Work in Parliament Citizen involvement in the European debate on the simplification process

The Framework Programme for Research currently in force has been criticized by various sectors as being too bureaucratic, too complicated and excessively risk averse.

Convinced that such important issues for the future of Europe, such as science and innovation, should be the object of a  wide ranging debate, I decided to ask all interested parties to submit their views, suggestions and recommendations with regard to how to improve access to funding mechanisms and instruments for monitoring of research projects.  More than 8000 invitations to participate in this process were sent to a diverse range of entities. And I must say that the quantity and quality of the contributions received in just over a month, were amazing.

As a Member and rapporteur for the simplification process, I consider it my duty to involve European citizens in this debate, asking for their contributions, answering questions and listening to their opinions. It is with great joy that I note the voluntary involvement of many entities and the desire to participate on the part of so many citizens of Europe.

All suggestions are still welcome, and those interested can send them to the address reports@gracacarvalho.eu or take them to the forums that have been organised in Porto and Lisbon on 2 and 9 July 2010, respectively . I hope that these initiatives, together with the opinion to be drafted by parliament, will contribute to a significant increase in Portugal's participation in these programmes. And I also hope that the simplification measures with regard to European funds will mean that they become more accessible and attractive to business and national institutions engaged in research and innovation.

See advertisement published in the Portuguese Official Journal June 30, 2010.