www.cordis.lu/netherlands/ The Dutch Presidency of the European UnionCORDIS: EU Council Presidency Information ServiceFor Research, Development and Innovation The CORDIS presidency service offers the latest news on research & development and innovation under the rotating European presidency. For full information go to “Working on growth with Europe” During the Dutch presidency of the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs wants to advance the European economic agenda. The fundamental aim is to strengthen European capacity for economic growth, thus achieving sustainable improvement in prosperity in the Netherlands and in Europe. In view of the economic situation, it is necessary for Europe to assume a stronger competitive position, as was agreed in Lisbon. We are working towards this with the support of the business community and consumers. We will do this with a new European Parliament and a new European Commission.” Mr Laurens Jan Brinkhorst, Minister of Economic Affairs “Learning from Each Other” “During the Dutch EU presidency, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science aims to contribute to the discussion on the future of the European research policy in order to strengthen the European knowledge base. To realise the Lisbon and Barcelona objectives of creating the most competitive knowledge society in the world, we need to create a high-quality and attractive research climate. Special attention will therefore be given to the promotion of excellence. The Netherlands is also striving for stronger European cooperation in research. The enlargement of the EU gives us a broader and more diverse playing field, which inspired the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science to emphasise the opportunities and challenges of so many different countries working together.“ Mrs Maria van der Hoeven, Minister of Education, Culture and Science Research and Innovation Agenda The agenda of the Dutch Presidency will be driven by the development of the European Research and Innovation Area and the debate on the future of European research and technology policy. The Dutch presidency will focus on the realisation of the 3% objective through an “open method of coordination”, and more specifically on the supply, quality and mobility of knowledge workers and the interaction between the public knowledge base and industry. Specific attention will be given to the promotion of excellence in basic research, and the possible creation of an European Research Council, the improvement of the human capital base, the enhancement of European co-operation in the field of research infrastructures, the role of SMEs, and the interaction between science and industry, in particular through the creation of European Technology Platforms. In addition, in accordance with the request made at the Spring Summit of 25-26 March 2004, the council of Ministers will consider the possibility of an agreement on the Community Patent. The mid-term review of the Lisbon process, and the evaluation of the new instruments of the 6th Framework Programme, will constitute important lessons for Europe on how to proceed towards the realisation of the European knowledge society and the development of the European Research and Innovation Area. The Dutch presidency will reinforce its engagement in building a Europe of knowledge, innovation and competitiveness. More information: www.eu2004.nl, www.minocw.nl, www.europa.ez.nl Presidency events www.cordis.lu/netherlands/events.htm To contribute to the European agenda on research and innovation, several official presidency events are planned: Ministerial events 1-3 July n Informal Competitiveness Council Maastricht 24 September n Competitiveness Council Brussels 25-26 November n Competitiveness Council Brussels Presidency conferences 29 – 30 September n “Brain gain, the instruments” Conference to discuss the current instruments, propose new instruments and national policies and formulate recommendation for existing EU instruments The Hague 12-13 October n “Investing in research and innovation...” Conference on the utilisation of public- private partnerships in research and innovation as an effective means of achieving the Barcelona 3% objective Noordwijk 15-17 November n “Information Society Technologies 2004” Event including a conference and an exhibition of research results and networking facilities for the participants. The overall themes are “People” and “Economy” The Hague Besides the official presidency events, several expert events organised by both the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science will focus on current issues in the field of European research and technology policy: www.europa.ez.nl and www.minocw.nl/eu In addition, a number of conferences under the theme “the European knowledge society” have been realised with support of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science: www.nwo.nl/eu2004 www.cordis.lu/netherlands/ CORDIS Community Research and Development Information Service www.cordis.lu/netherlands/ CORDIS is a free information service that keeps users up-to-date with EU activities and initiatives in the field of Research & Development (R&D) and Innovation. An interactive platform, offering access to funding programmes, partnership opportunities, and project information, CORDIS is a unique service, strengthening European competitiveness and encouraging knowledge transfer across national borders. CORDIS provides access to: n Daily news on European research and innovation n EU R&D funding opportunities n Information and support for proposal submissions n Partnerships and trans-national cooperation n Specific and thematic information services n Interactive services allowing you to promote your activities and projects n Search tools and automatic e-mail update services CORDIS and the EU Presidency The CORDIS Council Presidency Service is renewed for each EU Presidency. Every six months, a new website is activated, dedicated to the R&D and innovation priorities and actions of the Member State presiding over the EU. Users can follow events, conclusions and specific news related to the Presidency. The Dutch Council Presidency R&D Information Service is available from 1 July to 31 December 2004. This complements the permanent national service on CORDIS covering R&D and innovation in the Netherlands.