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EU/USA agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: extension

2018/0067(NLE)

PURPOSE: to extend the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Government of the United States of America.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

BACKGROUND: the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America was signed on 5 December 1997 and entered into force on 14 October 1998. Since then, the Agreement was extended three times, i.e. in 2003, in 2008 and in 2013 for an additional period of 5 years each time.

Cooperation in research & innovation between the US and the EU has been intensifying steadily in the past years. The EU's relationship with the US in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is stronger than with any other country outside Europe.

Among many great achievements, cooperation between the EU and the US in science and technology led to the signature of the Galway Statement in May 2013 and the launch of the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance (AORA). The various AORA working groups have delivered world class results on various cooperation areas, such as seabed mapping, observing systems, aquaculture, ocean literacy, ocean health and stressors.

Based on the experience so far in scientific and technological cooperation, it is considered mutually beneficial to continue research cooperation with US, as a strategic partner of the EU in research and innovation. The extension of this Agreement shall allow the EU to have easier access to scientific knowledge produced in the US and to engage in more cooperation activities leading to additional exchange of knowledge and technologies.

CONTENT: the Commission proposes that the Council: 

  • approves, on behalf of the Union, and with the consent of the European Parliament, the extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Government of the United States of America, for an additional period of five years (i.e., from 14.10.2018 until 13/10/2023);
  • authorises the President of the Council to designate the person(s) empowered to notify the Government of the United States of America that the Union has completed the internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of this renewed Agreement.

This decision shall allow both Parties to enhance the cooperation and develop a more strategic partnership by increasing the scale and scope of existing cooperation, addressing global challenges by promoting reciprocal access to programmes and funding.

BUDGETARY IMPACT: only human and administrative resources are needed. The estimated impact on expenditure is EUR 298 000 for the period 2018-2023.