52018PC0072

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 19.2.2018

COM(2018) 72 final

2018/0034(NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

•Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

Following a proposal by the Commission for an Article 185 TFEU PRIMA initiative 1 , the Decision (EU) 2017/1324 of the European Parliament and of the Council 2 on the participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area ('PRIMA') jointly undertaken by several Member States was adopted.

PRIMA aims at implementing a joint programme to foster research and innovation capacities and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions for improving the efficiency, safety, security and sustainability of agro-food systems and of integrated water provision and management in the Mediterranean area. PRIMA will be jointly undertaken by a number of Member States and third countries ('PRIMA Participating States') with a high level of commitment to scientific, management and financial integration and under the same terms and conditions.

The Kingdom of Morocco ('Morocco') expressed its wish to join PRIMA as a Participating State by letter of 26 September 2014 committing to provide a total financial contribution of 40 million euros to the initiative.

In order to ensure that Morocco participates in PRIMA on an equal footing with Member States and third countries associated to Horizon 2020, an International Agreement with the Union is required to extend the scope of the legal regime established by Decision (EU) 2017/1324 to Morocco.

On 30 May 2017 the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations, on behalf of the Union, with Morocco on an International Agreement between the Union and Morocco laying down the terms and conditions for the participation of Morocco in PRIMA, subject to the adoption of Decision (EU) 2017/1324.

The negotiations started on 26 June 2017 and were successfully completed on 22 January 2018, when the Chief Negotiators of the future Parties initialled the text of the draft Agreement. The draft Agreement attached to this proposal is in line with the negotiating directives issued by the Council. In particular, it establishes that the terms and conditions for the participation of Morocco in PRIMA shall be those set out in Decision (EU) 2017/1324, making direct reference to the Union legislative act.

In order to ensure the protection of Union financial interests, particularly the powers of the Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office, the Court of Auditors and the PRIMA Implementation Structure (PRIMA-IS) to carry out audits and investigations in accordance with the applicable Union legislation, the Agreement makes specific reference to the relevant provisions of Decision (EU) 2017/1324 and obliges the Parties to provide all necessary assistance to ensure their implementation. In addition, the future Agreement stipulates that the Parties must agree on detailed arrangements for assistance, such arrangements being essential to their cooperation under this Agreement.

The Agreement provides for its provisional application upon signature so as to allow Moroccan researchers to reap a maximum of benefits of the calls launched pursuant to the first PRIMA Annual Work Plan (AWP), for 2018 3 . This AWP already addresses in detail the eligibility conditions for participation and funding of legal entities established in a country that becomes a Participating State during the implementation of the AWP, such as Morocco. Under Article 7(2) Decision (EU) 2017/1324 the eligibility for participation is determined at the time of the call deadline, which is on 17 April 2018 as indicated in the PRIMA AWP. Against this background during negotiations Morocco expressed its readiness to provisionally apply this Agreement with a view to affording researchers from Morocco the possibility to fully benefit from the aforementioned calls.

•Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area

As also presented in the impact assessment report for PRIMA 4 , the openness of PRIMA to the participation of third countries such as Morocco is consistent with the objectives of international cooperation for research and innovation as outlined in the 2012 Commission Communication 'Enhancing and focusing EU international cooperation in research and innovation: A strategic approach' 5 and Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, which promotes cooperation with third countries in science, technology and innovation in order to tackle global societal challenges and support Union external policies. This Agreement is also consistent with the existing Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part 6 which provides for scientific, technical and technological cooperation between Union and Morocco; and with the Agreement on scientific and technical cooperation between the European Community and the Kindgom of Morocco 7 which encourages cooperative scientific and technological activities between the Parties in fields of common interest.

•Consistency with other Union policies

The implementation of PRIMA in close cooperation with third countries such as Morocco is also consistent with, and relevant for, other Union policies, such as migration policy, development policy and neighbourhood policy.

2.LEGAL elements of the proposal

The proposal for a Council decision is based on Article 186 and Article 218(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

4.BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS

The Legislative Financial Statement presented with this Decision sets out the indicative budgetary implications.

In the light of the above, the Commission proposes that the Council

- decides on the signature and provisional application of the Agreement on behalf of the Union;

- authorises the negotiator of the Agreement to sign, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco setting out the terms and conditions for participation of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).

2018/0034 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 186 in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1)Decision (EU) 2017/1324 of the European Parliament and of the Council 8 provides for the participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area ('PRIMA') jointly undertaken by several Member States.

