Quaterly bulletin on research funding in the field of water protection

At its meeting of 26 May 2010, the Competitiveness Council recognised ‘Healthy and  Productive Seas and Oceans'’ as an area where joint programming would provide a major added value to the current, fragmented efforts of Member States in the field of research. It therefore adopted conclusions recognising the  need to launch a joint programming initiative on the subject and inviting the Commission to contribute to its preparation. The Council also reaffirmed that joint programming is a process led by Member States, with the Commission acting as a facilitator. The analysis of national research activities outlined in the staff working document confirms that there is a need for better coordination to increase effectiveness and impact of research as well as to avoid duplication through the development of a common strategic research agenda. Joint programming of research on marine and maritime issues would provide for coordination of research in that area, contributing significantly to the construction of an operational European Research Area on seas and oceans, enabling the sustainable use of their existing and untapped resources, strengthening Europe’s leadership and competitiveness of maritime industries, while protecting the marine environment and adapting to climate change impacts.