L 232/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 29.8.2002 II (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 3 June 2002 concerning the sixth framework programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for nuclear research and training activities, also contributing to the creation of the European Research Area (2002 to 2006) (2002/668/Euratom) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, area with a view to sustainable economic growth, more employment and social cohesion. The Goteborg European Council in June 2001 agreed a strategy for Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic sustainable  development and added a third, Energy Community, and in particular Article 7 thereof, environmental dimension to the Lisbon strategy. Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), (4)  The European Parliament (%) (°), the Council (%) (), the Economic and Social Committee (%) and the Committee Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (3), of the Regions (°) have also supported the establishment of the European Research Area. Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), (55 On 19 October 2000 the Commission submitted the conclusions of an external assessment of the Whereas: implementation and results of the Community activities carried out in the five years preceding that assessment, . - accompanied by its observations. (1) A framework programme covering all research activities, P Y including demonstration and training activities in the field of nuclear energy, to be implemented by means of research and training programmes, may be adopted (6) It is therefore important to adopt a new framework pursuant to Article 7 of the Treaty. programme for the period 2002 to 2006, also contributing to the establishment of the European o . Research Area and encouraging innovation. (2 In 2000 the Commission submitted two communications, respectively on the prospects for and the objectives of creating a European Research Area, and on making a reality of the European Research Area (7)  The sixth framework programme sets out the scientific and guidelines for European Union research activities in and technological objectives and priorities of the the period 2002 to 2006. In 2000 the Commission also activities envisaged and indicates the broad lines of submitted a communication on innovation in a those activities which will be implemented in knowledge-driven economy. compliance with the objective of protecting the Community's financial interest. It is important to ensure sound financial management of the sixth framework (3)  The European Councils in Lisbon in March 2000, Santa programme. Maria de Feira in June 2000 and Stockholm in March 2001 adopted conclusions aimed at the rapid _— establishment of a European research and innovation (*) Resolution of 18 May 2000 (O] C 59, 23.2.2001, p. 250). (°) Resolution of 15 February 2001 (C 276, 1. 10. 2001, p. 271). - (%) Resolution of 15 June 2000 (OJ C 205, 19.7.2000, p. 1). () OJ C 180 E, 26.6.2001, p. 177. (’) Resolution of 16 November 2000 (O] C 374, 28.12.2000, p. 1). () O] C 140 E, 13.6.2002, p. 371. (%) Opinion of 24 May 2000 (O] C 204, 18.7.2000, p. 70). () OJ C 260, 17.9.2001, p. 3. (°) Opinion of 12 April 2000 (OJ C 226, 8.8.2000, p. 18).