Problems affecting contract negotiations under the Sixth Framework Programme

27.1.2004

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0278/04
by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel (ELDR)
to the Commission

The first round of contract negotiations under the Sixth Framework Programme for Research (FP 6) is now fully under way. The negotiations are proving very difficult and the initial reports from project coordinators are unusually critical. During the negotiations, scientific officers are reportedly using rules different to those announced at the information meetings held when FP 6 was launched. The result is growing uncertainty regarding the purpose of the new instruments, uncertainty which was already considerable at the start. Many groups are now giving serious thought to ignoring FP 6 and concentrating exclusively on national programmes.

 

1. Is the Commission aware of the problems emerging in connection with the first round of contract negotiations under FP 6?

 

2. Can the Commission state what rules governing the conclusion of contracts are now being employed and why these rules differ from those originally announced?

 

3. Are the rules now being employed consistent with those agreed between the Council and Parliament and laid down in FP 6?

 

4. What steps has the Commission taken, or what steps does it plan to take, to deal with the problems outlined above?

OJ C 84 E, 03/04/2004