The historical changes taking place in the Southern Mediterranean region since December 2010 call for a focused, innovative and ambitious response from the European Union. Throughout 2011, the European Commission has established the Neighbourhood countries of the European Union as a key priority and has developed a new strategy, which can be found in two Joint Communications of the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (COM (2011) 200 and COM (2011) 303).

Research and Innovation play a major role in promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth and job creation. The development of a Common Knowledge and Innovation Space (CKIS) linked to smart growth and the EU's Innovation Agenda is one of the aims of the new strategy of the EU. The CKIS is meant to cover policy dialogue, national and regional capacity-building, cooperation in research and innovation, increased mobility opportunities for students, researchers and academics. 

In this context, a high-level conference is being held by the European Commission's Research and Innovation DG, in cooperation with other departments, the European Parliament, the EU Member States and the Southern Mediterranean countries. The main objectives are:

• To define the objectives and main elements of a medium to long term agenda of Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation in Research and Innovation based on the views of leading scientists and senior policy makers as well as the experience gained from ongoing initiatives.
• To promote a process of coordination between the European Commission, EU Member States and Southern Mediterranean policies and programmes with the aim of enhancing the scientific capacities of the Southern Mediterranean countries, increasing the impact and coherence of initiatives in the region as well as underlining the values of mutual respect, reciprocity and partnership.

The Conference will be opened by the EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Mrs. Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, by Mrs. Carmen Vela Olmo, State Secretary for Research and Innovation Spain, by Mr. Andreu Mas-Colell, Minister for Economy and Knowledge Catalunia, the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Mr. Paul Rubig of the European Parliament and a Minister from a Southern Mediterranean country.

 To know more about the projects of International Cooperation with the Mediterranean Partner Countries in FP7, please click here.