MEPs respond to Busquin's Framework programme proposals
An increase of 17 per cent in the funding allocated to the next Framework programme is essential, Philippe Busquin, Research Commissioner, emphasised when addressing a meeting of the Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy committee in the European Parliament on 26 February. The assembled MEPs were largely sympathetic towards Mr Busquin's aims, conceding that a nine per cent increase in the same budget has been approved in the USA, which Europe is aiming to catch up with in terms of research, development and innovation spending. Mr Busquin told the Parliament's Committee on 26 February that the overall budget of 17.5 billion euro represents an increase of 17 per cent over the previous programme. MEPS welcomed the increase, but called attention to the fact that the USA has just announced an annual increase of nine per cent to its research budget. But some MEPs expressed reservations over the allocation of the budget. French MEP Gérard Caudron praised the proposal, but questioned the way financing is to be allocated for the coordination of national research policies. Other MEPs stated that they would like to see more than the proposed 3.6 billion euro for Information Society technologies. Whilst the Commission's research priority areas were broadly accepted by the Committee, a number of MEPs said they would like to see more emphasis placed on sustainable development, renewable energy sources international cooperation with developing countries and the recruitment of more young people to research.