Whereas, in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as provided for in Article 3b of the Treaty, the objectives of Community research and technological development policy reflected in the Fifth Framework Programme cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States, since they require the establishment of a critical mass in human and financial terms and a combination of expertise exceeding the confines of a single Member State; whereas these objectives can therefore, in view of the multiplier effects that they generate, be better achieved at Community level; whereas this Decision is limited to the minimum required to achieve these objectives and does not exceed what is necessary to this end;

In pursuit of a cost-benefit approach dictated by concern for optimum allocation of European public funding, the choice of themes for the 5th Framework Programme and the related objectives is made on the basis of a set of common criteria, divided into three categories.

* Criteria related to social objectives:

- improving the employment situation,

- promoting the quality of life and health,

- preserving the environment,

in order to further major social objectives of the Community reflecting the expectations and concerns of its citizens.

* Criteria related to economic development and scientific and technological prospects:

- areas which are expanding and create good growth prospects,

- areas in which Community businesses can and must become more competitive,

- areas in which prospects of significant technological progress are opening up.

* Criteria related to the Community 'value added' and the subsidiarity principle:

- need to establish a 'critical mass' in human and financial terms, and the combination of the complementary expertise available in the various Member States,

- significant contribution to the implementation of one or more Community policies,

- addressing of problems arising at Community level or questions relating to aspects of standardization or connected with the development of the European area,

so as to select only objectives which cannot be achieved through private research alone and are more effectively pursued at the Community level by means of research activities conducted at that level.

These criteria will be used, and where necessary supplemented, for the implementation of the 5th Framework Programme, in order to define the specific programmes and select the research and technological development activities, including demonstration activities.

Regarding the financial management of the programme, a cost-benefit assessment is necessary in order to ensure the optimal selection of the activities to be funded.

The objectives of Community research policy shall be:

- strengthening and improving the international competitivness of Europe as an economic location

- promoting and strengthening of economic growth whilst explicitly complying with the principle of sustainability

- strengthening of the foundations for favourable labour market trends

- improving the quality of life, public health and, environmental protection biodiversity and long-term ecological stability

- promoting and contributing to economic and social cohesion

In its pursuit of those objectives, the Community, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity, shall intervene in support in particular where:

- its activities result in 'European added value', for example where there is a need to establish a 'critical mass' in human and financial terms and the combination of the complementary expertise available in Member States,

- European research policy may make a significant contribution to the implementation of Union policy in one or more areas, and

- problems, arising at Community level, for example issues relating to the development of the European area or questions of standardization require Community participation.

Beyond that, the European Community's research policy shall promote and contribute to economic and social cohesion as well as foster the participation of women in all fields of research and technological development.

No EU research funding may be used in connection with the development or manufacture of weapons.

These objectives, principles and concept will be used, and where necessary supplemented, for the implementation of the 5^th Framework Programme, as well as to define the specific programmes and select the research and technological development activities, including demonstration activities.

Within all research activities as described in the First Activity of this Framework Programme attention shall be paid and financial means shall be provided

- to ensure acompanying research into the socio-economic consequences of the Community's research policy and its results

- to facilitate, foster and integrate the transfer of the results of the research carried out under this Framework Programme into industry and society with a special attention to SME's

- to promote research on the ethical and legal aspects of science and technology and their results

- to promote the mobility and participation of young researchers as an integrated part in the various research projects as described under 'First Activity'

The Joint Research Centre is the scientific and technical body which the Commission needs to perform the tasks that it is empowered to conduct. The scientific and technological objectives of its activities are located more especially in areas requiring impartial and independent expertise at European Community level and in areas related to the objectives of its main policies.

- the Union's scientific community, by strengthening links with the main research institutes and following a policy of publication in the scientific journals that are best qualified in the field concerned;

- the Union's undertakings, by developing its role as a transfer of technology centre. This entails: increased protection for intellectual property; introduction of profit-sharing procedures for JRC researchers in exploiting patents; and autonomy in managing target projects drawn up in close cooperation with the scientific authorities in each field, under objectives proposed by the directors of the JRC and approved by the Board of Governors.

