EU and International Environment
Research & Demonstration Programmes

Introduction

Defra has a direct interest in a number of international environmental research & demonstration programmes and initiatives including the European Union Framework Programmes & LIFE (Financial Instrument for the Environment) Programme, COST (European Co-operation in Science and Technology) and research activities of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The EU and International Science Branch in the Europe Environment Division (EED) co-ordinates (where appropriate) and manages the Department's interests in the EU, OECD, COST & LIFE environment research & demonstration programmes.

We seek to ensure that Defra and UK policy objectives are met in the strategic formulation, coverage and content of these programmes. We also seek complementarity between domestic and international research & demonstration programmes and to secure maximum benefit for Defra and interested UK organisations from these international research & demonstration programmes. We actively encourage UK organisations to take part in EU Research Programmes and have set up National Focal Points for the EU's Fifth Framework Programme to ensure UK organisations are aware of the opportunities available under the EU's Framework Programme.

The following pages provide an overview of the EU, COST, LIFE and OECD Research & Demonstration Programmes, together with details on how to access further information on them, in particular on the EU's Research Programme:

• European Union Environment Research Programmes
  • Fifth Framework Programme
  • Further information on the Fifth Framework Programme
  • Sixth Framework Programme

• Other International Environment Research Initiatives
  • The European Co-operation in Scientific and Technical Research Programme (COST)
  • LIFE Environment Programme
  • The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Research Programme