Council Decision (EU) 2023/2073 of 25 September 2023 concerning the extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America

What it is

to renew the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. BACKGROUND: a first bilateral Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America was signed in Washington, DC, on 5 December 1997 and entered into force on 14 October 1998. Since then, the Agreement was extended four times, i.e. in 2003, in 2008, in 2013 and in 2018 for an additional period of 5 years each time. The current Agreement is due to expire on 14 October 2023. The assessment carried out by the Commission services demonstrates that the Agreement provides an important framework for facilitating cooperation between the EU and the US in common Science and Technology priority areas of mutual benefit. It is therefore in the interest of the Union to renew the Agreement for a further five years. CONTENT: the purpose of the draft Council Decision is to approve, on behalf of the Union, the renewal of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America for an additional period of five years. The assessment carried out by the Commission demonstrates that the Agreement provides an important framework for facilitating cooperation between the Union and the United States of America in common priority areas for science and technology, leading to mutual benefits. It is therefore in the Union’s interest to extend the Agreement for an additional period of five years. The exchange of letters between the Parties, dated 7 November 2022 and 13 December 2022, confirmed their interest in extending the Agreement for an additional period of five years. The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted the report by Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI (EPP, RO) on the draft Council decision concerning the extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America. The committee responsible recommended the European Parliament to give its consent to the Commission proposal. The first bilateral Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America' was signed on 5 December 1997 and entered into force on 14 October 1998. Since then, it has been renewed four times since then, namely in 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018. The current Agreement expires on 14 October 2023. Both Parties confirmed their wish to extend the Agreement by exchange of letters, dated 7 November 2022 and 13 December 2022. The EU's relationship with the US in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is stronger than with any other country outside Europe. Among non-associated third countries, the US was by far most active country participating in Horizon 2020. This is a reflection of the special long -term relationship that has been developed between the EU and the US, which should continue to deepen…

Frequently asked