Tag Archives: Research and development

Strategy for cooperation with China

Leave a reply

Strategy for cooperation with China

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Strategy for cooperation with China

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Relations with third countries > Asia

Strategy for cooperation with China (2007-2013)

Document or Iniciative

European Commission – China Strategy Paper 2007-2013 .

Summary

Relations between the European Union (EU) and China have progressed towards a strategic partnership. This cooperation, which developed on the basis of a Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement, now covers a large number of sectors thanks to the establishment of a stronger partnership.

This cooperation programme is an important element of that relationship.

Political dialogue

The partners are continuing to develop their ties through regular political dialogue, particularly in the areas of:

  • climate change and energy;
  • legal and illegal immigration;
  • human rights;
  • trade in goods and services, and market access;
  • the European arms embargo;
  • cooperation on foreign and security policy, with particular attention to conflict prevention and combating weapons of mass destruction;
  • justice, freedom and security, focusing on combating terrorism, organised crime, trafficking of human beings, drugs, and the trafficking of small arms and light weapons.

The political dialogue also serves as a framework for the negotiation of a Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA).

Cooperation priorities

In the area of trade, the partnership supports trade liberalisation and China’s commitments in accordance with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). China’s significance in international trade is such that the country must demonstrate its ability to respect fair and equitable conditions of competition. Similarly, the EU supports the restructuring of the financial services sector in view of the increase in trade in services.

Cooperation in the area of civilian aviation should help to improve aviation safety and security, considering the rapid development of the aviation market and the country’s position as a transit hub within Asia. Action to provide regulatory technical assistance is in place, as are research projects, including for the development of green air transport.

China must reduce the negative social impact of its economic reforms in order to increase its social and territorial cohesion. This should be done through policies at regional level, employment and decent work, social security and health. The partners may therefore exchange experience in particular areas such as the labour market, social exclusion and pensions.

Similarly, cooperation must be increased in the education and training sector, for the development of student and professional exchange programmes, particularly in the field of science.

Finally, the partners must combine their efforts to combat climate change, to develop legal and economic instruments for environmental protection and to ensure the sustainable management of energy and water resources.

Strategy for cooperation with Thailand

Leave a reply

Strategy for cooperation with Thailand

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Strategy for cooperation with Thailand

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

External relations > Relations with third countries > Asia

Strategy for cooperation with Thailand (2007-2013)

Document or Iniciative

The European Commission – Thailand Strategy Paper 2007-2013 .

Summary

The partnership put in place between the European Union (EU) and Thailand is intended to facilitate policy and trade dialogue and knowledge sharing. The cooperation priorities presented by the Commission therefore take into account improvements in the socio-economic development of the country.

Strategic cooperation areas

Economic cooperation activities are at the heart of the partnership. The EU therefore supports public reforms in economic areas, improvements to the legal environment for enterprise and investment, and the increase in commercial competitiveness of the country at regional and global levels.

Similarly, planned measures aim at facilitating customs cooperation and adapting rules and technical standards applicable to goods that are to be imported into the EU.

The partners also intend to strengthen their relations in the area of science and technology, higher education and research. Their activities should facilitate the sharing of information, know-how and good practices, as well as strengthening capacities and resources in the sector of research.

Lastly, cooperation should foster dialogue and the sharing of knowledge in the areas of social policy, protection of the environment, good governance, human rights and mine action.

Policy dialogue

A series of themes are to be covered as part of the policy dialogue:

  • the promotion of democracy and human rights;
  • social and human development, particularly as regards health, culture, education and training;
  • immigration and asylum policy, the fight against human trafficking and the protection of displaced persons;
  • the environment and the sustainable management of natural resources;
  • the development of civil society.

Cross-cutting issues

Cooperation actions undertaken must take into account:

  • gender equality and the position of women in the economy;
  • the impact of global trade at social level and the promotion of decent work;
  • management of natural resources, including energy;
  • good governance in public affairs and the promotion of human rights.

Context

The partners’ relations should be intensified through the conclusion of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). The negotiations, initiated in 2007, deal particularly with the priorities defined in this Strategy Paper.

Implementation of the partnership for growth and jobs

Leave a reply

Implementation of the partnership for growth and jobs

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Implementation of the partnership for growth and jobs

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Regional policy > Review and the future of regional policy

Implementation of the partnership for growth and jobs (first report)

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission of 25 January 2006 to the Spring European Council – Time to move up a gear – Part 1: The new partnership for growth and jobs [COM(2006) 30 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The partnership for growth and jobs needs to be converted into a genuine reform with the help of the Community Lisbon Programme and the national reform programmes (NRPs). The Commission reviews their progress here.

Community Lisbon Programme

The Commission has already adopted two-thirds of the planned measures. However, certain measures have yet to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council or rely for funding on an agreement on the financial framework (2007-2013). Some noteworthy measures have been added to those already planned:

  • a communication on research and innovation;
  • the development of an integrated industrial policy;
  • initiatives to improve the tax and customs environment;
  • investigations into more competitive markets in energy and financial services;
  • a proposal to create a single payment area in Europe;
  • new Community funding available for SMEs to improve energy supply and demand.

