EC/New Zealand agreement: scientific and technological cooperation

PURPOSE: to conclude on behalf of the European Community, the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the EC and New Zealand.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2009/502/EC on the conclusion on behalf of the Community of the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of New Zealand.

CONTENT: the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of New Zealand, signed on 16 July 2008 in Brussels, has been approved on behalf of the Community.

The Cooperative Activities included in this Agreement shall be carried out on the basis of the following principles: (a) mutual and equitable contributions and benefits; (b) mutual access for Participants to research programmes or projects operated or funded by the other Party; (c) timely exchange of information which may concern Cooperative Activities; (d)  promotion of knowledge-based societies for the economic and social development of both Parties; and (e) protection of intellectual property rights.

The Agreement also provides for a set of technical provisions laying down the main axes for scientific and technical cooperation between the Parties, in particular direct and indirect cooperative activites.

Practical provisions are also set out in order to facilitate the daily management of the Agreement and to regulate the financial support provided by the Parties. 

Lastly, measures are provided to ensure the appropriate use of information arising from and relating to Cooperative Activities. The treatment of this information shall be consistent with the relevant laws and regulations and international conventions, including the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: the Agreement shall enter into force once all the necessary procedures have been completed.