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Ageing well in the Information Society: Action Plan on Information and Communication Technologies and Ageing

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Ageing well in the Information Society: Action Plan on Information and Communication Technologies and Ageing

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Information society > Digital Strategy i2010 Strategy eEurope Action Plan Digital Strategy Programmes

Ageing well in the Information Society: Action Plan on Information and Communication Technologies and Ageing

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 14 June 2007: Ageing well in the Information Society – An i2010 initiative – Action Plan on Information and Communication Technologies and Ageing [COM(2007) 332 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The ageing of Europe’s population poses a challenge to the European market for employment, social services systems and health care. But it also provides an economic and social opportunity: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) will give rise to new, more accessible products and services satisfying the needs of older people.

The action plan seeks to promote and coordinate the development of ICTs associated with services for older people in the European Union (EU), to enable them to:

prolong their working life, while maintaining a work-life balance;
stay socially active and creative, through networking and access to public and commercial services. This would reduce the social isolation of older people, particularly in rural areas;
age well at home: ICTs must encourage a higher quality of life and degree of independence.

Europe must adopt ICT for ageing well *. These technologies may indeed become a driver for jobs and growth, as well as a successful lead market.

For the moment, the market for services associated with ageing remains fragmented. Furthermore, none of the stakeholders (older people, industry, public authorities) have an overview of the problems and the solutions needed. Market development is hampered by the lack of exchange of experience and good practice. Standards, procedures, reimbursement schemes and provisions related to disability vary from one Member State to another. Finally, technical barriers stand in the way: older people do not necessarily have the technological tools and know-how needed.

In order to rationalise this system the Commission is encouraging stakeholders to place users at the centre of their thinking.

The objectives of the Commission’s action plan are therefore aimed as much at citizens as at businesses and public authorities. The objectives are:

for citizens, a better quality of life and better health;
for companies, increased market size and market opportunities in the internal market for ICT and ageing, better skilled and productive workforce and a stronger position in the growing markets worldwide;
for public authorities, cost reductions, increased efficiency and better overall quality of health and social care systems.

The action plan is structured around four areas:

removing legal and technical barriers to development of the market, by assessing the markets and facilitating the exchange of good practices between Member States. The Commission proposes assessing the technological possibilities and identifying guidance and target dates. This is with a view to removing legal and technical barriers to the uptake of ICTs for independent living. The Member States should, in parallel, strengthen the implementation of current legal requirements for e-Accessibility;
raising awareness and building consensus through the cooperation and development of partnerships between the different stakeholders. ICT for ageing well will be a key contribution to the European e-Inclusion Initiative in 2008. The launch of an internet portal for ICT and ageing is also planned.
accelerating take-up of technologies, for example, through a set of pilot projects and a European award scheme for smart homes and independent living applications;
stimulating research and innovation, through immediate support for shared research agendas between the public and private sectors, dedicated to “Ambient Assisted Living”. This agenda seeks to encourage the emergence of innovative ICT-based products, services and systems for the benefit of Europe’s ageing population.

The Commission seeks to improve ICT-based research for older people in the 7th framework programme (FP7) for research, technological development and demonstration activities. Other initiatives are being launched within the context of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme. These will be accompanied by a new European Shared Research Programme. In total, the programmes will increase investment in ICT research and innovation to over EUR 1 billion.

In the future, better coordination between Member States is necessary to stimulate market-oriented research in this field. To achieve these objectives, a common research initiative “Ageing well in the Information Society” will be set up. Furthermore, businesses, industry, service providers, etc. will be encouraged to establish dialogue, particularly through technology platforms, to allow for more rapid emergence of innovative products, services and systems.

Background

This action plan forms an integral part of the European Union i2010 initiative – An information society for growth and jobs. The Commission had previously adopted a strategy on accessibility of online products and services in 2005, and in 2006 the Member States reached agreement in Riga on a policy agenda for an accessible information society based on inclusion.

Ageing in Europe is an important economic and social challenge: in 2020, a quarter of Europe’s population will be over 65, while expenditure on retirement and health care will have tripled by 2050. However, older people are also consumers that should not be discounted, with global wealth in excess of EUR 3 000 billion.

Key terms used in the act
ICT for ageing well: Information and Communication Technologies dedicated to services to persons, aimed at making these services more accessible and effective for an ageing population, particularly in terms of health.

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 1 June 2005: “i2010 – A European Information Society for growth and employment” [COM(2005) 229 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 8 November 2007: “European i2010 initiative on e-Inclusion – To be part of the information society”. [COM(2007) 694 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

ENIAC

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ENIAC

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about ENIAC

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

Research and innovation > Research in support of other policies

ENIAC

Document or Iniciative

Council Regulation (EC) No 72/2008 of 20 December 2007 setting up the ENIAC Joint Undertaking.

Summary

The ENIAC Joint Undertaking implements the Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) on nanoelectronics with a view to developing information and communication technologies. This public-private partnership aims to support investments in this area, sources of innovation and competitiveness. The JTI on nanoelectronics is thus also part of the European Research Area (ERA) and contributes to research and development (R&D).

Based in Brussels, the Joint Undertaking is a Community body with legal personality. It was set up for a period extending until 31 December 2017. The founding members of the Joint Undertaking are the Community, Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the AENEAS association, which represents companies and other R&D actors operating in the field of nanoelectronics. The ENIAC Joint Undertaking is open to new members. Up to now, Austria, the Czech Republic and Norway have joined the list of members.

Objectives

The ENIAC Joint Undertaking is to contribute to the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities (Seventh Framework Programme) in the field of nanoelectronics. One of its key objectives is to encourage the development of essential skills by means of a research programme and to support its activities. It is thus aimed at encouraging European competitiveness as well as the emergence of new markets and new social applications. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also encouraged to participate.