National reform programmes

All Member States have drawn up NRPs and appointed national Lisbon coordinators. Some have streamlined internal coordination in order to improve policy coherence. The Commission does not consider it necessary at this stage to adapt the integrated guidelines and feels it is too early to propose formal, country-specific recommendations. The emphasis at this stage must be on implementing the partnership and the specific measures proposed at Community and national levels. The Commission draws the Member States’ attention to the individual evaluations of each NRP, drawing conclusions on the macroeconomic, microeconomic and employment aspects, and on specific points which will require particular attention (weaknesses).

Macroeconomic aspects

Analysis of the NRPs from a macroeconomic point of view shows that:

  • many factors complicate short-term and long-term budgetary discipline, making the macroeconomic problem more serious for Member States;
  • Member States are trying to cut spending rather than increase taxes. However, it has yet to be clearly defined where and how savings can be made;
  • the measures proposed in the “euro zone” are geared mainly towards future public finances but do not aim to support labour market adjustments or to create more competitive internal markets;
  • despite recognition of the problem of ageing populations in Europe, NRP measures appear to be piecemeal or insufficient;
  • only some Member States have taken an integrated approach in planning their NRP.

Microeconomic aspects

The following conclusions may be drawn with regard to microeconomic issues:

  • the NRPs reflect the need to increase investment in research and promote innovation;
  • 18 of the 25 Member States have set investment targets relative to GDP which at EU level will equate to 2.6% by 2010, falling short of the overall target of 3%. This figure is currently 1.9% for the EU;
  • initiatives relating to transport infrastructure and communication technologies could receive support from the cohesion and rural development funds;
  • access to internal markets (energy and services) deserve greater attention. The application of Community Directives in this area is a beginning;
  • initiatives to foster a more positive attitude towards entrepreneurship do not go far enough. Education can help to reduce the stigma of failure;
  • Member States need to adopt a more integrated approach in order to improve the rule-making which affects business and at the same time supplement action at Community level;
  • comprehensive and coordinated implementation of the different microeconomic policies may achieve much greater benefits than the sum of the individual policies put together.

Employment

The Commission draws the following conclusions with regard to employment:

  • the proposed employment objectives are inspired by Community objectives but are often piecemeal and do not take the life cycle approach;
  • greater attention should be given to “flexicurity”, facilitating the transition from one job to another with adequate social protection and a reliable lifelong learning system;
  • the reform of education systems concentrates mainly on the quality and transparency of qualifications, as well as access to them. Investment needs to be stepped up.

Overall conclusions

The NRPs are a good basis for implementing the partnership for growth and jobs, but not all are of equal quality:

  • some have set clear targets and timetables, with specific measures and budget details. Others lack such information;
  • the three dimensions (macroeconomic, microeconomic and employment) could be more closely integrated so that one measure would benefit several sectors;
  • only some Member States provide for measures to remove obstacles to market access;
  • the cohesion and rural development funds will be needed to achieve the Lisbon objectives, although the macroeconomic repercussions of using these funds will need to be taken into account. Coordination mechanisms need to be put in place for planning the use of these funds and drafting the NRPs.

Key areas

The Commission calls on the Member States to implement their national reform programmes fully and on time. To correct the shortcomings which emerged from the evaluations, it proposes four integrated actions which it intends to implement by the end of 2007:

Action 1: Investing more in knowledge and innovation

The Lisbon objective was to boost R&D spending to 3% of GDP by 2010 (1% from the public sector, 2% from the private sector). Member States must increase public spending and make it more effective through wider use of fiscal incentives and closer coordination with the other Member States with regard to spending. Public procurement has a part to play in transforming the results of research into innovation. At the same time, more competitive markets encourage businesses to be more innovative.

The private sector must be able to make a greater contribution to funding for higher education, and the link between universities and business must be strengthened. The objective should be to increase investment in higher education to 2% of GDP.

Action 2: Unlocking the business potential of SMEs

By 2007, every Member State should have set up a one-stop shop to assist would-be entrepreneurs to fulfil administrative requirements all in one place – electronically, where possible. They must set up similar one-stop shops for VAT and for the recruitment of a first employee. The time taken to set up a business should be cut in half, and start-up fees should be as low as possible.

By that date they must also adopt a methodology for measuring administrative costs for national rules and regulations. This exercise should facilitate initiatives to reduce these administrative costs. The Commission will propose similar initiatives at Community level.

Action 3: Responding to globalisation and ageing

Member States must help people to work longer, and they need to reform pension schemes, for example by changing the statutory retirement age, enhancing financial incentives for older workers to remain in work, offering more training opportunities to workers over the age of 45 or allowing gradual retirement. Disability schemes, together with health care and long-term care systems, should also be reviewed to make them more effective.

The entry of young people into the labour market, in line with the Youth Pact, is another important factor. By 2007, young people who have left school should be offered a job or additional training within 6 months, or within 100 days by 2010.

The Commission wishes to consult the social partners on better ways to reconcile family and professional life. It also plans to present a report in order to seek agreement on ‘flexicurity’ by the end of 2007, comprising the following elements:

  • reduction of labour market segmentation and undeclared work;
  • Member States to establish lifelong learning strategies to prepare people for change, supported by the European Social Fund and the Globalisation Adjustment Fund;
  • removal of obstacles to worker mobility by reaching a political agreement on the portability of supplementary pension rights.

Action 4: Moving towards an efficient EU energy policy

The Commission is proposing an energy policy designed to ensure that energy is secure, competitive and sustainable. The security of supply will be improved by:

  • strengthening and deepening the internal energy market (in particular completing the energy market by 1 July 2007), by promoting more competition in the electricity and gas markets, and by more integration between the gas pipeline systems of the Member States);
  • exploiting the potential of renewable energy sources and promoting more efficient use of energy;
  • developing a more focused, coherent and integrated approach to ensuring the security of energy.