Furthermore, the European Parliament may refer specific research policy topics and tasks to the JRC.

The appropriations made available to the JRC constitute a maximum amount. In addition, the JRC may endeavour to secure funds from third organizations. Responsibility for the allocation of those resources to the various institutes and activities of the JRC lies with the JRC itself and shall be scrutinized by the Commission, Council and European Parliament as part of the assessment and in the light of the objectives and measures laid down in this Decision.

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It is of the utmost importance that a periodic assessment should be carried out of the activities of the JRC on the basis of a list of criteria notified to all concerned in order to ensure that JRC research continues to contribute to the Community's research objectives and that the budget of the JRC is adjusted every two years on the basis of fulfilment of the objective evaluation criteria. Moreover, the JRC must obtain a higher percentage of its financial resources from contract research by means of competition with other research parties so that the quality of JRC research is promoted. In order to encourage the exchange of experience with universities, technological institutes and industry, the JRC will have more scope for recruiting researchers from those establishments on a temporary basis.

Improving the quality of life and health and addressing environmental problems are major challenges and the Community plans to tackle them by helping to increase knowledge and develop technologies in the fields of the living world and the environment.

At the same time, progress in this area will help to increase the competitiveness of the Community's enterprises by opening up new prospects in areas in which the Community already has a strong hand, such as biotechnology, agro-industry, and the fields of health and the environment.

Scientific and technological development in the life sciences and, in particular in genetic engineering, will continue to make very rapid progress.

In this field, Europe must substantially increase its efforts in order to maintain and exploit the prospects which are opening up and, in this way, to benefit from the growth and employment impact arising therefore.

health and food

The aim of this key action is to promote the development of knowledge, technologies and methods, based on biotechnology, for example, to produce a safe, healthy, balanced and varied food supply for consumers. This requires as a priority:

­ the development of new processing methods to improve food quality,

­ the development of tests to detect, and processes to eliminate infectious and toxic agents,

­ study of the role of food in preserving health, in particular from the point of view of nutrition, epidemiology and public health.

Health: Food and environment

The aim of this key action is to promote the development of knowledge, technologies and methods, based on biotechnology, for example, to produce a contribution to the fight against diseases related to the environment and food and the immense costs to the health systems arising therefrom as well as a safe, healthy, balanced and varied food supply for consumers. This requires as a priority:

­ the development of new breeding, production and processing methods to improve food quality with regard to the ingredients and/or the keeping quality thereof

­ the development of tests to detect, and processes to eliminate infectious and toxic agents throughout the food chain,

- the development of tests to detect and processes to prevent infectious diseases (resistance strategy),

­research into the role of food in preserving and improving health, in particular from the point of view of foodstuffs, epidemiology and allergy research and in view of the increasing life expectancy of the population.

- research into diseases and allergies related to or influenced by the environment and research into their treatment and prevention.

Control of viral and other infectious diseases

The priority objectives of this key action are the fight against AIDS and control of the 'new plagues' (such as the reappearance of tuberculosis and the emergence of diseases linked to new or mutant agents). Close attention is to be paid to:

- the development of vaccines, especially against viral diseases;

- treatment and prevention strategies;

- aspects connected with public health and care-delivery systems.

Fight against transmissible and rare diseases

The priority objectives of this key action are the fight against AIDS, research into and combating of the 'new plagues' by means of new or mutant agents as well as research seeking a better understanding of the actions of the immune system. Close attention is to be paid to:

- the development of new and more effective vaccines,

- new and improved treatment and prevention strategies,

- identification and treatment of rare diseases

- research into the phenomenon of increasing resistance to antibiotics

- research into modern new and old genomes.

