The Commission accepts, in their entirety, the 34 amendments to the Council's common position adopted by Parliament. The Commission notes the convergence of views between the three institutions. It also notes with satisfaction that Parliament supports the Commission's proposal that the overall budget for the framework programme be EUR 17.5 billion. On the matter of Parliamentary amendments made to "Health", the Commission considers the proposed changes useful in that they reinforce the text and ensure a higher profile for certain diseases - for example, that cancer. On the question of greater SME participation, again the Commission considers that the proposed amendments constitute a step in the right direction. In terms of devoting more of the funds to health research, scientific international cooperation actions and the theme "Science and Society", the Commission is of the opinion that the amendments made represent a compromise which correctly reflects the importance assigned to these matters by Parliament. In view of the above, the Commission has amended its original proposal accordingly.