COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON THE EUROPEAN INITIATIVE FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT-EIARD
Date: 1997-03-25
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: agricultural policy, agronomic research, food resources, management of resources, research body

COMMISSION  OF THE  EUROPEAN  COMMUNITIES 

Brussels,  25.03.1997 
COM(97)126  final 

COMMUNICATION  FROM  THE  COMMISSION 
TO THE COUNCIL  AND THE EUROPEAN  PARLIAMENT 

ON THE 

EUROPEAN INITIATIVE FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FOR  DEVELOPMENT 
E I A RD 

A 

SUMMARY 

The European Initiative for  Agricultural  Research for  Development  (EIARD) was presented 
to the  Research  Council  on  10 March  1995  and  9 June  1995. The  Commission  announced 
that  it would prepare  a Communication  on  the  Initiative  in  1996.  This  Communication  sets 
out  the  background,  the  context,  the  purpose  and  the  role  of  EIARD,  and  its  organization 
and  management.  The  EIARD  currently  encompasses  the  15 Member  States  of  the  Union, 
Norway,  Switzerland  and the European  Commission. 

In  a  worldwide  context  food  supplies  need  to  be  more  than  doubled  due  to  a  population 
increase  from  the present  5.8  to  over  8 billion  in 2025,  which  poses  enormous  challenges 
for  development.  Major  objectives  are  ensuring  food  security  and  alleviating poverty  while 
conserving  the  environment.  To  meet  these  challenges  research  and  technology  in 
agricultural  production  and  the  sustainable  management  of  natural  resources  have  a  vital 
role  to  play.  In this  respect  the  strategic  importance  of  Agricultural  Research  for  Develop 
ment (ARD) is well recognized.  Many actors are involved  in ARD, both at the policy  and at 
institutional  levels  in  donor  and  developing  countries  and  international  organizations,  all 
with their  own priorities  and strategies.  There  is an urgent  need  for  better coordination  and 
collaboration to enhance complementarity,  synergy  and  cost-effectiveness. 

Europe  has  a dual role  in the field  of  ARD.  Firstly,  as a donor  to international  agricultural 
research centres and national agricultural  institutions  in developing countries. Secondly,  as a 
scientific  partner,  linking  European and  developing  country  institutions.  Europe  is  involved 
in current discussions to build so-called  Regional and Subregional  Fora and a Global  Forum 
of  agricultural  research  for  development,  which  is  an  innovative  way  of  bringing  together 
all  the  actors  at  both  policy  and  institutional  level  on  a  regional  and  world-wide  scale. 
However,  the European position  in the  international  dialogue  is weak  now  in relation  to  its 
contributions and potential, due to a lack of concertation,  and needs to be strengthened. 

The  purpose  of  EIARD  is  to  improve  the  impact  of  investments  in  Research  and 
Development  by  more  efficient  coordination  between  its  18  Partners,  both  at  policy  and 
operational  levels. This would  also give Europe  a more active role and a better  recognition 
in  all  international  matters  concerning  ARD.  EIARD  is  an  instrument  to  promote 
partnerships  for collaboration between all the actors involved  in ARD. Its role is to promote 
coordination  at  various  European 
information  exchange,  concertation, 
levels,  e.g. 
exploratory  studies  for  policy  development  and  activities,  and  to  strengthen  partnerships 

between  Europe  and  developing  countries.  The  implementation  of  an  Information  System 
(EIARD-InfoSys)  is  underway.  A  major  exploratory  study  has  recently  been  carried  out. 
Concertation of  research groups  is  supported  as  well  as  coordination  between  the  European 
Donors  with  respect  to  the  international  centres  of  the  Consultative  Group  on  International 
Agricultural  Research (CGIAR). 

The EIARD  is  implemented  by a European Coordination Group (ECG),  representing  the  18 
partners.  It  is  an  informal  platform  of  coordination  to  discuss  both  research  and 
development  policy,  which  is  not  covered  by  the  existing  EU  committees  related  to  ARD. 
The  national  ECG-Members  are  appointed  by  their  respective  governments,  and  are 
expected to represent and pro-actively address both policy  areas.  The ECG is accountable  to 
both  individual  European  Governments  (through  their  representatives)  and  to  the  EU 
Council  of  Ministers  and  the  European  Parliament  through  the  Commission.  The  ECG  is 
supported  by  a  smaller  Working  Group  (WG),  and  can  be  assisted  by  (groups  of)  experts. 
The  ECG  and  WG  are  assisted  by  an  Executive  Secretariat,  hosted  by  the  European 
Commission. 

