2003/78/EC: Council Decision of 1 February 2003 laying down the multiannual technical guidelines for the research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel

• Published date: 05 February 2003
• Date of Signature: 20 June 2003
• Subject Matter: Financial provisions ECSC,Research and technological development
• Official Gazette Publication: Official Journal of the European Union, L 29, 05 February 2003

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2003/78/EC: Council Decision of 1 February 2003 laying down the multiannual technical guidelines for the research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel

Official Journal L 029 , 05/02/2003 P. 0028 - 0039

Council Decision

of 1 February 2003

laying down the multiannual technical guidelines for the research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel

(2003/78/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to the Protocol annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel,

Having regard to Council Decision 2003/76/EC of 1 February 2003 establishing the measures necessary for the implementation of the Protocol, annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel(1), and in particular Article 4(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission(2),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament(3),

Whereas:

(1) The revenue from investments of the net worth of the assets of the ECSC in liquidation and, on completion of the liquidation, the Assets of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, are being assigned to the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, which is intended exclusively to fund research projects outside the Research Framework Programme in the sectors related to the coal and steel industry.

(2) The Research Fund for Coal and Steel is to be managed by the Commission in accordance with principles similar to those governing the present ECSC coal and steel technical research programmes and on the basis of multiannual technical guidelines which should constitute an ideal extension of those ECSC programmes, providing a high concentration of research activities and ensuring that they supplement those of the Community framework programme for research and technological development.

(3) In the framework of these management activities, the Commission will be assisted by a management committee composed of representatives of Member States as well as advisory and technical groups representing a wide range of interests of industries and other stakeholders,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The multiannual technical guidelines for the research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (hereinafter referred to as "technical guidelines") are set out in the Annex.

Article 2

The technical guidelines shall be reviewed or supplemented, if appropriate, every five years, first period ending on 31 December 2007. To this end, and at the latest in the first six months of the last year of each five-year period, the Commission shall reassess the operation and the effectiveness of the technical guidelines and shall propose any appropriate amendments.

If it sees fit, the Commission may carry out such reassessment and shall submit proposals for any appropriate amendments to the Council before the expiry of the five-year period.

Article 3

This Decision shall take effect on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 24 July 2002.

Article 4

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 1 February 2003.

For the Council

The President

G. Papandreou

(1) See page 22 of this Official Journal.

(2) OJ C 29, 30.1.2001, p. 254.

(3) OJ C 87, 11.4.2002, p. 19.

ANNEX

TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE RESEARCH PROGRAMME OF THE RESEARCH FUND FOR COAL AND STEEL

1. THE PROGRAMME

1.1. Objectives

As a continuation of the European Coal and Steel Community Coal and Steel Research and Technical Development Programmes (ECSC RTD programmes) and within the framework of sustainable development, a Research Programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (hereinafter referred to as the programme) shall be established. The objective of the programme is to support the competitiveness of the Community sectors related to the coal and steel industry. The programme shall be consistent with the scientific, technological and political objectives of the European Union, and shall complement the activities carried out in the Member States and within the existing Community research programmes, such as the framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (hereinafter referred to as the Research Framework Programme). Coordination, complementarity and synergy between these programmes shall be encouraged, as shall the exchange of information between projects financed under this programme and those that are financed under the Research Framework Programme.

1.2. Main principles

The programme shall provide financial assistance for allowable projects, accompanying measures and other actions as defined in point 1.5 by promoting cooperation between undertakings, research centres and universities. The programme shall cover production processes, utilisation, conservation of resources, environmental improvements and safety at work in sectors related to the coal and steel industry.

The terms "coal" and "steel" are defined in Appendix A.

1.3. Scope

These guidelines describe the structure, management and implementation of the programme, its scientific and technical content and priorities as a complement to other existing research programmes and the participation rules.

These guidelines include the call for proposals for the programme described in point 3.1 and the scientific/technical and socioeconomic priorities described in Appendices B and C, which may be amended by the Commission in accordance with the procedure described in point 2.1.

1.4. Participation

1.4.1. Member States

Undertakings, research institutes or natural persons established within the territory of a Member State may participate in the programme and apply for financial assistance, provided that they intend to carry out an RTD activity or can substantially contribute to such an activity.

1.4.2. Applicant States

Undertakings, research institutes or natural persons in applicant States shall be entitled to participate without receiving any financial contribution under the programme, unless otherwise provided under the relevant European Agreements and their additional Protocols, and in the decisions of the various Association Councils.

1.4.3. Third countries

Undertakings, research institutes or natural persons from third countries shall be entitled to participate on the basis of individual projects without receiving any financial contribution under the programme, provided that such participation is in the interest of the Community.

1.5. Allowable projects, accompanying measures and other actions

Research, pilot and demonstration projects, accompanying measures and support and...