Parliament committee adopts reports on specific programmes and rules for participation in FP6
The European Parliament's Committee on Industry, external trade, research and energy adopted two reports on the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) on 28 May, on rules for participation and the specific programmes. Following an agreement with the Council, MEPs did not introduce any new ethical amendments to the specific programmes, but did adopt a number of amendments on the Commission's proposals. On the rules for participation, the committee adopted several compromise amendments. MEPs insist that the evaluation of projects must follow a two stage procedure. Many potential participants are deterred by the disproportionate cost-benefit ratio of submitting proposals and tenders. A two stage procedure would mean that expensive, detailed applications would not have to be submitted until an assessment of the likely benefits has been made. Scientific and technological quality and innovativeness should be the first criterion for selection, according to MEPs, as these reflect the strategic objectives of the Lisbon summit. The Commission should, however, also be able to take into account new criteria as proposed by the committee, say the committee. These criteria include synergies with education at all levels, capacity to engage with actors beyond the research community and activities to increase the role of women in research. The reports are expected to be adopted at the Parliament's June plenary session, and the Council is then likely to adopt FP6 on 3 June as an A-point at the Employment and Social Affairs' Council.