The "cell factory"

This key action is aimed at helping the Community's enterprises exploit the advances made in life sciences and technologies, particularly in the fields of health and the environment. It is aimed at the development of multidisciplinary technologies based on exploitation of the properties of micro­organisms, plants and animals at the cellular and sub­cellular levels. The objective is to develop new bio­molecules with high added­value capable of enhancing the quality of life and health, including:

­ new health products (for example, antibiotics and anti­cancer agents),

­ waste biotreatment processes,

­ new biological processes for the agri­food industry.

The "cell factory"

This key action is aimed at helping the Community's enterprises exploit the advances made in life sciences and technologies, particularly in the fields of health and the environment. It is aimed at the development of multidisciplinary technologies based on exploitation of the properties of micro­organisms, plants and animals at the cellular and sub­cellular levels. The objective is to understand the functioning of cells and to develop new bio­molecules with high added­value capable of enhancing the quality of life and health, including:

­ new processes, active substances and products for health (for example, antibiotics and anti­cancer agents), Ex am 73 fdr am\334123

new and innovative health processes and approaches including non-conventional ones and active substances and products (for example, antibiotics and anti-cancer agents both those derived from natural processes and synthetic);

­ waste biotreatment processes,

­ new biological and biotechnological processes in plant and animal breeding and for the agri­food industry,

- better and healthier foodstuffs and combating and/or prevention of allergies ex am\338905

- better and healthier general foodstuffs for humans and animals, and measures to combat allergies through primary and secondary prevention.

The aim of this key action is to produce the knowledge and technologies needed for the rational management of water resources for domestic needs and those of industry and agriculture. Among the priority fields concerned are:

­ treatment and purification technologies,

­ technologies for monitoring the quality and the level of groundwater and surface waters,

­ surveillance, early warning and communication systems,

­ technologies for the regulation of stocks and technologies for arid and semi­arid regions.

'Chemical and molecular biology bases'

The rapid development in the field of the chemical and molecular bases of life and of health and disease provides an opportunity for new applications for prevention, diagnosis and curetreatment.

The aim of this key action is, therefore, to extend the knowledge acquired to date in these areas, to improve and validate it and to develop corresponding processes and technologies, e.g. microbiological and gene therapy which facilitate preventive and/or targeted and gentle non agressive treatment. To that end, efforts must be made in particular at the interface between chemical and biological research.

Among the priority fields concerned are:

- genome analyses/bioinformatics,

- monitoring of patient groups for the analysis, definition and classification of genetically-related or genetically-influenced chronic diseases,

- research into the connection between genetic conditioning and environment-, nutrition- or behaviour-related influences on outbreaks of diseases, their course and on the possibilities for treating them.

Research into degenerative diseases, with particular regard to age-related illnesses andas well as disabilities

Research in this field should help to increase knowledge about these diseases, their treatment and prevention as well as methods going beyond pure medicine which will guarantee independence in old age.

Priorities include:

- research into the genetic and molecular bases of the ageing process and into the connection between this process and behaviour and environment,

- research into the clinical implications with a view to developing specific measures to increase the quality of life and independence (including technological support measures),

- research with a view to promoting a healthy ageing process (diagnosis, healthy eating, and targeted and gentlenon agressive treatment)

- new techniques using clinical imaging.

(iv) Management and quality of water

The aim of this key action is to produce the knowledge and technologies needed for the rational management of water resources for domestic needs and those of industry and agriculture.

Among the priority fields concerned are:

­ treatment and purification technologies,

­ technologies for monitoring the quality and the level of groundwater and surface waters,

­ surveillance, early warning and communication systems,

­ technologies for the regulation of stocks and technologies for arid and semi­arid regions.

(iv) Management and quality of wateriv) Water management and technologies

Guaranteeing the sustainable use of water is one of the major tasks for the future. This key action concerns both environmental policy as well as the concepts for the development of rural and coastal areas and urban areas and is closely connected with the interdisciplinary topic of 'global change'.

