COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
COM(90) 23 final-SYN 249 
Brussels, 10 Hay 1990 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
concerning the conclusion of a Cooperation Agreement between the European 
Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway on a European Stimulation Plan 
for Economic Science (SPES) 
(presented by the Commission) 
- 2 -
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
Subject: Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the conclusion of a 
Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and 
the Kingdom of Norway on a European Stimulation Plan for Economic 
Science (SPES) 
By its Decision of 13 February 1989, the Council adopted a European 
Stimulation Plan for Economic Science (SPES, 1989-1992). Article 5 of 
this Decision authorises the Commission to negotiate agreements with 
third countries and in particular with those European countries having 
concluded framework agreements for scientific and technical cooperation 
with the Community with a view to associate them wholly or partly with 
the programme. 
In the context of the implementation of the Framework Agreement for 
scientific and technical cooperation between the European Communities and 
the Kingdom of Norway, the conclusion of which on behalf of the EEC was 
approved by the Council Decision of 9 February 1987, Norway has expressed 
an interest in cooperating in the implementation of the above-mentioned 
programme. 
3. Considering that the association of Norway with the implementation of the 
Community programme can be of mutual advantage and help to improve the 
efficacy of Europe's scientific and technical potential, the Commission 
has negotiated a draft cooperation agreement with Norway. 
4. The draft agreement, which is annexed to the attached proposal for a 
Council decision, provides for: 
the association of Norway with the implementation of the Community 
programme; 
a financial contribution from Norway for the funding of the work to be 
carried out in the framework of research contracts and of the 
management and administrative operating expenditure for the Community 
programme; this financial contribution is proportional to Norway's 
gross domestic product; 
the entitlement of Norwegian persons and research bodies to submit 
research proposals and to conclude the related research contracts with 
the Commission. 
- 3 -
5. In view of the nature of the cooperation, any additional expenditure paid 
from the Community budget (relevant budget heading 7332) resulting from 
the implementation of this draft agreement will be covered by Norway's 
financial contribution. 
The funds paid by Norway will be credited to the Community budget 
(relevant budget article 602). 
The Commision proposes that the Council adopt the attached proposal for a 
decision. 
- 4 -
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
concerning the conclusion of a Cooperation Agreement between the European 
Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway on a European Stimulation Plan 
for Economic Science 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and 
in particular Article 130 Q (2) thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), 
In cooperation with the European Parliament (2), 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), 
WHEREAS by Decision 89/113/EEC (4), the Council adopted a European 
Stimulation Plan for Economic Science (1989 to 1992); whereas Article 5 of 
this Decision authorises the Commission to negotiate agreements with third 
countries and in particular with those European countries having concluded 
framework agreements for scientific and technical cooperation with the 
Community with a view to associate them wholly or partly with the programme, 
(1) O.J. N° C 
(2) O.J. N° C 
(3) O.J. N° C 
(4) O.J. N° L 44, 16.02.1989, p. 43 
- 5 -
WHEREAS by Decision 87/177/EEC (1), the Council approved the conclusion on 
behalf of the European Economic Community of the Framework Agreement for 
scientific and technical cooperation between the European Communities and, 
among others, the Kingdom of Norway, 
WHEREAS the cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and 
the Kingdom of Norway on a European Stimulation Plan for Economic Science 
should be approved, 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Article 1 
The Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the 
Kingdom of Norway on a European Stimulation Plan for Economic Science, is 
hereby approved on behalf of the Community. 
The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision. 
Article 2 
The President of the Council shall carry out the notification as provided for 
in Article 10 of the Agreement. 
Done at ... 
For the Council 
The President 
(1) O.J. N° L 71, 14.03.1987, p. 29 
d^aMfcag* wr mrw* 
G-+ 
- 2 -
COOPERATION AGREEMENT 
BETWEEN 
THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY 
AND 
THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY 
ON 
A EUROPEAN STIMULATION PLAN 
FOR ECONOMIC SCIENCE (SPES) 
THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, hereinafter called "the Community", 
and 
THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY, hereinafter called "Norway", 
both hereinafter called the "Contracting Parties", 
WHEREAS, by its Decision of 13 February 1989, the Council of the European 
Communities, hereinafter called "the Council", adopted a European stimulation 
plan for the economic science, - 1989 to 1992 - (SPES), hereinafter called 
"the SPES Programme"; 
WHEREAS the Contracting Parties concluded a framework agreement for 
scientific and technical cooperation which entered into force on 17 July 
1987; 
WHEREAS the association of Norway with the SPES Programme can contribute to 
the overall strengthening of Europe's scientific potential; 
WHEREAS the Contracting Parties expect to obtain mutual benefit from Norway's 
association with the SPES Programme; 
HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS 
- 3. -
Article 1 
Norway is hereby associated, as from 1st January 1989, with the 
implementation of the SPES Programme as set out in Annex A. 
