The multiannual framework programmes are the most important research promotion instruments of the European Union (EU). The programmes are proposed by the European Commission on the basis of Article 166 of the Treaty Establishing the European Community and/or Article 7 of the EURATOM Treaty.

The framework programme of the European Community (EC) is adopted by the Council and the European Parliament in a co-decision procedure, whereas the decision on the framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) is taken by the Council only.

The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Union

The Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research and technology development (FP7) is the main financial tool through which the European Union supports research and development activities covering almost all scientific disciplines. It will run for seven years until 2013. The first calls for proposals were published on 22 December 2006.

The Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) owns 50 percent of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), which offers a comprehensive information service on the Seventh Framework Programme. FFG is the Austrian National Contact Point for the Framework Programme and is responsible for the dissemination of information about FP7 in Austria. It provides information and advice concerning all aspects of the EU Framework Programmes.

The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) bundles all research-related EU initiatives together under a common roof playing a crucial role in reaching the goals of growth, competitiveness and employment; along with a new Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP), Education and Training programmes, and Structural and Cohesion Funds for regional convergence and competitiveness. It is also a key pillar for the European Research Area (ERA).

The broad objectives of FP7 have been grouped into four categories:

• Cooperation
  fostering collaboration between industry and academia to gain leadership in key technology areas.
• Ideas
  supporting basic research at the scientific frontiers (implemented by the European Research Council).
• People
  supporting mobility and career development for researchers both within and outside Europe.
• Capacities
  helping develop the capacities that Europe needs to be a thriving knowledge-based economy.

For each type of objective, there is a specific programme corresponding to the main areas of EU research policy. All specific programmes work together to promote and encourage the creation of European poles of (scientific) excellence.

The non-nuclear research activities of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) are grouped under a specific programme with individual budget allocation.

Running from 2007 to 2013, the programme has a budget of 53.2 billion Euro over its seven-year lifespan, the largest funding allocation yet for such programmes.

The FP7 budget represents a 63 percent increase from FP6 at current prices, which means additional resources for European research. It is also a strong political message to the EU Member States, which have committed themselves to increase research spending from 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) currently to 3 percent in 2010.

Contact

Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)
Sensengasse 1, 1090 Vienna
phone: +43 (0) 5 7755 extension 0
fax: +43 (0) 5 7755 extension 97900
e-mail:  office@ffg.at