Thomas Östros : FP6 must be tool for ERA implementation The Sixth Framework Programme should be regarded as a tool for the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA), according to Thomas Östros, speaking on 6 February in his capacity as chairman of the current Research Council. Mr Östros, speaking to the European Parliamen... The Sixth Framework Programme should be regarded as a tool for the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA), according to Thomas Östros, speaking on 6 February in his capacity as chairman of the current Research Council. Mr Östros, speaking to the European Parliamentary Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy, outlined the Swedish Presidential working programme for the research sector and acknowledged the committee's own position in the area of research. 'I have read with great interest your reporter, Ms Plooij-van Gorsel's preliminary report which your committee has just discussed. The Swedish Presidency attaches great importance to the framework programme being regarded as the strategic instrument for implementation of the European research area. We also attach great importance to scientific quality and European added value - in other words, a sensible application of the principle of subsidiarity - forming the basis of Union support to research,' said Minister Östros. He recognised that agreement on FP6 will be the first tie that a framework programme has been adopted by majority decision together with the co-decision procedure. 'Close cooperation between all the institutions, and particularly the European Parliament is necessary for a smoothly running, transparent, efficient and punctual decision-making process. The Swedish Presidency will give the highest priority to efforts to obtain broad political agreement,' Mr Östros continued. The Minister outlined further priorities for the Swedish Presidency, including an increase in cross-border cooperation, developing further the relationship between science and society, an expansion of the educational system and stimulation of interest in education at all levels and an intensification of the relationship between education and research, the two areas for which Mr Östros himself is responsible in Sweden. The Swedish Presidency also wishes to devote particular attention to biotechnology, said Mr Östros, who added that 'forceful measures from a broad perspective are necessary within this field - first, to boost this research, second to promote the industrial application of research results and not least, to stimulate the discussion on ethical issues that must ensue.' Countries Sweden
