Scientific and technological cooperation with Jordan

 

SUMMARY OF:

EU–Jordan agreement on scientific and technological cooperation

Decision 2011/348/EC on the signing and provisional application of the European Union (EU)–Jordan agreement on scientific and technological cooperation

Decision 2011/343/EU on the conclusion of the EU–Jordan agreement on scientific and technological cooperation

Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the EU and its Member States, of the one part, and Jordan, of the other part, on a framework agreement between the EU and Jordan on the general principles for the participation of Jordan in EU programmes

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

• The agreement establishes a formal structure and general rules for cooperation in scientific and technological research between the European Community, now the European Union (EU), and Jordan, aimed at encouraging, developing and facilitating cooperative activities of common interest in the fields of science and technology.
• Council Decision 2011/348/EC authorises the signature and provisional application of the agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and Jordan.
• Decision 2011/343/EU marks the conclusion of the agreement.
• In view of the Council of the European Union’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 Jordan’s participation in each particular EU programme.

KEY POINTS

The parties agree to encourage, develop and facilitate cooperative scientific and technological activities between the EU and Jordan in fields of common interest. Activities carried out under the agreement are based on a set of principles:

• the promotion of a knowledge-based society for the benefit of the economic and social development of the parties;
• mutual benefit based on an overall balance of advantages;
• reciprocal access to the activities of research programmes and projects undertaken by each party;
• the timely exchange of information;
• the appropriate exchange and protection of intellectual property rights;
• participation and funding in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations of the parties.

Cooperation

Legal entities* established in Jordan may participate in indirect cooperative activities under the framework programme for research and innovation (Horizon Europe) in accordance with its rules and its terms and conditions.

Legal entities established in the EU can participate in Jordan’s research projects in fields equivalent to those of the framework programme under the same conditions as those applicable to Jordanian legal entities.

Cooperation is subject to terms and conditions established by or referred to in Annex I to the agreement. Principles on the allocation of intellectual property rights are set out in Annex II.

Cooperation activities may, for example, take the following forms:

• regular political dialogue in the area of research;
• exchanges of scientific and technological information;
• exchanges of research workers, engineers and technicians;
• exchanges of equipment, materials and testing services;
• research and technological development training;
• participation of experts of both parties in thematic seminars, symposia and workshops;
• reciprocal access to scientific and technical information relevant to this cooperation; and
• any other arrangement adopted by the EU–Jordan Joint Scientific and Technological Cooperation Committee, which manages the implementation of the agreement.

In addition, the Jordanian authorities and the Commission agree to share information on current programmes and new cooperation opportunities.

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

Jordan 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 29 March 2011 and was provisionally applicable upon its signature on 30 November 2009.

BACKGROUND

Jordan is one of the countries covered by the European neighbourhood policy.

In 2002, the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement (see summary) entered into force, establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Jordan, of the other part.

For further information, see:

• The European Union and Jordan (European External Action Service)
• European Neighbourhood policy – Jordan (European Commission).

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

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

KEY TERMS

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Agreement between the European Community and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OJ L 159, 17.6.2011, pp. 108–114).

Council Decision 2011/343/EU of 9 March 2011 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OJ L 159, 17.6.2011, p. 1).

Council Decision 2011/348/EC of 10 November 2009 on the signing, on behalf of the Community, and provisional application of the Agreement between the European Community and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (OJ L 159, 17.6.2011, p. 107).

Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the general principles for the participation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Union programmes (OJ L 117, 27.4.2013, pp. 2–5).

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).

Information concerning the entry into force of the Agreement between the European Community and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on scientific and technological cooperation (OJ L 116, 28.4.2012, p. 1).

Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part – Protocol 1 concerning the arrangements applicable to the importation into the Community of agricultural products originating in Jordan – Protocol 2 concerning the arrangements applicable to the importation into Jordan of agricultural products originating in the Community – Protocol 3 concerning the definition of the concept of ‘originating products’ and methods of administrative cooperation – Protocol 4 on mutual assistance between administrative authorities in customs matters – Joint Declarations – Final Act (OJ L 129, 15.5.2002, pp. 3–176).

last update 07.06.2024