The European framework programmes and INCO/SICA countries

Both, INCO and SICA countries are of special interest for the European community. Science and Technology (S&T) are considered to be key factors in contributing to achieving sustainable development, prosperity and economic growth in the world. The European Union has developed international scientific cooperation over the last 25 years to address the needs and opportunities of an interconnected world. S&T has also proved instrumental to enhancing and enriching many other policy areas with an impact on external relations, i.e. trade, development, environment, energy, telecommunications, among others. Europe wants to play a leading role in the world’s research arena and help build a safe future. Therefore not the situation not only in European countries has to be improved but also in the whole world. Cooperation with INCO and SICA countries aims to meet this challenging goal.

Since 1984 INCO and SICA countries are an integral part of the EU framework programmes. The general objective of international cooperation activities carried out under the framework programmes is to help open up the European Research Area to the world. These activities focus on the mutually beneficial efforts of the Community and its Member States on the one hand and INCO target countries and other third countries on the other. Within the seventh framework programme, the EU's chief instrument for funding scientific research and technological development over the period 2007 to 2013, the EU Member States have earmarked a total of € 180 million for funding these activities over the duration of FP7.

 

How can INCO/SICA countries participate in FP7?

There are three different ways in the FP7 how member countries of the EU and third countries can come together.

• International cooperation actions that are theme-oriented are carried out under the “Cooperation programme”
• International actions in the area of human potential are carried under the “People programme”
• Activities implemented with INCO countries fall under the “Capacities programme” and are designed to support and stimulate the participation of third countries in FP7. The deliverables include:
• Identification of S&T priorities with third countries to be used by the Themes under Cooperation;
• Supporting and strengthening of participation of third countries in FP7;
• Reinforcing bilateral S&T cooperation with targeted third countries;
• Coordinating S&T national programmes of EU Member States with third countries.

Find detailed information about participation and running projects >>here