Work will focus on:

­ technologies for treatment, purification, reusing and prevention from pollution,

- methods and tools for integrated management of aquatic environments,

- monitoring technologies and techniques,

- development of indicators

­ technologies for the regulation of stocks and technologies for arid and semi­arid regions,

- relationship between groundwater and soil, especially in connection with contamination and its solution,

- optimization of interventions in water management by means of hydraulic measures with a view to sustainable use.

The aim of this key action is to help reduce the adverse impact on health of changes in the environment. It covers in particular issues such as prevention and the effects on health of air pollution, heavy metals and toxic substances, noise, climatic changes and electromagnetic radiation, as well as the effects of pollution at the workplace. It includes as a priority:

- epidemiological studies;

- development of new methods of diagnosis, risk assessment and prevention;

- the development of processes to reduce causes and harmful health effects.

The aim is to mobilise the knowledge and technologies needed to implement innovative approaches to production and exploitation, adapted to recent adjustments in the common agricultural and fisheries policies, whilst also providing the scientific basis for Community regulations. Priority areas include:

- new systems of production and exploitation in agriculture, forestry, fishing and aquaculture, taking into account profitability, the sustainable management of resources, product quality and employment;

- non-food uses;

- methods of control;

- the production of new models for the sustainable development of rural and coastal areas based on optimisation of the specific potential of each area, the diversification of activities and land use, and the involvement of the people concerned (To be integrated in a new programme on energy, environment, sustainable development, sub-programme "environment, sustainable development cultural heritage")

(i): Rural and coastal areas and mountains

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries - important and decisive factors of economic development in rural and coastal areas - are faced with considerable changes. The aim of this key action is to promote the development and mobilization of the new technologies needed to implement innovative procedures adapted to the new challenges of sustainable production and exploitation models geared towards competitiveness.

At the same time this work can and should constitute the scientific basis for future Community rules in these areas and should contribute to the preservation of the cultural heritage European agricultural and rural societies constitute.

Efforts should be focussed on the following areas in particular:

- non-food uses, especially renewable raw materials,

- monitoring technologies,

- integrated production processes

- methods and tools for environmental management,

- integrated production procedures, especially those limiting agriculture's impact on the environment,

- development of environmental indicators and measurement of sustainability, especially with regard to testing of the possible effects of future Community policy and legislation

- the fight against age-related illnesses and health problems (e.g. Alzheimer's disease), degenerative diseases (cancer and diabetes), cardio-vascular diseases, diseases of genetic origin and rare diseases; research into genomes and the neurosciences;

- the improvement of health systems, the enhancement of health and safety at work, and the fight against drug-related public health problems;

- the fight against major natural and technological hazards through the development of forecasting, prevention, impact assessment and mitigation techniques;

- understanding of the processes and interactions involved in 'global change' on land, at sea and in the atmosphere as well as their impact on ecosystems;

- the development of generic Earth observation technologies, notably satellite technologies, for environmental monitoring and resources and ecosystem management;

- the study of problems relating to biomedical ethics and bioethics in the context of a respect for fundamental human values;

- the study of the socio-economic aspects of development of the life sciences and technologies and of environmental change within the perspective of sustainable development (the impact on society, the economy and employment).

1st indent replaced by Commission's text

- the fight against age-related illnesses and health problems (e.g. Alzheimer's disease), degenerative diseases (cancer and diabetes), cardio-vascular diseases, diseases of genetic origin and rare diseases; research into new and old genomes and the neurosciences;

- the improvement of health systems, the enhancement of health and safety at work and at home, and the fight against drug-related public health problems;

- accompanying research into issues concerning medical ethics and bioethics with regard to respecting fundamental human values.

These efforts must, in all activities, tackle the universal issues such as access, ease of use, cost-effectiveness and interoperability, as well as socio-economic impact.

The gathering, storing, processing, transmission, dissemination and use of information will increasingly determine the international competitiveness not only of the information technologies themselves but also all sectors of the economy and society.