The Joint Undertaking also aims to promote cooperation and the coordination of Community and national efforts, both public and private, in order to support R&D and investment: concentrating efforts will, in particular, make it possible to ensure that better use is made of results.

Operation

The Joint Undertaking consists of the following bodies:

The governing board, made up of representatives of the members of the ENIAC Joint Undertaking and the chairperson of the industry and research committee. It ensures the smooth running of the organisation and supervises the implementation of its activities;
The executive director, appointed for a three-year period by the governing board, is the main person responsible for day-to-day management and is the legal representative of the Joint Undertaking;
The public authorities board, made up of the public authorities of the Joint Undertaking which appoints their representatives and their lead delegate. Its role includes approving the scope and the launch of calls for proposals and deciding on the selection and financing of accepted proposals;
The industry and research committee, comprising a maximum of 25 members, is appointed by the AENEAS association. It is responsible in particular for drawing up the multiannual strategic plan and for drafting proposals concerning the Joint Undertaking’s strategy.

ENIAC’s resources consist of contributions from members and from the Community as well as revenue generated by ENIAC itself. Any legal entity that is not a member may make a contribution to ENIAC’s resources either in cash or in kind.

ENIAC’s costs consist of:

Operating costs, borne by its members. AENEAS also makes a contribution of up to EUR 20 million or at most 1 % of the sum of total costs for all projects. The Community’s contribution may not exceed the sum of EUR 10 million. ENIAC Member States make a contribution in kind;
R&D activities. The Community makes a contribution of up to EUR 440 million. The financial contributions of ENIAC Member States, equivalent to at least 1.8 times the contribution made by the Community, do not pass through the Joint Undertaking but are paid directly to the research and development bodies participating in the projects. Furthermore, those same bodies make contributions in kind whose value is equivalent to at least half the total cost of R&D activities.

R&D activities are implemented by means of projects launched as a result of competitive calls for proposals. These projects are financed by financial contributions from the Community and from participating Member States and by contributions in kind from the research and development bodies participating in the Joint Undertaking’s projects.

As a Community initiative, the Joint Undertaking and its staff are covered by Community legislation. In particular, the Court of Justice of the European Communities is the authority responsible for ruling on any proceedings between members and on proceedings brought against the ENIAC Joint Undertaking. The Commission and the Court of Auditors carry out checks on recipients of any Joint Undertaking finance.

Background

The Lisbon Agenda for Growth and Jobs placed emphasis on investment in the fields of knowledge and innovation. Therefore the JTIs, public-private partnerships implemented by Joint Undertakings, have been initiated under the Seventh Framework Programme. These JTIs stem from the work of European Technology Platforms set up under the Sixth Framework Programme.

With the “ENIAC” initiative, five other JTIs are planned in the following sectors: embedded computing systems (ARTEMIS), innovative medicines (IMI), aeronautics and air transport (CLEAN SKY), hydrogen and fuel cells (FUEL CELL), and Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES).

References

Act	Entry into force	Timescale for transposition into Member States	Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No. 72/2008	7.2.2008	–	OJ L 30, 4.2.2008

Research in support of other policies

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Research in support of other policies

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Research in support of other policies

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 in support of other policies

Research in support of other policies

Intelligent vehicles to save lives, fusion energy to counter energy dependence, gene therapy to cure serious diseases, biotechnology to safeguard our quality of life while respecting the environment: these are just some of the many applications offered by research in response to the questions and challenges facing society. The activities of the European Union are geared towards combining the forces of all public and private stakeholders across the board.

TRANSVERSAL MEASURES

European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
Admission and residence of researchers from third countries
The integration of women in research

FIELDS OF RESEARCH

Energy

SET-Plan for the development of low carbon technologies
Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy
Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan)

Enterprises

Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) (2007-2013)
Standardization as a catalyst for innovation
A single market for 21st century Europe
Implementation of the partnership for growth and jobs (first report)
Promoting corporate social responsibility

Environment, health and safety

A European strategy for marine and maritime research
European Security Research and Innovation Agenda
Security Research
European Earth monitoring programme (GMES)
Clean Sky
IMI Joint Undertaking
Résistance aux antimicrobiens : plan d’action
(FR)

Space and transport

A European space policy
European space policy

New technologies

A strategy for research on future and emerging technologies in Europe
ENIAC
A European strategy for nanotechnology
European strategy for the development of key enabling technologies

Information society

Internet of Things
ARTEMIS
Ageing well in the information society: The Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Programme

Mobile broadband services

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Mobile broadband services

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Mobile broadband services

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

Information society > Radiofrequencies

Mobile broadband services

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 30 June 2004 on mobile broadband services [COM(2004) 447 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

This Communication examines the broader policy and regulatory environment for mobile broadband services. The principal aim is to ensure access to information at all times and in all locations within the European Union and to maintain European leadership in the sector. The Communication indicates how the challenges may be met and, in drawing it up, the Commission consulted widely with industry players through the Mobile Communications and Technology Platform and a workshop on the mobile sector held in June 2004.

EU labour productivity has improved considerably over recent years and this progress has been based to a great extent on electronic communications services, which are essential for Europe’s economic competitiveness. Two trends can be discerned in this sector in Europe:

broadband growth of more than 80% in 2003;
mobile revenues have overtaken those of fixed telephony.

Looking forward, the convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting and internet will result in the proliferation of high speed multimedia services delivered over mobile networks. For example, mobile users will be able to shop and pay on-line and receive a whole range of audio-visual services such as music and video.

For the Commission, it is vital to overcome the political and technological barriers to achieving the aims that have been set in order to ensure the success of these systems and to prepare the future by means of concerted action at EU level.

Research and innovation

The EU will only maintain its competitive advantage by focussing on innovation. Competitiveness on the world market is based not only on profitability but also on the capacity to innovate. The Commission intends to launch a comprehensive programme of integrated activities to promote cooperation between the major players in the pre-competitive research phase.

