On the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, in the form of an Exchange… of Letters, amending and supplementing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) aims to build research and innovation capacities and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions in the Mediterranean area. PRIMA has proven to be a successful instrument for fostering international cooperation in research and innovation, focussing on the fields of water management, farming systems and the food value chain. In the Mediterranean, a region of strategic geopolitical relevance for the Union, PRIMA serves as a strong example of science diplomacy. The programme’s added value was confirmed by its 2023 interim evaluation, which highlighted its unique role in reinforcing research capacities and scientific integration as well as advancing the Union’s strategic objectives in the region.

The Republic of Lebanon has long been actively participating in regional scientific networks and has expressed strong interest in expanding collaboration with European research frameworks. Lebanon is among the 19 Participating States in PRIMA. Since acceding to PRIMA in 2018, Lebanon has taken part in 42 out of 269 projects funded under the instrument.

The amended Agreement will enable Lebanon to continue its full participation in the partnership, ensuring the continuity of cooperation and sustained joint efforts to address common challenges. The Agreement is also consistent with wider EU–Lebanon cooperation priorities, notably economic recovery, youth engagement, and the promotion of innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship.

For the reasons stated above, the Rapporteur believes that it is in the Union’s interest to conclude this Agreement.

The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his report input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.