EU-Russia research cooperation agreement signed
An agreement establishing a framework for joint research activities and movement of scientists between Russia and the EU was signed in Brussels on 16 November. European Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin joined the French research minister Roger-Gerard Schwartzenberg to sign the agreement with the Russia Federation minister of science, industry and technology, Alexander Dondukov. Commenting on the agreement, Commissioner Busquin, said: 'I believe that this agreement is a major step forward in extending the European research area to countries outside the EU. Russia is an important partner for the EU and I look forward to fruitful cooperation.' The sectors that will be covered include environment and climate research, health, agriculture, industry, information society technologies and, crucially, the mobility of researchers. The agreement is valid until the end of December 2002 and is renewable should both parties consent.