On 25 March 1998 the European Commission adopted a Communication entitled 'Building a comprehensive partnership with China'. In this document the European Commission set the priorities for a new and comprehensive EU-China partnership.
Among others, the Commission proposed that a specific EU-China science and technology agreement should be concluded in order to enhance and expand cooperation in fields such as energy, environment, life sciences, material sciences, transport, telematics, information and communication technologies. In this respect the Council of Research Ministers of the European Union authorised the European Commission on 22 June 1998 to negotiate an agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and China. The Commission will try to come to an agreement with China for cooperation in the fields covered by the Fifth Framework programme for research and technological development (1998-2002). This includes the Information Society Technologies (IST) programme which includes reference to libraries, archives and museums.
The Commission also proposed cooperation in the field of vocational training, in particular in the areas of administration and industry. Furthermore, the Commission felt that the European Union should upgrade its information policy towards China substantially. Proposed initiatives include the setting up of a Commission Press and Information Service in Beijing, intensifying cultural exchanges through schools, universities and other establishments, organising cultural activities such as exhibitions, and exploring means to develop future cooperation in the cultural field.
Created: 21 August 1998
Updated: 23 September 1999