments of the 6th Framework Programme will constitute important lessons for Europe on how to proceed towards the realisation of the European knowledge society and the development of the European Research and Innovation Area. Let's use this moment to reinforce our engagement to constitute a Europe of knowledge, innovation and competitiveness!
Last updated: 2006-11-06 |