There is a growing fragmentation of the mobile and wireless communications market. To prevent this, research must address the entire value chain, from technological development to the development of services, which will require European and then global standards and platforms.

In the context of the preparation of the 7th Framework Programme, the “Mobile Communications and Technology Platform” initiative provides an opportunity to put in place a formal technology platform in the mobile and wireless communications sector. The aim of this structure would be to draw up a strategic research agenda, achieve the necessary critical mass for research and innovation and mobilise substantial public and private funding.

The interoperability of services, content and terminals is critical for achieving the goal of mass market adoption. In the Commission’s opinion, without interoperability, markets could collapse. To prevent fragmentation of the markets for third generation mobile communication systems, interoperability between the various services and terminals is vital.

A number of fora are involved in service specification and standardisation with the aim of providing service interoperability. The cooperation between the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and the agenda of the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) provide a good basis on which to build. However, the increased complexity brought about by a converging environment presents a new challenge that needs to be addressed.

Technical challenges

The Commission aims to stimulate the demand for mobile communications and the development of new services. To do this, it is essential to increase the range and quality of the content available on mobile. There are, however, many obstacles to be overcome, which the Commission hopes to eliminate so as to ensure the fast take-up of mobile services in Europe. The Commission intends to conduct a study on technical and other potential obstacles.

A secure environment for content is crucial for the development of these services. The rights to protected digital content require new business models that guarantee the effective payment of intellectual property rights.

National law applies for determining the compensation to be paid for the reproduction of protected content for private use. In deciding on the level of compensation, the availability of digital rights management systems and services for the distribution of content over mobile communications needs to be taken into consideration.

Legally, the traditional system of territorial licences granted by national rightholders applies for mobile communications. These licences no longer meet the needs of the information society in the enlarged European Union. The Commission is therefore proposing Community licences for mobile content issued using a one-stop-shop mechanism (COM(2004) 261).

The Commission is aiming for greater flexibility in radio spectrum usage in the EU. The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) is currently reviewing approaches to spectrum management for broadband mobile services. The Group favours a coordinated European approach based on market-oriented solutions and free or “unlicensed” use of spectrum with exclusive usage rights.

The use of mobile phone pre-paid cards as a means of payment to purchase products and services, other than communication services, may be classed as the use of electronic money. Mobile broadband services extend this use of electronic money but, pending the creation of a new legal framework providing for a single EU payment area, mobile operators are faced with uncertainties regarding the current Community rules on electronic money and money laundering (Directive on electronic money).

In the short term, the mobile industry needs an appropriate interim solution that provides a degree of legal certainty. The Commission will lay down criteria for national regulators in applying the Directive. The regulatory authorities should aim to apply only the minimum regulation needed to ensure appropriate coverage of risks for financial stability and consumer protection.

From networks to people

Third generation mobile communications will require a greater number of base stations than previous GSM networks owing to the higher frequency bands used. Problems with obtaining legal authorisation in each of the Member States are hampering the physical deployment of 3G networks. More generally, the Commission takes the view that the health and safety of citizens is adequately protected, provided that exposure of the public remains below EU limits.

The use of personal and sensitive data concerning individuals and companies requires reliable and secure identification and authentication procedures. A common interoperable authentication framework is needed to ensure general purpose authentication across Europe.

International cooperation on research and development is essential. The Commission takes the view that the benefits of open and global standards should be exploited to achieve global interoperability.

Related Acts

Commission Communication of 11 June 2002, Towards the Full Roll-Out of Third Generation Mobile Communications [COM(2002) 301 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

This Communication summarises the situation in the sector. The roll-out of third generation mobile services (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or “3G” services) has been slower than expected and is facing a number of difficulties. The Communication also identifies the main challenges that must be overcome so that 3G services can fulfil their role in building a competitive, dynamic information society.

A European strategy for nanotechnology

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A European strategy for nanotechnology

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about A European strategy for nanotechnology

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 in support of other policies

A European strategy for nanotechnology

Nanotechnology means the manipulation of atoms or molecules to produce materials, devices and new technologies. It is the building of nanomaterials at nanoscale, atom by atom and molecule by molecule. The principle underlying nanotechnology is simple: instead of reducing matter to work down to the smallest possible particle, the smallest possible particle is extracted from matter. Nanotechnologies (“nano” is derived from the Greek “nannos” meaning “dwarf”) demand enormous effort in terms of basic and applied multidisciplinary research involving a wide variety of specialisations: genomics and biotechnologies, sustainable development, food safety, aeronautics, health, etc.

Communication from the Commission “Towards a European strategy for nanotechnology” [COM(2004) 338 final – Not published in the Official Journal]

Summary

Materials have always been extracted from the ground, modified, heated, subjected to pressure, assembled, etc. All these procedures use a great deal of energy and, at the same time, generate a great deal of waste. Current industrial production is based on this manufacturing principle.

Nanotechnology, however, uses the individual atoms directly. It manipulates them and applies assembly processes to form groups of atoms with a view to manufacturing nanomaterials or nanomachines. With the prospect of obtaining greater performance with fewer raw materials, in particular via “bottom-up” manufacturing, nanotechnology has the potential to reduce waste across the whole life-cycle of products.

In this way, nanotechnology or nanoscience can contribute to sustainable development and the goals addressed in “Agenda 21” and the Environmental Technology Action Plan.

