CREST opinion on RTD cooperation with third countries and international organizations The European Communities Scientific and Technical Research Committee (CREST) has published its draft opinion on a proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme on cooperation with third countries and international organizations (1994-1998). The proposal refers... The European Communities Scientific and Technical Research Committee (CREST) has published its draft opinion on a proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme on cooperation with third countries and international organizations (1994-1998). The proposal refers to a specific research, technological development and demonstration programme within the second action of the Fourth Framework Programme for research and development. The opinion includes the following points: - An overall EU strategy for cooperation in science and technology with third countries and international organizations should be developed. A closer link is planned between scientific and technological cooperation and education and training. - The development of networks of scientific and technical excellence should be extended beyond the frontiers of the Community. - Cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the independent States of the former Soviet Union will be implemented in close liaison with other Community initiatives such as PHARE and TACIS. - Cooperation with developing countries will be implemented in close liaison with forums for cooperation such as the Lome Convention and the new Mediterranean policy. This would permit cross-fertilization between the efforts and results of these activities and cooperation in the framework of Community RTD policy. - Scientists from third countries should be integrated into a broader European context by improving their access to COST actions. - The results of Community projects could be taken into account in EUREKA projects, which are closer to the market.
