CALENDRIER.

• Position: EU Council of Research ministers meetings

* Council of Research MinistersEU Ministers responsible for Research are to meet for a Council session in Luxembourg on October 30. Discussions are expected to focus on draft decisions establishing the Sixth R&D Framework Programme (2002-2006), with a view to the adoption of a common position before the end of the year (a further session is scheduled for December 10). The GMES initiative (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) is also included on the session agenda.* Audiovisual/Culture Council sessionEU Ministers responsible for Audiovisual Policy and Culture will gather for a Council session in Brussels on November 5. Issues included on the session agenda include: - Funding of audiovisals (debate and resolution)- Legal aspects of audiovisual policy, including public aid (Commission Communication: debate and conclusions on public aid)- Commission policy paper on public service Radio-Television (presentation by the Commission)- Analysis and monitoring of preparations for forthcoming WTO negotiations on services (GATS) (memorandum from the Presidency/debate)- The role of culture in the European Union (Resolution)- Culture and the knowledge society (Resolution)- Evolution of the production and distribution of musical works (conclusions)*Presidency Conference on the role of SMEs in the FP6A conference organised by the Wallon region in the scope of the Belgian presidency of the EU is to examine the role of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in the Sixth RTD Framework Programme, (FP6), in Liege, Belgium, on November 19. The aims of the conference are to raise awareness amongst decision-makers of the importance of action to encourage innovation in SMEs through research, including cooperative research, guidance, technology transfer and accompanying measures. It also aims to evaluate European policy in this area and look at forecasting in the framework of the European research area (ERA) and FP6.The conference will examine the subject in two phases - current instruments in favour of SMEs in European research programmes and the status of SMEs, and the development of actions in favour of SMEs in the framework of the European research area and FP6. European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin and Francois-Xavier de Donnea, President of the Research council, will speak at the event, as will Serge Kubla, vice-president of the Walloon Government and minister for the economy, SMEs, research and new technologies.For further information...