A Green Paper has been published on ways to achieve these objectives.

Implementation

The Commission intends to involve national (and regional) parliaments, local authorities and other stakeholders in the implementation of the NRPs, particularly where there has not been sufficient time to do so during the preparation of the programmes. It proposes to involve the social partners by holding an extraordinary Social Summit. The NRPs must be further developed and strengthened by mutual learning among Member States. Those Member States which have not yet set targets with regard to future R&D spending and the employment rate should do so. The Commission and Member States will ensure that the open method of coordination, in the areas of education and training, social protection and social inclusion, also makes a strong contribution to the objectives.

With regard to the implementation of the Community Lisbon Programme, the Commission has proposed a roadmap setting out the major steps required for measures supplementing the NRPs.

The European Union institutions and the Member States need to define a communication strategy to improve understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the new partnership for growth and jobs at local, regional and national levels. This is essential in order to develop a sense of ownership on the part of all involved.

Background

As provided for at the Spring European Council in 2005, the Commission has drawn up the first report on the implementation of the new partnership for growth and jobs. With this report, the 2006 Spring European Council will be able to review progress made and comment on any adjustments to the integrated guidelines, which serve as a basis for the national reform programmes and the Community Lisbon Programme.

Radio Frequency Identification in Europe: steps towards a policy framework

Leave a reply

Radio Frequency Identification in Europe: steps towards a policy framework

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Radio Frequency Identification in Europe: steps towards a policy framework

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Information society > Radiofrequencies

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Europe: steps towards a policy framework

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 15 March 2007 – “Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Europe: steps towards a policy framework” [COM(2007) 96 – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

RFID is a method for exchanging information between a marker (radio tag) *, which can be incorporated into any object, and a reader, a wireless device that identifies the information using radiofrequencies. The technology is more powerful when the reader is linked to communication networks such as the internet, which makes the information available over the world-wide web.

The widespread deployment of RFID technology is an important stage in the development of many sectors, including transport, health and retail trade. Its applications range from the traceability of food, to automated payments, and the mobility and observation of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. It can therefore have a significant contribution to improving the lives of citizens.

However, the technology also raises concerns about the protection of privacy, health and the environment.

From a technical and commercial point of view, RFID is ready for mass deployment. However, there are some outstanding issues relating to the legal and policy framework for the technology.

Confidentiality and Security

RFID technology raises confidentiality issues and security concerns as it can be used to gather and distribute personal data. As a result, it is difficult to achieve wide public acceptance of the technology, as the public wants to see measures taken to protect its rights. For this reason, the social, political, ethical and legal implications of the deployment of RFID should be taken into account.

Under the current legislation, the national public authorities are responsible for ensuring the application of national legislation as regards data processing procedures, including for RFID applications. As regards the security of the RFID system, the Member States, the Commission and businesses should take concerted action concerning technical and organisational aspects and business procedures. To this end, the Commission encourages the consolidation of good practice and the drawing up of design criteria for RFID technology so risks are restricted from the start.

Reducing the threat to security and privacy requires permanent scrutiny of all implications of RFID. To that end, an approach that focuses on each individual RFID application may prove more effective than a more general approach, because each application has its own risks and advantages.

Awareness and information campaigns can play a key role here. The Commission’s public consultation indicated that the general public is often poorly informed about the possibilities and challenges of RFID technology.

The European Union has put in place a vast array of legal instruments to protect personal data. The importance of protecting personal data is recognised in the EC Treaty (Article 16) and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 8). Moreover, the European legislative framework in this field is defined by the general Data Protection Directive and the ePrivacy Directive. These Directives guarantee the protection of personal data, while taking account of innovations in data processing procedures.

Database management

Data storage and access also constitute problems for the drawing up of policy on the deployment of RFID. Given this new phase in the development of the internet, account should be taken of possible breakdowns in or accidental damage to the technology, as well as of individuals who might seek to exploit the technology for their own ends. The World Summit on the Information Society provides a framework for the emerging policy debate on this subject.

Radio spectrum*

The availability of radio frequencies and the harmonisation of conditions for their use are key issues in the functioning of RFID applications in Europe. The Commission’s streamlining of the use of the radio spectrum within the EU has since 2002 provided a new basis for the deployment of RFID technology.

Standards

The standards governing RFID must facilitate the harmonious distribution of services, while taking account of the rapid development of the technology. Participants in the consultation have expressed the view that the Commission should play a more active role in promoting interoperability and the streamlining of international standards.

Environmental and health issues

Environmental concerns relate to the processing of waste and the use of dangerous substances. These issues are dealt with in the Community legislation on electrical and electronic equipment. As regards health concerns, even though the effects of exposing the population and workers to the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) * of RFIDs are thought to be low, they continue to cause a range of concerns. Moreover, the Community legal framework limits exposure to EMFs.

Background

The deployment of RFID solutions goes hand in hand with enhancing the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in developing the European economy. ICT must become one of the leading sectors of our economy.

