MEPs call for clarification on the next Framework programme
The European Parliament's committee for industry, external trade, research and energy called for more clarity on the next research framework programme on 23 April at a meeting attended by Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin and Information Society Commissioner Erkki Liikanen. The Commissioners were present to answer MEPs questions on the current plans for the structure and content of the forthcoming framework programme. But the Committee was critical of Mr Busquin's replies to its questionnaire. Three areas attracted the greatest debate: the setting up of networks of excellence; the criteria used to select these and the overall budget off the research programme. The Commissioner defended the current proposal, and argued for the preservation of selection criteria based on: excellence throughout the network as a whole and its various components; the depth and extent of integration among network members; and the means devoted to achieving these objectives. The selection board for the networks would be formed of 'peers' in the research area in question, he said, although he stressed that his answers were not final, but part of an ongoing process to make the programme function more smoothly. Responding to MEPs' questions on measures planned to boost research on information society technologies (IST), Mr Liikanen explained the reasoning behind the Commission's proposed budget of 3.6 billion euro. He stressed the importance for Europe to maintain its lead in the mobile telecommunications sector and to step up efforts to narrow the gap with the USA in other IST-related areas, like the Internet. He also drew attention to the Commission's brand new task force for the future sixth Internet protocol, meeting the same day. Another questionnaire will be sent to Commissioner Busquin in the next few weeks and the committee expects to adopt a report on the next framework programme, by MEP Gérard Caudron (PES, F), later this year. This will then be put to the vote in a Parliament plenary session before the end of November.