52006AP0518

P6_TA(2006)0518

Specific Programme "People" (Seventh RTDD Framework Programme, 2007-2013) *

European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the specific programme "People" implementing the 7th Framework Programme (2007-2013) of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (COM(2005)0442 — C6-0383/2005 — 2005/0187(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2005)0442) [1] and the amended proposal (COM(2005)0442/2) [1],

- having regard to Article 166 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0383/2005),

- having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0360/2006),

1. Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2. Considers that the indicative financial reference amount indicated in the legislative proposal must be compatible with the ceiling of heading 1a of the financial framework for 2007-2013 and points out that the annual amount will be decided within the annual budgetary procedure in accordance with the provisions of point 38 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management of 17 May 2006 [2];

3. Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

4. Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

5. Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

6. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION | AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT |

Amendment 1

Recital 4

(4) The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular with those on structural funds, agriculture, education, training, competitiveness and innovation, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. | (4) The Framework Programme should complement the activities carried out in the Member States as well as other Community actions that are necessary for the overall strategic effort for the implementation of the Lisbon objectives, alongside in particular those on structural funds, agriculture, education, lifelong training, competitiveness and innovation, employment, equal opportunities and equal treatment, appropriate working conditions, industry, health, consumer protection, employment, energy, transport and environment. |

Amendment 2

Recital 7

(7) The international dimension is a fundamental component of human resources in research and development in Europe. As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, this specific programme is open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and is also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. Moreover, all actions, as well as dedicated actions in this specific programme are open to participation of individual researchers from third countries. | (7) International cooperation and the international experience acquired by researchers are fundamentally important to research and development in Europe. As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, this specific programme is open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and is also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. Moreover, all actions, as well as dedicated actions in this specific programme, are open to the participation, without any form of discrimination, of individual researchers from third countries and of European researchers living abroad. To that end, efforts should be made to speed up the mutual recognition of professional qualifications acquired in third countries. The adoption of a policy providing incentives should not be centred only on the remuneration of researchers but also on their working conditions. |

Amendment 3

Recital 8

(8) Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. | (8) Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, such as the integrity of the person, equality between men and women and the possibility of reconciling family and professional life, and should reconfirm the civic and humanistic value of research, while respecting ethical and cultural diversity. |

Amendment 4

Recital 9

(9) The Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development. | (9) The Framework Programme must contribute towards promoting sustainable development. |

Amendment 5

Recital 9a (new)

| (9a) The Framework Programme should encourage people to study science, above all by persuading women to go into science and technology. |

Amendment 6

Recital 10a (new)

| (10a) To simplify calls for proposals and reduce costs, the Commission should set up a database as a prerequisite for notifying participants in calls for proposals. |

Amendment 7

Recital 11

(11) Appropriate measures should also be taken to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for implementation of the Financial Regulation and any future amendments. Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests, (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities and Regulation (EC) No 1074/ 1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). | (11) Appropriate measures should also be taken to monitor first the effectiveness of funding provided and secondly the effectiveness of the use of such funds, to prevent irregularities and fraud and the necessary steps should be taken to recover funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used in accordance with Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for implementation of the Financial Regulation and any future amendments. Council Regulations (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities' financial interests, (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests against fraud and other irregularities and Regulation (EC) No 1074/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). |

Amendment 8

Recital 13

(13) In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, the working conditions, transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers offers a reference framework. | (13) In the implementation of this programme adequate attention needs to be paid to gender mainstreaming, as well as to, inter alia, working conditions, measures for reconciling working and family life, including, for example, part-time fellowships, the transparency of recruitment processes, and career development as regards the researchers recruited on projects and programmes funded under the actions of this programme, for which the Commission Recommendation of 11 March 2005 on the European Charter for Researchers and on a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers offers a reference framework. |

Amendment 9

Recital 14

(14) This programme is in conformity with and underpins the further development and implementation of the integrated strategy on human resources in research and development in Europe on the basis of the "Mobility Strategy for the ERA" and the "Researchers in the ERA: one profession, multiple careers", as well as takes into account the Council conclusions on human resources in Ramp;D of 18 April 2005. | (14) This programme is in conformity with and aims to create a genuine European Research Area as set out in the integrated strategy on human resources in research and development in Europe on the basis of the "Mobility Strategy for the ERA" and "Researchers in the ERA: one profession, multiple careers", and takes into account the Council conclusions on human resources in Ramp;D of 18 April 2005. |

| In order to create a genuine European Research Area, Member States are invited to apply the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. |