Nanoscience is often referred to as “horizontal”, as it frequently brings together different areas of science and draws on an interdisciplinary approach. It may lead to progress in areas such as:

healthcare, thanks to miniaturised diagnostics that could be used for early diagnosis of illness;
information technologies, through data storage media and innovative displays;
energy production and storage, with novel fuel cells or lightweight nanostructured solids that have the potential for efficient hydrogen storage;
manufacturing, thanks to the miniaturisation of existing micro-systems and the imitation of nature through the building of structures starting at atomic and molecular level;
research into food, water and the environment. In this field, nanotechnologies could be used to repair and clean-up environmental damage and remove pollution from contaminated areas;
security, through novel detection systems with a high specificity that can provide early warning against biological or chemical agents.

Five dynamics are identified in the context of nanotechnology: research and development, infrastructure, education and training, innovation and the societal dimension. Joint action is needed at Community level in all of these interdependent areas in order to harness the potential of the European Research Area.

Research and development: building the momentum. It is necessary not only to maintain excellence in research and development but also to strengthen investment in research relevant to industry, while reinforcing Community level research and coordinating national policies more closely to build up a critical mass.
Infrastructure: European “poles of excellence”. State-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation is increasingly crucial for the development of nanotechnology, and also to demonstrate whether research can be turned into potential products and processes. To accelerate the development of nanosciences, investment in a wide range of advanced facilities, instruments and equipment is essential.
Investing in human resources. To harness the potential of nanotechnology, the EU needs an interdisciplinary population of researchers and engineers who can generate knowledge and ensure that this, in turn, is transferred to industry. Post-graduate and life-long training should therefore be encouraged.
Industrial innovation, from knowledge to technology. European innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of nanotechnology must be stimulated. Nanotechnology depends on three additional factors: patenting of fundamental knowledge, regulation and metrology.
Integrating the societal dimension. The aim is to adopt a proactive stance and fully integrate societal considerations into the research process, exploring its benefits, risks and deeper implications for society. In this context, a dialogue with citizens and consumers on research into nanotechnology is strongly encouraged.

Building upon the experience from the 6th Research Framework Programme, closer international cooperation in nanosciences and nanotechnologies is needed both with economically advanced countries, in order to share knowledge and reap the benefits of a critical mass, and with those that are less economically advanced, in order to give them access to knowledge and new technologies.

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee of 17 June 2008, Regulatory aspects of nanomaterials [COM(2008) 366 final – not published in the Official Journal].

The current legislation generally covers the risks to health, safety and the environment which may result from the use of nanotechnologies. However, the existing legislative framework could be improved by enhanced implementation, better sharing of the available information, more in-depth knowledge about the characteristics of nanomaterials and their dangers, as well as risk assessment and management at national and international level. The authorities and agencies responsible for the implementation of the legislation must continue to monitor the market and to use the Community intervention mechanisms in cases where products already on the market represent a risk. Three years after this Communication, the Commission will write a report on the progress made.

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee of 6 September 2007: Nanosciences and nanotechnologies – An action plan for Europe 2005-2009. First Implementation Report 2005-2007 [COM(2007) 505 final – not published in the Official Journal].

This report reviews the implementation of the 2005 Nanotechnology Action Plan at the halfway stage. It highlights the strategic importance of these technologies for Europe, which is leading the world in this field, but also the ways in which these technologies can improve the quality of life and economic welfare of Europeans by making significant contributions to health, the environment and safety, in particular.

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee of 7 July 2005: Nanosciences and nanotechnologies – An action plan for Europe 2005-2009 [COM(2005) 243 final – not published in the Official Journal].
The European Commission has drawn up an action plan with measures to be taken at national and European levels to step up nanotechnology research and develop useful products and services.

Measures in the action plan include:

increasing financial support for nanotechnology in the seventh framework programme;
developing world-class competitive infrastructure for research and poles of excellence;
ensuring that ethical principles are always respected and citizens’ concerns taken into account;
addressing public health, safety and environmental risks;
promoting the interdisciplinary education & training of researchers and engineers;
strengthening international dialogue on common issues.

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

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 18 July 2003: Researchers in the European Research Area: one profession, multiple careers [COM(2003) 436 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission of 4 June 2003: Investing in research: an action plan for Europe [COM(2003) 226 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission of 16 October 2002: The European Research Area: Providing new momentum – Strengthening – Reorienting – Opening up new perspectives [COM(2002) 565 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission of 11 September 2002: More Research for Europe – Towards 3 % of GDP [COM(2002) 499 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Security Research

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Security Research

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Security Research

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 in support of other policies

Security Research

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Security Research: The Next Steps [COM(2004) 590 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

A coherent security research programme at EU level can add significant value to the optimal use of a highly competent industry. Such research should be targeted at the development of interoperable systems, products and services useful for the protection of European citizens, territory and critical infrastructures as well as for peacekeeping activities.

The high-level Group of Personalities set up to advise on a long-term strategy for security research in the EU has given rise to a report which contains the following recommendations:

the establishment of a European Security Research Programme (ESRP), focusing in particular on issues of internal security from 2007 onwards, with funding of at least EUR 1 billion per year. This programme should aim to boost the competitiveness of the European security industries and stimulate the development of the (public and private) market for security products and systems;
the creation of a European Security Research Advisory Board to define strategic lines of action. The Board should consist of high-level experts representing public and private customers, the industry, research organizations and any other relevant stakeholders;
the need for cooperation between European institutions as well as all other stakeholders involved.

THE NEXT STEPS

This Communication sets out the next steps to be taken in terms of security research, namely:

Developing a European security research programme under the EU’s 7th Research Framework Programme (2007-2010)

The Commission will initiate an inter-institutional debate for consensus on the ESRP building on the work of the Preparatory Action on security research, which will continue until the end of 2006. This programme should complement both Community programmes and security and defence research activities conducted at national or intergovernmental level.

Consultation and cooperation with stakeholders

The Commission will establish a European Security Research Advisory Board to advise on the content of the ESRP and its implementation. The Commission will ensure the ESRP is coordinated effectively with international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO, and with European organisations such as the European Space Agency (ESA).

