MEPs recommend EU-Russia science deal extension

MEPs have recommended the EU renew an agreement on co-operation in science and technology with the Russian Government.

During an opinion vote by the Committee of Foreign Affairs, 34 votes were cast in favour, with one against and six abstentions. The committee said that the extension of the agreement for an additional five years in its current form will enable the EU and Russia to further intensify bilateral relations in the field of science and technology.

Renewal of the science and technology agreement is also significant in the context of the on-going negotiations on a Visa Facilitation Agreement between the EU and Russia, the committee said. Prospective simplification of visa procedures would positively affect mobility in the area of research and science and facilitate efficient implementation of the science and technology agreement, while also contributing to the broader goal of stronger political, economic and cultural ties between the EU and Russia.

The total planned expenditure for the deal between 2014-2019 is €0.550m. This is intended mainly to finance the servicing of the agreement as well as workshops, seminars and joint meetings of officials and experts from both parties in Europe and Russia.