Article 2 
The financial contribution of Norway, deriving from its association with the 
implementation of the SPES Programme shall be established in proportion to 
the amount available each year in the general budget of the European 
Communities for appropriations covering commitments to meet financial 
obligations of the Commission of the European Communities, hereinafter 
referred to as "the Commission", resulting from work to be carried out in the 
framework of research contracts necessary to the implementation of the SPES 
Programme and from management and administrative operating expenditure for 
the SPES Programme. 
The proportionality factor governing Norway's contribution shall be given by 
the ratio between Norway's gross domestic product (GDP), at market prices, 
and the sum of gross domestic products, at market prices, of the Member 
States of the Community and of Norway. This ratio shall be' calculated on the 
basis of the latest available OECD statistical data. 
The funds estimated as necessary for the execution of the SPES Programme, the 
amount of Norway's contribution and the timetable of the commitment estimates 
are set out in Annex B. 
The rules governing Norway's financial contribution to the execution of the 
SPES Programme are set out in Annex C. 
Article 3 
For Norwegian research and development bodies and persons, the terms and 
conditions for the submission and evaluation of proposals and the terms and 
conditions for the granting and conclusion of contracts under the SPES 
Programme shall be the same as those applicable to research and development 
bodies and persons in the Community. 
The contracts, drawn up by the Commission, shall show the rights and 
obligations of Norwegian research and development bodies and persons, and in 
particular the methods of disseminating, protecting and exploiting the 
research results. 
Article 4 
During the third year of the SPES Programme, the Commission shall address a 
report to the Council and to the European Parliament on the basis of an 
evaluation of the results so far achieved. This report shall be accompanied 
ny suggestions for changes which may be necessary in the light of these 
results. A copy of that report shall be transmitted to Norway which, in 
addition, shall be informed of any possible suggestions for changes. 
- 4 
Article 5 
Each Contracting Party undertakes, in accordance with its respective rules 
and regulations, to facilitate the movement and residence of research workers 
participating in Norway and in the Community in the activities covered by 
this aoreement. 
Article 6 
The Commission and the Royal Norwegian Ministry for Cultural and Scientific 
Affairs shall ensure the implementation of this Agreement. 
Article 7 
This agreement shall apply, on the one hand, to the territories in which the 
Treaty establishing the European Economic Community is applied and under the 
conditions laid down in that Treaty and, on the other hand, to the territory 
of the Kingdom of Norway. 
Article 8 
1. This agreement is concluded for the duration of the SPES Programme. 
Should the Community revise the SPES Programme, the agreement may be 
denounced under mutually agreed conditions. Norway shall be notified of 
the exact content of the revised programme within one week after its 
adoption by the Community. The Contracting Parties shall notify each 
other within three months after the Community decision has been adopted 
if a termination of the agreement is envisaged. 
2. Where the Community adopts a new R S D programme in the field of the 
economic science, this agreement may be renegotiated or renewed under 
mutually agreed conditions. 
3. Subject to paragraph 1, either Contracting Party may at any time 
terminate the agreement with six months' notice. The projects and work in 
progress at the time of termination and/or expiry of this agreement shall 
be continued until they are completed under the conditions laid down in 
this agreement. 
Article 9 
The Annexes A, B and C to this Agreement shall be an integral part thereof 
AO 
~ 5 -
Article 10 
This agreement shall be approved by the Contracting Parties in accordance 
with their existing procedures. 
It shall enter into force on the date on which the Contracting Parties 
notify each other of the completion of the procedures necessary for this 
purpose. 
Article 11 
This agreement shall be drawn up in duplicate in the Danish, Dutch, English, 
French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Norwegian languages, 
each of these texts being equally authentic. 
Done at 
For the Council of the 
European Communities 
For the Kingdom of Norway 
->M 
- 6 -
ANNEX A 
OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE EUROPEAN PLAN TO STIMULATE ECONOMIC SCIENCE 
(1989 - 1992) (SPES) 
The programme consists of a range of activities which have as their aim 
the establishment of a network of cooperation and interchange between 
economists of the highest professional quality at the Community level. 
The purpose of these activities is to: 
- stimulate the mobility of Community economists and cooperation on 
joint research projects or networks by researchers of the Community 
Member States; 
improve training by encouraging doctoral students and researchers of 
the Community Member States to continue with their work in Community 
universities or research centres other than those of their country of 
origin; 
encourage young economists to return to the Community if they have 
been working for some time in centres of excellence of non-Community 
countries, and 
favour or support the exchange of knowledge and information between 
researchers in economic science of Community Member States. 
?.. The programme shall be implemented by support for the following actions: 
scholarships, research grants, grants for multinational networks or 
research projects, and 
subsidies for high-level training courses, organised in collaboration 
with the scientific communities concerned, and facilitating the 
realisation of surveys and studies as well as access to data banks. 
3. Consideration shall be given to applications for financial support made 
by individuals or institutions which satisfy each of the following 
criteria: 
(a) scientific excellence; 
(b) the multinational European aspects (transnational cooperation or 
activity outside the country of origin); 
(c) the European interest of the substance of the research either in 
terms of its general scientific value or its applied analytical 
content. 