Creating an effective institutional framework

The Commission will ensure that the requirements of the European Security Strategy, the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) are fully taken into account in the development of security research. At the same time it will develop cooperation with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and other important Commission policies relating to internal security will be fully taken into account when developing security research.

Awarding contracts and funding relating to security research

The Commission must put in place effective and flexible mechanisms governing contracts, participation and funding, for example to allow co-funding of new technologies by public authorities so as to ensure a high degree of synergy.

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission: Science and technology, the key to Europe’s future – Guidelines for future European Union policy to support research [COM(2004) 353 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Building our common Future – Policy challenges and budgetary means of the Enlarged Union 2007-2013 [COM(2004) 101 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Commission Communication on the implementation of the Preparatory Action on the enhancement of the European industrial potential in the field of security research. Towards a programme to advance European security through research and technology [COM(2004) 72 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Commission Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: European defence – industrial and market issues: Towards an EU defence equipment policy [COM(2003) 113 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Clean Sky

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Clean Sky

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Clean Sky

Topics

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

Environment > Air pollution

Clean Sky

Document or Iniciative

Council Regulation (EC) No 71/2008 of 18 December 2007 setting up the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking.

Summary

The “Clean Sky” joint technology initiative (JTI) is part of the “Cooperation” specific programme (7^th framework programme for research and technological development).

Aims

Created to run until 31 December 2017, Clean Sky aims principally to:

accelerate the development of clean air transport technologies;
guarantee effective coordination of aeronautics research on a European scale;
set up an innovative and competitive air transport system;
improve knowledge generation and use of research findings.

In terms of figures, “Clean Sky” aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 50 %, NOx by 80 % and noise pollution by 50 % by 2020.

“Integrated Technology Demonstrators” (ITD)

Six technical domains, covering all aspects of aircraft technology and known as “integrated technology demonstrators” form the structure of “Clean Sky”. They provide a framework for research operations from the experimental phase to in-flight demonstrations.

Specifically, the six ITD are:

the Smart Fixed Wing ITD targeting wing technologies;
the Green Regional Aircraft ITD (engines, energy management and new silent configurations);
the Green Rotorcraft ITD targeting installation of innovative blades and engines which are quieter, reduce drag, are more fuel-efficient and use environmentally-friendly flight paths;
the Systems for Green Operations ITD targeting equipment, architecture and thermal management;
the Sustainable and Green Engines ITD integrating technologies for quiet, low weight, low pressure systems and reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx);
the Eco-Design ITD, which will focus on the full life cycles of materials and components (design, manufacture, maintenance and destruction/recycling).

An independent technical evaluator will assess and monitor the results of research carried out in these various sectors in order to optimise the impact of the programme in terms of achieving its environmental objectives.

Members and bodies

Its founding members are:

the European Union (EU) represented by the Commission;
twelve ITD leaders and associates;
any public or private entity (industry, company, SME, research centre, university, etc.) established in a Member State or in a country associated with the 7th Framework Programme which, under certain conditions and subject to the consent of the governing board, may request membership.

Its bodies are:

the Governing Board;
the Executive Director;
the ITD Steering Committees;
the Technology Evaluator Steering Committee;
the General Forum.

A National States Representative Group will act as an external advisory body to the undertaking.

Budget

The maximum Community contribution will be EUR 800 million paid from the budget appropriation allocated to the “Transport” theme of the “Cooperation” Specific Programme. Added to this is a contribution which is at least equivalent from the other members of the undertaking, giving a total budget of EUR 1.6 billion.

General information

As a Community body, “Clean Sky” has legal status.

Further information on the objectives and activities of the “Clean Sky” JTI, its status and operation, the role and tasks of its members and bodies, and its funding, are available in the annex to the Regulation.

Background

In addition to “Clean Sky”, five other initiatives of this type are planned in the areas of miniaturisation (ENIAC), invisible information systems (ARTEMIS), innovative medicine, hydrogen and fuel cells and global monitoring for environment and security (GMES).

References

Act	Entry into force – Date of expiry	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 71/2008	7.2.2008 – 31.12.2017	–	OJ L 30 of 4.2.2008

The successive amendments and corrections to Regulation (EC) No 71/2008 have been integrated into the original text. This consolidated versionis for reference only.

A call for action to strengthen the European-based pharmaceutical industry for the benefit of the patient

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A call for action to strengthen the European-based pharmaceutical industry for the benefit of the patient

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about A call for action to strengthen the European-based pharmaceutical industry for the benefit of the patient

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Internal market > Pharmaceutical and cosmetic products

A call for action to strengthen the European-based pharmaceutical industry for the benefit of the patient

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission of 1 July 2003 on strengthening the European pharmaceutical industry for the benefit of the patient. [COM(2003) 383 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

BACKGROUND

The “G10 Medicines Group” was set up in 2001 on the initiative of the Members of the European Commission responsible for the “Enterprise” and “Health and Consumer Protection” Directorates-General. Alongside the two Commission representatives, it is made up of ten experts recruited from the industry, national Ministries of Health, social security organisations and patients groups.

This focus group was asked to recommend ways of improving the performance of the pharmaceutical industry in terms of its competitiveness and its contribution to social and public health objectives.

In accordance with the objectives it was set, the G10 group submitted its final report to the Commission in May 2002.

This contains a set of 14 recommendations prompted by two considerations:

the pharmaceutical industry in Europe generates wealth and high quality employment whilst playing a central role in the development of innovation. It can thus make a major contribution to achieving the goals set in Lisbon (a competitive knowledge-based economy, sustainable economic growth, and more and better jobs);
the pharmaceutical sector is lagging behind the USA in its ability to generate, organise and sustain innovative processes. In addition, European markets are not competitive enough and R&D expenditure is not growing fast enough.

