Framework Programme 8

In order to allow for the required time periods for the differents steps for preparing and taking decisions on a new framework programme, the preparation process for FP8 will take about three years. The preparation of FP7, by comparison, started with the proposal for the Financial Framework, forming the budgetary background of the FP, in April 2004. This was followed by the Commission's Orientation Paper on FP7 in the same month, and the proposal for FP7 one year later. FP7 was adopted in December 2006. The diagram below shows the estimated time frame for the FP8 consultation and decision-making process.

(click the image to enlarge)

Building the legal framework for FPs is always based on a proposal by the Commission, followed by a decision by the Council and Parliament. This decision is taken in a "codecision procedure" (which is called "ordinary legislative procedure" in the Treaty of Lisbon).