Key terms used in the act
  • Electronic chip (or integrated circuit): electronic component whose size can now be reduced to that of a dot. Silicon is the basic raw material used to manufacture it.
  • ag (or marker): small object composed of a chip attached to an antenna. These two components are enclosed in a container that can be incorporated into some objects. The device sends information via radio waves that can be captured by an appropriate reader and potentially placed on the Internet.
  • Radio spectrum: the entirety of radio frequencies available for the transmission of information.
  • magnetic fields: area in which electromagnetic forces are exerted. The intensity of the field varies, as the forces intensify as they approach the antenna. Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields may have negative effects on human health. However, according to the World Health Organisation, the level of exposure to the radio frequencies from base stations and wireless networks is so low that there is no reason to be concerned about its effect on human health.

ICT infrastructures for e-science

Leave a reply

ICT infrastructures for e-science

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about ICT infrastructures for e-science

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Information society > Internet Online activities and ICT standards

ICT infrastructures for e-science

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – ICT infrastructures for e-science [COM(2009) 108 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This Communication aims at developing the infrastructure of information and communication technologies (ICTs), also known as “e-Infrastructures”, in the area of e-science.

The potential of e-Infrastructures

The performance of information technology is constantly improving with regard to computation capacity, storage capacity and network speed. It allows new needs to be met in terms of modelling and simulation in sectors such as research into climate change or targeted healthcare but generates problems when designing e-Infrastructures.

It is therefore necessary to adopt ICTs to each phase of the scientific process, so that researchers can work together efficiently. This adoption will also allow the scope of research to be extended, which should generate, in the long term, a scientific renaissance and contribute to the success of the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs.

The current position of e-Infrastructures

The European Commission’s Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development has promoted the development and deployment of e-Infrastructures, in order to strengthen scientific excellence, and to promote innovation and industrial competitiveness.

 GEANT is the world’s largest multi-gigabit communication network for researchers and educators. In Europe, GEANT is widely used and connects 34 National Research and Education Networks (NRENs).

E-science grids (devoted to subjects such as high-energy physics and bioinformatics) are also present in Europe, in particular through EGEE which operates a multi-disciplinary grid with over 80 000 computers on 300 sites in 50 countries worldwide.

Scientific data necessitates new tools and methods. Projects are being developed in Europe so that all scientific content resources are accessible through e-Infrastructure services.

A new supercomputer infrastructure has been identified by ESFRI as a priority to improve European scientific performance and meet socio-economic challenges. The combined action of Member States and the Commission will generate the creation of PRACE, a new European e-Infrastructure dedicated to high-performance computing.

Global Virtual Research Communities are growing fast, which is opening up new perspectives for collaboration in the field of research on a worldwide scale.

European strategy for e-Infrastructures

The Commission proposes a renewed strategy to meet the challenges of e-science for 2020 and beyond. Three interrelated vectors are key to this strategy:

  • attaining worldwide leadership in e-science;
  • establishing e-Infrastructures;
  • exploiting these e-Infrastructures in order to promote innovation.

GEANT must continue to increase its performance in collaboration with NRENs, so as to facilitate access to resources and equipment for researchers, educators and students. Both developed and developing regions must be covered. In this regard, Member States must prioritise the use of GEANT as an experimental platform.

Industry is to be invited to use European e-Science grids. To this end, Member States must develop National Grid Initiatives (NGIs). The European Commission plans to facilitate interaction between European e-Science grids and global grids.

Access to scientific information must be improved by developing data-centric science. Member States thus have a duty to invest in the field of scientific data infrastructures and exchange best practice.

A new generation of supercomputing facilities must be implemented. The European Union must comply with the ESFRI objectives which aim to achieve peta-flop performance by 2010 and move towards exa-scale computing in 2020. Research and development in software and hardware must therefore be intensified so as to implement supercomputers. The preparatory work carried out by PRACE is a starting point for Member States that are also invited to invest in associated research fields. In the mid-term, the Commission will prepare a European scientific agenda in the field of supercomputing, covering the components, systems, software and services required.

Member States are also requested to fully exploit infrastructures to serve science and research. The objective is to host global virtual research communities.

Context

A new vision for the European Research Area based on the free movement of knowledge (the “fifth freedom”) was defined at the 2008 Ljubljana Council meeting. Moreover, the Aho Report of May 2008 highlighted the importance of developing infrastructures that would allow e-science to be disseminated. This indeed represents a new scientific revolution. It is essential for the European Union to be at the cutting edge of innovation in this field.

Scientific and technological cooperation with Egypt

Leave a reply

Scientific and technological cooperation with Egypt

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Scientific and technological cooperation with Egypt

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Research and innovation > Research and innovation: international dimension and enlargement

Scientific and technological cooperation with Egypt

Acts

Council Decision 2008/180/EC of 25 February 2008 concerning the conclusion of the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Summary

This decision marks the conclusion of the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation by the European Community (EC). This was a provisional agreement between the Community and Egypt signed on 21 June 2005.

The aim of the Agreement is to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in the fields of common interest where they are carrying out scientific and technological research and development projects.

The Agreement enables Egyptian legal entities * to participate in the framework programme of the European Community and, vice versa, legal entities in the Member States can participate in Egypt’s research programmes and projects in themes equivalent to those of the EC Framework programme. Activities undertaken include the implementation of research programmes, technological development and demonstration activities promoting cooperation with and between businesses, centres of research, universities, non-member countries and international organisations. The activities also aim to encourage training and the movement of researchers, as well as the dissemination and optimisation of the results of research activities, whilst also respecting the provisions for intellectual property rights.

