Euro-Med ministers to agree on research and innovation synergies
New synergies between the EU and the Mediterranean countries in research, as well as a pan-European EUREKA initiative, more attractive investment conditions and aid for SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) are likely to be agreed at the Euro-Mediterranean Industry Ministers' meeting in Malaga on 9 and 10 April. In preparation for the meeting, EU Council of Ministers' experts are currently putting refining the common position for the conclusions to be adopted following the meeting. Priorities in the common position include the promotion of innovation and access to technology in the form of EURO-MED ITQ, an initiative concerning the promotion of investment, innovation, technology and quality, the establishment of synergies with EU-funded cooperation activities in the area of research and technological development and a pan-European EUREKA initiative, EUREKA being a European network for market oriented R&D (research and development). The document also provides for agreement on the improvement of investment conditions, particularly regarding direct foreign investment, the strengthening of the private sector and aid for the creation of SMEs. The EU hopes to have a Euro-Med free trade area fully operational by 2010. The draft common position states that such an initiative will create 'significant commercial opportunities within Mediterranean partner countries and should contribute to improving current levels of direct foreign investment and external trade.'
Countries
Spain