Director General Achilleas Mitsos will give a topical lecture on European research policy on February, 16. The European Commission's research policy and funding activities will also be showcased at the European Commission booth in the exhibition area, which reporters are invited to visit.
What is the European Commission and what does it do:
The European Commission (EC) is the executive arm of the European Union (EU) institutions and embodies the general interests of the EU. It proposes policies and legislation and implements the measures decided by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. It is politically answerable to Parliament.
Its responsibilities include policy areas such as trade, competition, agricultural policy and economic development, but also research, public health and humanitarian aid. The Commission departments responsible for the various policy areas are called Directorates-General (DG).
Organizing and funding European research
In the field of science and research the EU is on the move towards the creation of the European Research Area (ERA). ERA is a broad vision for research in Europe, aimed at better co-ordination, more co-operation and improved complementarity of policies and programs of all relevant actors and institutions.
The EU's final objective is to contribute to the competitiveness of European industry and to improve the quality of life of its citizens. To reach these objectives significant resources are mobilized through the Framework program. The budget for the current Framework Program (2002-2006) is €17.5 billion (approx. $19 billion over 4 years).
The European Commission in Denver
The EU's research policy will be presented by Achilleas Misos, Director General, during his topical lecture entitled "Towards a Coherent European S&T Enterprise" on Sunday 16 February at 12:30. Mr Mitsos will be available to meet reporters that morning and after this presentation.
A workshop on "Getting involved in EU research programs" by Mr Jürgen Rosenbaum, Head of the information and communication unit of the EC's Research dept., will be held on Saturday 15 February at 11:00. In addition, the European Commission booth (#612) in the exhibition area will showcase EU research policy, funding activities and examples of European research projects.
For further information:
Visit our web site: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/
Stéphane Hogan, Press Officer, DG Research, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium.
Tel. at AAAS conference: 917-681-9005
In Brussels (after 19 February): 32-2-296-2965
Email: stephane.hogan@cec.eu.int