(2)PRIMA aims to implement a joint programme to foster research and innovation capacities and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions for improving the efficiency, safety, security and sustainability of agro-food systems and of integrated water provision and management in the Mediterranean area.

(3)PRIMA will be jointly undertaken by a number of Member States and third countries ('PRIMA Participating States) with a high level of commitment to scientific, management and financial integration and under the same terms and conditions.

(4)The Kingdom of Morocco ('Morocco') expressed its wish to join PRIMA as a Participating State and to be on an equal footing with the Member States and third countries associated with Horizon 2020 participating in PRIMA.

(5)In accordance with Article 1(2) of Decision (EU) 2017/1324 Morocco is to become a Participating State in PRIMA subject to the conclusion of an international agreement for scientific and technological cooperation with the Union setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of Morocco in PRIMA.

(6)On 30 May 2017 the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations, on behalf of the Union, with Morocco, on an international agreement setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of Morocco in PRIMA, subject to the adoption of Decision (EU) 2017/1324. The negotiations were successfully completed by the initialling of the Agreement.

(7)Therefore, the Agreement should be signed on behalf of the Union, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

(8)In view of allowing for the participation of Morocco in PRIMA as soon as possible, the Agreement should be applied provisionally.

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The signing of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) is hereby approved on behalf of the Union, subject to the conclusion of that Agreement.

The text of the Agreement to be signed is attached to this Decision.

Article 2

The Council Secretariat General shall establish the instrument of full powers to sign the Agreement, subject to its conclusion, for the person(s) indicated by the negotiator of the Agreement.

Article 3

The Agreement shall be applied provisionally, in accordance with Article 4 of the Agreement, as from the date of its signing, pending its entry into force.

Article 4

This Decision shall enter into force on [the date of its adoption].

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

1.FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE

1.1.Title of the proposal/initiative

1.2.Policy area(s) concerned in the ABM/ABB structure

1.3.Nature of the proposal/initiative

1.4.Objective(s)

1.5.Grounds for the proposal/initiative

1.6.Duration and financial impact

1.7.Management mode(s) planned

2.MANAGEMENT MEASURES

2.1.Monitoring and reporting rules

2.2.Management and control system

2.3.Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities

3.ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE

3.1.Heading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s) affected

3.2.Estimated impact on expenditure

3.2.1.Summary of estimated impact on expenditure

3.2.2.Estimated impact on operational appropriations

3.2.3.Estimated impact on appropriations of an administrative nature

3.2.4.Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framework

3.2.5.Third-party contributions

3.3.Estimated impact on revenue

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

1.FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE

1.1.Title of the proposal/initiative

Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco setting out the terms and conditions for participation of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

1.2.Policy area(s) concerned in the ABM/ABB structure 9

Title 08 Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme.

1.3.Nature of the proposal/initiative

☑ The proposal/initiative relates to a new action

◻ The proposal/initiative relates to a new action following a pilot project/preparatory action 10

◻ The proposal/initiative relates to the extension of an existing action

◻ The proposal/initiative relates to an action redirected towards a new action

1.4.Objective(s)

1.4.1.The Commission's multiannual strategic objective(s) targeted by the proposal/initiative

The purpose of the present initiative is to allow Morocco to become a Participating State in PRIMA, whose strategic objective is to build research and innovation capacities and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions for agro-food systems, to make them sustainable, and for integrated water provision and management in the Mediterranean area, to make those systems and that provision and management more climate resilient, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally and socially sustainable, and to contribute to solving water scarcity, food security, nutrition, health, well-being and migration problems upstream.

1.4.2.Specific objective(s) and ABM/ABB activity(ies) concerned

In view of achieving its objectives, PRIMA will be jointly undertaken by a number of Member States and third countries under the same terms and conditions. In order to ensure that Morocco participates in PRIMA on an equal footing with Member States and third countries associated to Horizon 2020, an International Agreement with the Union is required to extend the scope of the legal regime established by Decision (EU) 2017/1324 to Morocco.

1.4.3.Expected result(s) and impact

Specify the effects which the proposal/initiative should have on the beneficiaries/groups targeted.

The present initiative will allow Morocco to become a Participating State in PRIMA, and thus engaged on an equal footing with Member States and third countries associated to Horizon 2020. In accordance with the provisions of Decision (EU) 2017/1324, Moroccan legal entities would be automatically eligible to apply for EU funding in projects funded from the EU budget.

1.4.4.Indicators of results and impact

Specify the indicators for monitoring implementation of the proposal/initiative.