Amendment 10

Recital 14a (new)

| (14a) This programme aims to increase the human research and development potential in Europe in terms of both quality and quantity, partly by recognising the "profession" of researcher. This would favour the maintenance of excellence in basic research and the organic development of technological research, and would encourage the mobility of European researchers from and throughout Europe. Moreover, it would help to provide the right conditions in order to attract the best foreign researchers to carrying out their research in Europe. |

Amendment 11

Article 2, paragraph 1

The Specific Programme shall support the activities for "People", strengthening, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human potential in research and technology in Europe. The activities supporting training and career development of researchers, referred to as "Marie Curie Actions", will be reinforced with a better focus on the key aspects of skills and career development and strengthened links with national systems. | The Specific Programme shall support the activities for "People", encouraging people to take up a career as a researcher and strengthening, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human, and especially female, potential in research and technology in Europe, while ensuring equal access for men and women and paying special attention to the needs of disabled researchers. The activities supporting the training and career development of researchers, referred to as "Marie Curie Actions", will be reinforced with a better focus on the key aspects of skills and career development and strengthened links with national systems. |

Amendment 12

Article 3, paragraphs 1a, 1b and 1c (new)

| The Commission shall take all necessary steps to verify that the actions financed are carried out effectively and in compliance with Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002. |

| The overall administrative expenditure of the Specific Programme, including internal and management expenditure for the executive agency which it is proposed to set up, should be proportional to the activities undertaken under the Specific Programme and is subject to the decision of the budgetary and legislative authorities. |

| Budget appropriations shall be used in accordance with the principle of sound financial management, namely in accordance with the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness, as well as the principle of proportionality. |

Amendment 13

Article 4, paragraph 1

1. All research activities carried out under the Specific Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles. | 1. All research activities carried out under the Specific Programme shall be carried out in compliance with fundamental ethical principles and with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. |

Amendment 14

Article 4, paragraph 3

3. The following research shall not be financed under this programme: | 3. The following fields of research shall not be financed under this programme: |

—research activities that are prohibited in all Member States | — research activity aimed at cloning of human embryos, |

—research activities to be carried out in a Member State where such research is prohibited. | —research activity intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings which could make such changes heritable, |

| —research activity intended to create human embryos solely for research purposes or for the purpose of stem cell procurement and research activity using cells from such embryos. |

Amendment 15

Article 5a (new)

| Article 5a The Commission shall provide prior information to the budgetary authority whenever it intends to depart from the breakdown of expenditure stated in the remarks in and annex to the general budget of the European Union. |

Amendment 16

Article 6, paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities set out in Annex, the funding scheme to be used for the topic on which proposals are invited, and the timetable for implementation. | 1. The Commission shall draw up a work programme for the implementation of the specific programme, setting out in greater detail the objectives and scientific and technological priorities set out in Annex, the funding scheme to be used for the topic on which proposals are invited, and the timetable for implementation. This work programme shall also seek to simplify access procedures to the Framework Programme and to promote the dissemination of information about the activities carried out under the Framework Programme. |

Amendment 17

Article 6, paragraph 2

2. The work programme shall take account of relevant research activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations. It shall be updated where appropriate. | 2. The work programme shall take account of relevant research, researcher training, and career development activities carried out by the Member States, associated countries and European and international organisations, along with any contribution anticipated, in terms of European added value, the expected impact on industrial competitiveness, and the programme's relationship with other Community policies. It shall be updated where appropriate. |

Amendment 18

Article 6, paragraph 3

3. The work programme will specify the criteria on which proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected. The criteria will be those assessing qualitative aspects of the proposers (researchers/ organisations) and their potential for further progression, including where appropriate their implementing capacity; the quality of the proposed activity in scientific training and/or transfer of knowledge terms; the Community added value and the structuring effect of the proposed activity in terms of its contribution to the objectives of the specific programme and the work programme. These criteria and any weightings and thresholds may be further specified or complemented in the work programme. | 3. Proposals for indirect actions under the funding schemes shall be evaluated and projects selected with account being taken of the following principles: |

| — scientific and/or technological excellence; |

| —how the project relates to the objectives of the Specific Programme; |

| —the calibre and implementing capacity of the proposers (researchers/organisations) and their potential for further progression; |

| —implementation of the principle of equal treatment and equal opportunities for women and men; |

| —the quality of the proposed activity in terms of scientific training and/or knowledge transfer objectives. |

| In this connection the work programme shall specify in greater detail the assessment and selection criteria and may add further requirements, weightings, and thresholds. |

