Proposed Council Decision concerning the renewal of the agreement with Russia on cooperation in science and technology

Brussels, 05 Mar 2003

Proposal for a
COUNCIL DECISION
concerning the conclusion of an Agreement aimed at renewing the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation
Full Text

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. By its Decision of 16 November 2000, the Council approved the conclusion of the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation (hereinafter "Russia")1. The Agreement entered into force on 10 May 2001.

Article 12(b) of the Agreement provides as follows: "This Agreement shall be concluded for an initial period ending on 31 December 2002 and will be renewable by common agreement between the parties for additional periods of five years".

2. It was confirmed at the EU-Russia Summit on 29 May 2002 that the current Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the EC and Russia has laid solid foundations for long-term cooperation in this area. The Summit stressed the importance of the Action Plan drawn up, structuring the dialogue between the European Community and Russia in the field of science and technology. Implementing this Plan will contribute towards the creation of integrated scientific networks and the development of joint research projects and, consequently, will promote cooperation between the European Community and Russia in the context of the European Research Area.

3. By note verbale dated 19 September 2002, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation requested the renewal of the abovementioned Agreement for five more years. The Russian Government wants above all a rapid renewal, without changing the text of the current Agreement, so as to maintain continuity in the scientific and technological relations between Russia and the European Community. Rapid renewal would be in the interest of both parties.

4. Since the material content of the Agreement which recently expired would remain unchanged, following the normal procedures for negotiating this renewal (Article 300(1) of the EC Treaty) would serve no useful purpose. In addition, given the resulting advantages, for both parties, of rapid renewal, a one-step procedure is suggested (a single procedure and a single act concerning signature and conclusion).

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

­ to approve, on behalf of the Community, after consulting the European Parliament, the conclusion of an Agreement aimed at renewing the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Government of the Russian Federation;

­ to authorise the President of the Council to designate the person empowered to sign the Agreement in order to express the consent of the Community to be bound thereby.

Brussels, .2.2003 COM(2003) 95 final 2003/0041 (CNS)