The purpose of the present initiative is to allow the participation of Morocco in PRIMA. The indicators of results and impact of the present initiative are thus strictly linked with those for the PRIMA initiative as a whole, as specified in the corresponding Commission proposal. 11

1.5.Grounds for the proposal/initiative

1.5.1.Requirement(s) to be met in the short or long term

Please refer to the Commission proposal for an Article185 TFEU PRIMA initiative mentioned above and to the PRIMA Impact Assessment Report, accompanying this Commission proposal. 12

1.5.2.Added value of EU involvement

Please refer to the Commission proposal for an Article185 TFEU PRIMA initiative mentioned above.

1.5.3.Lessons learned from similar experiences in the past

There are no precedents for this intiative, since PRIMA is the first intiative of its kind to count with participation of third countries not associated to EU Research Framewrok Programme on an equal footing with Member States and thus requiring the conclusion of international agreements with the Union for their participation.

1.5.4.Compatibility and possible synergy with other appropriate instruments

Please refer to the Commission proposal for an Article185 TFEU PRIMA initiative mentioned above.

1.6.Duration and financial impact

☑ Proposal/initiative of limited duration

–☑ Proposal/initiative in effect from the date of provisional application of the Agreement and for as long as Decision (EU) 2017/1324 is in force (31/12/2028).

–☑ Financial impact from the date of provisional application of the Agreement until 31.12.2020 (during this period an arrangement implementing the Agreement is to be set up. After this period, no further activities are envisaged under the Agreement).

◻ Proposal/initiative of unlimited duration

–Implementation with a start-up period from YYYY to YYYY,

–followed by full-scale operation.

1.7.Management mode(s) planned 13

◻ Direct management by the Commission

–◻ by its departments, including by its staff in the Union delegations;

–◻ by the executive agencies

◻ Shared management with the Member States

☑ Indirect management by entrusting budget implementation tasks to:

–◻ third countries or the bodies they have designated;

–◻ international organisations and their agencies (to be specified);

–◻the EIB and the European Investment Fund;

–◻ bodies referred to in Articles 208 and 209 of the Financial Regulation;

–◻ public law bodies;

–☑ bodies governed by private law with a public service mission to the extent that they provide adequate financial guarantees;

–◻ bodies governed by the private law of a Member State that are entrusted with the implementation of a public-private partnership and that provide adequate financial guarantees;

–◻ persons entrusted with the implementation of specific actions in the CFSP pursuant to Title V of the TEU, and identified in the relevant basic act.

–If more than one management mode is indicated, please provide details in the ‘Comments’ section.

Comments

A new legal entity is established - dedicated exclusively to the PRIMA implementation. The EU financial contribution to PRIMA will be provided through this structure.

2.MANAGEMENT MEASURES

2.1.Monitoring and reporting rules

Specify frequency and conditions.

Please refer to the Commission proposal for an Article185 TFEU PRIMA initiative mentioned in the previous sections.

2.2.Management and control system

2.2.1.Risk(s) identified

Please refer to the Commission proposal for an Article185 TFEU PRIMA initiative mentioned in the previous sections.

2.2.2.Information concerning the internal control system set up

Please refer to the Commission proposal for an Article185 TFEU PRIMA initiative mentioned in the previous sections.

2.2.3.Estimate of the costs and benefits of the controls and assessment of the expected level of risk of error

Please refer to the Commission proposal for an Article185 TFEU PRIMA initiative mentioned in the previous sections.

2.3.Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities

Specify existing or envisaged prevention and protection measures.

In order to ensure the protection of Union financial interests, particularly the powers of the Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office, the Court of Auditors and the PRIMA Implementation Structure (PRIMA-IS) to carry out audits and investigations in accordance with the applicable Union legislation, the Agreement to be concluded between the EU and Morocco makes specific reference to the relevant provisions of Decision (EU) 2017/1324 and obliges the Parties to provide all necessary assistance to ensure their implementation. In addition, the future Agreement stipulates that the Parties must agree on detailed arrangements for assistance, such arrangements being essential to their cooperation under this Agreement.

3.ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE

3.1.Heading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s) affected

·Existing budget lines

In order of multiannual financial framework headings and budget lines.

Heading of multiannual financial framework

Budget line

Type of
expenditure

Contribution

Heading 1a - Competitiveness for growth and jobs

Diff./Non-diff. 14

from EFTA countries 15

from candidate countries 16

from third countries

within the meaning of Article 21(2)(b) of the Financial Regulation

08.01.05

Non-diff.

