EC/China agreement: scientific and technological cooperation agreement

The committee adopted a report (consultation procedure) by Mr Per GAHRTON (Greens/EFA, S) approving the conclusion of the agreement. The report welcomed closer scientific cooperation with China but pointed to the need for caution in some areas such as biotechnological cooperation, given the lack of ethical constraints and the risks of bio-weapons development. It also stated that the emphasis on undisclosed information in section V of the annex on intellectual property rights was not in keeping with EU principles and that this section should not be invoked in implementation of the agreement.