Mr Günther Oettinger participated in the meeting of the ITRE Committee. Ms Carvalho asked him some questions:
"I would like to acknowledge the Commissioner for his presence and the comprehensive presentation. The funds for research Technology Development and Demonstration in the 7th Framework Programme in the area of energy are more limited than they were in the 80´s. We are starting now the discussions for the preparation of the 8th Framework Programme.
Could you please elaborate on your plans for the energy search in terms of organization of priorities: Are the priorities going to be organized around the great challenges on technology phase?
Demonstration projects are very important for energy. What would be the role of demonstration?"
The Commissioner of Energy answered Ms Carvalho that European Funds of research depend on the European Budget, The commission asked the help to the MEPs to make sure that their governments will support and increase the European budget. He will fight for more funding for research.