EUROPA

SUMMARY

The European Union (EU) and New Zealand have concluded an Agreement aimed at introducing a Framework Programme to develop their scientific and technological cooperation.

The Agreement has been concluded for a period of five years and shall remain in force unless terminated by either Party.

Implementation of cooperation

The Draft Agreement attached to this Proposal lays down the principles upon which cooperation is to be based:

• mutual contributions and benefits;
• mutual access for participants to research programmes or projects operated by the other Party;
• exchange of information;
• promotion of knowledge-based societies for economic and social development;
• protection of intellectual property rights.

Direct cooperation aims to define research and development programmes which may be undertaken on a cooperative basis and to extend mutual knowledge of scientific, political, practical and legislative aspects in this field. Cooperation will take the form of meetings and the exchange of information, researchers and technical personnel.

Funding of activities shall be provided through grants and financial contributions which are to be exempt from customs duties where granted by the Parties to participants of the other Party.

Indirect cooperationcovers cooperative activities operated by the Government of New Zealand and the European Union under research programmes or projects funded by the other Party. Both shall ensure that appropriate assistance is provided and shall coordinate the activities. Participation shall take place according to a principle of equal treatment for participants of both Parties.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Union shall be both an executive agent for the carrying out of direct activities and a participant in indirect activities.

Intellectual property

Scientific and technological information of a non-proprietary nature arising from cooperative activities shall be in the public domain and may be made available by either Party.

The rights and obligations of participants in indirect activities shall be governed by the relevant international laws, regulations and conventions on intellectual property.

Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation

A Joint Committee shall be established to manage cooperation and assess progress. The Committee shall be chaired by and include representatives of both Parties. It is to meet at least every two years.

The Committee’s role is to:

• give views on scientific and technological policy issues;
• make recommendations on the implementation of the Agreement;
• make technical amendments to the Agreement.

It may decide to establish additional direct cooperative activities.

Context

This Agreement was preceded by an Arrangement concluded in 1991 in the area of scientific and technological cooperation.