YES

·New budget lines requested

In order of multiannual financial framework headings and budget lines.

Heading of multiannual financial framework

Budget line

Type of
expenditure

Contribution

Number
[Heading………………………………………]

Diff./Non-diff.

from EFTA countries

from candidate countries

from third countries

within the meaning of Article 21(2)(b) of the Financial Regulation

[XX.YY.YY.YY]

YES/NO

3.2.Estimated impact on expenditure

[This section should be filled in using the spreadsheet on budget data of an administrative nature (second document in annex to this financial statement) and uploaded to CISNET for interservice consultation purposes.]

3.2.1.Summary of estimated impact on expenditure

EUR

Heading of multiannual financial
framework

'Competetiveness for growth and jobs'

DG: <RTD.>			Year 2018 17	Year 2019	Year 2020	Year 2021-2029	TOTAL
• Operational appropriations
Number of budget line	Commitments	(1)
	Payments	(2)
Number of budget line	Commitments	(1a)
	Payments	(2a)
Appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope of specific programmes 18
Number of budget line: 08.010501		(3)	23000	23000	23000		69000
TOTAL appropriations for DG RTD	Commitments	=1+1a +3	23000	23000	23000		69000
	Payments	=2+2a +3	23000	23000	23000		69000

• TOTAL operational appropriations	Commitments	(4)
	Payments	(5)
• TOTAL appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope for specific programmes		(6)	23000	23000	23000	69000
TOTAL appropriations under HEADING <1a> of the multiannual financial framework	Commitments	=4+ 6	23000	23000	23000	69000
	Payments	=5+ 6	23000	23000	23000	69000

If more than one heading is affected by the proposal / initiative:

• TOTAL operational appropriations	Commitments	(4)
	Payments	(5)
• TOTAL appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope for specific programmes		(6)
TOTAL appropriations under HEADINGS 1 to 4 of the multiannual financial framework (Reference amount)	Commitments	=4+ 6
	Payments	=5+ 6

Heading of multiannual financial
framework

‘Administrative expenditure’

EUR

		Year 2018 19	Year 2019	Year 2020	Year 2021-2029	TOTAL
DG: <RTD.>
• Human resources
• Other administrative expenditure		4600	4600	4600		13800
TOTAL DG <RTD>	Appropriations	4600	4600	4600		13800

TOTAL appropriations
under HEADING 5
of the multiannual financial framework

(Total commitments = Total payments)

4600

13800

EUR

		Year 2018 20	Year 2019	Year 2020	Year 2021-2029	TOTAL
TOTAL appropriations under HEADINGS 1 to 5 of the multiannual financial framework	Commitments	27600	27600	27600		82800
	Payments	27600	27600	27600		82800

3.2.2.Estimated impact on operational appropriations

–☑ The proposal/initiative does not require the use of operational appropriations

–◻ The proposal/initiative requires the use of operational appropriations, as explained below:

Commitment appropriations in EUR

Indicate objectives and outputs

⇩

Year
N

Year
N+1

Year
N+2

Year
N+3

Enter as many years as necessary to show the duration of the impact (see point 1.6)

TOTAL

OUTPUTS

Type 21

Average cost

Cost

Total No

Total cost

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE No 1 22 …

- Output

Subtotal for specific objective No 1

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE No 2 ...

- Output

Subtotal for specific objective No 2

TOTAL COST

3.2.3.Estimated impact on appropriations of an administrative nature

3.2.3.1.Summary

–◻ The proposal/initiative does not require the use of appropriations of an administrative nature

–☑ The proposal/initiative requires the use of appropriations of an administrative nature, as explained below:

EUR

Year
2018 23

Year
2019

Year
2020

Year
2021-2029

TOTAL

HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework
Human resources
Other administrative expenditure	4600	4600	4600	13800
Subtotal HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework	4600	4600	4600	13800

Outside HEADING 5 24 of the multiannual financial framework
Human resources	23000	23000	23000	69000
Other expenditure of an administrative nature
Subtotal outside HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework	23000	23000	23000	69000

TOTAL

27600

82800

The appropriations required for human resources and other expenditure of an administrative nature will be met by appropriations from the DG that are already assigned to management of the action and/or have been redeployed within the DG, together if necessary with any additional allocation which may be granted to the managing DG under the annual allocation procedure and in the light of budgetary constraints.

3.2.3.2.Estimated requirements of human resources

–◻ The proposal/initiative does not require the use of human resources.