IN CONCLUSION,  THE COUNCIL IS ASKED TO: 

Recognise  the  role  of  this  Initiative  in  enhancing  the  coherence  with  the  Union's 
positions  in various international  fora  in relation to the role of  research on  agricultural 
production  and  natural  resources  management  in  the  context  of  food  security, 
sustainable development  and poverty  alleviation in developing countries. 

Recognise  the 
importance  of  a  pro-active  voluntary  and  flexible  coordination 
mechanism  and the  consequent  implications  for  the participation  of  its  members  at an 
appropriate  level. 

Agree  that  recommendations  arising  from  this  Initiative  will  be  considered  in  the 
formulation  and implementation of future  European Union policies  and strategies. 

Endorse  the  continuation  of  this  Initiative  and  the  Commission's  participation 
representing  the  EC  interest  in  that  matter  as  a  full  partner  alongside  the  Member 
States and other European members. 

Note  that  the  Commission  will  report  to  the  Council  on  the  work  accomplished,  if 
appropriate. 

COMMUNICATION  FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL 
AND THE PARLIAMENT 

ON THE 

EUROPEAN INITIATIVE FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FOR  DEVELOPMENT 
E I A RD 

1.  BACKGROUND 

At  the  Research  Council  of  29  September  1994  a  proposal  for  a  European  initiative  in 
international  agricultural  research  for  development  was  launched  by  France.  During  a 
Ministerial-Level  Meeting  of the Consultative  Group  on International  Agricultural  Research-
CGIAR, held  in Lucerne  February  9-10,  1995 the French Presidency  of the Union presented 
a  political  statement  from  the  Council,  and  a  Memorandum  on  "Europe  and  Agricultural 
Research  for  Development".  The  results  of  the  Lucerne  meeting  were  presented  at  the 
Research  Council  of  10  March  1995;  the  Commission  was  invited  to  study  a  follow-up 
mechanism  for  the  European  Initiative  and  to  make  a  proposal  to  the  Council.  The 
Development  Council of  1 June  1995 underlined  the importance of research for  development, 
and  indicated  as  priority  areas  the  management  of  renewable  natural  resources,  agricultural 
production and health.  The Commission presented  a Working  Paper  to the Research  Council 
of  9  June  1995,  which  reflected  on  a  mechanism  enabling  better  coordination  between  the 
Member  States  and  the  Commission  and  between  research  and  development  policies.  This 
paper  proposed  a  European  Coordination  Group-ECG  to  implement  the  Initiative,  and  to 
ensure  its  continuity  and  announced  that  the  Commission  would  send  a  Communication  on 
the Initiative to the Council and Parliament in 1996. 

Since the Research  Council  of 9 June  1995 the European Initiative  for  Agricultural  Research 
for  Development-EIARD  has  been  implemented  under  the  guidance  of  the  European 
Coordination Group, which held its first  meeting in Vienna from 11-13 October  1995, and its 
second meeting on  10-11 October  1996 in Bonn. The European Coordination Group emerged 
from  an existing  informal  group of European donors to the CGIAR System by broadening  its 
mandate and including  the remaining Member  States who have not contributed  financially  to 
the  CGIAR  up  to  now.  This  Communication  which  describes  the  role  and  activities  of  the 
European  Initiative,  is  made  in  the  context  of  the  current  International  Cooperation 
Programme  of 
the  Commission 
Communication of  18 October  1995 on Perspectives for  International Cooperation in the  field 

the  4th  Framework  Programme 

for  RTD1  and 

Council Decision No 94/807/EC of 23.11.1994, adopting a specific programme of research and technological 
development,  including  demonstration,  in  the  field  of  cooperation  with  third  countries  and  international 
organisations (1994-1998) (OJ No L 126, of 18.05.1994, p. 1) 

of RTD and the Council Resolution of 25 March  1996, underlining  the objective  to promote 
RTD2  relevant  to  the  needs  and  priorities  of  developing  countries  and  promoting  greater 
regional integration to foster their sustainable development. 

2. 

CONTEXT AND PURPOSE. 

