COUNCIL RESOLUTION

of 29 June 1990

concerning cooperation in the field of scientific and technical research (COST) and Central and Eastern European States

(90/C 172/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Council resolution concerning COST and the European Communities adopted on 20 June 1989 (1),

Having regard to the conclusions of the European Councils of 8 and 9 December 1989 and 28 April 1990 in respect of Central and Eastern European countries and to the statement adopted by the Council on 23 April 1990 in relation to the additional contribution the Community can make to these countries under its research policy,

Having regard to the letter of 19 June 1990 addressed to the President of the Council by the chairman of the COST Senior Officials Committee,

Whereas the COST Senior Officials Committee has examined a proposal relating to COST and Central and Eastern European States undergoing reforms;

Whereas COST Type B projects are already open to participation from non-COST States, in particular other European States, on a case-by-case basis;

WELCOMES the possibility of progressively including as members of the COST framework Central and Eastern European countries undergoing reforms based on the founding principles of democracy, pluralism and the rule of law. R& D cooperation with such countries should have clear scientific justification and be mutually beneficial and should take place after a careful examination of the overall implications of such an enlargement;

RECOGNIZES the advantages of broadening the scope of COST cooperation by their inclusion;

ENCOURAGES the COST Senior Officials Committee and the Commission to undertake, in liaison with the countries concerned, a thorough examination of the modalities involved, including the possible adjustments to the COST framework which may prove necessary, and to inform Council of the results of this examination.

(1) OJ No C 171, 6. 7. 1989, p. 1.