–☑ The proposal/initiative requires the use of human resources, as explained below:

Estimate to be expressed in full time equivalent units

		Year 2018	Year 2019	Year 2020	Year 2021-2029
• Establishment plan posts (officials and temporary staff)
XX 01 01 01 (Headquarters and Commission’s Representation Offices)
XX 01 01 02 (Delegations)
08 01 05 01 (Indirect research)		0.2	0.2	0.2
10 01 05 01 (Direct research)
• External staff (in Full Time Equivalent unit: FTE) 25
XX 01 02 01 (AC, END, INT from the ‘global envelope’)
XX 01 02 02 (AC, AL, END, INT and JED in the delegations)
XX 01 04 yy 26	- at Headquarters
	- in Delegations
XX 01 05 02 (AC, END, INT - Indirect research)
10 01 05 02 (AC, END, INT - Direct research)
Other budget lines (specify)
TOTAL		0.2	0.2	0.2

XX is the policy area or budget title concerned.

The human resources required will be met by staff from the DG who are already assigned to management of the action and/or have been redeployed within the DG, together if necessary with any additional allocation which may be granted to the managing DG under the annual allocation procedure and in the light of budgetary constraints.

Description of tasks to be carried out:

Officials and temporary staff	Preparation and conclusion of administrative arrangement with Moroccan authorities for assistance regarding protection of EU financial interests, as provided for Article 2 of the Agreement.
External staff

3.2.4.Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framework

–☑ The proposal/initiative is compatible the current multiannual financial framework.

–◻ The proposal/initiative will entail reprogramming of the relevant heading in the multiannual financial framework.

Explain what reprogramming is required, specifying the budget lines concerned and the corresponding amounts.

–◻ The proposal/initiative requires application of the flexibility instrument or revision of the multiannual financial framework.

Explain what is required, specifying the headings and budget lines concerned and the corresponding amounts.

3.2.5.Third-party contributions

–☑ The proposal/initiative does not provide for co-financing by third parties.

–The proposal/initiative provides for the co-financing estimated below:

Appropriations in EUR

	Year N	Year N+1	Year N+2	Year N+3	Enter as many years as necessary to show the duration of the impact (see point 1.6)	Total
Specify the co-financing body
TOTAL appropriations co-financed

3.3.Estimated impact on revenue

–☑ The proposal/initiative has no financial impact on revenue.

–◻ The proposal/initiative has the following financial impact:

–◻ on own resources

–◻ on miscellaneous revenue

EUR

Budget revenue line:	Appropriations available for the current financial year	Impact of the proposal/initiative 27
		Year N	Year N+1	Year N+2	Year N+3	Enter as many years as necessary to show the duration of the impact (see point 1.6)
Article ………….

For miscellaneous ‘assigned’ revenue, specify the budget expenditure line(s) affected.

Specify the method for calculating the impact on revenue.

(1) COM(2016) 662 final, 18.10.2016.

(2) Decision (EU) 2017/1324 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2017 on the participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area ('PRIMA') jointly undertaken by several Member States (OJ L 185, 18.07.2017, p. 1).

(3) C(2018) 371 final, 24.1.2018

(4) SWD(2016)332 final, 18.10.2016.

(5) COM(2012) 497 final.

(6) OJ L70, 18/03/2000, p. 2.

(7) OJ L37, 10/02/2004, p.9.

(8) Decision (EU) 2017/1324 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2017 on the participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area ('PRIMA') jointly undertaken by several Member States (OJ L 185, 18.07.2017, p. 1).

(9) ABM: activity-based management; ABB: activity-based budgeting.

(10) As referred to in Article 54(2)(a) or (b) of the Financial Regulation.

(11) COM(2016) 662 final, 18.10.2016

(12) SWD(2016)332 final, 18.10.2016

(13) Details of management modes and references to the Financial Regulation may be found on the BudgWeb site: http://www.cc.cec/budg/man/budgmanag/budgmanag_en.html

(14) Diff. = Differentiated appropriations / Non-diff. = Non-differentiated appropriations.

(15) EFTA: European Free Trade Association.

(16) Candidate countries and, where applicable, potential candidate countries from the Western Balkans.

(17) Year 2018 is the year in which implementation of the proposal/initiative starts.

(18) Technical and/or administrative assistance and expenditure in support of the implementation of EU programmes and/or actions (former ‘BA’ lines), indirect research, direct research.

(19) Year 2018 is the year in which implementation of the proposal/initiative starts.

