Euratom/Switzerland agreement: scientific and technological cooperation, 6th Framework Programmes and European Research Area
PURPOSE: the conclusion of an Agreement between the European Community and the European Atomic Energy Community and the Swiss Confederation on Scientific and Technical cooperation.
LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision of the Council and of the Commission on the conclusion on behalf of the European Community and of the European Atomic Energy Community of the Agreement of Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the European Community and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other part.
CONTENT: this Council and Commission Decision concludes an Agreement, which has been provisionally in force since January 2004, between the EC, Euratom and the Swiss Confederation on Scientific and Technical Cooperation.. Conclusion of the Agreement was dependant upon the text of the Agreement being authentic in all languages of the Member States following enlargement in May 2004.
In summary, the Agreement sets out:
- the terms and conditions for Swiss participation in the sixth EC and Euratom framework programme.
- Swiss legal entities participation in the 6th framework programme.
Provisions on the allocation of Intellectual Property Rights; on the financial contribution of Switzerland; and on the financial control of Swiss participation in the 6th framework programme, are set out in Annexes to the Decision.
As far as the financial provisions are concerned, Switzerland’s contribution will be determined in proportion to, and in addition to, the amount available each year in the general budget of the European Union for commitment appropriations. The proportionality factor governing the Swiss contribution (other than the Fusion programme) will be established by the ratio between Switzerland’s gross domestic product, at market prices, and the sum of gross domestic product, also at market prices, of the EU Member States.
A committee reviewing the implementation of this Agreement is established entitled the “Switzerland/Communities Research Committee”. The Agreement can be revised or extended depending on any amendments to or extension of the Communities research programmes. The Agreement itself is only applicable during the duration of the 6th EC and Euratom Framework Programmes and may be terminated at any time by each Party, subject to six months written notice.