Introduction

The 7th Framework Programme (FP 7) for research and technological development is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and it will run from 2007 to 2013. It cleared its final hurdle on 18 December 2006 when it was adopted by the Council. The Programme started on 1 January 2007. With a total budget of €50.521 billion, FP7 will run for of seven years. It represents a 41% budget increase from FP6 at 2004 prices (Source European Commission:

http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=FP7_NEWS&ACTION=D&RCN=26875

Under FP7, the highest portion of the budget will go to information and communication technologies (€9.11 billion), followed by health (€6.05 billion), transport (€4.18 billion) and nanotechnology (€3.5 billion), energy (€2.3 billion), and food, agriculture and biotechnology (€1.935 billion). Other budget lines include environmental research (€1.8 billion), space (€1.43 billion), security (€1.35 billion), and social-economic sciences and humanities (€610 million).

FP 7 is designed to build on the achievements of its predecessor towards the creation of the European Research Area (ERA), and carry it further towards the development of the knowledge economy and society in Europe.

Research and technology development work is generally funded 50 percent of the partner's costs. However, up to 75 percent of funding is available to small and medium-sized enterprises, universities and government facilities. Training and Management Activities are funded 100 percent as in FP6.

For more information please visit: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/understand_en.html