(1)

By means of Decision 98/591/EC (2), the Council approved the conclusion of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America (3) (‘the Agreement’). The Agreement was signed in Washington, DC, on 5 December 1997 and entered into force on 14 October 1998.

(2)

In accordance with Article 12, point (b), of the Agreement, the Agreement was concluded for an initial period of five years. Subject to review by the Parties in the final year of each successive period, the Agreement can be extended, with possible amendments, for additional periods of five years by mutual written agreement between the Parties.

(3)

By means of Decisions 2004/756/EC (4), 2009/306/EC (5), 2014/240/EU (6) and (EU) 2018/1578 (7), the Council approved the extension of the Agreement for successive additional periods of five years. The Agreement is due to expire on 14 October 2023.

(4)

The assessment carried out by the Commission demonstrates that the Agreement provides an important framework for facilitating cooperation between the Union and the United States of America in common priority areas for science and technology, leading to mutual benefits. It is therefore in the Union’s interest to extend the Agreement for an additional period of five years.

(5)

The Exchange of Letters between the Parties, dated 7 November 2022 and 13 December 2022, confirmed their interest in extending the Agreement for an additional period of five years.

(6)

The extension of the Agreement should therefore be approved on behalf of the Union,