HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis - research and development programme * Public deliberation (Item Approved Without Debate - Extracted from: Provisional Minutes of the 13 May Competitiveness Council)

Brussels, 14 May 2003

The Council adopted the Decision on the Community participation in a research and development programme aimed at developing new clinical interventions to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis through a long-term partnership between Europe and the developing countries, undertaken by several Member States. (Doc 3614/03 and 8545/1/03 REV 1)

The implementation of this action within the sixth EC research framework programme (2002-2006) is a novelty in itself in the Community research policy because of the first time application of Article 169 ECT pursuant to which the Community is participating in a programme undertaken by several Member States. The vast majority of Member States will be participating in the programme from the beginning, as well as Norway, but the current Decision is equally applicable to any other Member State or a state associated to the framework programme who might wish to join at a later date.

The Community is making a financial contribution of a maximum of 200 million Euros to this programme, which is added to the estimated overall value of another 200 million Euros thanks to the participation of the Member States and to the envisaged additional funds of 200 million Euros from other private and public sources.

The programme can also be seen in the context of the EU programme of action on communicable diseases.

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