Candidate countries in the Sixth Framework programme - press conference set for 29 Oct

Brussels, 14 Oct 2002

Press Conference

WHEN? 29 October 2002

WHERE? Brussels, (Charlemagne building, Room S3, Rue de la Loi 170)

Research is the first policy to integrate Candidate countries

On 29 October 2002 the European Commission is organising an informal meeting "Candidate Countries in the Sixth Framework Programme" to discuss with representatives of these countries their further integration in the European Research Area and especially possibilities offered by the Sixth Framework Programme. Research is the first European policy where CCs are regarded as full members of the EU, with the same rights and obligations.

During the meeting the European Commission and candidate countries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding, associating them to the Framework Programme. The event will be followed by a press conference.

BACKGROUND

The Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development covering the four-year period 2002-2006 is the Union's main instrument for the funding of research in Europe. Since Council and the European Parliament adopted the Commission's proposal last June, all candidate countries have expressed their wish to be associated. Candidate countries will thus have the possibility to share with Member States the overall budget of EUR 17.5 billion of the Sixth Framework Programme. Research is the first policy where the candidate countries are treated on an equal footing with Member States.

Candidate Countries involved in FP6 include Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Turkey

Conference programme

The agenda for the meeting on 29 October 2002 is as follows:
10:00 - Welcome by Commissioner Philippe Busquin and opening remarks by the Danish Presidency and Commissioner Verheugen. President Prodi intends to attend the meeting.
10.30-12.00: Exchange of views about the Action Plan aiming at better integration of candidate countries in FP6 activities
12.15: Closing remarks by Commissioner Busquin
12.30: Signature of Memorandum of Understanding (open to the press)
13.00: Press Conference with Commissioner Philippe Busquin (open to the press)
Candidate countries will be represented at ministerial level.

Media may have access to the event during the Press Conference. Journalists are invited to attend the Press Conference where they will have the opportunity to put questions to Commissioner Busquin. The candidate country representatives will also be invited to be present at the Press Conference and available for interviews.

Further information and practical details about the Press conference will be disseminated to the Press in due time.

For further information, please contact:

Klimentini Diakomanoli
Press Officer,
Research Directorate General
European Commission
Tel: +32.2.299.15.24, Fax: +32.2.295.82.20, Email: klimentini.diakomanoli@cec.eu.int

DG Research
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/research/i ndex_en.html