Parliament adopts compromise deal on rules for participation in FP6
The European Parliament adopted a compromise deal on the rules for participation in the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) for research and development (R&D) on 3 July. The deal, reached between rapporteur Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl, shadow rapporteurs and the Spanish Presidency takes into account the main concerns expressed by MEPs. As requested by MEPs, there will now be an option for projects to be evaluated through a two stage procedure. The scientific and technological excellence of a proposal and the degree of innovation will also be the first criterion for selection, as requested by MEPs. In addition, the compromise covers the rules for participation in the Sixth Euratom research Framework programme, which follows the consultation procedure. Parliament passed an amendment stating that support for fusion research under FP6 should remain as close as possible to that in place under FP5 in order to maintain an adequate level of work on fusion within the integrated European fusion programme. Parliament would like the support rate to be 24 per cent, while the Commission is proposing 17.5 per cent.