EU and Euratom/Georgia, Japan, Norway, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Korea, Tajikistan, USA Agreement: continuing the International Science and Technology Center

PURPOSE: to conclude the Agreement continuing the International Science and Technology Centre.

NON LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2017/248 on the conclusion of the Agreement continuing the International Science and Technology Center.

CONTENT: the Council approved, on behalf of the European Union, the conclusion of the Agreement continuing the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC).

The ISTC, set up by an agreement signed in 1992 as an intergovernmental organisation, is a multilateral instrument allowing scientific communities from several countries (the EU, Japan, the United States, South Korea, Norway, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kirghizstan and Georgia) to work together on the relationship between research and security. Its headquarters is in Kazakhstan.

The Centre’s objectives are to:

·         promote the improvement of international mechanisms for the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems, as well as to promote a culture of security  in this area;

·         give scientists and engineers with knowledge and skills applicable to WMD and their delivery systems, including dual-use knowledge and skills, and opportunities for training and alternative employment where their knowledge and skills can be used for peaceful activities;

·         contribute to basic and applied research, inter alia, in the fields of environment, energy, health, and nuclear, chemical, and biological safety and security.

The Council authorised the opening of negotiations in October 2013 by way of follow-up to the withdrawal of Russia from the ISTC. The Agreement continuing the International Science and Technology Center was signed on 9 December 2015, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 6.2.2017.