Amendment 19

Article 7, paragraph 2

2. The procedure laid down in Article 8(2) shall apply for the adoption of the work programme referred to in Article 6(1). | 2. The management procedure laid down in Article 8(2) shall apply to the adoption of the work programme referred to in Article 6(1). |

Amendment 20

Article 8, paragraph 4

4. The period provided for in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be two months. | 4. The period provided for in Articles 4(3) and 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be two months. |

Amendment 21

Article 8, paragraph 5

5. The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee of the overall progress of the implementation of the Specific Programme, and shall provide it with information about all RTD actions funded under this programme. | 5. The Commission shall regularly inform the Committee and the committee responsible within the European Parliament of the overall progress of the implementation of the Specific Programme, and shall provide them with information about all RTD actions funded under this programme. |

Amendment 22

Article 8, paragraph 5a (new)

| 5a. The Commission's report shall contain an assessment of the soundness of financial management and an evaluation of the efficiency and regularity of the budgetary and economic management of this programme. |

Amendment 23

Article 8a (new)

| Article 8a The Commission shall submit the present Decision and a report on the implementation of the Specific Programme to the competent bodies for review in sufficient time to ensure that the procedure for modifying this Decision can be completed by the end of 2010. |

Amendment 24

Article 8b (new)

| Article 8b The Commission shall undertake the independent monitoring, assessment, and review laid down in Article 7 of the Decision establishing the Framework Programme as regards the activities carried out in the areas covered by this Specific Programme. |

Amendment 25

Annex, Introduction, paragraph 1

One of the main competitive edges in science and technology is the quantity and quality of its human resources. As a prerequisite for increasing Europe's capacity and performance in research and technological development and for consolidating and further developing the European Research Area, the overall strategic aim of this programme is to make Europe more attractive to researchers. This shall be done by pursuing a considerable structuring effect throughout Europe on the organisation, performance and quality of research training, on the active career development of researchers, on knowledge-sharing through researchers between sectors and research organisations, and on strong participation by women in research and development. | Human resources are of great importance for increasingly knowledge-based competitiveness and development in science and technology. The fact of having many scientists of high calibre gives Europe a competitive edge. As a prerequisite for increasing Europe's capacity and performance in research and technological development and for consolidating and further developing the European Research Area, the overall strategic aim of this programme is, inter alia, the constant improvement of university research centres to make Europe more attractive to researchers. This shall be done by pursuing a considerable structuring effect throughout Europe on the organisation, performance and quality of research training, on the active career development of researchers, on knowledge-sharing among researchers and between sectors and research organisations, encouraging practices involving movement from academia to industry and in the opposite direction, and on the active career development of researchers, with particular reference to participation by women and young researchers in research and development, while promoting the reconciliation of work and family life. |

Amendment 26

Annex, Introduction, paragraph 2

The programme will be implemented by systematic investments in people, mainly through a coherent set of "Marie Curie Actions", addressing researchers in terms of their skills and competence development at all stages of their careers, from initial research training to career development and life-long training. Mobility, both trans-national and intersectoral, recognition of experiences acquired in different sectors and countries, and adequate working conditions are key elements throughout the "Marie Curie Actions". | The recommendations set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers must be taken into account in the programme which will be implemented by systematic investment in people, mainly through a coherent set of "Marie Curie Actions", with particular reference to the European added value that they will generate as a structuring effect on the European Research Area. These actions address researchers in terms of their skills and competence development at all stages of their careers, from initial research training to professional development and lifelong training in the public and private sector. Mobility, both trans-national and intersectoral, which is central to this programme, recognition of experience acquired in different sectors and countries, and adequate working conditions, in terms both of the independence of research, the alignment of remuneration with the best international standards, and greater attention to welfare and insurance cover, are key elements throughout the "Marie Curie Actions". |

| Finally, to promote the mobility of researchers within the European Union, it is necessary to start taking measures to harmonise tax regimes for researchers. |