SVL 
- 7 -
Where scientific and technical quality is comparable, particular attention 
will be given to projects likely to reduce scientific and technical 
development disparities between Member States and thereby to contribute to 
economic and social cohesion within the European Communities. 
4. Topics of research are, inter alia: 
(i) the Community's internal market programme and issues of 
microeconomic analysis, including industrial organisation and the 
economics of regulatory policies (e.g. standards); 
(ii) European integration economics, including issues of intra-European 
regional North-South relations; 
(iii) the determinants of economic growth in Western Europe, including 
dynamic factors, such as advanced technology and innovation, and 
constraints, such as environmental concerns; 
(iv) systematic issues in the monetary areas and macroeconomic and 
fiscal policy coordination; 
(v) problems of trade policy and the role of Western Europe in the 
international division of labour; 
(vi) employment, health and social policy issues, which have quite 
different characterisitcs in Western Europe, compared to the 
United States of America or Japan, and 
(vii) methodological and modelling problems relevant to the 
above-mentioned subjects or otherwise of fundamental interest, the 
setting-up of statistical concepts and adequate technical, social 
and economic indicators, as well as more precise economic models. 
Ai 
- 8 -
ANNEX B 
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 
Article 1 
The amount estimated as necessary to carry out the SPES Programme shall be 
6 000 000 Ecu. 
Article 2 
Norway's financial contribution for the execution of the SPES Programme is 
estimated to be 114 600 Ecu. 
Article 3 
The timetable of the commitment estimates and of Norway's financial 
contribution is given in the following page. 
- 9 -
TIMETABLE OF THE COMMITMENTS ESTIMATED AS 
NECESSARY FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE SPES 
PROGRAMME (COMMITMENT APPROPRIATIONS) 
AND OF NORWAY'S CONTRIBUTION (ECU) 
| j COMMITMENTS FOR | NORWAY'S CONTRIBUTION | 
| YEAR | MANAGEMENT AND | | | MANAGEMENT AND | | | 
I j ADMINISTRATIVE | CONTRACTS j TOTAL | ADMINISTRATIVE | CONTRACTS | TOTAL | 
I j OPERATION I I j OPERATION II I 
| 1989 | 170 000 | 830 000 | 1 000 000 | 3 247 ( 15 853 | 19 100 | 
| 1990 j 260 000 | 1 740 000 ! 2 000 000 | 4 966 | 33 234 | 38 200 | 
j 1991 | 300 000 | 1 700 000 | 2 000 000 | 5 730 | 32 470 | 38 200 | 
| 1992 | 320 000 | 680 000 | 1 000 000 | 6 112 | 12 988 | 19 100 | 
! 1 1 1 I I 1 1 
| ^ly'l? I 1 050 000 | 4 950 000 | 6 000 000 | 20 055 | 94 545 | 114 600 | 
AS 
- 10 -
ANNEX C 
FINANCING RULES 
Article 1 
These provisions lay down the financing rules for Norway referred to in 
Article 2 of the agreement. 
Article 2 
At the beginning of each year, or whenever the SPES Programme is revised so 
as to involve an increase in the amount estimated as necessary for its 
implementation, the Commission shall send to Norway a call for funds 
corresponding to its contribution to the costs under the agreement. 
This contribution shall be expressed both in Ecu and in the Norwegian 
currency, the composition of the Ecu being defined in the Council Regulation 
3180/78 (1). The value in Norwegian currency of the contribution in Ecu 
shall be determined on the date of the call for funds. 
Norway shall pay its contribution to the annual costs under the agreement at 
the beginning of each year and at the latest three months after the call for 
funds is sent. Any delay in the payment of the contribution shall give rise 
to the payment of interest by Norway at a rate equal to the highest discount 
rate ruling in the Member States of the Community on the due date. The rate 
shall be increased by 0.25 of a percentage point for each month of delay. 
The increased rate shall be applied to the entire period of delay. However, 
this interest shall be payable only if the contribution is paid more than 
three months after a call for funds has been made by the Commission. 
Article 3 
The funds paid by Norway shall be credited to the SPES Programme as budget 
receipts allocated to its appropriate heading in the statement of revenue of 
the general budget of the European Communities. 
Article 4 
The Financial Regulation in force applicable to the general budget of the 
European Communities shall apply to the management of the appropriations. 
Article 5 
At the end of each year, a statement of appropriations for the SPES Programme 
shall be prepared and transmitted to Norway for information. 
(1) 0J ND L 379 of 30.12.1978, p.1 
M, 
FICHE D'IMPACT SUR LA COMPETITIVITE ET L'EMPLOI 
Ce projet a trait à une décision du Conseil concernant la conclusion d'un 
accord de coopération entre la CEE et la Norvège relatif au plan européen de 
stimulation de la science économique (1989 - 1992) (SPES). 
En tant que tel, ce projet peut avoir un .impact positif sur les PME, dans la 
mesure où il constitue un instrument facilitant l'accès à la connaissance et à 
l'échange d'expérience. 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(90) 23 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 17 11 16 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-90-045-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-57197-7 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg