Research Council takes on heavyweight issues
Three key areas will feature on the agenda of the Research Council taking place on November 16. The best means of realising the proposed European Research Area (ERA), conclusions concerning a European space strategy and approval of legal negotiations to create an ITER legal entity. There will be an exchange of views on the ERA and a European innovation area and a communication will be presented on the best methods of achieving the ERA in the period 2002 to 2006. A comprehensive strategy for European space will also be discussed and a resolution will be presented in response to the Commission's communication concerning this subject. It is also expected that the Council of the European space agency (ESA) will adopt the same resolution concurrently. The Commission's communication 'Europe and space; beginning a new chapter' had called for a strengthening of space activities, increase in scientific knowledge concerning the solar system and the universe in general and help for companies and markets with technical capabilities in the space community. Finally, the Council will be invited to approve the negotiation by the Commission on the creation of an international framework for the parties in the ITER/EDA accord (International thermonuclear experimental reactor - engineering design activities) to create a legal entity for ITER for its future use. This is required as the present agreement expires on 21 July 2001 and the legal basis for the project needs to be extended at least until the end of the present EURATOM programme runs out at the end of December2002.