Previous framework programmes
The Framework Programme (FP) is the EU’s main instrument for research funding in Europe. It is proposed by the European Commission and adopted by the Council and the European Parliament following a co-decision procedure. Framework Programmes have been implemented since 1984.
*The 6th Framework Programme (2002-2006)
With a budget of about 17.5 billion euros, the main focus of FP6 was the creation of a European Research Area (internal market for science and technology), as a vision for the future of research in Europe. It aimed at scientific excellence, improved competitiveness and innovation through the promotion of increased co-operation, greater complementarities and co-ordination between relevant actors, at all levels. By means of new support instruments, it fostered the integration of the activities of the various actors and aimed at structuring better the European research.
Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health was one of seven major thematic priorities of FP6. It contributed with around 2.2 billion euros to 597 projects covering Health research. An additional 49 projects covering public health research, emerging epidemics such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome, were funded through the priority "Research for policy support" which had an overall budget of around €555 Million.
> FP6 website on Europa
*The 5th Framework Programme (1998-2002)
The Fifth Framework Programme (FP5), with a budget of about 15 billion euros, provided a framework for European research with a five-year strategic plan. Its aim was to help EU companies meet the challenges of the 21st century, in addition, through research, to come up with answers to a wide range of issues that were important for European society, such as employment, health, environment, communications and mobility.
FP5 set out the priorities for the RTD activities for the period 1998-2002. These priorities had been identified on the basis of common criteria reflecting the major concerns of increasing industrial competitiveness and the quality of life for European citizens.
A major innovation of the Fifth Framework Programme was the concept of "Key actions", implemented within each of the four thematic programmes. A global budget of about 2.4 billion euros was dedicated to the "Quality of Life and management of living resources "programme, of which the biggest part for Health research.
> FP5 website on Europa
*The 4th Framework Programme (1994-1998)
With a budget of 13 215 million ECU, the Fourth Framework Programme (FP4) covered all the research and technological development (RTD) activities which were funded by the European Commission during the period 1994-1998. Health was mainly covered through the Biomedicine and Health programme, which had 358 million ECU. But also the Biotechnology programme, with a budget of 595.5 million ECU, covered biotechnology applied to medical processes (the so called "red" biotech).
> FP4 website on Europa