16.7.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 192/29 COUNCIL DECISION of 7 June 1991 adopting a specific research and technological development programme in the field of the environment (1990 to 1994) (91/354/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 130q (2) thereof, : i Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), In cooperation with the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), _ Whereas, by Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC (4), the Council adopted a third framework programme for Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1990 to 1994), specifying inter alia the activities to be pursued for developing the scientific knowledge and technical know-how needed by the Community, in particular to carry out its role relating to the environment according to Part Three, Title VII of the Treaty; whereas this Decision should be taken in the light of the grounds set out in the preamble to that Decision; Whereas Article 130k of the Treaty stipulates that the framework programme shall be implemented through specific programmes developed within each activity; Whereas the Joint Research Centre (JRC) shall contribute through its own programe to the implementation of the aforesaid activities; Whereas basic research in the environment field must be “encouraged throughout the Community; Whereas in addition to the specific programme concerning human resources and mobility, it might be necessary to . encourage the training of research workers in the context of this programme; - Whereas, in the context of this programme, an assessment should be made of economic and social impact as well as of any technological risks; Whereas, pursuant to Article 4 of and Annex I to Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC, the amount deemed necessary for (1) OJ No C 174, 16. 7. 1990, p. 40. (3) O] No C 324, 24. 12. 1990, p. 283; and O] No C 158, 17. 6. 1991. : (3) OJ No C 332, 31. 12. 1990, p. 23. (*) OJ No L 117, 8. 5. 1990, p. 28. the whole framework programme includes an mount of ECU 57 million for the centralized dissemination and exploitation of results, to be divided up in proportion to the amount envisaged for each specific programme; Whereas Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC provides that a particular aim of Community research must be to strengthen the scientific and technological basis of European industry and to encourage it to become more competitive at the international level; whereas it also provides that Community action is justified where research contributes, inter alia, to the strengthening of the economic and social cohesion of the Community and to the promotion of its overall harmonious development, while being consistent with the pursuit of scientific and technical excellence; whereas the programme in the environment field is looked upon as contribution to the achievement of these objectives; ) Whereas small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should be involved to the maximum extent possible in this programme; whereas account should be taken of their special requirements, without prejudice to the scientific and technical quality of the programme; Whereas it might be advisable to allow bodies and enterprises established in third countries to take part in this programme; Whereas it is necessary, as Annex II to Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC provides, to take protection of the environment and the quality of life into account by directing research activities towards an understanding of the . fundamental mechanisms of the environment and towards the devising and implementation of an overall strategy approach to risk-prevention activities, while contributing to the preparation of quality and safety- standards; " Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (Crest) has been consulted, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 A specific research and technological development programme, for the European Community in the environment field, as defined in-Annex I, is hereby adopted for a period beginning on 7 June 1991 and ending on 31 December 1994. =