€3.2bn package to help economy

The European Commission and three public private partnerships (PPPs) has announced plans to invest €3.2bn in environmental research and development across the EU to encourage economic recovery.

Representatives from the private sector and the Commission met earlier this week to launch the first round of proposals in the key market areas.

From 2010 to 2013, a total of €3.2bn will be spent on research and development through the PPPs – Factories Of Future, Energy-efficient Buildings and Green Cars.

Half the money will come from the private sector and the other half will come from the Commission.

The first round of proposals will see €268m of funding spread across the three areas.

“Joint investment by the Commission and industry represents an important step towards a knowledge-based and low-carbon EU economy,” said EU Commissioner for Information
Society and Media, Viviane Reding.

“Through these innovative partnerships, the Commission and industry will join forces to foster the development of clean technologies and to position Europe as a leader in this field,” said EU Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potocnik.

More information on the PPPs is available here.

Last Updated: 2009. 07. 20. 14:27:39 By Katherine Hitchcock