Considerations on COM(2023)176 - Extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the EC and the Government of the USA

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(1)By Decision 98/591/EC 7 , the Council approved the conclusion of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America 8 (the ‘Agreement’). The Agreement was signed in Washington, DC, on 5 December 1997 and entered into force on 14 October 1998.

(2)In accordance with point (b) of Article 12 of the Agreement, the Agreement is concluded for an initial period of five years. Subject to review by the Parties in the final year of each successive period, the Agreement may be extended, with possible amendments, thereafter for additional periods of five years by mutual written agreement between the Parties.

(3)By Decisions 2004/756/EC 9 , 2009/306/EC 10 , 2014/240/EU 11  and (EU) 2018/1578 12  the Council approved the extension of the Agreement for an additional period of five years each time. The current Agreement is due to expire on 14 October 2023.

(4)The assessment carried out by Commission services demonstrates that the Agreement provides an important framework for facilitating cooperation between the Union and the United States of America in common Science & Technology priority areas leading to mutual benefits. It is therefore in the Union’s interest to extend the Agreement for a new period of five years.

(5)The exchange of letters between the Parties, dated 7 November 2022 and 13 December 2022, confirmed their interest in extending the Agreement for another five years.

(6)The extension of the Agreement should be approved on behalf of the Union.