Proposal for a Council Decision modifying its decision of 23 November 1994 adopting a specific programme for research and technological development in the field of cooperation with third countries and international organizations (1994 to 1998) (96/C 21/07) COM(95) 539 final - 95/0271(CNS)

(Submitted by the Commission on 13 November 1995)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 130 i (4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee,

Whereas the globalization of RTD activities requires the European Community to develop and implement an international RTD cooperation strategy consistent with the objectives of the Treaty; whereas the Commission has submitted a communication on perspectives for international cooperation in research and technological development;

Whereas it is important that scientific and technological cooperation with the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union (NIS) be continued in the context of a generalized process of transformation in these countries and in order to contribute to stabilizing their scientific potential;

Whereas the Commission presented a communication on 18 May 1995 (1) on the prospects of scientific and technological cooperation with the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union, and in particular on the Community's participation in the International Association for the promotion of cooperation with scientists from the NIS (Intas); whereas the analysis of this communication will need to be pursued in the framework of the examination of the Commission's communication on perspectives for international cooperation;

Whereas Council Decision No. 94/807/EC adopting a specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration, in the field of cooperation with third countries and international organizations (2) confirms Community participation in the pilot phase of Intas until the end of 1995 and specifies that Community participation in Intas beyond 31 December 1995 is subject to a decision of the Council authorizing such participation;

Whereas the European Parliament, in its resolution of . . ., expressed its support for the continuation of the Community participation in Intas beyond 1995 and until the end of the fourth framework programme;

Whereas there is need for a substantial improvement in the efficiency and transparency of Intas procedures; whereas, therefore, the work going on under the auspices of the Intas General Assembly to find ways and means for improving the functioning of Intas is a welcome initiative;

Whereas, without setting in any way a precedent for present or future specific programmes of research and development, the action might be extended up to the end of the fourth framework programme and the end of the specific programme concerned (31 December 1998), provided the said improvements are implemented, in particular by way of modification of the statutes of Intas so as to better reflect the importance of Community participation;

Whereas the Commission will propose standard procedures for the implementation of international research cooperation in future framework programmes;

Whereas appropriate and stable Community funding should continue to be made available to Intas; whereas it is important to broaden the funding basis of Intas, and in particular to attract additional contributions;

Whereas Community funding of Intas activities should take into account the need for cooperation in other areas of strategic interest to the Community, in particular central and eastern Europe and the Mediterranean,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In Annex I of Council Decision No 94/807/EC, under part A.2 'cooperation with the countries of central and eastern Europe and with the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union`, the paragraph beginning with 'the International Association for Promotion of Cooperation . . .` and ending with '. . . authorizing the participation of the Community`; is replaced by the following paragraph:

'- the participation of the Community in the International Association for the Promotion of Cooperation with scientists from the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union (Intas), in particular by means of a financial contribution in the order of about half of the funds available at present for the cooperation with these New Independent States under this programme, and for activities conforming to its objectives; such participation is subject to a modification of the Statutes of Intas in such a way that the decisions requiring a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly are taken with the agreement of the Community, represented by the Commission, and that the Commission assumes the presidency of the General Assembly.`

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

(1) Doc. 7641/95 RECH 67 NIS 65.

(2) OJ No L 334, 22. 12. 1994, p. 109.