EU research programme
FP7 should stimulate research into clean technologies but nuclear anomaly remains
On the occasion of the adoption today by the European Parliament of 7th research framework programme (2007-13) at second reading, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur David Hammerstein commented:
"Today's agreement on FP7 paves the way for the EU to progress with an ambitious research programme over the coming seven years, promoting innovation from small firms and the development of climate-friendly technologies.
"The Greens welcome the fact that there will be 250% more funding for renewable energy, as compared to the previous research framework. However, it remains a serious source of regret that the section of the programme dealing with nuclear research, over which the parliament does not have co-decision rights, will receive three times as much funding as renewables. This Euratom anomaly means the EU will waste billions on the white elephant of nuclear fusion over the coming years.
"Other positives in the package include the provision that a minimum of 15% of FP7 funding will be earmarked for SMEs, the launching of an autonomous European Research Council and the opening EU research programmes civil society organisations for the first time. We also welcome the clear support in FP7 for social science research, alternatives to animal testing and free and open software."
See a short background paper on future nuclear and energy research under FP7
