Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2011)395 - Conclusion of the Agreement with Algeria on cooperation in science and technology - Main contents
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This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2011)395 - Conclusion of the Agreement with Algeria on cooperation in science and technology. |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2011)395  |
| date | 07-07-2011 |
The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association (hereinafter referred to as ‘the association agreement’) between the European Community and its Member States, on the one hand, and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria (hereinafter referred to as ‘Algeria’), on the other, was signed on 22 April 2002. Article 50(d) of the Agreement identifies cooperation in scientific and technological research as an area of particular interest and potential, while Article 51(a), in particular, provides for the establishment of permanent links between the two parties’ scientific communities.
The European Neighbourhood Policy, to which Algeria is not party but which provides a framework for relations between the European Union and its neighbours, establishes a new framework for implementing the association agreement. Commission Communication COM(2004) 373 final of 12 May 2004 defines scientific and technological cooperation and R&D as one of the priorities of our relations with the Mediterranean countries. In line with the European Neighbourhood Policy, a strategy document for 2007-13 describes scientific research as an essential element that contributes to building a knowledge society and to reducing unemployment as the economy becomes more open.
In a letter of 30 May 2006 the Algerian authorities expressed their interest in launching negotiations with a view to concluding an agreement between the EC and Algeria on cooperation in science and technology. In a letter of 8 January 2007 the Commission accepted to make an exploratory and evaluation visit to Algeria to prepare for the negotiations. Exploratory talks took place in 2008. Upon a proposal of the Commission, the Council authorised the Commission on 16 November 2009 to negotiate on behalf of the European Union an agreement on cooperation in science and technology with the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria and issued the relevant negotiating directives. The negotiations resulted in the attached draft agreement text initialled on 14 October 2010.
Concluding an agreement in the field of science and technology would serve the mutual interests of the European Union and Algeria, as it would enable continuing and strengthening cooperation with that country. Such cooperation would promote the development and competitiveness of Algeria and the entire region and would create closer ties between the two parties, to the benefit of the European Union. A science and technology cooperation agreement would be the most appropriate tool for reinforcing Algeria's cooperation with and participation in the framework programme and for intensifying dialogue related to science and technology.
In light of the above considerations, the Commission invites the Council:
– to adopt the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union, on the one hand, and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, on the other, on cooperation in science and technology;
– to notify the Algerian authorities that the European Union has completed the procedures necessary for the entry into force of the Agreement.
Article 186 in conjunction with Article 218(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.