General information on the VII Framework ProgrammeThe proposed Seventh Framework Programme (running from 2007 till 2013) will be organised in four programmes corresponding to four basic components of European research:
 
COOPERATION
Support will be given to the whole range of research activities carried out in trans-national cooperation, from collaborative projects and networks to the coordination of national research programmes. International cooperation between the EU and third countries is an integral part of this action.
This action is industry-driven and organised in four sub-programmes:

-- Collaborative research will constitute the bulk and the core of EU research funding
-- Joint Technology Initiatives will mainly be created on the basis of the work undertaken by the
    European Technology Platforms
-- Coordination of non-Community research programmes
-- International Cooperation

FP7 presents strong elements of continuity with its predecessor, mainly as regards the themes which are covered in the Cooperation programme. The themes identified for this programme correspond to major fields in the progress of knowledge and technology, where research must be supported and strengthened to address European social, economic, environmental and industrial challenges.

The nine high level themes proposed for EU action are the following:

1. Health
2. Food, agriculture and biotechnology
3. Information and communication technologies
4. Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies
5. Energy
6. Environment and Climate Change
7. Transport and Aeronautics 
8. Socio-economic sciences and the humanities
9. Space and Security Research

In addition, two themes are covered by the Euratom Framework Programme:Fusion energy research, Nuclear fission and radiation protection In the case of particular subjects of industrial relevance, the topics have been identified relying, among other sources, on the work of different"European Technology Platforms".

IDEAS
This programme will enhance the dynamism, creativity and excellence of European research at the frontier of knowledge in all scientific and technological fields, including engineering, socio-economic sciences and the humanities. This action will be overseen by a European Research Council.

PEOPLE
Quantitative and qualitative strengthening of human resources in research and technology in Europe by putting into place a coherent set of Marie Curie actions.

CAPACITIES
The objective of this action is to support research infrastructures, research for the benefit of SMEs and the research potential of European regions (Regions of Knowledge) as well as to stimulate the realisation of the full research potential (Convergence Regions) of the enlarged Union and build an effective and democratic European Knowledge society.
 
Each of these programmes will be the subject of a Specific Programme. In addition, there will be a Specific Programme for the Joint Research Centre (non-nuclear activities) and one for Euratom nuclear research and training activities.

The new elements in FP7 include the following:

• Emphasis on research themes rather than on “instruments”
• Significant simplification of its operation
• Focus on developing research that meets the needs of European industry, through the work of Technology Platforms and the new Joint Technology Initiatives
• Establishment of a European Research Council, funding the best of European science
• Integration of International cooperation in all four programmes
• Development of Regions of Knowledge
• A Risk-Sharing Finance Facility aimed at fostering private investment in research-
• Strengthening, quantitatively and qualitatively, the human potential in research and technology in Europe by harmonizing the status of researchers throughout Europe (The European Charter for Researchers)