EU outlines R&D program.

The European Union has published plans for its "Seventh Framework" (FP7) research and development program. The Europeans want to double the amount they spend on research and want the European Commission to approve a budget of 44.43 billion euro on projects to be funded from 2007 to 2013.

The program envisions large-scale programs in four "pillars" of research: cooperation; ideas; people; and capacities. In the "idea" area, the commission outlines a new initiative to support fundamental research through the European Research Council. In the area of cooperation, the plan outlines broad approaches in nine thematic areas including space, security and large-scale initiatives. In the capacity area, the EU research program will adopt a strategy to support construction of new research infrastructure. The proposal also outlines cross-cutting initiatives that include support for small- and medium-sized companies. For information on the proposal, go to http://www.cordis.lu/fp7.