EU-US Joint Consultative Group Meeting reaffirms commitment to transatlantic science and technology collaboration

The Joint Consultative Group meeting between the European Union and the United States on Science and Technology Cooperation reaffirmed a strong commitment to advancing transatlantic scientific cooperation. The meeting, which took place in Washington DC on 14-15 March 2024 was co-chaired by Signe Ratso, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, Acting Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Anthony Fernandes, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Rahima Kandahari of the U.S. Department of State, with the participation of key US and EU science agencies and services.

Both sides recognise that research and innovation can play a pivotal role in achieving our shared objectives of achieving a sustainable global economy, protecting the environment, fostering technological cooperation, and promoting democracy and security.

The meeting addressed current and future R&I cooperation in thematic areas including cancer research, climate-health nexus, climate neutrality in aviation, modelling for transition pathways, transport research, earth observation, circular economy, AI in research and innovation and bioeconomy research.  Researcher mobility, training, and career development was also discussed, with a view to seeking balanced transatlantic researcher flows.  

Highlights included:

• the agreement to initiate pilot ‘demonstration projects’ to foster transatlantic cooperation on paediatric and lung cancer. Such cooperation should lead to increased and faster understanding of the issues and to better health outcomes in the long term.
• Agreement to continue cooperation on climate neutrality in aviation – particularly in the areas of Sustainable Aviation Fuels and addressing the non-CO2 climate impacts of aviation.
• Agreement to seek mutually beneficial research and innovation cooperation in support of sustainable agri-food systems, including support for the ‘Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate’ with a view to COP 29.
• Agreement to build on progress in Arctic and polar research and to explore further cooperation on marine plastics under the All Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA).

Recognising the significance of fostering an environment characterised by freedom, independence, openness, reciprocity, and transparency, both sides confirmed their engagement in the Multilateral Dialogue on Principles and Values for Research and Innovation, launched in July 2022.

The meeting also addressed the situation in Ukraine, condemning Russia's military aggression and outlining support initiatives aimed at integrating Ukrainian researchers into broader R&I frameworks. Both sides underscored the importance of sustaining Ukrainian scientific talent and preventing further brain drain through targeted support mechanisms and fellowship programmes.

Cooperation is based on the EU-US Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation which provides the framework for continued collaboration over the next five years. Looking ahead, the participants agreed to maintain regular dialogue and review progress periodically.