Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2008)581 - Extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the EC and the Government of the USA

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dossier COM(2008)581 - Extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the EC and the Government of the USA.
source COM(2008)581 EN
date 29-09-2008
1. The Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America was signed in Washington on 5th December, 1997 and entered into force on 14 October 1998. Article 12(b) of the Agreement provides as follows: 'This Agreement is concluded for an initial period ending of five years. Subject to review by the Parties in the final year of each successive period, the Agreement may be extended with possible amendments, thereafter for additional periods of five years by mutual written agreement by the Parties'.

2. By Council Decision 2004/756/EC of 4 October, 2004  i the Agreement was renewed for a further period of five years which became effective as from 14 October 2003. The Agreement is due to expire on 13 October, 2008.

3. It is in the interest of the Community to extend this Agreement in order to continue to facilitate cooperation with the United States of America in common S&T priority areas leading to socio-economic benefits for both Parties.

4. Both parties confirmed their interest in extending the Agreement in the conclusions of the last meeting of the Joint Consultative Group established under the Agreement (held in Washington on 19-20 February 2008).

5. The material content of the extended Agreement will be identical to the material content of the current Agreement, apart from amendments of a technical nature to update the scope of the agreement in line with the Seventh Community Research Framework Programme (FP7), consisting mainly in adding research on space and security to the list of sectors for cooperative activities.

6. 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 extension for an additional period of five years of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America;

– 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.