Worldwide Context 

In the next 30 years the world food  supplies need to be more than doubled due to an increase 
of  the  population  from  the  present  5.8  to  over  8  billion  by  the  year  2025,  mostly  in 
developing  countries.  This  poses  enormous  challenges  on  development  which  are  of  global 
concern.  The  needed  increased  food  production  and  the  expected  more  varied  demand  for 
food  and  other  agricultural  products  have  to  take  into  account  the  considerable  increased 
pressure on the environment and scarce natural resources. At the same time there is a need to 
achieve  food  security  through  creating  sufficient  income  to  buy  food,  and  through  ensuring 
permanent  access  to  food  supply.  Major  objectives  of  development  therefore  are  ensuring 
food  security  and alleviating poverty while conserving the environment.  In recent years these 
challenges  have  been  recognized  at  international  fora,  such  as  the  Rio  Conference  in  1992 
(Agenda  21)  (and  its  forthcoming  5 year  review),  world  trade  negotiations,  Conventions  on 
Biological  Diversity  and  Desertification,  and  were  again  highlighted  at  the  World  Food 
Summit organized by FAO in 1996. 

It  is  also  well  recognised  that  since  the  agricultural  sector  (including  the  related  use  of 
renewable  natural  resources)  contributes  in a  substantial  way  to  the  overall  economies  of  all 
developing countries, both in terms of income and employment,  further  economic progress of 
these countries is strongly dependent on continued improvement of this sector. 
Due  attention  should  also  be  given  to  many  changes  occurring  in  different  regions  of  the 
world,  which  may  have  considerable  influence  on  developing  countries.  These  include  the 
globalisation  of  the  information  society,  emergence  of  new  technologies,  the  evolution  of 
science and stronger market forces.  Such changes may facilitate  the integration of developing 
countries  into the global  community,  but may  also  lead  to  a  greater  diversification  between 
developing countries and geographical and political regions. 

Research  and  technology  have  a  vital  role  to  play  in  addressing  the  crucial  questions  of 
development.  It  entails  a  global  and  coherent  mobilization  of  scientific  competences,  more 
harmony  between research activities and development requirements,  and the strengthening  of 
ties  between  the  existing  scientific  and  technological  capacities.  The  challenges  facing 
research  and  technology  are  huge,  especially  in  addressing  food  and  environment,  e.g.  in 
agricultural  production  and  the  sustainable  management  of  natural  resources.  As  is  stated  in 
the Political  Statement of the  1995 Lucerne Ministerial-Level  Meeting:  " What we require  in 
agriculture  is  a  revolution  that  is  even  more  productive  than  the  first  green  revolution,  and 
even greener  in terms of conserving  natural  resources  and the environment,  what  some have 
termed  a  <<  doubly  green  revolution >  >.  Achieving  this  will  require  much  enhanced 

COM(95)489 

complementarity  and  synergism  between  research  approaches  in  rich  and  poor  countries. 
Comparative  advantages  with  regard  to  agricultural  research  will  need  to  be  better  defined 
and  exploited.  The  cost-effectiveness  of  various  approaches  will  need  to  be  improved. 
Tackling  the  agricultural  research  challenges  of  the  future  is  not  only  a  question  of  more 
financial  resources.  It  is  very  much  a  question  of  better  targeting  of  existing  research 
capabilities, better programming and planning of research within the framework of a common 
agenda,  and  agreeing  common  objectives."  In  this  respect  the  strategic  role  of  Agricultural 
Research for Development  (ARD)  is well recognized, e.g.  in the political declaration and the 
plan of action for the World Food Summit. 

Many  actors  are  involved  in  Agricultural  Research  for  Development  (ARD),  e.g.  national 
agricultural  research  organizations  in  developing  countries-NARS,  regional  organizations  in 
the Third  World,  the International  Agricultural  Research  Centres-IARCs  of  the  Consultative 
International  Agricultural  Research-CGIAR,  and  Agricultural  Research 
Group  on 
Organizations-AROs  in  the  industrialized  countries,  e.g.  Western  Europe.  Together  they 
form  an  important  segment  of the Global  International  Agricultural  Research  System,  which 
is supported by countries, the European Commission,  and other multilateral  and  international 
organizations  (World  Bank,  FAO,  UNDP,  etc.).  Also  the role  of  other  actors  in the  Global 
System  has  been  recognized,  e.g. 
the  private  sector,  farmers  organizations,  Non-
Governmental  Organizations-NGOs. 

