Nice helps define European research's future
The European Research Area was discussed at the intergovernmental conference in Nice and the European Council made a number of recommendations to help further the creation of a Europe based on innovation and knowledge. 'The European Council notes the progress achieved in the construction of a 'European Area of Research and Innovation'. It would like the initiatives taken to improve the transparency of research results and the attractiveness of scientific careers to be continued. It takes note of the Council conclusions on the Community financial instruments for SMEs and the first results of the EIB's 'Innovation 2000' initiative,' it concluded. It also wants to see how the ERA is progressing. 'The European Council calls on the Commission to submit an initial report to the European Council in Stockholm on progress made in achieving a European Area of Research and Innovation.' In relation to mobility of researchers, the Council published the following: 'The European Council approves the Resolution adopted by the Council concerning an action plan for mobility. It calls on the Member States to step up their internal coordination in order to implement the 42 practical measures, relating to administrative, legislative, financial and social aspects, which are designed to define, increase and democratise mobility in Europe and to promote suitable types of funding. Progress will be assessed every two years.' The Council also tackled the issues of the eEurope 2002 plan and concluded: 'The European Council takes note of the interim reports from the Commission and the Council on implementation of the eEurope 2002 Action Plan, which describe the progress achieved. At its Stockholm meeting it will examine an initial report on the contribution which this plan has made to the development of a knowledge-based society as well as the priorities for its further implementation. In the same context, the contribution which the plan has made to modernising the civil service in the Member States will also be examined in the light of the meeting of Ministers for the Civil Service held in Strasbourg.' Finally, the Galileo project came under the council's scrutiny, with the following text being agreed: 'The European Council takes note of the report submitted by the Commission on the GALILEO project. For the validation phase, funding will be based on appropriations from the Community and the European Space Agency. For the implementation of the project and its subsequent management, public-private partnership will be necessary. The European Council confirms the conclusions of its Cologne meeting on the role which will have to be played by private financing. The European Council urges the Council to define the arrangements for the GALILEO project at its meeting on 20 December 2000, with a view, inter alia, to guaranteeing sound financial management and balanced participation by all the Member States.' tifique.
Countries
France