The two parties shall facilitate the free movement of researchers and materials used for the activities covered in the Agreement. Grant funding can be allocated to a legal entity of Egypt participating in a Community action.

Coordination is undertaken by a joint committee called “EC-Egypt Joint Scientific and Technological Cooperation Committee”. The Committee is responsible for the evaluation and implementation of the Agreement. The remit of the Committee also includes the identification of sectors where cooperation could be developed and research priorities. The Committee shall meet at least once a year.

Context

The Agreement between the European Community and Egypt establishes a formal framework for cooperation in scientific and technological research

Key terms of the act
  • Legal entity: any natural person, or any legal person created under the national law of its place of establishment or under Community law or international law, having legal personality and being entitled to have rights and obligations of any kind in its own name.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Decision 2008/180/EC

27.2.2008

–

OJ L 59 of 4.3.2008

Scientific and technological cooperation with the United States

Leave a reply

Scientific and technological cooperation with the United States

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Scientific and technological cooperation with the United States

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Research and innovation > Research and innovation: international dimension and enlargement

Scientific and technological cooperation with the United States

Acts

Council Decision 98/591/EC of 13 October 1998 concerning the conclusion of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America.

Council Decision 2009/306/EC of 30 March 2009 concerning the extension and amendment of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America.

Summary

Decision 2009/306/EC aims to extend the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation concluded between the European Community (EC) and the United States on 5 December 1997 in Washington for a period of five years.

Its objective is to reinforce cooperation between the two parties in common priority areas in which they carry out scientific and technological research and development activities. Areas of cooperative activities are as follows:

  • environment,
  • biomedicine and health,
  • agriculture,
  • fisheries science,
  • engineering research,
  • non-nuclear energy,
  • natural resources,
  • materials sciences (including nanotechnology) and metrology,
  • information and communication technologies (ICTs),
  • telematics,
  • biotechnology,
  • marine sciences and technologies,
  • social sciences research,
  • transportation,
  • security research,
  • space research,
  • science and technology policy, management, training and mobility of scientists.

The Agreement allows American legal entities * to participate in the European Community Framework Programme. Reciprocally, legal entities from Member States can participate in American programmes on themes that are equivalent to those of the EC Framework Programme. Actions carried out concern the implementation of research programmes, technological development and demonstration by promoting cooperation with and between enterprises, research centres, universities, third countries and international organisations. They also aim to encourage the training and mobility of scientists, as well as the dissemination and optimisation of the results of research activities, whilst complying with the provisions for intellectual property.

The two parties will facilitate the free circulation of scientists and equipment used for activities covered by this Agreement. Funding may be granted to an American legal entity participating in a Community action.

Coordination will be carried out by a Joint Consultative Group (JCG) who will meet once a year. This group is composed of a limited and equal number of representatives from each party. It is responsible for evaluating and monitoring the implementation of the Agreement. Its remit also includes determining the sectors where cooperation could be reinforced and to define research priorities.

Context

The Agreement between the European Community and the United States of America establishes an official cooperation framework with regard to scientific and technological research. It was concluded on 5 December 1997 for an initial period of five years. It can be extended with possible amendments for additional periods of five years.

Key terms of the Act
  • Legal entity: a natural or legal person created in accordance with national law in the place of its establishment or with Community or international law, with a legal personality and being able to hold rights and obligations of any nature in its own name.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Decision 98/591/EC

13.10.1998

–

OJ L 284 of 22.10.1998
Decision 2009/306/EC

30.3.2009

–

OJ L 90 of 2.4.2009

Key issues for competitiveness in Europe

Leave a reply

Key issues for competitiveness in Europe

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Key issues for competitiveness in Europe

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Enterprise > Industry

Key issues for competitiveness in Europe

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 21 November 2003 “Some Key Issues in Europe’s Competitiveness – Towards an Integrated Approach” [COM(2003) 704 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

Competitiveness is determined by productivity growth. Therefore, a competitive economy is one that experiences high and sustained productivity growth.

Many factors have an immediate impact on competitiveness. For instance, the ability to promote research, innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the ability to encourage investment and the level of competition, or even the ability to reap the benefits of the enlarged internal market, have a direct influence on the development of European competitiveness.

Issues for a more competitive Europe

European industry needs to be competitive if the Community is to achieve its social and environmental goals, which, in turn, ensure that the quality of life of Europe’s citizens improves.

The current state of competitiveness

At present, European productivity growth is slowing down. This slowdown is reflected by a loss of competitiveness, which is a cause for serious concern. It represents a threat to European industrial performance and to the European industry’s ability to carry out structural adjustments.

While there is currently no serious evidence to suggest that Europe is heading for deindustrialisation in the true sense of the word, the process of structural adjustment under way is certainly proving to be difficult.

Signs of weakness are emerging in several key areas in the European Union, particularly research and development, innovation, information and communication technologies (ICT), entrepreneurship and the development of new skills.

To be competitive in a global market that is more and more open to competition, it is vital that the European Union becomes more efficient. In particular, it must therefore encourage investment in research, innovation, ICT, the reorganisation of work and education, all of which are key aspects of the transition process. It is essential that European industry anticipates and better prepares itself for the challenges of adjustment.

How to meet the challenges of competitiveness

The measures taken by the European Union need to be based on an analysis of competitiveness. This analysis consists of two parts: a general economic analysis and a detailed analysis of the competitiveness of the different sectors. This will identify not only the key issues linked to competitiveness, but also the specific problems experienced in certain industrial sectors. This analysis will thus enable the European Union to determine what measures should be taken.

