Sixth Framework Programme for RTD
The Structure

What is 6FP?


The Framework Programme (FP) is the EU’s main instrument for research funding in Europe.

FPs cover a period of five years with the last year of one FP and the first year of the following FP overlapping. FPs have been implemented since 1984. The Sixth FP (FP6) will be fully operational as of January 1, 2003 through 2006.

The Sixth FP is proposed by the European Commission and adopted by Council and the European Parliament following a co-decision procedure on 3-Jun-2002.


FP6 aims to contribute to the creation of a true “European Research Area” (ERA). ERA is a vision for the future of research in Europe, an internal market for science and technology. It fosters scientific excellence, competitiveness and innovation through the promotion of better co-operation and coordination between relevant actors at all levels. Economic growth increasingly depends on research, and many of the present and foreseeable challenges for industry and society can no longer be solved at national level alone. At their summit in Lisbon in March 2000, heads of state and governments called for better leveraging of European research efforts through the creation of ERA. The FP is the financial instrument that will help make the European Research Area a reality.


6FP The structure

The 6 FP for RTD is structured in two specific programmes (SP).
The actual implementation of the programmes is done by means of appropriate instruments or support schemes.
In the following you find a summary of the objectives, the groups of activities, and the support schemes for each specific programme.

The programme is based on a top-down action concentrated on selected priority areas; the priority themes will be implemented through a variety of instruments. The Total budget is 13665 MEuro. Other actions are are intended to step up the coordination and to support the coherent development of research and innovation-stimulation policies and activities in Europe.

SP1 - Integrating ERA : Objectives
SP1 - Integrating ERA : Priority Areas
SP1 - Integrating ERA : Instruments and support Schemes

SP1 - Strenghtening ERA: Objectives
SP1 - Strenghtening ERA: Groups of Activities
SP1 - Strenghtening ERA: Support Schemes

  • Specific programme 2 Structuring  the European Research Area

The programme is based on a bottom-up action based on single initiatives and research activities. The goal is to provide  a structuring effect through a stronger link with national, regional and other European initiatives. The activities of the programme are divided in four groups. The total budget is 2605 MEuro.

SP2 - Structuring ERA: Objectives
SP2 - Sructuring ERA : Groups of Activities
SP2 - Structuring ERA
: Support Schemes