C_2009018EN.01001101.xml

Conclusions of the Council concerning a European partnership for international scientific and technological cooperation

RECALLING the general context of the realisation of the European Research Area (ERA) and in particular the Commission's Green Paper of 4 April 2007 (1), the conclusions of the Presidency of the European Council of 14 December 2007 and the Council conclusions on the launch of the ‘Ljubljana Process’ — towards full realisation of the European Research Area (30 May 2008) (2), in which a ‘wide opening of the ERA to the world’ constitutes one of the five initiatives identified in this context, and REFERRING to its ‘Vision 2020 for the European Research Area’ (2 December 2008) (3);

CONSIDERING that accelerating globalisation creates opportunities for increasing scientific excellence and for achieving sustainable development, and whereas, in particular, scientific and technological cooperation needs to be stepped up at worldwide level in order to resolve the major global challenges (those already identified such as climate change, poverty, infectious diseases, energy risks, water and food supply, safety of the population, preservation of biodiversity, network security and the digital divide as well as further challenges which may emerge);

CONSIDERING that the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technical Development (7th FP) allows for the participation of third countries and includes several new instruments intended to encourage international cooperation;

CONSIDERING that there are a large number of bilateral and multilateral S&T cooperation agreements in force concluded between the European Communities and third countries as well as between Member States and third countries, and WHEREAS there are currently no strategy at European level for exchanging relevant information on the activities deriving from these various agreements and, where appropriate, ensuring the adequate level of coordination amongst these activities;

CONSIDERING that Europe's aspiration — as expressed in its ‘Vision 2020 for the ERA’ — is to be able to speak with a consistent voice with its main partners, as well as within relevant international fora, in the area of science and technology;

CONSIDERING that international scientific and technological activities should be based on principles and practices which uphold reciprocity, fair treatment and mutual benefits, as well as adequate protection of intellectual property;

CONSIDERING that scientific and technological cooperation activities play a crucial role in the development, sharing and diffusion of knowledge worldwide, and constitute an important means for promoting the mobility of researchers and brain circulation;

ANNEX

Mandate for CREST concerning a strategic forum for international S&T cooperation

Objective:

To facilitate the further development, implementation and monitoring of the international dimension of ERA by the sharing of information and consultation between the partners (Member States and the Commission) with a view to identifying common priorities which could lead to coordinated or joint initiatives, and coordinating activities and positions vis-à-vis third countries and within international fora.

Working methods:

CREST will meet in a dedicated configuration (‘The Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation’) with high level representatives of Member States and the Commission. This dedicated configuration of CREST may be supported by an appropriate working group if deemed necessary. It will be chaired by one of its members representing a Member State designated for a period of 2 years. It will be open, as appropriate, to the countries associated to FP.

Main activities:

—	systematically sharing and structuring information on the S&T cooperation activities and objectives (whether ongoing or planned) of the various partners,

—	pooling relevant knowledge concerning third countries, in particular analyses of their S&T resources and capabilities,

—	ensuring regular consultation between the partners in order to identify their respective objectives and common priorities in terms of S&T cooperation with third countries (‘what and with whom?’),

—	where appropriate, coordinating activities of a similar nature implemented by Member States and the Community (with variable geometry),

—	if necessary, proposing initiatives to be implemented with appropriate ways and means,

—	networking of Member States' and the Commission's scientific advisors in key third countries.

Reporting:

Annual report to the Council and to the Commission on progress achieved in realising the objectives of the Partnership, including as relevant:

—	mapping of international cooperation activities (whether ongoing or planned) between the EU and third countries,

—	analysis of the scope, coherence and complementarity of the various EU activities,

—	identification of common priorities and proposals for measures to implement them,

—	overall assessment of the impact of the EU's actions in international S&T cooperation.