Amendment 27

Annex, Introduction, paragraph 3a (new)

| Support can also be granted to post-doctoral positions to researchers from the new Member States to participate in established research groups in other Member States. |

Amendment 28

Annex, Introduction, paragraph 4

A strong participation by enterprises, including SMEs, is considered a crucial added value for this programme. The enhancement of industry-academia cooperation in terms of research training, career development and knowledge-sharing is encouraged throughout the "Marie Curie Actions", while a dedicated action is addressing industry-academia pathways and partnerships. | Participation by enterprises, including SMEs, is considered a crucial added value for this programme. The enhancement of industry-academia cooperation in terms of research training, career development and knowledge-sharing is encouraged throughout the "Marie Curie Actions", while a dedicated action is addressing industry-academia pathways and partnerships. It is necessary to conserve the academic freedom of research workers under cooperation arrangements between industry and universities. |

Amendment 29

Annex, Introduction, paragraph 4a (new)

| In the context of the "Marie Curie Actions", particular attention must be paid to the protection and sharing of intellectual property, secured by means of suitable contract clauses that safeguard the individual researcher, when the research results in a patent for producing goods placed on the market. |

Amendment 30

Annex, Introduction, paragraph 5

The international dimension, as a fundamental component of human resources in research and development in Europe, will be addressed in terms of career development, as well as of strengthening and enriching international cooperation through researchers and attracting research talent to Europe. The international dimension will be incorporated throughout the "Marie Curie Actions" and in addition will be subject to self-standing actions. | The international dimension, as a fundamental component of human resources in research and development in Europe, will be addressed in terms of career development, for both women and men, as well as of strengthening and enriching international cooperation through researchers and attracting research talent to Europe by providing appropriate incentives to this end. The international dimension will be incorporated throughout the "Marie Curie Actions" and in addition will be subject to self-standing actions. |

Amendment 31

Annex, Introduction, paragraph 6

Due account will be taken of the principles of sustainable development and gender equality. The programme aims to ensure gender mainstreaming by encouraging equal opportunities in all "Marie Curie Actions" and by benchmarking gender participation (a target of at least 40 % participation by women). In addition, the actions will be designed to ensure that researchers can achieve an appropriate work/life balance and to contribute to facilitate resuming a research career after a break. Furthermore, considerations of the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of the research to be undertaken and its potential applications, as well as socio-economic impacts of scientific and technological development and foresight, will be addressed under this specific programme where relevant. | Due account will be taken of the principles of sustainable development and gender equality. The programme aims to ensure gender mainstreaming by encouraging equal opportunities in all "Marie Curie Actions" and by benchmarking gender participation (a target of at least 40 % participation by women). In addition, the actions will be designed to remove barriers to mobility and ensure that researchers can achieve an appropriate work/life balance, by providing suitable incentives to assist their families and helping researchers either to find a permanent job or to resume a research career after a break. Furthermore, considerations of the ethical, social, legal and wider cultural aspects of the research to be undertaken and its potential applications, as well as socio-economic impacts of scientific and technological development and foresight, will be addressed under this specific programme where relevant. |

Amendment 32

Annex, Introduction, paragraph 7

In order to fully exploit Europe's potential for becoming more attractive to researchers, the "Marie Curie Actions" will create concrete synergies with other actions both within the framework of the Community research policy, as well as within actions under other Community policies, e.g. on education, cohesion and employment. Such synergies will also be sought with actions at national and international level. | In order to fully exploit Europe's potential for becoming more attractive to researchers, the "Marie Curie Actions" will create concrete synergies with actions both within the framework of the Community research policy, as well as within actions under other Community policies, making sure to include gender mainstreaming in fields such as education, cohesion and employment. Such synergies will also be sought with actions at regional, national and international level specifically with a view to attaining regional cohesion with account being taken of the need for the less developed regions to attract researchers so as to enable them to pursue their own medium- and long-term development strategies. |

Amendment 33

Annex, Introduction, paragraph 7a (new)

| It will be essential to strengthen links between research and the university reform and convergence process (the "Bologna Process") so as to encourage the mobility of research workers and ensure that it does not lead to a system designed solely to ensure the rapid completion of university studies at the expense of experience abroad. |

