gms | German Medical Science

The framework programmes (FP) of the European Commission have substantially contributed to the funding of research within the European countries. The contribution of the funding provided by the EU relative to the funding available on the national level has steadily increased. European ophthalmology and vision research has benefited from this support provided by the EU. In FP5 alone, thirty projects had been funded. Traditional actions under previous FPs have continued in FP6. The main focus of FP6, however, is the creation of a European Research Area (ERA) as a vision for the future of research in Europe. It aims at scientific excellence, improved competitiveness and innovation through the promotion of increased cooperation, greater complementarity and improved coordination between relevant actors, at all levels. New support instruments have been introduced (networks of excellence, NOE, and integrated projects, IP), which will give EU activities a bigger impact and bring about a stronger structuring effect on research conducted in Europe. This introductory lecture reviews the European funding policies and the European Research Area. It will also provide an outlook on FP7.