The advent thereof is opening up the possibility of a wide range of activities, for both individuals and companies of the Community, e.g. in the fields of trade, work, transport, environment, education and training, health and culture. Continuous efforts in relation to research, technological development and technology take-up are necessary to realise the full potential of the Information Society. Here, in addition to the potential for economic growth and employment, in particularefforts must tackle the universal issues such as access, ease of use, safety, cost-effectiveness and interoperability, as well as socio-economic impact are of particular importance. The technological range of key actions should allow the possibility of a flexible concentration and a dynamic implementation of the activities, reflecting socio-economic priorities, in accordance each time with technological development.

The aim of this key action is to provide users with easier access at the lowest cost to quality, general-purpose services and boost the industry providing these services. In this context, it will be based on the following priorities:

* as regards health and the elderly: on computerised medical systems, on secure high-capacity health networks and telemedicine, on advanced interfaces and on tele-systems to integrate the elderly and the disabled into society;

* as regards the public authorities: on systems utilising multimedia and tele-systems;

* as regards the environment: on intelligence systems for analysis, surveillance, management and early warning;

* as regards transport: on the advanced intelligence systems needed for management and associated tele-services.

The aim of this key action is to provide users with easier access at the lowest cost to quality general­purpose services and boost the industry providing these services. In this context, research and technological development will be based on the following priorities:

­ as regards health, the elderly and the disabled: on computerized medical systems, on secure high­capacity health networks and tele­medicine, on advanced interfaces and on tele­systems to integrate the elderly and the disabled into society,

- as regards the public authorities: on systems utilising multimedia and tele-systems with regard to integrated applications for rural and urban areas and to facilitate access to and provision of public services, excluding these services' own computerization projects

­ as regards the environment: on intelligent systems for analysis, surveillance, management and early warning,

­ as regards transport: on the advanced intelligent systems needed for management and associated tele-services

- systems for the security of information and networks, including techniques for the authentification and protection of integrity and copyright, as well as technologies for better protection of privacy

* flexible, mobile and remote working methods, for individuals and for cooperative and group working and working methods based on simulation and virtual reality;

* management systems for suppliers and consumers, including interoperable payment systems;

* information and network security, including the technical means for authentication and the protection of integrity and intellectual property and 'privacy enhancing technologies'.

* flexible, mobile and remote working methods, for individuals and for cooperative and group working and working methods based on simulation and virtual reality;

* management systems for suppliers and consumers, including interoperable and safesecure payment systems;

* information and network security, including cryptography, techniques for combating and preventing piracy of computer sites, the technical means for authentication and the protection of integrity and intellectual property and 'privacy enhancing technologies'.

The objective is to produce and disseminate the knowledge and technologies needed to design and develop processes and produce "clean", high­quality products that will be competitive on tomorrow's market, to help increase growth and create new jobs in Europe and to give firms the opportunity to make the necessary changes to their activities.

This goes hand in hand with the development of high­performance energy systems and services, and transport systems which are economic, safe, and protective of the environment and quality of life.

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The objective of this thematic programme is the sustainable development of transport and production.

For a mobility that meets the demands of tomorrow we need strategies to optimise the transportation system as a whole. They must include the integration of all modes of transport for passengers and freight because in our times optimisation can only be achieved by integration.

This goes hand in hand with the development of high performance transport systems which are economic, safe and protective of the environment and quality of life, with the further development of European aeronautical and astronautical technology constituting a separate focus (*)

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(*) The various research activities in the field of aeronautics and astronautics from the individual thematic programmes will be coordinated separately.

