MEP urges strengthening of ECSC's research programme
On 26 October, the European Parliament approved the budget for the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community) budget for 2001, and noted the need to strengthen research funded under the ECSC. MEP Heide Rühle noted that the 190m euro budget for the ECSC would be the last annual budget as the body will cease to exist from July 2002. She was particularly concerned that research financed under the ECSC Treaty should be strengthened, especially as the importance of the EU's coal and steel sectors will increase significantly following enlargement. Ms Rühle stressed that she would like to see research into less polluting technologies, but also proposed a reduction in administrative expenditure, as the lump sum calculated 20 years ago is no longer commensurate with the current level of ECSC activities.