Spanish Presidency achieved 'more than expected', says Ramon Marimon
'I think we've done more than expected in this period,' said Spanish Secretary of State for science and technology, Ramon Marimon, in an interview with CORDIS News, referring to the Spanish Presidency's achievements over the last six months in the area of research. 'We set several goals and we have achieved them all,' said Mr Marimon, highlighting the first ever informal meeting between Research and Industry Ministers, the launch of the clinical trials platform, initiatives involving Latin America and Mediterranean countries, and in particular, agreement on the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) for research, 'the initiative that has taken most of our energy.' Mr Marimon is particularly proud of the fact that the 'productive, intense relationship between Parliament, the Council and the Commission' led to agreement and avoidance of the conciliation process. This achievement means that FP6 will become operational on time for the first time in the history of the EU Framework programmes. 'Everyone I think agrees that it has been a very successful Presidency,' he said. Mr Marimon deems the only outstanding issue to be 'a small discussion on bioethics' in relation to FP6. As discussions are already underway, he believes the Danish Presidency will have no trouble in securing an agreement in this area.
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