The Council is expected to have an exchange of views on this point focusing on research aspects, based on a document with two questions prepared by the Presidency.
On 30th April 2003, the Commission adopted a Communication on "Investing in research: an action plan for Europe" (COM(2003)226) which sets out initiatives to reach the Barcelona "3% objective". The Action Plan identifies initiatives required to increase the level of investment in research in the EU from 1.9% to 3% of average Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with two-thirds financed by the private sector.
The Council, at its meeting on 13th May 2003, had a first exchange of views on this Communication.
and intensifying co-operation between industry and public research.
The Action Plan and "3% objective" feed into the Commission's "Initiative for Growth", as endorsed by the October 16-17 European Council. The Initiative for Growth aims at encouraging Europe's economic recovery and take-off by focussing on transport infrastructures and major research projects. In this framework, the Commission will present a list of "QuickStart" projects shortly.