Research a priority in EC-Brazil Memorandum of Understanding

Brussels, 25 Nov 2002

A Memorandum of Understanding between the EC and Brazil has been signed, highlighting research and technology as a priority for cooperation.

The agreement was signed on 19 November by Guy Legras, Director-General of the Commission's External Relations DG, and Ambassador José Alfredo Graça, Head of the Brazilian Mission to the European Communities.

The memorandum foresees a budget of close to 64 million euros to fund cooperation in the fields of research and technology, the environment, public administration, economic cooperation and social development. Some 8 million euro will be channelled towards science and technology, and a project aimed at establishing a network of technology centres is already being prepared.

'The development of sectoral technology partnerships represents an essential objective for industry in the EU and in Brazil,' states the memorandum. 'Innovation and technological 'know-how' represent one of the most important elements of the bilateral relationship,' it continues.

Negotiations on an EU-Brazil science and technology agreement are also underway. Such an agreement would specifically address sectors such as biotechnology, automation, microelectronics, metrology, information society, technological innovation and space technology.

The agreement also refers to a future agreement on a Euratom-Brazil agreement, leading to cooperation in the fields of research, the environment and management of nuclear waste.

For further information, please visit: http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relat ions/brazil/intro/mud_fr.pdf

CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001