Seventh EU Framework Programme

FP7 – 7th Framework Programme of the European Union for Research and Technology Development

The series of framework programmes have been supporting the R&D activities of the European Union since 1984. They are proposed by the European Commission and approved by the Council and the European Parliament in a joint resolution. The current iteration is the seventh framework programme for the advancement of research and technology.

The programme is scheduled over a seven year period from 2007 to 2013 and has a total budget of more than 50 billion euros. These funds go towards the support of researchers primarily across Europe but also abroad in the performance of R&D projects as well as technology demonstrator projects. Grants are issued on the basis of "calls for proposals" and an expert appraisal process.