Rapid changes are taking place at the international  level. Discussions are currently being held 
to build  a so-called  Global Forum of agricultural  research  for  development,  involving  all the 
actors  in the  Global  System,  both  at  policy  and  institutional  level.  The  Global  Forum  is  an 
innovative  way  of  bringing  together  all  the  actors  in  agricultural  research  on  a  world-wide 
scale.  The process for building up the Global Forum started  at the Regional and  Subregional 
level  in  developing  countries  with  Fora  being  set  up  that  focus  on  major  geographical  and 
political  regions  involving  the  NARS  and  existing  regional  organizations.  Regional  and 
Subregional  Fora meetings have been held in West Asia and North Africa  (Aleppo December 
1995),  Caribbean  (Port-of-Spain  January  1996),  Asia  (New  Delhi  February  1996),  Sub-
Saharan  Africa  (Kampala  February  1996)  and  Latin  America  (Bogota  February  1996). 
Representatives  of  those  regions  convened  for  the first time  in Jakarta  in May  1996  in what 
was  called  a  Preparatory  Meeting  for  the  Global  Forum.  The  first  Global  Forum  meeting 
took  place  in  Washington  D.C.  on  30  and  31  October  1996.  This  not  only  involved  the 
representatives  of  the  above-mentioned  regions,  but  also  representatives  from  the  AROs  in 
the  donor  countries  (including  the  two  currently  existing  networks  of  AROs  NATURA  and 
ECART4 in Europe), donor representatives, and the CGIAR. The first Global Forum meeting 
adopted a Declaration of Global Partnership  in Agricultural Research and agreed that a Plan 

3 

4 

Agricultural  Research  for  Development  (ARD) refers  to research  and technology  for  the benefit  of  developing 
countries  (including  Mediterranean  Partner  Countries  and  emerging  economies)  in  all  sectors  related  to 
agriculture  (e.g. crop and animal husbandry,  (agro-)forestry,  fisheries  and aquaculture),  as well as  sustainable 
management of renewable natural resources (e.g.  agro-biodiversity, soil, water). 

NATURA:  Network  of  European  Agricultural  (Tropically  and  subtropically  oriented)  Universities  and 
scientific  complexes Related with  Agricultural  development. 

ECART: European Consortium  for Agricultural Research in the Tropics. 

of Action will be further  refined  into concrete actions.  A number of these meetings  were co-
sponsored  by  facilitating  agencies,  including  the  European  Commission  on  behalf  of  the 
European Initiative (EIARD). The European Commission has been asked to continue this role 
in  future.  These  new  developments  illustrate  how  fast  changes  occur  since  the  international 
discussions commenced two years ago, following  the Ministerial Level meeting in Lucerne. 

All  the  Fora  are  platforms  for  international  dialogue  on  crucial  questions,  to  discuss  the 
research  agendas  and  the  formulation  of  priorities  and  strategies  at  the  global,  regional  and 
subregional  levels, and to promote operational partnerships for  collaboration.  Until now they 
all  focus  on  agricultural  research  for  development-ARD.  With  so  many  actors  at  different 
levels,  all with their own priorities  and strategies, there is an urgent need for  coordination to 
enhance complementarity,  synergies and  cost-effectiveness. 

European Role. 

On  a  worldwide  scale  Europe5  plays  a  dual  role  in  the  field  of  agricultural  research  for 
development. 

Firstly,  as  a  donor  both  to  the  CGIAR  and  to  developing  country  NARS  (National 
Agricultural  Research  Systems).  The  CGIAR  is  supported  by  about  45  donor  countries  and 
organisations, and co-sponsored by the World Bank, FAO, UNDP and UNEP. The budget of 
the  CGIAR  is  about  US$ 300  M/year.  In  1996 the  major  contributors  were  Europe  (42%), 
North  America  (USA,  Canada,  15%),  Pacific  Rim  (Japan,  Australia,  15%),  and  the  World 
Bank  (15%).  However,  Europe  plays  only  a  relatively  minor  role  due  to  a  lack  of 
coordination and the frequent  absence of a concerted  European position at CGIAR meetings. 
This results  in a comparatively  strong position of some of the other major  donors,  especially 
the United States and the World Bank.  Europe participates  in the dialogue, but its role needs 
to be further  strengthened.  Much has been achieved in physical and human capacity  building 
of  NARS  in  developing  countries  and  their  involvement  in  ARD,  primarily  based  on  their 
own efforts,  often  with assistance from the development  funds  of donor  countries,  including 
Europe  and  the  EC.  However,  since  financial  and  other  constraints  very  much  limit  the 
output  of  many  NARS  there  is  still  need  for  continued  assistance  to  strengthen  individual 
NARS in developing countries.  The Subregional and Regional Fora mentioned above, have a 
vital role to play in strengthening NARS themselves, and these too require renewed  European 
support while they establish themselves  fully. 

