Declaration on Science Capacity Building in Africa: promoting European-African radio astronomy partnerships

The European Parliament adopted a written declaration signed by 394 Members on Science Capacity Building in Africa: promoting European-African radio astronomy partnerships

It acknowledges Africa's unique competitive advantage in the study of radio astronomy, reflected in the extensive existing radio astronomy projects located in Africa (PAPER, VLBI network, MeerKAT, etc.), and it recognises that further European involvement in African radio astronomy can become a powerful driver of socioeconomic growth in Africa and create a new range of market opportunities for both continents. Members also recognise that the value of research infrastructures in facilitating cooperation with Africa, promoting human capital development and addressing societal challenges, as noted in the Innovation Union and Europe 2020 Strategy.

Accordingly, Parliament urges the Commission, Council and the parliaments of the Member States to:

·        support the development of science capacity in Africa through greater investment in research infrastructures, with particular focus on radio astronomy projects;

·        promote the science of radio astronomy and the innovation and research potential of radio astronomy initiatives in future Africa-EU partnerships,

mobilise EU funding mechanisms, including the Framework Programmes and the Development Cooperation Instrument, to support these objectives.