91997E3525

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3525/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (12 November 1997)

Subject: Community participation in the Uralides project

The objective of the international Uralides project, which currently involves 39 scientific institutions from all over the world (24 from Europe, 1 from the United States and 14 from Russia), is to make a detailed study of the Urals, the mountain chain which separates Europe and Asia, which is considered one of the richest mountain systems in the world in terms of deposits of all kinds and a potential source of energy and other resources. The project was organized as a result of the Europrobe initiative for research into earth sciences launched by the European Science Foundation.

What is the Commission's position on the Uralides international project, the possibility that it might participate in the project and the scale of any possible financial contribution?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (14 December 1997)

The Commission is fully aware of the international significance and importance, both from a scientific and economic point of view, of the Uralides project. Under the current 4th framework programme of research and technological development (Decision No 1110/94/EC) ((OJ L 126, 18.5.1994. )), Community support for this project is given through INTAS, the International association for the promotion of cooperation with scientists from the former Soviet Union.

The current plans for the next 5th framework programme ((COM(97) 439. )) foresee a continuation of support for joint research projects and concerted actions with Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union in a number of areas, including energy and environment.