EU and Egypt agree to cooperate on science and technology
Egypt has agreed to a series of scientific and technological reforms as part of the EU's European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) initiative, aimed at fostering deeper political relationships and economic integration with its immediate neighbours. The European Commission approved €558 million to help Egypt implement the ENP reforms for the period 2007-2010. According to the European Commission, the initiative will accelerate the integration of Egypt into the European Research Area (ERA) and the EU research framework programme. Some of the planned activities include developing a 'patent culture' in technology parks and universities, which will be organised by intellectual property offices, as well as introducing a doctoral level programme in intellectual property law. Egyptian scientists are to benefit from increased access to European scientific databases, while participation in European research teams and international scientific debates and forums will be improved. With the aim of promoting technology-based industry, the reforms call for better interaction between research and industry, and the creation of regional towns with teaching and research facilities that can support the development of high technology industries. In addition, scholarships will be offered to Egyptian students so they can attend European universities, broader links between EU and Egyptian scientific institutions will be established, contacts between academics will be improved and Egypt will be eligible for ENP funds to encourage cross-border co-operation and sustainable development. Finally, Egypt will also increase its collaboration with the EU in common energy strategies, nuclear safety, information technology, education and environmental issues, including cleaning up the pollution in the Mediterranean Sea.
Countries
Egypt