All Community policies must contribute to competitiveness. It is crucial, therefore, that the synergies between certain Community policies (industrial policy, research and development policy, competition policy, internal market strategy, fiscal policy, employment policy, education and training policy, environment policy, transport and energy policy, regional policy) are exploited to obtain the best results in terms of competitiveness, both at European and national level.

The European institutions and the Member States must act as the “guardians of competitiveness”: adopting and implementing the legislation needed for economic growth is their responsibility. In addition, they must carry out impact assessments systematically. In other words, they must take care to take full account of the impact of their political decisions on competitiveness.

Background

This Communication responds to the request made by the 2003 spring European Council concerning the development of a strategy for competitiveness. It also forms part of the wider debate, launched by the Commission’s Communication of 11 December 2002 on the role of industrial policy in improving the competitiveness of industry.

Growth and jobs

Leave a reply

Growth and jobs

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Growth and jobs

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Employment and social policy > European Strategy for Growth > Growth and jobs

Growth and jobs

“Employment and social policy” >

The aim of the Lisbon Strategy, launched in 2000, was to make Europe “the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion”. According to the mid-term review of the Lisbon Strategy, the results are, at best, mixed. The gap in terms of productivity and growth between Europe and its economic partners has continued to widen, and the ageing population represents a further challenge.

The European Council has therefore decided to relaunch the Lisbon Strategy through a partnership for growth and jobs. The objective of this partnership will remain firmly anchored in sustainable development. However, in order to achieve it, Europe needs to focus on a more restricted number of priorities. Indeed, the achievement of stronger, lasting growth and the creation of more and better jobs would unblock the resources needed to realise our more general economic, social and environmental ambitions.

  • A new start for the Lisbon Strategy (2005)
  • The Community Lisbon Programme
  • The Community Lisbon Programme: proposal for 2008–2010
  • Strategic report on the renewed Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs: new cycle 2008-2010
  • Participation of young people with fewer opportunities

MAKING EUROPE A MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE IN WHICH TO INVEST
In order to boost growth and employment, Europe needs to become more attractive as a place in which to invest. Given the significant contribution made by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to creating jobs and growth, Europe must first combat the obstacles to the creation of SMEs and stimulate entrepreneurship. Furthermore, in spite of the progress achieved since the launch of the Lisbon Strategy, there is still not enough available risk capital to launch young businesses, and the current tax provisions discourage the retention of profits to build up equity.

  • Financing SME Growth
  • The contribution of taxation and customs policies to the Lisbon Strategy

Ensuring open and competitive markets inside and outside Europe
Competition on the internal market stimulates productivity and innovation. European competition policy plays a key role in shaping competitive markets. It must be continued within an enlarged Europe and in certain markets which have not revealed all their potential. This involves the elimination of barriers to competition and the rechannelling of State aid into innovation, research and development, and risk capital. Outside the EU, commercial policy must ensure that European businesses have access to the markets of third countries and comply with the rules guaranteeing fair competition.

  • A proactive competition policy for a competitive Europe
  • State Aid Action Plan
  • A stronger partnership to deliver market access

Improving European and national legislation
Simplifying legislation helps business and in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by eliminating unnecessary administrative formalities. The European Commission and the Member States have already launched initiatives to reduce administrative costs. This would benefit European businesses in terms of the productivity and competitiveness, and increase their ability to adapt, innovate and create jobs. It would also make it easier to set up new businesses.

  • Fewer administrative formalities for more growth
  • Simplifying the regulatory environment

Expanding and improving European infrastructure
Investment in transport must respond to the economic, social and environmental needs of society. A modern infrastructure is an important factor in competitiveness when it comes to attracting businesses in that it facilitates exchanges and mobility. In addition, climate change highlights the need for more sustainable mobility. The aim of intermodality is to channel traffic into more environmentally-friendly means of transport which are safer and more energy-efficient. Alongside this, new technologies make for a more efficient transport system.

  • Keep Europe moving – Sustainable mobility for our continent. Mid-term review of the 2001 White Paper

KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR GROWTH
Knowledge and innovation are essential for the growth of productivity. Productivity growth is a critical factor for Europe, because in the context of global competition it must contend with competitors benefiting from cheap labour and natural resources.
Increasing and improving investment in research and development

  • The European Research Area (ERA): new perspectives
  • An innovation-friendly, modern Europe
  • A broad-based innovation strategy for the EU
  • Placing taxation at the service of research and development

Facilitating innovation and the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT)
In order for research to lead to growth, research results must be used for the purpose of innovation. More cooperation between universities and businesses makes for a better transfer of ideas in return for increased participation on the part of businesses in the financing of universities. The result is higher quality, more profitable research. The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme supports actions which promote the use of information technologies, environmental technologies and renewable energy sources.

  • Challenges for the European Information Society beyond 2005

Innovation serving sustainable development
Innovation and technological development are key factors for environmentally friendly economic growth and for ensuring the sustainability of resources (particularly energy resources). The development of environmental technologies can also open up new markets, which will boost the competitiveness of businesses and create jobs.

