FP6 conference urges Balkan and Black Sea countries to learn from Slovenian participation in FP5
The countries of the Balkans and the Black Sea regions should take note of the valuable experience acquired by candidate countries like Slovenia in the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5) in order to better participate in the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). This was the resounding message from the second day of a conference to promote FP6 in the Balkan and Black sea countries in Thessaloniki on 19 February. While most presentations gave a general overview of the thematic priorities and new instruments under FP6, the presentation given by the State Undersecretary from the Slovenian Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, Dr Niko Herakovic, was of paramount importance as it clearly illustrated the substantial benefits of participation in the framework programmes. 'International scientific and technological cooperation is of essential importance for the successful technological development of Slovenia as a small country [...] within the process of entering the European Union and in successful cooperation in research programmes of the EU.' Indeed, as Dr Herakovic illustrated, Slovenia, was very successful with regard to receiving project funding under FP5: Out of 1,345 projects proposed, more than 300 were accepted for funding. This shows a success rate of approximately 28 per cent, which is well above the EU average and which is encouraging for other potential participants coming from not only candidate but associated countries as well. Dr Herakovic noted that participating in FP5 resulted in a better quality of life as well as an increase in the promotion of innovation in Slovenia. Part of Slovenia's success story is also due to the continued interest and commitment of project participants who relentlessly applied for funding even when their first attempts had failed, claimed Dr Herakovic. The State Undersecretary hopes to pass on the knowledge obtained from participating in FP5 to the countries of the Balkans and the Black Sea. In particular, the Slovenian ministry wishes to help countries such as Serbia to build similar research infrastructure and contact points. They have also already invited representatives from the former Yugoslavian republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to spend several days in Slovenia in order to gain the know how necessary and to acquire the confidence to make proposals under FP6.
Countries
Greece