L 294/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 29.10.2002 COUNCIL DECISION of 30 September 2002 adopting a specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration: ‘structuring the European Research Area’ (2002-2006) (2002/835/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 (3), 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 1513/2002EC of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the Sixth Framework Pro- gramme 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 Community research’, ‘structuring the European Research Area’ and ‘strengthening the foundations of the European Research Area’, the second of which should be implemented by this specific programme. 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. 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. (1) OJC181E, 30.7.2002, p. 72. (3 Opinion delivered on 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. ®) ©) In implementing this programme, emphasis should be given to the needs of SMEs and encouraging their participation. Research activities carried out within this programme should respect fundamental ethical principles, including those which are reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Following the Commission Communication ‘Women and Science’, the Council Resolution of 20 May 1999 on women and science (’) and the Resolution of the European Parliament of 3 February 2000 on this scheme, an action plan is being implemented in order to reinforce and increase the place and role of women in science and research, and further enhanced action is needed. Participation in the activities of this programme will be encouraged through publication of the necessary information on content, conditions and procedures, to be made available in a timely and thorough manner to potential participants, including those from the Associated Candidate Countries and other Associated Countries. Specific activities will be undertaken in sup- port of participation of scientists and institutions from developing countries, Mediterranean countries including the Western Balkans as well as Russia and the Newly Independent States (NIS). This programme should be implemented in a flexible, efficient and transparent manner, taking account of relevant interests, in particular of the scientific, indus- trial, user and Community policies. The research activi- ties carried out under the programme should be adapted where appropriate to the needs of Community policies and to scientific and technological developments. The participation of the outermost regions in Com- munity RTD actions through appropriate mechanisms adopted to their particular situation should be facilitated. (°) O] €201, 16.7.1999, p. 1.