  • Strategy for sustainable development
  • Action plan in favour of environmental technologies
  • Life sciences and biotechnology
  • Green Paper: A European strategy for sustainable, competitive and secure energy

Contributing to the creation of a strong European industrial base
The technological potential of European industry is still not being fully exploited. A common European approach to challenges in the field of research, regulation and financing can create synergies which make it possible to achieve large-scale progress and provide a more appropriate response to the needs of society. Furthermore, a financial contribution from the public sector can foster the sustainable development of specific products and services while improving European competitiveness on an international level. The Galileo project and mobile telephony are good examples of partnerships.

  • European industrial policy

CREATING MORE AND BETTER JOBS
Europe needs more and better jobs. Demographic change, which is exerting increased pressure in terms of employment needs, makes this an absolute necessity from an economic and social viewpoint.

  • Promoting solidarity between the generations
  • The demographic future of Europe – from challenge to opportunity
  • Green Paper “Confronting demographic change: a new solidarity between the generations”
  • Promoting young people’s full participation in education, employment and society

Attracting more people to the labour market and modernising social protection systems
The Member States are being called upon to set employment rates for 2008 and 2010 and adopt the measures to be implemented in their national reform programmes. The integrated guidelines for employment help them to select the most effective instruments. The challenge lies in attracting more people to the labour market and in keeping them there: particular attention is focused on the unemployed, young people and older workers. In this context, there is also a need to reform the pension and healthcare systems in order to ensure their viability and provide reliable social protection.

  • European values in a globalised world

Increasing the adaptability of workers and businesses and the flexibility of the labour markets
Rapidly changing economies need highly adaptable workers who must be capable of developing their skills to meet the needs of high-growth sectors. However, such flexibility must be accompanied by social security provision which also covers periods of change. Social security systems must be modernised in order to cope with these new challenges. In order to meet market needs more effectively, it is essential that obstacles to labour mobility be removed.

  • Green Paper on Modernising Labour Law
  • Workers’ mobility: facilitating the acquisition and preservation of supplementary pension rights

Investing more in human capital through better education and skills
Education and training play an essential role in a knowledge-based economy in that they support growth and employment by providing highly qualified and adaptable labour. They also strengthen social cohesion and active citizenship. Access for everyone to education and training should be ensured through the European area of lifelong learning, which should become a world reference by 2010.

  • European Job Mobility Action Plan (2007-2010)

The EU Cohesion policy for 2007-2013 and the role of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund
The Community strategic guidelines lay down priorities for cohesion policy. These guidelines identify the fields in which cohesion policy can help to achieve the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy and of the integrated guidelines for growth and jobs. The programmes and national projects under the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund therefore target growth, employment, innovation and the knowledge-based economy, as well as the creation of physical infrastructure.

  • Research and innovation in support of the competitiveness of the European regions

Action plan in favour of environmental technologies

Leave a reply

Action plan in favour of environmental technologies

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Action plan in favour of environmental technologies

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Enterprise > Interaction between enterprise policy and other policies

Action plan in favour of environmental technologies

The European Union is adopting an action plan to promote environmental technologies (technologies whose use is less environmentally harmful than relevant alternatives) in order to reduce pressures on our natural resources, improve the quality of life of European citizens and stimulate economic growth. The action plan’s objectives are to remove the obstacles so as to tap the full potential of environmental technologies, to ensure that the EU takes a leading role in applying them and to mobilise all stakeholders in support of these objectives.

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 28 January 2004 entitled: “Stimulating technologies for sustainable development: an environmental technologies action plan for the European Union” [COM(2004) 38 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This action plan in favour of environmental technologies concerns technologies to manage pollution, less polluting and less resource-intensive products and services and ways to manage resources more efficiently. These environmentally friendly technologies pervade all economic activities and sectors. They cut costs and improve competitiveness by reducing energy and resource consumption and so creating fewer emissions and less waste.

Key factors in promoting the environmental technologies

The Commission identifies a number of factors which in its opinion are of importance when promoting environmental technologies and which underpin this action plan:

  • environmental technologies are very diverse and can be applied in all economic sectors;
  • many environmental technologies are under-used, because of among other things low consumer awareness of their benefits, difficult access to finance and market prices which do not reflect the environmental benefits;
  • targeted and effective incentives can contribute to the successful introduction of environmental technologies;
  • reducing uncertainty about future market developments would boost investment in environmental technologies;
  • the experience and commitment of the various stakeholders is vital in promoting environmental technologies;
  • the optimum use of policy and economic instruments (such as legislation, voluntary measures etc.) can accelerate the uptake of environmental technologies;
  • some of the measures which are needed to promote environmental technologies may not affect investment decisions immediately.

In Annex II to this communication, the Commission identifies the barriers to the development of environmentally friendly technologies. There are four types: economic, regulatory, technological and diffusion barriers.

Actions proposed in the plan

The actions proposed fall into three main areas according to their effect:

  • getting environmental technologies from research laboratories to markets;
  • improving market conditions to promote the adoption of environmental technologies;
  • promoting environmental technologies at global level.

In order to get environmental technologies from the research laboratories to the markets, three priority actions are proposed:

  • develop and focus research, demonstration and dissemination programmes;
  • establish technology platforms for environmental technologies;
  • establish European networks for standardisation, testing and performance verification related to environmental technologies.

To improve market conditions, the Commission is proposing among other things to:

  • set performance targets for the main products, services and processes;
  • use financial instruments (loans, risk capital, guarantee mechanisms) to share the risk of investing in environmental technologies;
  • review the guidelines on State aid;
  • revise subsidies which have a negative impact on the environment;
  • encourage the purchase of environmental technologies;
  • increase consumer and business awareness of environmental technologies;
  • organise targeted training in environmental technologies.