Faced with this situation, the G10 group pointed out that tackling the growing weaknesses in the EU pharmaceutical industry is both a major industrial policy concern and a key public health objective (to improve the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines for the benefit of the public).

In this communication, the Commission states how it wishes to implement these recommendations and proposes certain actions the Member States could take on matters of national competence.

WORKING FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PATIENT

Improving patient information

With the steady growth in the demand and use of health information by patients, the information sources on offer (particularly on the Internet) are proliferating. Faced with this new situation, the Commission seeks to improve the quality and reliability of this information and provide a realistic and practical framework to give patients access to objective data.
Following on from its communication in 2002 entitled “Quality criteria for health-related websites”, the Commission proposes looking into the possible development of European seals of approval for such sites.
In addition, as part of the new Public Health Programme (2003-2008), a European Health Portal is being developed which should allow this information to be disseminated to the general public.

To increase public confidence in the information on medicines, the Commission will reflect on establishing a collaborative Public Private Partnership involving representatives from public authorities, industry, health funds, healthcare professionals and patient groups. This partnership could take the form of a small body that would be able to advise and monitor the quality of the information already available. It would also produce guidelines in specific areas to support the work of National and Community regulatory authorities.

Finally, the Commission would like to ensure that patients consume medicines appropriately. To do so, it wishes to ensure that the information contained in the patient information leaflet and on the label (dosage, contra-indications, special precautions for use) are as comprehensible and legible as possible.

Strengthening the role of patients in public-health decision-making

Also under the Public Health Programme (2003-2008), the Commission plans to make funds available to patient groups looking to create a Community umbrella organisation. The Commission would also like these groups to assume a more important role in the development of Community health and medicines policy.

The concept of the relative effectiveness of medicines

The Commission wants to set up a forum where Member States which use relative effectiveness measures to set prices and reimbursement levels for medicines could exchange information on their methods. This would make it possible to analyse whether, on the basis of the national approaches used to calculate the relative effectiveness of a medicine, i.e. the assessment of added therapeutic value (its clinical effectiveness compared to other treatments) and its cost effectiveness, an effective and faster common procedure could be introduced.

Improving pharmacovigilance systems

The Commission wishes to strengthen pharmacovigilance at Community level through the role of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) which should help coordinate national action and centralise results. The ultimate aim is to enable Member States to benefit from more information about adverse reactions to the use by the general population of a medicine which has previously only been tested during clinical trials.

DEVELOPING THE INDUSTRY’S COMPETITIVENESS

Updating the regulatory structure

In order to improve marketing authorisation procedures, the Commission points out that it would be desirable to shorten dossier assessment times and make greater use, under the centralised procedure, of telematics through EudraNET, the EuroPHARM Database and EudraVigilance.

Access to innovative medicines

The development of innovative medicines with a high added therapeutic value should be encouraged under the 6th Framework Programme for Research.

In addition the Commission, through its proposal for a review of pharmaceutical legislation, has demonstrated its desire to support research into innovative medicines and provide sufficient protection for the exclusivity of the data on such medicines.

The timing of reimbursement and pricing negotiations

The Member States should examine their existing pricing and reimbursement systems to ensure that they operate fully in accordance with the transparency requirements and within the timeframe set by Directive 89/105/EEC (pricing of medicinal products and health insurance systems).

The Commission and Member States should examine the scope for reducing the time taken between granting a marketing authorisation and pricing and reimbursement decisions to the absolute minimum.

For the time being, the prices of medicines are widely divergent amongst Member States as they are set by national administrative decisions. To facilitate market integration, the Commission suggests giving manufacturers the possibility of setting the prices of medicinal products, while negotiating with the Member States the possibility of introducing safeguard mechanisms to contain pharmaceutical expenditure by the State. Such a system is intended to open the way for the free fixing of prices of medicines on the market, as with any other product in the internal market.

Medicines not reimbursed by the State

The Commission asks the Member States to remove price controls on manufacturers that prevent full competition for medicines that are not reimbursed by the State and for those which are not to be sold to the public sector.

The competitive generic medicines market

Generic medicines can provide significant savings to patients and to national healthcare financing systems, which is why the Commission stresses the need to facilitate generic penetration in the different national markets.

In order to put this into effect, the Commission points out that generic producers should be given the opportunity to supply generic medicines to Member States where the reference product is not on their market.

This communication also points out that, as part of the reform of the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use, the Council’s common position suggests the possibility of introducing a marketing authorisation application for a generic and to grant this authorisation in the last two years of the data protection period of the reference product for all products except those falling within the mandatory scope of the centralised procedure. This will allow these products to come onto the market immediately after the end of the ten-year data protection period.

The competitive non-prescription market

To reduce the differences amongst Member States in products classified as non-prescription, the Commission suggests that there be greater consistency in classification decisions.

Moreover, since the reclassification of medicines from prescription to non-prescription status brings benefits to patients, healthcare professionals, governments, healthcare systems and industry alike, the Commission suggests the introduction of a period of data exclusivity where significant clinical or pre-clinical data have been submitted with the application.

Finally, the Commission advocates that the Member States allow the use of the same trademark after reclassification where there is no risk to public health, as this avoids financial costs which may dissuade producers from taking this step.

STRENGTHENING THE SCIENCE BASE

The fragmented nature of European research systems (lack of scientific collaboration among Member States and between the public and private sectors) is hampering R&D activity in the EU and the introduction of innovative processes.
The Commission suggests a very broad range of measures to remedy these problems:

taking forward the concept of European virtual institutes of health;
creating a genuine European research area as set out in the sixth framework programme for research (scientific cooperation and training to stem the loss of highly-skilled European scientists);
an increase in Community research spending to 3% of GDP in the EU by 2010 in line with the strategy agreed at the Barcelona European Council in March 2002;
the implementation of a life science and biotechnology action plan (skilled workforce, financial support, networking of biotechnology regions in Europe, developing the size of enterprises in the sector);
the creation of a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control which should become operational no later than 2005;
the development of proposals to encourage R&D on diseases which are currently neglected or where R&D is lacking.

