Scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and Algeria

SUMMARY OF:

Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on scientific and technological cooperation

Decision 2012/645/EU — conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on scientific and technological cooperation

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE AGREEMENT AND THE DECISION?

The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation aiming at encouraging, developing and facilitating activities in the areas of science and technology in fields of common interest.

By its decision, the Council approved the conclusion of the agreement on behalf of the European Union (EU).

KEY POINTS

Activities conducted under the agreement are based on the following principles:

promotion of a knowledge-based economy;
mutual benefit;
reciprocal access to the activities of research programmes and technological developments undertaken by each party;
timely exchange of information;
exchange and protection of intellectual property rights;
participation and funding in compliance with the laws of the parties.

Cooperation

Algerian legal entities* can take part in indirect cooperative activities of EU’s framework programmes for research and technological development and demonstration activities under conditions set out in Annexes I and II of the agreement.
Legal entities established in EU countries can take part in Algerian research programmes and projects covering similar areas to those of the framework programme under the same conditions referred to in Annexes I and II.

Activities

Cooperative activities may indicatively include:

regular discussions on the guidelines and priorities for research policies and planning in Algeria and the EU;
discussions on cooperation, developments and future prospects;
timely provision of information concerning the implementation of respective programmes and research projects;
joint meetings;
visits and exchanges of research workers, engineers and technicians, including for training purposes;
exchanges and sharing of equipment, materials and testing services;
contacts between programme or project managers of Algeria and the EU;
participation of experts in seminars, symposia and workshops;
exchanges of information on practices, laws, regulations, and programmes relevant to cooperation under this agreement;
research and technological development training;
other activities as may be decided on by the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee set up under this agreement.

DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE

The agreement entered into force on 11 June 2013 for an indefinite period. It may be terminated at any time by either party with 6 months’ written notice.

BACKGROUND

Algeria is one of the countries covered by the EU Neighbourhood Policy.
In 2005 the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement entered into force establishing an association between the European Community and its countries on one hand, and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria on the other .

For more information, see:

Algeria and the EU (European External Action Service)
European Neighbourhood policy — Algeria (European Commission)

For more information about Research & Innovation (R&I) cooperation with Algeria, see:

International R&I cooperation — Algeria (European Commission)
Roadmap for EU Southern Neighbourhood S&T cooperation (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

Legal entities: companies, organisations and individuals which have legal rights and obligations.

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on scientific and technological cooperation (OJ L 99, 5.4.2012, pp. 2-8)

Council Decision 2012/645/EU of 10 October 2012 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on scientific and technological cooperation (OJ L 287, 18.10.2012, p. 3)