With a view to promoting environmental technologies at international level, the priority action proposed by the Commission seeks to encourage responsible investment in environmentally-friendly technologies, as well as the use of environmental technologies in developing countries and those undergoing economic transition.

Background

This Action Plan is based on the results of extensive stakeholder consultations and an assessment of the barriers hindering the development of environmental technologies.

The Action Plan will be implemented in synergy with the Lisbon Process and the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.

Related Acts

Following up the Action Plan

Communication from the Commission of 27 January 2005: Report on the implementation of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan in 2004 [COM(2005) 16 – Official Journal C 123 of 21.05.2005].
The Commission considers that the implementation of the priorities in the Action Plan is well underway, particularly in terms of establishing technology platforms and key orientation documents which should catalyse the development of environmental technologies, funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the preparation for an international support fund. However, the Commission highlights the need to step up work in this area, in particular by mobilising European risk funding, fixing environmental performance targets for products, processes and services, establishing an EU wide system for testing and verifying environmental technologies as part of work to revise the Guidelines for environmental State aids, defining market development and industrial performance indicators, setting up national implementing roadmaps and drawing up action plans for public procurement.

Another Normative about Action plan in favour of environmental technologies

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic

Employment and social policy > European Strategy for Growth > Growth and jobs

Action plan in favour of environmental technologies

The European Union is adopting an action plan to promote environmental technologies (technologies whose use is less environmentally harmful than relevant alternatives) in order to reduce pressures on our natural resources, improve the quality of life of European citizens and stimulate economic growth. The action plan’s objectives are to remove the obstacles so as to tap the full potential of environmental technologies, to ensure that the EU takes a leading role in applying them and to mobilise all stakeholders in support of these objectives.

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 28 January 2004 entitled: “Stimulating technologies for sustainable development: an environmental technologies action plan for the European Union” [COM(2004) 38 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This action plan in favour of environmental technologies concerns technologies to manage pollution, less polluting and less resource-intensive products and services and ways to manage resources more efficiently. These environmentally friendly technologies pervade all economic activities and sectors. They cut costs and improve competitiveness by reducing energy and resource consumption and so creating fewer emissions and less waste.

Key factors in promoting the environmental technologies

The Commission identifies a number of factors which in its opinion are of importance when promoting environmental technologies and which underpin this action plan:

  • environmental technologies are very diverse and can be applied in all economic sectors;
  • many environmental technologies are under-used, because of among other things low consumer awareness of their benefits, difficult access to finance and market prices which do not reflect the environmental benefits;
  • targeted and effective incentives can contribute to the successful introduction of environmental technologies;
  • reducing uncertainty about future market developments would boost investment in environmental technologies;
  • the experience and commitment of the various stakeholders is vital in promoting environmental technologies;
  • the optimum use of policy and economic instruments (such as legislation, voluntary measures etc.) can accelerate the uptake of environmental technologies;
  • some of the measures which are needed to promote environmental technologies may not affect investment decisions immediately.

In Annex II to this communication, the Commission identifies the barriers to the development of environmentally friendly technologies. There are four types: economic, regulatory, technological and diffusion barriers.

Actions proposed in the plan

The actions proposed fall into three main areas according to their effect:

  • getting environmental technologies from research laboratories to markets;
  • improving market conditions to promote the adoption of environmental technologies;
  • promoting environmental technologies at global level.

In order to get environmental technologies from the research laboratories to the markets, three priority actions are proposed:

  • develop and focus research, demonstration and dissemination programmes;
  • establish technology platforms for environmental technologies;
  • establish European networks for standardisation, testing and performance verification related to environmental technologies.

To improve market conditions, the Commission is proposing among other things to:

  • set performance targets for the main products, services and processes;
  • use financial instruments (loans, risk capital, guarantee mechanisms) to share the risk of investing in environmental technologies;
  • review the guidelines on State aid;
  • revise subsidies which have a negative impact on the environment;
  • encourage the purchase of environmental technologies;
  • increase consumer and business awareness of environmental technologies;
  • organise targeted training in environmental technologies.

With a view to promoting environmental technologies at international level, the priority action proposed by the Commission seeks to encourage responsible investment in environmentally-friendly technologies, as well as the use of environmental technologies in developing countries and those undergoing economic transition.

Background

This Action Plan is based on the results of extensive stakeholder consultations and an assessment of the barriers hindering the development of environmental technologies.

The Action Plan will be implemented in synergy with the Lisbon Process and the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.

Related Acts

Following up the Action Plan

Communication from the Commission of 27 January 2005: Report on the implementation of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan in 2004 [COM(2005) 16 – Official Journal C 123 of 21.05.2005].
The Commission considers that the implementation of the priorities in the Action Plan is well underway, particularly in terms of establishing technology platforms and key orientation documents which should catalyse the development of environmental technologies, funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the preparation for an international support fund. However, the Commission highlights the need to step up work in this area, in particular by mobilising European risk funding, fixing environmental performance targets for products, processes and services, establishing an EU wide system for testing and verifying environmental technologies as part of work to revise the Guidelines for environmental State aids, defining market development and industrial performance indicators, setting up national implementing roadmaps and drawing up action plans for public procurement.