The incentives for research which the Commission wishes to introduce also include:

the creation of a database on clinical trials and the drafting of detailed guidelines on the principles of good clinical practice as defined in directive 2001/20/EC;
the promotion of research into orphan medicines by taking measures on rare diseases;
finalisation of the proposal for a regulation on medicines for paediatric use which is expected in 2004;
the rapid implementation by all Member States of the Directive on Legal Protection of Biological Inventions and the adoption of the Community patent legislation.

MEDICINES IN AN ENLARGED EUROPEAN UNION

The health status in the future Member States is generally lower than in the rest of the EU and they devote fewer resources to healthcare. Also, the levels of intellectual property protection differ, leading to divergences in price levels, which could cause an increase in parallel imports.

For a limited period after accession, some medicines on the market in the new Member States will not have the same level of intellectual property protection found in the existing Member States. The Accession Treaties were, therefore, amended to include a transitional period prior to the full application of the principle of free movement to prevent the parallel import of pharmaceutical products that lack equivalent intellectual property right protection.

In addition, under the pharmaceutical legislation review, there will be a statutory requirement for parallel importers to inform both the marketing authorisation holder and the competent authorities of their intention to proceed with a parallel import in a given Member State. However, the legal responsibility for enforcing intellectual property rights will remain with the patent holder.

The pharmaceutical legislation review will also allow generic supply of medicines in Member States where there is no reference product on the market, and help to alleviate problems of availability in the new Member States.

Alongside these different measures, the new Member States have been offered practical help to prepare for accession through the Pan European Regulatory Forum (PERF).

THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AMONG MEMBER STATES

In its final report, the G10 Medicines Group recommends the development of a set of EU indicators to cover both industry competitiveness and public health objectives. Benchmarking is no solution to the problems of competitiveness in itself but it will, for the first time, establish a set of agreed EU performance indicators that will provide a comprehensive and objective basis for measuring the implementation of the recommendations and to exchange best practice.

The competitiveness indicators cover four broad areas: supply, demand and the regulatory framework, industry outputs, and macroeconomic factors. The Commission will publish annual tables of competitiveness indicators. This data will thus provide a basis for discussion in the Council, the European Parliament and at International Conferences.

Developing a set of indicators that can monitor the role of the pharmaceutical industry in preventing and treating disease is no easy task. While industry has clearly made a key contribution to public health in a number of areas, it is difficult to quantify in global terms and in terms of individual products or for specific diseases. The Commission is working on the development of a range of indicators in this field which should cover:

the availability of pharmaceutical products, compared to other health care inputs, for priority diseases;
the significance of available medicines, e.g. in terms of their effectiveness;
the identification of those diseases for which there are no effective medicines;
the prescription and rational use, at the medical professional and patient level;
patient quality issues such as the acceptability of medicines.

FOLLOW-UP MEASURES

Benchmarking follow-up

The Commission undertakes to update and adapt these performance indicators annually and to submit them to the Council and the European Parliament at regular intervals. It also plans to set up a small secretariat to take forward the benchmarking exercise.

Maintaining the momentum of G10

The Commission would like Member States, on a voluntary basis, to communicate national measures that could have an impact on G10 Medicines-related issues.

The Commission invites the Council and the European Parliament, together with other stakeholders, to take forward the key actions highlighted in this Communication

The Commission will support the organisation of annual meetings to follow up this Communication and to verify progress on key actions.

ARTEMIS

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ARTEMIS

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about ARTEMIS

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 in support of other policies

ARTEMIS

Document or Iniciative

Council Regulation (EC) No 74/2008 of 20 December 2007 on the establishment of the ARTEMIS Joint Undertaking to implement a Joint Technology Initiative in Embedded Computing Systems

Summary

From mobile phones to bank cards, cars and planes, integrated computing devices have become part and parcel of our daily lives.

They also represent a growing share in the value of finished goods in many key industrial sectors.

According to recent statistics, these technologies represent a true growth market:

98 % of computers are integrated in other devices;
over 4 billion embedded systems were sold in 2007;
the world market comes to EUR 60 billion and is continuing to grow at an annual rate of 14 %;
by 2010, it is expected that over 16 billion embedded computers will be in circulation (over 40 billion by 2020).

The European Union (EU) has this market in its sights, focusing its efforts on a new Joint Undertaking, known as ARTEMIS.

The ARTEMIS Joint Undertaking implements the Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) on Embedded Computing Systems.

This public-private partnership aims essentially to support the co-financing of research initiatives at European level and to improve cooperation between the various operators in the sector.

Based in Brussels, the Joint Undertaking is a Community body with legal personality. It has been set up for a period up to 31 December 2017. The founding members of the Joint Undertaking are the Community (represented by the Commission), Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and ARTEMISIA, an association representing companies and research and development (R&D) organisations active in the field of embedded computing systems. The ARTEMIS Joint Undertaking is open to new members.

Objectives

ARTEMIS contributes to the implementation of the Specific Programme “Cooperation” of the Seventh Framework Research and Development Programme (7th FRDP).

