Brussels: Memorandum of Understanding on Montenegros accession to EU's 7th Research Framework Programme (FP7) signed

European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik and Ambassador Slavica Milacic Head of Montenegros Permanent Mission to EU signed today a Memorandum of Understanding on Montenegros accession to the EUs 7th Research Framework Programme, which includes a period from 2007 to 2013. This associated status allows Montenegro to participate in all calls for proposals and compete on an equal footing with the EU Member States for research co-operation and support actions covering a large number of strategic areas, such as health, agriculture, biotechnology, information and communication technology, energy, nanotechnology, materials and new technologies, environment, sustainable tourism, transport and many others. The arrangement creates many opportunities both in terms of including Montenegrin researchers in EU projects and Montenegros comprehensive integration into the European Research Area (ERA). This involves forging links between local scientists, universities and companies and their partners throughout Europe. It also includes programmes for increasing the mobility of researchers and special capacity development programmes, particularly in the area of research infrastructure, SMEs and science.

The 7th Research Framework Programme is worth around 50 billion and will play a fundamental role in stimulating sustainable development and competitiveness throughout Europe.

Having expressed his satisfaction at todays signing of the Memorandum with Montenegro, Commissioner Potocnik said that this was a very positive and important decision not only for the scientific future of Montenegro, but also for its political future. He explained that full participation in the research framework programme would bring Montenegro into the European Research Area and help it prepare itself for EU membership. In addition, he emphasized the importance of creating new opportunities for Montenegros cooperation with regional partners in addressing common challenges.

Commissioner Potocnik welcomed the forthcoming adoption of the Montenegrin Scientific Research Strategy, based on relevant EU priorities. By the same token, he commended the measures aimed at boosting investment in research, clearly defining priorities and encouraging young people to engage in scientific work.

Ambassador Milacic said that the arrangement was another major step towards Montenegros integration into the EU and an important confirmation of the importance the Montenegrin Government attached to education and technological development in building a knowledge-based society. She pointed out the efforts the Government was making in this regard, placing special emphasis on the forthcoming adoption of the Scientific Research Strategy and its alignment with EU priorities. Montenegro has high EU ambitions and aspirations, based on everything the country has demonstrated so far, Ambassador Milacic concluded.