Fifth business carries into conciliation

European Union research ministers have voted to begin a conciliation process over the Framework V Programme budget before the summer. The move follows the European Parliament's decision to dismiss a budget of Ecu14 billion (about Pounds 10 billion) and demand it be raised to Ecu16.3 billion. Councillors hope that by beginning conciliation early, there will be few gaps between the end of the Framework VI Programme and the start of the Fifth.