Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2014)298 - Renewal of the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology with Ukraine

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1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

The Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Ukraine was signed in Copenhagen on 4 July 2002. Article 12(b) of the Agreement provides as follows: 'This Agreement shall be concluded for an initial period ending 31 December 2002 and will be renewable by common agreement between the Parties for additional periods of five years.'

By its Decision 2011/182/EU of 9 March 2011, the Council approved the renewal of the Agreement for a further period of five years, until 8 November 2014.

Renewal of the Agreement for five more years would be in the interest of both Parties so as to maintain continuity in the scientific and technological relations between Ukraine and the European Union.

1.

RESULTS OF CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INTERESTED PARTIES AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS



At the meeting of the Joint Community-Ukraine Committee, set up under Article 6 of the Agreement, held in Kiev on 24 May 2013, both Parties agreed that the Agreement should be renewed for a further period of five years.

2.

LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL



The material content of the renewed Agreement will be identical to that of the current Agreement, which expires on 7 November 2014.

3.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION



The Legislative Financial Statement presented with this decision sets out the indicative budgetary implications.

In the light of the above considerations, the Commission requests the Council:

– To approve, on behalf of the Union, and following the consent of the European Parliament, the renewal of the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Ukraine for an additional period of five years;

– To authorise the President of the Council to designate the person(s) empowered to notify Ukraine that the Union has completed its internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of this renewed Agreement.