With the aim of supporting the implementation of the GMES Initial Period , a first set of calls was launched at the end of the 5th Framework Programme (FP) period both by the DG Research (in the context of Environment and Sustainable Development (ESD)) and the DG Information Society.

These projects were to perform the following tasks:

• To deliver by the end of 2003 information products needed by those users who are concerned with European Environment or Security policies;
• To report by the end of 2003 on the problems met and lessons learnt in producing these information products;
• To improve the knowledge, methods or tools required for information monitoring, production and delivery.

Projects must be delivered under strand 1 or strand 2 of the Initial Period, through shared-cost, research actions, co-ordination activities (such as concerted actions and thematic networks) or accompanying measures. Projects had to meet EU specific requirements and must provide certain types of deliverables. All projects fed the discussions of the GMES Forum.

The adequacy with respect to policy needs of the information prepared by the thematic projects was discussed with users in two series of meetings: interim results in spring 2003; draft final results in autumn 2003. These took place in the context of regular meetings with users and, where appropriate, projects were grouped (e.g. all those related to atmosphere monitoring, all those related to ocean monitoring,etc.) to increase synergy.

The Projects were chosen to fit one of the following thematic priorities: