29.10.2002 Official Journal of the European Communities L294/1 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 30 September 2002 adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration: ‘Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area’ (2002-2006) (2002/834/[EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Com- munity, and in particular Article 166 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas: 1 In accordance with Article 166(3) of the Treaty, Decision No 1513/2002/EC (*) of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the sixth framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities, contributing to the creation of the European Research Area and to innovation (2002-2006) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the framework programme’) is to be implemented through specific programmes that define detailed rules for their implementation, fix their duration and provide for the means deemed necessary. The framework programme is structured in three main blocks of activities, ‘Focusing and integrating Com- munity research’, ‘Structuring the European Research Area’, and ‘Strengthening the foundations of the Euro- pean Research Area’, the first and the third of which, as regards indirect actions, should be implemented by this specific programme. (1) OJC118E, 30.7.2002, p. 1. (3 Opinion delivered 12 June 2002 (not yet published in the Official Journal). (}) 0] C221,17.9.2002, p. 97. (4 OJL 232,29.8.2002, p. 1. G) The rules for the participation of undertakings, research centres and universities and for the dissemination of research results, for the framework programme (herein- after referred to as ‘the rules for participation and dissemination’) should apply to this programme. The importance of the new instruments (integrated projects and networks of excellence) is recognised as being an overall priority means to attain the objectives of critical mass, management simplification and European added value contributed by Community research in relation to what is already undertaken at national level, and of the integration of the research capacities. A smooth transition from the modalities used in the Fifth Framework Programme to those used in the Sixth Framework Programme will be ensured. The new instru- ments will be used from the start of the Sixth Framework Programme in each theme and, where deemed appropri- ate, as a priority means, while maintaining the use of specific targeted research projects and coordination actions. They should enable personnel and administrat- ive expenses to be reduced to a maximum of 6,0 % of the overall amount deemed necessary for the implemen- tation of the programme. In 2004 an evaluation will be undertaken by independent experts of the efficiency of each of these instruments in the execution of the framework programme. As provided for under Article 170 of the Treaty, this programme is open to the participation of countries having concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and is also open on the project level, and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation.