Russia is not only the EU's largest direct neighbour, but also its third biggest trade partner including a very fruitful S&T relationship, both on the level of the individual member states and on the level of the European Community (Agreement on Scientific & Technological Cooperation between the EC and Russia). In the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP) Russia is the most successful third country/non-associated country, participating in some 300 projects worth close to € 2.5 billion.
While Russia is not alone amongst third countries having a separate Agreement on Scientific & Technological Cooperation with the European Community, it is the only third country with which the EU has entered into a political commitment to create a "Common Space in Research & Education, including Cultural Matters" (the 4th Common Space). One of its main objectives is the 'development of a dialogue to support joint efforts in elaboration and harmonization of the approach towards the creation of a EU/Russia common space in the field of research.' This concept carries a great potential through underlining the efforts of the EU and Russia to start synchronizing their RTD programmes. This includes the vision to define a more common research agenda based on thematic areas of mutual interest by a joint decision-making process.
In concrete terms, the EC and the Russian Federation have started synchronizing their research programmes and activities by defining a more common and ambitious research agenda through a joint decision-shaping process. The ERA.Net Rus project is in line with the overall trend of moving towards a partnership between equals, based on sharing funds and responsibilities. The ERANet Rus activities will contribute to the success of the European Research Area by improving the coherence and coordination across Europe of international S&T Cooperation programmes.
