Scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and Algeria

 

SUMMARY OF:

Agreement between the European Union (EU) and Algeria on scientific and technological cooperation

Decision 2012/184/EU – signing, on behalf of the EU, and provisional application, of the agreement between the EU and Algeria on scientific and technological cooperation

Decision 2012/645/EU – conclusion of the agreement between the EU and Algeria on scientific and technological cooperation

Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the EU and Algeria on a framework agreement between the EU and Algeria on the general principles for Algeria’s participation in EU programmes

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE AGREEMENT, THE DECISIONS AND THE PROTOCOL?

• The agreement establishes a formal framework and general rules for cooperation between the European Community, now the European Union (EU), and Algeria, aimed at encouraging, developing and facilitating activities in the fields of science and technology in areas of common interest.
• By Decision 2012/184/EU, the Council of the European Union signed the agreement on behalf of the EU.
• By Decision 2012/645/EU, the Council approved the conclusion of the agreement on behalf of the EU.
• In view of the Council’s support for the European Commission’s approach to enable European neighbourhood policy partner countries to participate in EU agencies and programmes on their merits, and where authorised by the relevant legal bases, the protocol sets out specific terms and conditions, including the financial contribution and reporting and evaluation procedures, applicable to Algeria’s participation in each particular EU programme.

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 the EU’s framework programmes for research and technological development and demonstration activities under conditions set out in Annexes I and II to the agreement.
• Legal entities established in EU Member States can take part in Algerian research programmes and projects covering similar areas to those of the framework programmes 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 from 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.

The EU and Algeria agree to enable the free movement and residence of research workers in their respective territories, and the movement of goods intended for use in these activities, under their applicable legislation.

Under the protocol, Algeria must contribute financially to the EU’s general budget corresponding to the specific programmes in which it participates. A memorandum of understanding between the Commission and the Algerian authorities sets out the specific terms and conditions, in particular the financial contribution and reporting and evaluation procedures, regarding Algeria’s participation in each programme.

Algeria participates in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) initiative, set up under Decision (EU) 2017/1324 (see summary). PRIMA aims to pool the knowledge and financial resources of the EU and the participating countries to build research and innovation capacities and develop knowledge and joint innovative solutions for water and agri-food systems in the Mediterranean area. The EU will provide up to €220 million from the Horizon 2020 programme to PRIMA.

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 European neighbourhood policy.
• In 2005, the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement entered into force, establishing an association between the European Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Algeria, of the other part.

For further information, see:

• Algeria and the EU (European External Action Service)
• European Neighbourhood policy – Algeria (European Commission).

For further information about research and development cooperation with Algeria, see:

• International R&D cooperation with Algeria (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

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 2012/184/EU of 19 December 2011 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application, of the Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on scientific and technological cooperation (OJ L 99, 5.4.2012, p. 1).

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).

Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on the general principles for the participation of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in Union programmes (OJ L 148, 13.6.2015, pp. 3–6).

RELATED DOCUMENTS

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, 18.7.2017, pp. 1–15).

Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, of the other part – Annexes – Protocols – Final Act – Declarations (OJ L 265, 10.10.2005, pp. 2–228).

last update 07.06.2024