ISSN 1022-6559 Based on information from CORDIS News available on the Web at http://www.cordis.iu/news Thomas Östros: FP6 must be tool for ERA implementation The Sixth Framework Programme should be regarded as a tool for the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA), according to Thomas Otros, speaking on 6 February in his capacity as chairman of the current Research Council. The Swedish Minister for Mr Ostros, speaking to the European Parlia- has been adopted by majority decision together Education and Science, Thomas Östros mentary Committee on Industry, External Trade, with the co-decision procedure. 'Close co-op-Research and Energy, outlined the Swedish eration between all the institutions, and par-IN THIS ISSUE Presidential working programme for the re- ticularly the European Parliament is necessary Busquin, transport and the ERA search sector and acknowledged the Commit for a smoothly running, transparent, efficient The future of European transport has tee's own position in the area of research. and punctual decision-making process. The been under focus recently page 2 Swedish Presidency will give the highest priorMore States give reaction to ERA 'I have read with great interest your rappority to efforts to obtain broad political agreement,' Switzerland and the UK have given teur, Ms Plooij-van Corsel's preliminary report their feedback to Research Mr Ostros continued.