Maria da Graca Carvalho was invited by the Belgian Presidency to attend the seminar on simplifying and strengthening the effectiveness of programs for Science and Innovation. The MEP is participating in this seminar as Rapporteur for the simplification of rules of participation in current and future programs for Science and Innovation" on behalf of the EPP group.
The report, which is currently under preparation and will be voted at the October plenary session of the European Parliament, aims to redefine the rules of participation not only in the Research Framework Programme (52,000 million euros) but all other programs of Science and Innovation in order to facilitate participation.
During her speech, held in the morning, Maria da Graca Carvalho will present the capabilities and potential of European Programs for Science and Innovation in the European Union; the main problems of the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Development; the relevance of the report "Simplification of European Programs for Science and Research"; and the lines of action that might be taken to improve the 8th Framework Programme.
The panel of speakers includes Robert-Jan Smits (Director, DG RTD, European Commission, Eric Paradis (DG Budget, European Commission) and Ladislav Balko (Member of the European Court of Auditors).
The results of this seminar will be presented at the informal meeting of Ministers of Research, on 16 July in Brussels and will serve as technical support to the Council in discussions on simplification.