Amendment 34

Annex, Activities, Initial training of researchers, paragraph 1

This action supports the initial training of researchers, typically directed at the first four years of researchers' careers, plus up to one additional year if necessary for the completion of the initial training. Through a trans-national networking mechanism, aimed at structuring a substantial share of the high-quality initial research training capacity throughout Member States and associated countries in both public and private sectors, the action aims to improve researchers' career perspectives in both sectors, thereby also enhancing the attraction of young researchers to research careers. | This action supports the initial training of researchers, which is typically four years (full-time equivalent) of their careers, plus one additional year if necessary for the completion of the initial training. Through a trans-national networking mechanism, aimed at structuring a substantial share of the high-quality initial research training capacity throughout Member States and associated countries in both public and private sectors, the action aims to improve career perspectives in both sectors, thereby also enhancing the attraction of young people to research careers. |

Amendment 35

Annex, Activities, Initial training of researchers, paragraph 3

The joint research training programme should be coherent in terms of quality standards, with due provision for supervision and mentoring arrangements. The joint training programme shall exploit complementary competences of the participants in the network, including from enterprises, as well as other synergies. It shall require the mutual recognition of the quality of the training and, if possible, of diplomas and other certificates awarded. | The joint research training programme should be coherent in terms of quality standards, with due provision for supervision and mentoring arrangements. The joint training programme shall exploit complementary competences of the participants in the network, including from enterprises, as well as other synergies. It shall require the mutual recognition of the quality of the training and, if possible, of diplomas and other certificates awarded. Particular attention shall be paid to the problems surrounding the long-term employment of researchers. |

Amendment 36

Annex, Activities, Initial training of researchers, paragraph 5, bullet 2a (new)

| —the possibility of setting up posts of limited duration at universities for researchers working in enterprises with the intention of strengthening cooperation between academia and business and of transferring knowledge; |

Amendment 37

Annex, Activities, Initial training of researchers, paragraph 5, bullets 3a and 3b (new)

| —activities to be pursued in cooperation with third countries for the purpose of training early-stage researchers; |

| —the provision of assistance to promote publications, studies and books by researchers aimed at disseminating knowledge and supporting the theoretical and scientific development of researchers. |

Amendment 38

Annex, Activities, Life-long training and career development, paragraph 2

Researchers addressed under this action should have at least four years of full-time research experience; as the action is directed at life-long training and career development, it is however expected that the researchers will typically have a more senior profile in terms of experience. | Researchers addressed under this action should have at least four years of full-time or equivalent research experience, or a doctorate; as the action is directed at life-long training and career development, it is however expected that the researchers will typically have a more senior profile in terms of experience. |

Amendment 39

Annex, Activities, Lifelong training and career development, paragraph 4, bullet 2

—Other public or private bodies, including large research organisations, that finance and manage fellowship programmes either with an official mandate or recognised by public authorities, such as agencies established by governments under private law with a public service mission, charities, etc.; | —Other public or private bodies, including large research organisations, universities or other organisations that finance and manage fellowship programmes either with an official mandate or recognised by public authorities, such as agencies established by governments under private law with a public service mission, charities, enterprises in cooperation with public authorities etc.; |

Amendment 40

Annex, Activities, Lifelong training and career development, paragraph 6

Both implementation modes will initially be run in parallel. In the course of the Framework Programme an impact assessment of the two modes will determine the implementation modalities for the remainder of the programme. | Both implementation modes will initially be run in parallel by means of the co-funding modality, providing an initial phase designed to allow them to be carried out. In the course of the Framework Programme an impact assessment of the two modes will determine the implementation modalities for the remainder of the programme. |

Amendment 41

Annex, Activities, Industry-academia partnerships and pathways, paragraph 1

This action seeks to open and foster dynamic pathways between public research organizations and private commercial enterprises, including in particular SMEs, based on longer term cooperation programmes with a high potential for increasing knowledge- sharing and mutual understanding of the different cultural settings and skill requirements of both sectors. | This action seeks to open and foster dynamic pathways between public research organizations and private commercial enterprises, including in particular SMEs, based on longer term cooperation programmes with a high potential for increasing knowledge- sharing and mutual understanding of the different cultural settings and skill requirements of both sectors. The action will be designed not to restrict the mobility of participating researchers, by means of restrictions on the publishing of research results or on undertaking work for certain organisations. |