(20) Year 2018 is the year in which implementation of the proposal/initiative starts.

(21) Outputs are products and services to be supplied (e.g.: number of student exchanges financed, number of km of roads built, etc.).

(22) As described in point 1.4.2. ‘Specific objective(s)…’

(23) Year 2018 is the year in which implementation of the proposal/initiative starts.

(24) Technical and/or administrative assistance and expenditure in support of the implementation of EU programmes and/or actions (former ‘BA’ lines), indirect research, direct research.

(25) AC= Contract Staff; AL = Local Staff; END= Seconded National Expert; INT = agency staff; JED= Junior Experts in Delegations.

(26) Sub-ceiling for external staff covered by operational appropriations (former ‘BA’ lines).

(27) As regards traditional own resources (customs duties, sugar levies), the amounts indicated must be net amounts, i.e. gross amounts after deduction of 25 % for collection costs.

Top

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels,19.2.2018

COM(2018) 72 final

ANNEX

to the

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION

ANNEX

Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

The European Union (hereinafter 'the Union'),

of the one part,

and

the Kingdom of Morocco (hereinafter 'Morocco'),

of the other part,

(hereinafter 'the Parties')

Whereas the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, which entered into force on 1 March 2000, provides for the scientific, technical and technological cooperation;

Whereas the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco, which entered into force on 14 March 2015, establishes a formal framework for cooperation of the Parties in scientific and technological research;

Whereas the process leading to PRIMA started with the Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation in Barcelona in 2012 where participants agreed to launch a renewed partnership in research and innovation based on the principles of co-ownership, mutual interest and shared benefit;

Whereas Morocco has been playing an active role in this process and by letter of 26th September 2014 formally expressed its financial commitment to PRIMA;

Whereas in December 2014, the proposal for a "PRIMA Joint Programme" was submitted to the European Commission by a number of EU Member States and non-EU countries, Morocco among them;

Whereas Decision (EU) 2017/1324 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) jointly undertaken by several Member States regulates the terms and conditions for the participation of the EU Member States and Countries Associated to Horizon 2020 who are Participating States of the initiative, in particular their financial obligations and participation in the governing structures of the initiative;

Whereas according to the terms of Decision (EU) 2017/1324 Morocco is to become a Participating State in PRIMA subject to the conclusion of an international agreement for scientific and technological cooperation with the Union setting out the terms and conditions of Morocco's participation in PRIMA;

Whereas Morocco expressed its wish to join PRIMA as a Participating State and on an equal footing with the EU Member States and Countries Associated to Horizon 2020 participating in PRIMA;

Whereas an international agreement between the Union and Morocco is needed to regulate the rights and obligations of Morocco as PRIMA Participating State,

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The purpose

The purpose of this Agreement is to set out the terms and conditions for participation of Morocco in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).

Article 2

Terms and conditions of participation of Morocco in PRIMA

The terms and conditions for the participation of Morocco in PRIMA shall be those set out in Decision (EU) 2017/1324 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation of the Union in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) jointly undertaken by several Member States. The Parties shall comply with the obligations established by that Decision and take appropriate measures, in particular by providing all necessary assistance in order to ensure the application of its Articles 10(2) and 11(3) and (4). The detailed arrangements for assistance shall be agreed between the Parties, such arrangements being essential to their cooperation under this Agreement.

Article 3

Territorial application

The territorial application of this Agreement shall be that established in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part.

Article 4

Signature and provisional application

This agreement shall be applied provisionally from the date of its signing.

Article 5

Entry into force and duration

1. This Agreement shall be approved by the Parties in accordance with their own procedures.

2. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date on which both Parties notified each other through diplomatic channels that the procedures referred to in the first paragraph have been completed.

3. This Agreement shall remain in force for as long as Decision (EU) 2017/1324 is in force, unless terminated by either Party in accordance with Article 6.

Article 6

Termination

1. Either Party may terminate this Agreement at any time by a written notice informing the other Party of the intent to terminate it.

The termination shall take effect six months after the date at which the written notice reaches its addressee.

2. Projects and activities in progress at the time of termination of this Agreement shall continue until their completion under the conditions laid down in this Agreement.

3. Parties shall settle by common consent any other consequences of termination.

Article 7

Dispute settlement

The dispute settlement procedure provided for in Article 86 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part shall apply to all disputes related to the application or interpretation of this Agreement.

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This Agreement shall be drawn up in duplicate in Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish and Arabic languages, each text being equally authentic.

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