Developing alternative forms of energy depends first and foremost on research into the development of new technologies and now is our opportunity, now that the large companies which trade in oil are amassing a fortune in excessive profits made by taking advantage of rises in stock exchange prices, now that, as we have all realised, the framework programme for research and development is inadequate with the resources at its disposal; this is our opportunity to promote the idea of imposing a clean energy tax on the oil industry, which can be used to finance the development of alternative forms of energy.

27. Considers that work undertaken in universities in other countries and as a member of research teams should be recognised as beneficial for the purposes of research work and that research entails a capacity to innovate; considers therefore that measures should be taken to encourage exchanges of researchers and scholars who are developing new projects, and the inclusion in research teams of trained persons of other nationalities;

[15] As an example in the Commission's proposal for a new Framework Programme (COM(2001).), the proposed Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship Scheme which aims to attract researchers from third countries, will include, in the case of emerging economies and developing countries, provision to assist fellows to return to their country of origin.

Furthermore, the fifth research plan only includes one person per project, although it is impossible to carry out a far-reaching project with grant holders alone.

Those measures will respond to rapid changes to the infrastructure of EU securities markets : over 20 new trading platforms have emerged and "traditional" exchanges and regulated markets have responded by seeking alliances and mergers, notably the "Euronext" and "IX" projects.

Deeper and better functioning risk capital markets would facilitate the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through easier access to fund-raising on the stock market and the development of venture capital, and promote research and development (R D) and innovation, thereby leading to stronger growth in our economies and more and better jobs.