Brussels, 02 Oct 2003

Proposal for a
COUNCIL DECISION
concerning the conclusion of an Agreement aimed at renewing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

Subject: Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the conclusion of an Agreement aimed at renewing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America

1. By its Decision of 13 October 1998, the Council approved the conclusion of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America1. The Agreement entered into force on 14 October 1998.

Article 12(b) of the Agreement provides as follows: "This Agreement is concluded for an initial period 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".

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2. Such a review was carried out by an independent Panel of experts.

The thorough analysis of the impact of the above-mentioned Agreement on the development of transatlantic research cooperation draws an overall positive picture although much more can still be achieved.

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The different recommendations made by the Panel are acceptable by the Commission, which intends to put them into practice.

Of special interest are the recommendations, which will be followed up during the preparation and the implementation phase of the agreement:

­ "to raise the awareness of the Agreement in the Member States of the European Union in order to increase its relevance and the involvement of the Member States in relation to the European Research Area and the conclusions of the Lisbon Council, including to identify target areas for communication in relevant sectors (science, industry, government)";

­ "that the Joint Consultative Group of the Agreement be better exploited as a communication vehicle so that scientific and other relevant communities are aware of its agenda and the outcomes of its deliberations. The Joint Consultative Group should encourage input to these deliberations from a wider audience so that it is able to sample a range of opinion";

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­ "as part of the renewal process, to establish a strategy that will build effectively on the foundation in the first five years and better exploit the potential of the Agreement".

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Brussels, 1.10.2003 COM(2003) 569 final 2003/0223 (CNS)