Secondly,  as  scientific  partner,  linking  European  and  DC  institutions.  This  is  achieved 
through  bilateral  and  multilateral  S&T  and  development  cooperation  activities  by  Member 
States and/or the EC and,  in particular,  through encouraging their public and private 
institutions to be more involved in ARD partnerships. 

Europe:  the  group  of  partners  active  in  ARD,  namely  the  IS  Member  States  of  the  Union,  Norway, 
Switzerland and the European Commission.  This group has evolved from the CGIAR European Donors group 
(13 Member States, the Commission, Norway and Switzerland). 

There  are  many  European  agricultural  research  organizations  (AROs)  directly  involved  in 
ARD,  either  through  Member  States  bilateral  S&T  and  development  cooperation  pro 
grammes, or through concerted programmes at Union level. The European AROs have a long 
established  tradition  of  agronomic  and  ecological  research,  both  tropical  and  temperate, 
which has  resulted  in an accumulated  wealth of  knowledge.  They  have databases  and  know-
how  on  the  management  of  information  networks  for  the  better  dissemination  of  such 
knowledge.  Their  training  and  research  infrastructures  in  universities  or  other  institutions 
have  long  hosted  trainees  from  developing  countries,  and  collaborated  with  their  NARS 
institutions  to  help  strengthen  their  capabilities.  Research  developed  in  and  for  Europe  has 
become  more  relevant  for  developing  countries.  The  interest  of  the  European  scientific 
community for ARD and global issues has increased considerably.  This has also resulted in a 
closer  relationship  and  stronger  involvement  between  scientists  hitherto  involved  in  ARD 
with  other  segments  of  the  scientific  community,  including  the  private  sector.  European 
AROs also have much to offer  in a pluridisciplinary  approach to research. Their experience is 
brought to collaborative programmes throughout the world, from localised R&D programmes 
on single commodities to participating  in complex consortia at an ecoregional level. 

European  AROs  contribute  to  strengthening  research  capability  in  NARS  through  their 
participation  in joint  research  projects  and  collaborative  networks.  Their  competences  and 
experience place them,  both individually  and collectively,  in a very  strong position to play a 
major  role in global or ecoregional collaborative research programmes, as well as to assist the 
participating  NARS  with  their  priority  needs,  such  as  training  in  research  management, 
administration, 
improved 
communication  and  information  networks.  Regional  organizations  and  the recently  emerging 
Regional  and  Subregional  Fora  mentioned  above,  led by  NARS representatives,  increasingly 
play a role in fostering  partnerships for collaboration.  The emerging  stronger  and more equal 
partnerships  and  opportunities  for  constructive  dialogue  offer  new  and  inspiring  challenges 
for European participation. 

improved  priority  setting,  policy  analysis,  and  setting  up 

Despite  the  importance  of  these  two  roles,  until  recently,  informal  coordination  at  the 
European level only concerned  one aspect - that of donor to the CGIAR,  and this was limited 
to exchange of information.  In view of the general lack of concertation in the other aspects of 
European  involvement  in  ARD,  it  was  considered  desirable  to  broaden  the  mandate  of  the 
concertation  group,  and  to  involve  all  interested  Member  States  and  not  just  the  CGIAR 
donors.  This  new  mechanism  builds  on  the  previous  one,  maintaining  the  principles  of 
informality,  flexibility,  subsidiarity  and  equal  status  of  all  the  participants.  This  resulted  in 
the concept of the European Initiative for  Agricultural Research for  Development-EIARD 
launched two years ago. 

3. 

