Commission adopts guidance for Structural Funds
The European Commission has adopted guidelines for the Structural Funds and their coordination with the Cohesion Fund for programmes in the period 2000-2006. Although these guidelines are not binding, they will be used as a basis for negotiations with Member States. Also, they cover all structural instruments and the EC intends to circulate a vade mecum in the near future concerning the preparation of the plans. Of particular significance is Section E "Research, technological development (RTD) and innovation: modernising the productive base", which sets out clearly defined policy priorities for the next planning period in the following areas: - Promoting innovation; - Networking and industrial cooperation; - Developing human capabilities; - Consolidating RTD and innovation actions through effective policy management.