The aim of this key action is to facilitate the development of high­quality innovative products and services that meet the needs of the citizen and the market and new methods of production and manufacturing that save resources and are environmentally safe, whatever the method of production. Research will focus as a matter of priority on:

- the elaboration, development and integration of new technologies for design, manufacturing, control and production, in particular using microengineering

- Information Society technologies for "intelligent" manufacturing (including flexible workshop systems and systems for flexible management of supply and distribution chains, embedded systems and tele­services for operation and maintenance and simulation and shared­work technologies),

- technologies to reduce resource utilization and promote reuse and recycling of waste and the development of clean processes and products based on:

- the concept of 'life cycle-analysis'

- new methodes of organising production and work and of using skills (including socio-economic analysis),

The aim of this key action is to facilitate the development of high­quality innovative products and services and new methods of production and manufacturing especially those designed to improve the competitiveness of traditional industries, that save resources and are environmentally safe, whatever the method of production. Research will focus as a matter of priority on:

- the elaboration, development and integration of new technologies for design, manufacturing, control and production as well as new materials (e.g. nano-scale technologies)

- exploitation of Information Society technologies for "intelligent" manufacturing (including flexible workshop systems and systems for flexible management of supply and distribution chains, embedded systems and tele­services for operation and maintenance and simulation and shared­work technologies),

- technologies to reduce resource utilization and promote reuse and recycling of waste and the development of clean processes and products

- the concept of 'life cycle-analysis'

- new methodes of organising production and work and of using skills (including socio-economic analysis),

(ii) Sustainable mobility and intermodality

The aim is to ensure the mobility of people and goods efficiently and without damage to the environment. This key action will contribute towards this by helping to set up a safe, intelligent, efficient and interoperable rail and road, air and maritime transport system for passengers and freight on a broadly intermodal basis at the European level to meet the mobility needs of industry and the public. This requires as a matter of priority:

- the development, validation and demonstration of modal and intermodal transport management systems, including second-generation satellite navigation and positioning systems;

- research on infrastructures and their interfaces with transport facilities and systems, while reducing the environmental impact and taking account of accessibility and the integration of regional planning and transport policies;

- the development of socio-economic scenarios for the mobility of people and goods.

The aim is to ensure the mobility of people and goods efficiently and without damage to the environment. This key action will contribute towards this by helping to set up a safe, intelligent, efficient and interoperable rail and road, air and maritime transport system for passengers and freight on a broadly intermodal basis at the European level to meet the mobility needs of industry and the public. This requires as a matter of priority:

- the development, validation and demonstration of modal and intermodal transport management systems, particularly for air transport (specific Union participation in a world navigation and global positioning system) and inland transport, especially road and rail transport, taking account of the need for interoperability, including second-generation satellite navigation and positioning systems as well as advanced information services for the mobility and transport of people and goods;

- research on infrastructures and their interfaces with transport facilities and systems, while reducing the environmental impact and taking account of accessibility and the integration of transport policies;

The aim of this key actions is to help the European Community consolidate its position in this sector by developing its mastery, in an environmentally friendly manner, of the most advanced aeronautical technologies. It will cover as a matter of priority:

­ the development and demonstration of advanced technologies for integrated and production, the reduction of energy consumption, emissions and noise for various aircraft concepts,

­ the technological and economic feasibility of and the critical technologies for new­generation aircraft concepts,

­ the development of technologies to improve operational safety.

The aim of this key actions is to help the European Community consolidate its position in this sector by developing its mastery, in an environmentally friendly manner, of the most advanced aeronautical technologies. It will cover as a matter of priority:

­ the development and demonstration of advanced technologies for integrated and production, the reduction of energy consumption, emissions and noise for various aircraft concepts,

­ the technological and economic feasibility of and the critical technologies for new­generation aircraft and satellite concepts,

­ the development of technologies to improve operational safety,

- research into the feasability and possible use of an international space station, including the new materials required for that purpose.

- research in microgravity physics, new space materials and use of the International Space Station.

advanced energy systems and services

The aim of this key action, taking into account market needs, is to help satisfy the Community's demand for energy while minimizing the risks to the environment. It helps to promote the development and improvement of advanced energy systems that are efficient in therms of both production and consumption, in particular to achieve a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions and other greenhouse gases and to boost the Community's industrial competitiveness. Work will focus by way of priority on:

­ the main new and renewable sources of energy and their integration, in particular, into decentralized systems,

­ technologies for the storage and distribution of energy,

­ technologies for the clean production and use of fossil fuels and for the rational use of energy

­ the elaboration of scenarios on economy/environment/energy interactions.