THE ROLE OF EIARD 

Based  on the  significant  contributions  Europe provides,  EIARD's purpose  is to  improve  the 
impact of  investments  in Research  and  Development  by  more efficient  coordination  between 
its  18  Partners  and  within  the  States  and  the  Commission,  both  at  policy  and  operational 
levels.  This  would  also  give  Europe  a  more  active  role  and  a  better  recognition  in  all 
international  matters  concerning  ARD.  EIARD  is an  instrument  to  promote  partnerships  for 

s 
collaboration between all the actors involved  in ARD, including European AROs, developing 
country  NARS  and  their  Regional  and  Subregional  Fora,  and  the  international  centres 
(IARCs) of  the CGIAR,  in order  to maximise coherence  toward  common objectives,  and  to 
achieve  complementarity,  synergy  and  better  cost-effectiveness,  as  well  as  optimising 
operational and political impact. 

In  order  to  achieve  its  purpose  the  European  Initiative  will  define  a  European  concerted 
strategy  for  the  17  States  and  the  Commission.  EIARD  is  a  mechanism  enabling  better 
coordination  between  relevant  policies  mainly  those  of  research  and  development, 
and 
aiming to achieve more coherence between the different  activities undertaken by the Commis-
sion  and  the  States.  Coordination  between  the  relevant  Commission  services  will  be  further 
strenghtened to enable the Commission to play a more important role in this Initiative.  These 
roles  are  in full  compliance  with the articles  130 g and h for  Research,  and  130 u  and  v  for 
Development Cooperation of the Treaty of the European Union. 

The role of EIARD therefore  is to promote: 

A. Coordination at various European levels: 

1. 

Information  exchange  within  Europe,  e.g.  within  and  between  the  European 
Commission and the States. 
Information  exchange  between  all  the  actors  is  of  vital  importance.  Modern 
information  and  communication 
in 
facilitating  exchange  of  information  in  the  widest  possible  sense.  EIARD  stimulates 
the exchange of information,  including the use of modern tools. This will also help to 
mobilize  European  research  capability,  in  establishing  linkages  with  NARS,  with 
Regional  and Subregional  Fora and with IARCs, thus contributing to strengthening of 
research capabilities in developing countries. 

technologies  provide  many  opportunities 

I The implementation of an Information  System (EIARD-InfoSys), making optimum use of 

existing databases and information  systems is underway. A pilot study has been carried out 
to explore the feasibility  of such a system. On 23 and 24 September  1996 a Workshop was 
held in Bonn defining  the terms-of-reference  for the implementation of the  EIARD-InfoSys 
which will start with a pilot phase. 

2. 

Concertation with respect to developing countries and international fora,  e.g.  CGIAR, 
Global Forum,  Regional and Subregional  Fora,  Agenda 21, at policy and  institutional 
levels;  improved  European  visibility,  presence  and  participation.  Concertation 
mechanisms  will  be  enhanced  and  strengthened  to  achieve  better  synergy  with  other 
EU policies, cooperation with the Member  States, relevant  international  organizations 
and  developing  countries.  In  order  to  implement  a  coherent  and  complementary 
approach  there  is  a  need  to  promote  greater  concertation  among  European  AROs, 
with  NARS,  Regional  and  Subregional  Fora  and  organizations,  and  the  CGIAR.  A 

continuing  and  interactive  input  from  all  relevant  partners  is  required, 
in  the 
identification  of  research priorities  and in the  allocation  of  scarce  financial  resources. 
These  concertation  mechanisms  will  be  implemented  through  consultations  among 
Europeans,  and through discussions with the other actors. 

Concertation between the European Donors to the CGIAR,  both with respect to policy  and 
strategy  and the distribution of funds to the IARCs  is taking place on an informal  and 
regular basis.  Whenever considered appropriate this may lead to joint European positions 
at meetings of the CGIAR. 

Coordination  of  activities,  e.g.  programmes,  policy  development  and  formulation; 
coordination  of  various  ARD  policies  within  and between  the  European  Commission 
and  the  European  States;  facilitating  the  elaboration  of  coordinated  positions  where 
feasible,  and  to  voice  the  views  of  all  partners  of  EIARD  when  appropriate;  to 
increase  the  efficiency  and  cost-effectiveness  of  European  knowledge  and  innovation 
for global and development-oriented  issues. 

