L 64/154 Official Journal of the European Communities 12.3.1999 COUNCIL DECISION of 25 January 1999 adopting a specific programme for research and training to be carried out by the Joint Research Centre by means of direct actions for the European Atomic Energy Community (1998 to 2002) (1999/176/Euratom) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 7 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), (1) Whereas, by Decision 1999/64/Euratom (*), the Council adopted a fifth framework programme for Community activities in the field of research and training for the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 1998 to 2002 (hereinafter referred to as the fifth framework programme) setting out the general outlines and scientific and technological objectives of the activities to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) for the European Atomic Energy Community; Whereas Article 3 of the fifth framework programme  stipulates that it shall be implemented  through specific programmes drawn up in accordance with Article 7 of the Treaty, one programme of which concerning in particular the JRC; Whereas, in accordance with Article 4(2) of Council Decision 94/268/Euratom of 26 April 1994  concerning the fourth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community activities in the field of research and 0J C 236, 28.7.1998, p. 20. Opinion delivered on 15 December 1998 (not yet published in the Official Journal). QO] C 407, 28.12.1998, p. 123. OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 34. training (1994 to 1998)(°) and Article 7(3) of the Council Decisions on the specific programmes implementing the direct actions of the fourth framework  programme, the Commission has arranged for an external assessment to be conducted which it has transmitted to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee together with its conclusions and comments; Whereas Council Decision 1999/66/Euratom of 22 December 1998 concerning the rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities in the implementation of the fifth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) (1998 to 2002) (°) allows the participation of the Joint Research Centre in indirect actions; Whereas, for the purpose of implementing this programme, it may be appropriate to engage in international cooperation activities, in particular on the basis of Chapter X of the Treaty, with third countries or international organisations; Whereas implementation of this programme will also comprise activities aimed at stimulating, disseminating and exploiting research results, in particular vis-g-vis small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and activities to stimulate the mobility and training of researchers; Whereas research activities under the fifth framework programme should also be geared towards innovation in order to contribute, inter alia, to the objectives of the first action plan for innovation; whereas the JRC should actively pursue activities in innovation and technology transfer; Whereas the equal opportunities policy of the Community must be taken into account in the implementation of this programme; (°) OJ L 115, 6.5.1994, p. 31. Decision as last amended by ) Decision 96/253/Euratom (O] L 86, 4.4.1996, p. 72). OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 56.