ESC Opinion: Proposals bearing on the RTD Framework Programmes At its 288th plenary session (July 1991), the Economic and Social Committee (ESC) adopted an Opinion on three related proposals which adapt or amend existing Decisions within the context of the Second RTD Framework Programme (1987-1991). The purpose of the proposals (COM(91) 1... At its 288th plenary session (July 1991), the Economic and Social Committee (ESC) adopted an Opinion on three related proposals which adapt or amend existing Decisions within the context of the Second RTD Framework Programme (1987-1991). The purpose of the proposals (COM(91) 13, published in OJ No C 53 of 28.2.1991) is to permit a series of budgetary reappropriations, intended to avoid a slowdown and the risk of discontinuity in the Community's overall RTD activities due to the late adoption of specific programmes under the Third Framework Programme. At the same time, it is proposed to increase the appropriation for the JOULE programme. In general, the Committee endorses the Commission's proposals subject to comments set out in the body of the text. Here, inter alia, the Committee reiterates the importance of the JOULE programme, but finds in the Third Framework Programme no evidence of a genuine commitment to make non-nuclear energy a high-priority research sector.