EIARD  strongly  supports  the  regional  and  subregional  approach,  which  is  both 
instrumental  in addressing  national  and local  development  issues  and partnerships  and 
also  feeds 
into  global  priorities  and  strategies.  EIARD  furthermore  activates 
appropriate  implementation  mechanisms,  and  is  instrumental  in  strengthening  NARS. 
In the framework  of  the emerging  Global  Forum EIARD  stimulates  the creation of  an 
European  Regional  Forum,  involving  European  policy  makers  and  AROs  in order  to 
strengthen and better coordinate  their role  in implementing  the global  agricultural  and 
natural resource management research agenda. 

Exploratory  studies to orient future  research policy  and activities have started.  A  major 
study has been carried out on  "Mechanisms  of Regional  and Subregional  Cooperation  in 
Agricultural  Research,  Their Operationalisation and Sustainable  Financing".  This study  is 
already demonstrating  a commitment of a coordinated position by the EIARD partners  in 
the international  discussions  on the establishment of the Global  Forum and Regional  and 
Subregional  Fora on agricultural  research. 

4. 

Formulation  of  a common  European policy  for  ARD.  This  aim could  follow  from the 
coordination  levels  described  before  depending  on  the  willingness  of  the  partners  in 
the light of the experience  gained. 

B. Increased partnerships with Developing Countries: 

10 

1. 

Direct  partnerships  between  Europe  and  the  DCs  (including  the  area  of  information 
exchange) 

Activities have been implemented with respect to concertation of research groups, both in 
Europe (AROs) and DCs  (NARS). Existing European network type organizations  for 
ARD, e.g.  NATURA for universities and ECART for research institutions,  representing 
several AROs but not all of them, have been invited to present their views in the 
international discussions in the Global Forum. Plans are being developed to organize an 
European Regional Forum involving all European AROs. Three Subregional  organizations 
in Africa,  e.g.  CORAF (West and Central), ASARECA (East and Central) and SACCAR 
(Southern), representing the NARS in their regions are supported to organize themselves in 
Subregional Fora, and to participate in the Global Forum. 

2. 

In the context of the Global Forum,  Regional and Subregional  Fora  and the CGIAR. 
In the emerging  Global Forum  all the relevant  actors  should  have their  proper  place, 
for  which new modalities of partnerships are needed. A major effort  of concertation is 
required on a global scale, that draws upon the resources of all parties involved, based 
on  their  comparative  advantages.  Europe  is  already  involved  in  supporting  the 
discussions in the Regional and Subregional Fora of the developing countries and their 
role  in  the  Global  Forum.  But  in  this  context  it  should  also  organize  itself  in  an 
(regional)  European  Forum,  both  at  policy  and  institutional  level,  as  part  of  the 
Global  Forum.  European  partnerships  in  relation  to  ARD  should  be  promoted  by 
enhancing  concertation  between  the  relevant  universities  and  other  higher  education 
establishments, research institutes, NGO's and the private sector. 

The  significance  of these points  follows  from  the coordination  at the  European  level, 
which is instrumental  in achieving the purpose of EIARD: 

Previous  European  experience  in  North-South,  North-North  and  South-South  cooperation 
programmes,  projects,  studies and networks  (bilateral and multilateral)  is extremely  relevant. 
EIARD  will  capitalize  on  it,  bearing  in mind  that  it promotes  the  direct  involvement  of  the 
scientific  communities in developing countries as well as in Europe. 

4. 

ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT  OF EIARD 

During  the  Research  Council  of  9  June  1995  the  Commission  presented  a  Working  Paper 
which reflected  on a mechanism to achieve the goals of EIARD.  A European  Coordination 
Group (ECG) was proposed to implement the Initiative, and to ensure its continuity. 

11 

As  mentioned  before,  this  has  emerged  from  the  existing  group  of  European  Donors  to  the 
CGIAR,  which  encompasses  13  Member  States  of  the  Union,  the  European  Commission, 
Norway  and  Switzerland  by  adding  the  remaining  Member  States  who  are  not  CGIAR 
donors.  The  ECG  therefore  represents  all the  18 partners  in the  European Initiative.  It  is an 
informal  platform  of coordination  to discuss policies  of  all  interested  EIARD partners  in the 
fields  of  research  and  development,  which  is  not  covered  by  the  existing  EU  committees 
related  to  ARD.  The  ECG  mechanism  has  to  operate  outside  the  normal  EU  "comitology" 
procedures for community programmes. 

