Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The FP7 FAQs have been designed and conducted in the context of the preparation of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The answers rely on the formal proposal of the Commission to the Council and Parliament on 6 April 2005 and other official documents published until now. More information will be added to this section as it becomes available.
* What is FP7?
* What will be the overall budget for FP7?
* Who decides which areas will be financed under FP7, and on what basis?
* How will FP7 be structured?
* Which themes have been identified for FP7?
* What are the differences between FP7 and its predecessors?
* What will be the next steps?
What is FP7?
The Framework Programme (FP) is the European Union's main instrument for funding research and development. The FP is proposed by the European Commission and adopted by Council and the European Parliament following a co-decision procedure. FPs have been implemented since 1984 and cover a period of five years with the last year of one FP and the first year of the following FP overlapping. The current FP is FP6, which will be running up to the end of 2006.
It has been proposed for FP7, however, to run for seven years. It will be fully operational as of 1 January 2007. It is designed to build on the achievements of its predecessor towards the creation of the European Research Area, and carry it further towards the development of the knowledge economy and society in Europe.
What will be the overall budget for FP7?
In the Commission's proposals for the seventh framework programme to the European Parliament and Council of 6 April 2005, the Commission proposed that the maximum overall amount for Community financial participation in the EC seventh framework programme should be EUR 72 726 million. For nuclear research and training activities carried out under the Euratom treaty EUR 3092 million are forseen for 2007-2011.
In November 2003, a report by the Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy called for the budget of FP7 to be increased to EUR 30 billion for the period 2007-2010.
Indicative Budget Breakdown
Who decides which areas will be financed under FP7, and on what basis?
In the preparation of the present proposals, the Commission took into account the views expressed during a very broad consultation with other EU institutions, in particular the European Parliament, and the Member States, as well as by the scientific community, industry and all stakeholders in European research. The results of the stakeholder consultation have now been published (see "Statistical overview of results and report on the results of the consultation"). This service includes a section that follows the policy debate towards FP7.
The proposals are also relying on an in-depth impact assessment. This impact assessment was based upon inputs from stakeholders, internal and external evaluation and other studies, and contributions from recognised European evaluation and impact assessment experts.
How will FP7 be structured?
The proposed Seventh Framework Programme will be organised in four programmes corresponding to four basic components of European research:
* Cooperation
Support will be given to the whole range of research activities carried out in trans-national cooperation, from collaborative projects and networks to the coordination of national research programmes. International cooperation between the EU and third countries is an integral part of this action.
This action is industry-driven and organised in four sub-programmes:
o Collaborative research will constitute the bulk and the core of EU research funding
o Joint Technology Initiatives will mainly be created on the basis of the work undertaken by the European Technology Platforms
o Coordination of non-Community research programmes
o International Co-operation
* Ideas
This programme will enhance the dynamism, creativity and excellence of European research at the frontier of knowledge in all scientific and technological fields, including engineering, socio-economic sciences and the humanities. This action will be overseen by a European Research Council
* People
Strengthening, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human potential in research and technology in Europe by putting into place a coherent set of Marie Curie actions.
* Capacities
The objective of this action is to support research infrastructures, research for the benefit of SMEs and the research potential of European regions (Regions of Knowledge) as well as stimulate the realisation of the full research potential (Convergence Regions) of the enlarged Union and build an effective and democratic European Knowledge society.
Each of these programmes will be the subject of a Specific Programme. In addition, there will be a Specific Programme for the Joint Research Centre (non-nuclear activities) and one for Euratom nuclear research and training activities.
Which themes have been identified for FP7?
FP7 presents strong elements of continuity with its predecessor, mainly as regards the themes which are covered in the Cooperation programme. The themes identified for this programme correspond to major fields in the progress of knowledge and technology, where research must be supported and strengthened to address European social, economic, environmental and industrial challenges.
The overarching aim is to contribute to sustainable development.
The nine high level themes proposed for EU action are the following:
1. Health
2. Food, agriculture and biotechnology
3. Information and communication technologies
4. Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies
5. Energy
6. Environment and Climate Change
7. Transport and Aeronautics
8. Socio-economic sciences and the humanities
9. Space and Security Research
In addition, two themes are covered by the Euratom Framework Programme:
- Fusion energy research
- Nuclear fission and radiation protection
In the case of subjects of industrial relevance in particular, the topics have been identified relying, among other sources, on the work of different "European Technology Platforms".
What are the differences between FP7 and its predecessors?
While building on the achievements of its predecessor, the Seventh Framework Programme will not be “just another Framework Programme”. In its content, organisation, implementation modes and management tools, it is designed as a key contribution to the re-launched Lisbon strategy.
The new elements in FP7 include the following:
- Emphasis on research themes rather than on “instruments”
- Significant simplification of its operation
- Focus on developing research that meets the needs of European industry, through the work of Technology Platforms and the new Joint Technology Initiatives
- Establishment of a European Research Council, funding the best of European science
- Integration of International co-operation in all four programmes
- Development of regions of knowledge
- A Risk-Sharing Finance Facility aimed at fostering private investment in research
What will be the next steps?
On the basis of the first results of the debate on the present proposals, the Commission will present after the summer to the Council and the European Parliament the proposals for the Specific Programmes and for the "Rules for Participation" in the Framework Programme. You may follow the key milestones towards FP7 on the roadmap section.
