The EC is working hard to ensure that the 13 Candidate Countries are fully associated with the Sixth Framework Programme

Exploratory talks have taken place with each Candidate Country to examine the conditions for their association to the Sixth Framework Programme as soon as it gets underway. To expedite matters, the Commission is currently drafting a 'framework' association agreement that will allow each of these countries to participate in all of the Community's programmes.
This step will allow the EC to negotiate quickly and to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding with each country so they can join the framework programme speedily and efficiently.

Commissioner Busquin meets Polish Research Minister Michal Kleiber

The two politicians discussed Poland's role in research as it relates to the European Research Area. Financial aspects of Poland's association to the Sixth Framework Programme were also discussed. Concerns raised by the Polish scientific community about their participation in future integrated projects were covered as well.

Commissioner Busquin was invited to Warsaw in November 2002 for Poland's FP6 launching conference.

New measures will improve pre-accession countries participation in future EU research

Pre-accession countries that are already participating in the EU's Fifth Framework Programme have received further good news. A series of additional specific measures have been introduced by the EC to allow these countries to prepare for full participation in the next framework programme.