MEPs want more time to discuss plans for the next Framework programme Members of the European Parliament's committee for industry, external trade, research and energy say more time needs to be set aside to discuss the Commission's proposals for the next Framework programme for research. Parliament has been asked to give an opinion in time for a... Members of the European Parliament's committee for industry, external trade, research and energy say more time needs to be set aside to discuss the Commission's proposals for the next Framework programme for research. Parliament has been asked to give an opinion in time for a first draft work programme for the next Framework programme to be prepared by mid-May. But MEPs were frustrated at finding themselves under pressure to restrict the length of their comments on the Commission's proposals and put questions to Research Director-General Achilleas Mitsos during a committee meeting on 26 March. One MEP described the lack of time to discuss an issue involving such a large budget as 'deplorable'. Discussions during the meeting were led by a report from MEP Gérard Caudron on how the next framework programme can contribute to the creation of a European research area (ERA). MEPs broadly congratulated Mr Caudron, welcoming his report, but they said they need more information from the Commission on its plans, with criticism that the current proposal for the next framework programme is 'too vague'. Many also called for further clarification of what selection criteria the Commission used to select the 'seven plus one' priorities it proposes for the next framework programme, echoing a request made by a report earlier this year by Dutch MEP Elly Plooij van Gorsel. In addition, some MEPs believe there should be further discussion of the architecture of the framework programme and say that the headings currently given to priorities are too abstract. Better definition, or rewording is needed to prevent the exclusion of whole areas of research, they said, citing marine sciences and clean coal technologies as just two of the fields which appear to be neglected by the current proposal. There was also a question mark over what will happen to ECSC funds in the context of the next framework programme. Questions were also raised on the Commission's proposed 17.5 billion euro budget for the next framework programme. MEPs want to know why the Commission was not making plans with a larger budget in mind and they want further clarification on how the Commission has formulated plans to divide this budget between its proposed research priorities. It was clear however that MEPs views differed on which areas merit greater funding. Some called for less effort to be spent on aerospace technologies, while others want to see more spent on research activities in areas of direct concern to citizens - like food safety and human health, for example. However the committee was unanimous on the point that it needs more information from the Commission and more time to discuss the proposal. Attending the meeting in behalf of the Commission, Mr Mitsos, said it would do everything in its power to help the Council arrive at the first communication on the next framework programme as soon as possible. There was not enough time for him to respond to all the points raised during the meeting, but he reassured MEPs they would receive further clarification of the Commission's plans. 'I find the questions entirely logical,' he said. 'We will submit our proposals hopefully in mid May and will answer in writing a questionnaire from the European Parliament.' The Commission also plans to produce two communications on the regional dimension and international dimension of the European research area and will hold an informal seminar on instruments with new users in industry and academia on 20 April.
