EU/USA agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: extension

The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted the report by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO) on the draft Council decision concerning the extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America.

The committee responsible recommended the European Parliament to give its consent to the Commission proposal.

The first bilateral 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, it has been renewed four times since then, namely in 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018.

The current Agreement expires on 14 October 2023. Both Parties confirmed their wish to extend the Agreement by exchange of letters, dated 7 November 2022 and 13 December 2022.

The EU's relationship with the US in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is stronger than with any other country outside Europe. Among non-associated third countries, the US was by far most active country participating in Horizon 2020. This is a reflection of the special long -term relationship that has been developed between the EU and the US, which should continue to deepen in the future.

For these reasons, it is in the Union’s interest to extend the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America' for a new period of five years.

The substance of the extended Agreement will be identical to that of the current Agreement.