The European Research Area-open to the world
Many of us are concerned about global problems
of dwindling resources, increasing pollution and the challenge
of population growth. Back in 1992 the Rio Earth Summit set an
ambitious sustainability agenda to which Europe continues to be
fully committed. Science and technology have already made an outstanding
contribution to socio-economic development in Europe and elsewhere.
Indeed, science has always been an international endeavour. But
today its international dimension is more important than ever
for the transition towards sustainable development and shared
prosperity.
Europe has a long-standing successful tradition
of scientific and technological co-operation with partners in
four regions, who strive to benefit from research co-operation
for their own development: those 'pre-accession' countries about
to join the European Union, other central and eastern European
states and New Independent States, our Mediterranean partners
and developing countries. At the same time, European scientists
benefit from the knowledge and learning they acquire in different
parts of our shared planet.
In June 2000, Heads of State and Government
meeting in Lisbon approved the concept of the European Research
Area, proposed at my initiative by the European Commission in
January. This is now acting as an engine for greater integration
and improved synergies of policies, programmes and schemes of
all relevant actors in Europe. The international dimension of
the European Research Area is the fundamental lever for lifting
the existing scientific relations with the four regions into a
higher gear. This calls for sustained dialogue with our partners
and strengthened synergies with other policy areas, including
foreign affairs, trade, development and environment. We must continue
to strive to break down the bureaucratic barriers and make this
new European Research Area an opportunity for scientific progress
for the benefit of Europe and for the rest of the world.
Philippe Busquin
Member of the European Commission
in charge of Research
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