Continuation of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Clément Evroux (2nd edition, updated on 25.01.2024).

In 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal for a decision of the Parliament and of the Council amending Decision (EU) 2017/1324, to ensure the EU’s continued participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under Horizon Europe. A partnership between the EU and 19 states, including 11 EU Member States, PRIMA seeks to build research and innovation capacities, and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions for sustainable agro-food systems and integrated water provision and management in the Mediterranean area. PRIMA is funded by the EU (€220 million from Horizon 2020, to be paid by December 2024), and the participating states (the same amount or more, to be paid by 2028). The proposal provides another €105 million of funding to PRIMA from the EU and as much or more from the states. It also aligns PRIMA’s funding cycle with Horizon Europe’s (2021-2027), yet preserves PRIMA’s goals and implementation logic. The Council adopted its negotiating mandate in September 2023. Based on the ITRE committee’s report, the co-legislators reached a provisional political agreement on 13 December 2023. The agreed text extends the list of participating states to include an additional EU Member State, Bulgaria.

Versions

• January 2024: ‘Continuation of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area‘ (2nd edition)