The  effectiveness  of  the  ECG  is  ensured  through  the  country  representatives  and  by  the 
endorsement  by the Council  of the role the Commission  should play.  At the Vienna  meeting 
it was agreed that the ECG will normally be composed of two representatives of each country 
(17  States)  and  representatives  of  the Commission.  The  Members  of  the  ECG  are  appointed 
by  their  respective  governments  and  the  European  Commission.  As  the  EIARD  relates  to 
both research  policy  and development  cooperation policy  the ECG-Members  are expected  to 
act in a pro-active way, to represent their countries views in these areas,  and to be  in charge 
of the  respective  files.  In most countries  this relates to different  ministries,  which  should  be 
represented.  The  same  applies  for  the  different  services  involved  within  the  European 
Commission.  The ECG is accountable to both 
individual  European  Governments  (through  their  representatives)  and  to  the  EU  Council  of 
Ministers and the European Parliament through the Commission. 

The  Commission  will  report  regularly  on  EIARD's  progress  to  the  existing  Committees 
related to ARD, and inform  the Council and Parliament,  particularly  when there are elements 
likely to be taken into account in European Union policies. 

As the ECG has decided to meet in principle only once a year,  following  the experience with 
the European Donor group of the CGIAR a smaller Working Group (WG) has been  formed, 
which ensures  the continuing  activities  of the European Initiative  and operates as a  "Steering 
Committee".  It  is  fully  accountable  to  the  ECG.  The  WG  meets  between  meetings  of  the 
ECG, about four times a year, as far as necessary. 

The WG Members are appointed by the ECG for a mandate of two years; its composition 
will be reviewed every two years. The WG comprises members from 6 partner countries 
(for the first 2 years France, Germany,  United Kingdom,  Sweden, Spain and Switzerland) 
and the Commission. 

Most of the costs for running the Initiative (travel costs, etc.) are borne by the partners 
themselves. The Commission houses the Executive Secretariat,  the services of which have 
8  been provided for an initial period of three years by a Member State (NL) on a secondment 
basis. Some limited ad hoc support for  specific  actions has been made under the INCO-DC 
accompanying measures provisions, eg. joint support with Germany for  EIARD InfoSys 
workshop. When appropriate, additional ad hoc support for  specific  activities may also be 
provided from DG VIII managed funds  (European Development Fund) in accordance with 
normal procedures. 

12 

i 

Depending  on the activities  undertaken under the  auspices  of  EIARD,  the ECG  and WG  will 
be  assisted  by  (groups  of)  experts  in  varying  compositions.  This  "Advisory  Capacity"  will 
be  asked  to  address  questions  the  ECG/WG  would  like  to  be  examined,  or  to  prepare 
opinions  on identified  subjects. 

The ECG and WG are assisted by an Executive  Secretariat,  which is hosted by the  European 
Commission  (DG  XII).  The  Executive  Secretary 
is  responsible  for  the  day-to-day 
management of the European Initiative. 

IN CONCLUSION,  THE COUNCIL IS ASKED TO: 

Recognise  the  role  of  this  Initiative  in  enhancing  the  coherence  of  the  Union's 
positions  in various  international  fora  in relation to the role of  research on agricultural 
production  and  natural  resources  management  in  the  context  of  food  security, 
sustainable  development and poverty  alleviation in developing  countries. 

Recognise  the  importance  of  a pro-active  voluntary  and flexible  coordination mechan 
ism  and the  consequent  implications  for  the  participation  of  its  members  at an appro 
priate  level. 

Agree  that  recommendations  arising  from  this  Initiative  will  be  considered  in  the 
formulation and implementation of future  European Union policies  and strategies. 

Endorse  the  continuation  of  this  Initiative  and  the  Commission's  participation  repre 
senting  the  EC  interest  in  that  matter  as  a  full  partner  alongside  the  Member  States 
and other European members. 

Note  that  the  Commission  will  report  to  the  Council  on  the  work  accomplished,  if 
appropriate. 

A3 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(97) 126 final 

DOCUMENTS 

EN 

03  01  15  11 

Catalogue number  :  CB-CO-97-121-EN-C 

ISBN 92-78- 17503-X 

Office  for Officiai  Publications of the European Communities 

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