DG XII issues Annual RTD Report for 1998
The European Commission, Directorate General XII, recently published its 1998 Annual Report which gives an overview of Community research policy and its implementation. The report is written to interest researchers, research organisations, industrial enterprises, research-policy specialists and politicians with an interest in Community programmes. It gives a synopsis of the EC's main RTD activities during 1997, extending into 1998, when some important decisions were taken. Detailed information about the implementation of each of the specific programmes run through the Fourth Framework is given, along with statistical information on projects that have been signed, proposals, and funding. The report is used to highlight the importance of Agenda 2000 - Europe's enlargement project - and the Amsterdam Treaty, which will eliminate the requirement for unanimous voting in the Council. The EC hopes this will help to streamline decision-making, and bring research into line with other policy areas where co-decision of the European Parliament and Council is required The Fifth Framework Programme, presented in 1998, is described in the report as a significant departure from earlier programmes. It is hoped to channel research in the direction of a more strategic, focused and integrated set of activities designed to improve Community funding.