(i) Energy for the future I - fossil fuels

The aim of this key action, taking into account market needs, is to help satisfy the Community's demand for energy while minimizing the risks to the environment. It helps to promote the development and improvement of advanced energy systems that are efficient in therms of both production and consumption, in particular to achieve a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions and other greenhouse gases and to boost the Community's industrial competitiveness. Work will focus by way of priority on:

­ technologies for the storage and distribution of energy,

­ technologies for the clean production and use of fossil fuels (solid fuels and hydrocarbons) and for the rational use of energy, in particular increased efficiency,

­ the elaboration of scenarios on economy/environment/energy interactions.

The aim of this key action is to help satisfy the Community's demand for energy, with domestic energy production being diversified, and, at the same time, environmental pollution being kept at a minimum. It is intended to help to promote the design and development of energy systems which are efficient in terms of both production and consumption and are characterized by their advanced nature, their efficiency and sustainability and, in particular, to facilitate a substantial reduction in CO2 emmissions and other greenhouse gases and to boost the Union's industrial competetiveness.

Work will focus by way of priority on:

- the major new and renewable sources of energy and their integration, in particular into decentralized systems (wind, water, solar, biomass, etc.),

- technologies for the storage and distribution of energy

- fuel cells technology

- improvement of the degree of efficiency

- new materials

(vi) Competitive and sustainable growth (VI): the city of tomorrow

The aim of this key action is the harmonious development of the citizens' urban environment from a global, innovative and resource­saving viewpoint, in an environmentally sound manner, using advanced models of organization bringing together in particular the improvement of quality of life, the restoration of social equilibria and the protection and enhancement of the cultural heritage.

Action will focus as a matter of priority on:

­ new models for the sustainable development of European cities, the elaboration of medium­ and long­term socioeconomic scenarios and research, development and demonstration activities focusing in particular on problems of town­planning and architecture, social integration, safety, energy efficiency and conservation (in particular in buildings and in integrated management of transport) and democratic information networks (the concept of "digital cities"),

­ development and demonstration of technologies for economic, clean, effective and sustainable recovery, renovation and construction, in particular for large groups of buildings and for the protection of the cultural heritage,

­ development and demonstration in an urban context of technologies for economic, clean, safe and intelligent vehicles (e.g. zero­emission vehicles), compatible with a context of sustainable mobility key action on "sustainable mobility and intermodality").

(ii) Urban areas: 'the city of tomorrow'

Urban areas are the focus of life for a growing majority of Europeans. Economic, scientific and technological and social activities are concentrated therein, as are the problems which frequently they create. The objective of this key action is therefore to promote the harmonious and sustainable development of urban areas, to preserve their cultural heritage and to develop to that end the scientific and technological basis for combating typical urban problems as well as new concepts for the city of tomorrow.

This involves in particular:

- integrated transport and energy systems

- integrated information systems

- development of environmental indicators and measurement of sustainability in urban areas

- advanced technologies and materials for building and construction and their recycling as well as for the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage

(iii) Global change and climate

Research into global change and the factors determining and influencing it is one of the most important future tasks for researchers. The aims of this research include the development of the requisite scientific and technological bases for the corresponding Community policies, e.g. environmental, agricultural and development policy. Research will focus on:

- the development of the scientific and technological bases for the understanding, measurement and forecasting of processes of global change and/or the factors determining them;

- research into the implications of global change for ecosystems and biodiversity and possible forms of adaptation to this change;

- the development of scientifically and technologically safe alternative political scenarios illustrating the connection between various policies and their impact on global change.

- support for the development of a European contribution to a worldwide system for the monitoring of climatic change, terrestrial ecosystems and the oceans (International Climate Agency).