It aims in particular:

to define and implement a “Research Agenda” for the development of key technologies for embedded computing systems;
to provide financial support for various R&D activities;
to promote a public-private partnership favouring convergence of Community and national efforts (public and private), investments, and collaboration between the various sectors involved;
to improve the coordination of R&D efforts in the field of embedded computing systems;
to encourage the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Functioning

The Joint Undertaking bodies are:

the Governing Board, which consists of representatives of the members of the ARTEMIS Joint Undertaking and the Chairperson of the Industry and Research Committee, has responsibility for the operations of the Joint Undertaking and oversees the implementation of its activities;
the Executive Director is appointed for a three-year period by the Governing Board, is responsible for the day-to-day management and is the legal representative of the Joint Undertaking;
the Public Authorities Board consists of the public authorities of the Joint Undertaking, each of which appoints its representatives and a lead delegate. Its tasks include approving the scope and the launch of calls for proposals and deciding the selection and funding of the proposals selected;
the Industry and Research Committee consists of a maximum of twenty-five members appointed by the ARTEMISIA association. Its tasks include preparing the draft Multiannual Strategic Plan and making proposals regarding the strategy of the Joint Undertaking.

The ARTEMIS resources are made up of contributions from the members and the Community and revenue generated by ARTEMIS itself. Any legal entity which is not a member may make in-kind or cash contributions to the ARTEMIS resources.

The ARTEMIS costs consist of:

running costs, borne by its members. ARTEMISIA also makes a contribution of up to EUR 20 million or up to 1 % of the sum of the total cost of all projects. The Community contribution may not exceed EUR 10 million. The ARTEMIS Member States make in-kind contributions;
R&D activities. The Community makes a contribution of up to EUR 410 million. The financial contributions from the ARTEMIS Member States amount to at least 1.8 times the Community’s financial contribution and do not pass through the Joint Undertaking, but are paid directly to the research and development organisations participating in the projects. Furthermore, the same bodies make in-kind contributions to the projects, the total value of which over the duration of the Joint Undertaking is equal to or greater than the contribution of the public authorities.

The R&D activities are implemented by means of projects launched following open and competitive calls for proposals. These projects are funded by financial contributions from the Community and the participating Member States and by in-kind contributions by the research and development organisations participating in the projects of the Joint Undertaking.

As a Community initiative, Community legislation applies to the Joint Undertaking, including its staff. The Court of Justice of the European Communities has jurisdiction in any dispute between the members and in actions brought against the ARTEMIS Joint Undertaking. The Commission and the Court of Auditors carry out checks among the recipients of the Joint Undertaking’s funding.

Background

The Lisbon Agenda for Growth and Jobs placed the emphasis on investment in knowledge and innovation. In this respect, JTIs, which are public-private partnerships implemented by joint undertakings, have been set up under the 7th FRDP. These JTIs stem from the work of European Technology Platforms set up under the 6th FRDP.

In addition to the “ARTEMIS” initiative, five other JTIs are planned in nano-electronics (ENIAC), innovative medicines (IMI), aeronautics and air transport (CLEAN SKY), hydrogen and fuel cells (FUEL CELL), and global monitoring for environment and security (GMES).

References

Act	Entry into force	Deadline for transposition in the Member States	Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 74/2008 [adoption: consultation CNS/ 2007/ 088]	7.2.2008	–	OJ L 30 of 4.2.2008

European Research Area and European Space Policy

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European Research Area and European Space Policy

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about European Research Area and European Space Policy

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

Institutional affairs > Building europe through the treaties > The Lisbon Treaty: a comprehensive guide

European Research Area and European Space Policy

The Treaty of Lisbon strengthens European Union (EU) action in the field of research. It sets the objective of creating a genuine European Research Area. In addition, the Treaty of Lisbon creates a legal basis enabling the EU to conduct a European Space Policy.

The field of research has particular importance in the EU. It was already at the heart of the Lisbon Strategy (2000). The new Europe 2020 strategy continues in this vein and sets the objective of making the EU a smart economy based on the development of knowledge and innovation. Research and technological development are essential fields in achieving this objective.

EUROPEAN RESEARCH AREA

The Treaty of Lisbon introduces a legal basis for the creation of a European Research Area. Such an area is intended to permit, in particular, the free movement of researchers, scientific knowledge and technologies. To this end, the EU encourages the removal of fiscal and legal obstacles to cooperation in the field of research.

The Treaty of Lisbon also authorises the Council and the Parliament to take all measures necessary for the creation of the European Research Area. The two institutions adopt these measures in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure.

The Council and the Parliament must therefore adopt a multiannual framework programme for the funding of all European projects in the field of research. This framework programme is adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure. The budget for the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) is EUR 50.5 billion, attesting to the importance attached to research in the EU. Moreover, it is the world’s largest international research programme.

Finally, in the field of research there is a special distribution of competences between the EU and Member States. According to Article 4 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, the EU and the Member States have shared competence in the field of research and space. However, and contrary to the basic rule governing shared competence, the exercise of the EU’s competence does not limit the competence of Member States, which may therefore take action on their own account.

EUROPEAN SPACE POLICY

The Treaty of Lisbon introduces a new article permitting a European space policy (Article 189 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU) to be drawn up. The main objectives of the space policy are to promote scientific and technical progress and industrial competitiveness.

The European space policy therefore includes activities in the areas of research, technological development, and the exploration and exploitation of space. In accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, the Council and the European Parliament may establish a space programme covering the measures taken in these areas.

Moreover, the European space policy is broadly linked with the activities of the . This Agency is an international organisation which is completely independent of the EU. Its main mission is to draw up and implement common programmes in order to develop cooperation between EU Member States in the field of space.

The Treaty of Lisbon therefore confirms the cooperation between the EU and the European Space Agency. This cooperation is based on a framework agreement which entered into force in May 2004. This framework agreement led in particular to the creation of a Space Council bringing together representatives of the Council of the EU and the Council of the European Space Agency.

This entry was posted in Building Europe through the Treaties, E, Institutional affairs, The Lisbon Treaty: a Comprehensive Guide and tagged Eu, European research area, European space agency, Lisbon, Research, Researcher, Science, Seventh Framework Programme, Space Council, Space policy, Space programme, Technology on December 5, 2014 by Rhianne Stone.

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