EU/Lebanon Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation setting out the terms and conditions for participation of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA): amendment and supplement

Council Decision (EU) 2026/1414 of 21 April 2026 concerns the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of an Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, in the form of an Exchange of Letters, amending and supplementing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon. That underlying Agreement sets out the terms and conditions for Lebanon's participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).

Background

PRIMA was established by Decision (EU) 2017/1324 under Horizon 2020, originally for a period until 31 December 2028. Lebanon is one of 19 Participating States in PRIMA, having concluded an agreement for scientific and technological cooperation setting out the terms of its participation (the PRIMA Agreement), which remains in force for as long as Decision (EU) 2017/1324 is in force.

Decision (EU) 2024/1167 extended PRIMA's overall duration until 31 December 2031 and allowed Lebanon to continue participating under Horizon Europe, subject to the conclusion of an amending agreement in the form of an exchange of letters. Lebanon expressed its interest in continuing its participation under Horizon Europe and therefore needed to formally accept the updated terms and conditions.

Negotiation and Signature

On 9 November 2023, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2023/2621 authorising the Commission to negotiate the amending agreement. Negotiations were successfully concluded on 22 July 2024. Following Council Decision (EU) 2025/521 of 10 March 2025, the Agreement was signed on 8 December 2025, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

Content of the Decision

The Decision approves the Agreement on behalf of the Union. The text of the Agreement itself is published separately in the Official Journal (OJ L, 2026/1415, 29 June 2026). The date on which the Agreement itself enters into force will be published separately in the Official Journal by the General Secretariat of the Council.

Role of the European Parliament

The Decision was adopted following the consent of the European Parliament given on 26 March 2026.

Entry into Force

The Decision entered into force on the date of its adoption, 21 April 2026. It was published in the Official Journal on 22 July 2026.

This summary was AI-generated and human-reviewed.