EU and Egypt adopt joint science and technology action plan The EU and Egypt have adopted a joint science and technology (S&T) action plan, to increase the participation of Egyptian researchers in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), as well as maximise coordination between EU researchers. The plan is part of a bi-lateral scienti... The EU and Egypt have adopted a joint science and technology (S&T) action plan, to increase the participation of Egyptian researchers in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), as well as maximise coordination between EU researchers. The plan is part of a bi-lateral scientific cooperation agreement, signed by both parties in 2005. A joint committee set up following the agreement offered both parties a framework, to explore ongoing areas of common interest in science and technology. Speaking in Brussels on 21 June at the first meeting of the joint committee, Professor Helal, Egyptian Minister for Scientific Research and Higher Education referred to the work already underway to develop a national 10-year action plan on science and technology, underlining the importance that a strategic partnership with the EU had to play in the development of a sound national science infrastructure: 'We have good scientists and research institutes in Egypt but we are not so efficient. [...] Without international cooperation, we will not succeed with our plan.' Also present at the meeting was José Silva Rodriguez, Director General of the European Commission's Research DG. He, too, stressed the importance of international cooperation activities, particularly those found within FP7, and the need to strengthen scientific cooperation between European and Mediterranean countries. The action plan focuses specifically on FP7 areas where closer collaboration between Egyptian and European scientists can be developed. These include: - European Mobility Portal, developing a set of activities to increase awareness among Egyptian researchers of the opportunities available throughout Europe; - European Technology Platforms, analysing the possibility for the development of a Mediterranean Technology Platform; - FP7 evaluation panels, increasing the participation of Egyptian experts in panels - Information and communications (ICT) thematic priority, organising workshops to increase the Egyptian participation in EU funded ICT projects The action plan also looks at possible synergies with other European organisations, such as COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), Galileo and the EU Neighbourhood policy. A new Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (MEDA) programme specifically aimed at supporting research and development (R&D) and innovation initiatives in Egypt was also announced at the meeting. The EU will allocate a total of EUR 11 million to the programme over four years. Among the expected programmes is an EU-Egypt Innovation Fund to support cooperative innovation-orientated projects, twinning small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with researchers of public funded institutions. The programme also plans to promote the participation of Egyptian researchers in FP7 projects by providing advice and assistance through workshops and tailor-made training events, and dedicated information points. The programme is expected to be adopted by Autumn 2006. 'This action plan is an excellent example of what Commission can do to ensure better coordination and cooperation between different DGs,' said Dr Fadila Boughanémi from the International Scientific Cooperation Policy office of DG Research. The EU's commitment to better scientific cooperation with Egypt could be further strengthened during talks on June 22 between Professor Helal and European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potocnik. Countries Belgium, Egypt
