A4-0242/95

Resolution on the Commission communication on the prospects for cooperation in science and technology with the New Independent States (NIS)

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the Commission communication to the Council and the European Parliament on the prospects for cooperation in science and technology with the New Independent States (NIS) (COM(95)0190 - C4-0192/95),

-having regard to the report of the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on External Economic Relations (A4-0242/95),

1.Calls on the Commission and the Council to continue their work with the International Association for the Promotion of Cooperation with Scientists from the New Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union - INTAS - beyond 31 December 1995 for the duration of the 4th Research Framework Programme, while bearing in mind that:

-INTAS is just one of the many channels of EU international cooperation in the field of research,

-the role of the participating countries' national scientific organizations in the Scientific Council and the General Assembly should be strengthened,

-INTAS concentrates predominantly on basic research and complements other R&D cooperation activities;

2.Points out that every effort should be made to ensure that INTAS's work becomes more transparent, cost-effective and efficient and in particular that the allocation of funds is not subject to bureaucratic delays;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and Council.