Financial Regulation for Joint Research Centre
The European Commission has published a proposal for a Council Regulation (EC, ECSC, Euratom) amending the Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities. The Fourth Framework Programme for research and technological development introduces a new competitive approach for the Joint Research Centre which means that the JRC will have to enter into competition with other bodies for certain projects financed by means of appropriations in the general budget. It is therefore necessary to adapt the Financial Regulation in order to take account of this new competitive approach. The new approach implies changes to certain terms of the Financial Regulation so as to afford the JRC greater flexibility in the management of its appropriations, thereby enabling it to compete effectively with other similar bodies. The proposed Regulation also provides the Commission with greater autonomy for transferring appropriations, including appropriations for staff.