The European Commission has proposed the first research partnership of its kind in the Mediterranean Area to develop novel solutions for sustainable water management and food production.
The proposal for a Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area - PRIMA - includes Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia. The participation of Germany is currently under negotiation.
Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said:
"EU research and innovation is open to the world so we can tackle global challenges together. This Euro-Mediterranean partnership is an excellent example of where pooling knowledge and money can make a huge difference. It will bring more clean water and food to the people, boost local economies and create jobs. Through PRIMA, research and innovation will play a crucial role in addressing the root causes of migration."
As the initiative is evolving over time, more participants are expected to follow, both EU and non-EU countries.
Funding for the €400 million partnership will come from the participating countries (currently around €200 million), matched by a €200 million contribution from the EU through its current research framework programme Horizon 2020. The partnership is scheduled to run for 10 years, starting in 2018.
Mediterranean agricultural sector suffers from severe water shortages
In recent years, the agricultural sector in the Mediterranean has been suffering from severe water shortages and decreasing crop yields. Today, 180 million people in the Mediterranean basin are considered 'water poor'.
Based on a proposal of nine Member States in 2014, the partnership will be created under Horizon 2020.
The Commission's proposal will now be sent to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for political discussion and legislative approval.
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