Amendment 42

Annex, Activities, Industry-academia partnerships and pathways, paragraph 2, introductory part

The action will be implemented in a flexible way through cooperation programmes between organisations from both sectors from at least two different Member States or associated States, with support for human resources interactions within that framework. Community support will take one or more of the following forms: | The action will be implemented in a flexible way, drawing on experience gained from existing industry-academia partnerships throughout the European Union, through cooperation programmes between organisations from both sectors from at least two different Member States or associated States, with support for human resources interactions within that framework. Community support will take one or more of the following forms: |

Amendment 43

Annex, Activities, Industry-academia partnerships and pathways, paragraph 2, bullet 3a (new)

| —actions to strengthen the development of research driven regional clusters; |

Amendment 44

Annex, Activities, The international dimension, paragraph 1

Recognising the international dimension as a fundamental component of human resources in Ramp;D in Europe, this dimension is addressed through dedicated actions both in terms of career development of European researchers and in terms of strengthening international cooperation through researchers. | Recognising the international dimension as a fundamental component of human resources in Ramp;D in Europe, this dimension is addressed through dedicated actions both in terms of career development of European researchers and in terms of strengthening international cooperation through researchers at national or regional level. |

Amendment 45

Annex, Activities, The international dimension, paragraph 2, point (i)

(i)outgoing international fellowships, with mandatory return, for experienced researchers within the framework of lifelong training and competence diversification, to acquire new skills and knowledge; | (i)appropriately funded outgoing international fellowships, with mandatory return to the European Union, for experienced researchers within the framework of lifelong training and competence diversification, and for early-stage researchers, to enable them to acquire new skills and knowledge; |

Amendment 46

Annex, Activities, The international dimension, paragraph 2, point (ii)

(ii)return and international reintegration grants for experienced researchers after an international experience. Under this action the networking of researchers from Member States and associated countries abroad will also be supported with a view to keep them actively informed about and involved in developments in the European Research Area. | (ii)appropriately funded return and international reintegration grants for experienced or early-stage researchers after an international experience. Under this action the networking of researchers from Member States and associated countries abroad will also be supported with a view to keeping them actively informed about and involved in developments in the European Research Area, as will incentives to return for researchers based outside Europe. |

Amendment 47

Annex, Activities, The international dimension, paragraph 3, point (i)

(i)incoming international fellowships in order to attract highly qualified third-country researchers to Member States and associated countries, for knowledge enhancement and to build up high-level connections. Researchers from developing countries or from countries with emerging economies may benefit from support for a return phase. Networking of third-country researchers in Member States and associated countries, with a view to structuring and developing their contacts with their regions of origin, will also be supported; | (i)incoming international fellowships in order to attract highly qualified third-country researchers to Member States and associated countries, for knowledge enhancement and to build up high-level connections. Researchers from developing countries or from countries with emerging economies may benefit from support for a return phase. Networking of third-country researchers in Member States and associated countries, with a view to structuring and developing their contacts with their regions of origin, will also be supported and incentives will be offered to good researchers in all parts of the world to encourage them to settle in Europe; |

Amendment 48

Annex, Activities, Specific actions

In support of the creation of a genuine European labour market for researchers, a coherent set of accompanying actions is to be implemented, with a view to removing obstacles to mobility and to enhancing the career perspectives of researchers in Europe. These actions will aim, in particular, at raising stakeholders and general public awareness, including through "Marie Curie" awards, at stimulating and supporting action at Member State level and at complementing Community actions. | In support of the creation of a genuine European labour market for researchers, a coherent set of accompanying actions is to be implemented, with a view to removing obstacles to professional mobility, especially those related to researchers' social security and tax affairs, which often act as a disincentive to entering the research field, and to enhancing the career perspectives of researchers in Europe, making it easier to reconcile work and family life, not least by enabling them to benefit from appropriate financial and salary terms as well as from social security arrangements. These actions will aim, in particular, at raising stakeholders and general public awareness, including through "Marie Curie" awards, at stimulating and supporting action at Member State level and at complementing Community actions. In addition there will be provision for European initiatives to facilitate the mobility of researchers and their families, and their integration in the host countries. All "Marie Curie" initiatives must guarantee equal opportunities and eliminate all obstacles facing disabled research workers. |

[1] Not yet published in OJ.

[2] OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

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