On the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, in the form of an Exchange of Letters, amending and supplementing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

PR_NLE-AP_Agreement

Symbols for procedures

* Consultation procedure

*** Consent procedure

***I Ordinary legislative procedure (first reading)

***II Ordinary legislative procedure (second reading)

***III Ordinary legislative procedure (third reading)

(The type of procedure depends on the legal basis proposed by the draft act.)

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, in the form of an Exchange of Letters, amending and supplementing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

(05948/2025 – C100345/2025 – 2024/0324(NLE))

(Consent)

– having regard to the draft Council decision (05948/2025),

– having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, in the form of an Exchange of Letters, amending and supplementing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (05949/2025),

– having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 186 and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10-0345/2025),

– having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4), and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A10-0029/2026),

1. Gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement;

2. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Lebanon.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) aims to build research and innovation capacities and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions in the Mediterranean area. PRIMA has proven to be a successful instrument for fostering international cooperation in research and innovation, focussing on the fields of water management, farming systems and the food value chain. In the Mediterranean, a region of strategic geopolitical relevance for the Union, PRIMA serves as a strong example of science diplomacy. The programme’s added value was confirmed by its 2023 interim evaluation, which highlighted its unique role in reinforcing research capacities and scientific integration as well as advancing the Union’s strategic objectives in the region.

The Republic of Lebanon has long been actively participating in regional scientific networks and has expressed strong interest in expanding collaboration with European research frameworks. Lebanon is among the 19 Participating States in PRIMA. Since acceding to PRIMA in 2018, Lebanon has taken part in 42 out of 269 projects funded under the instrument.

The amended Agreement will enable Lebanon to continue its full participation in the partnership, ensuring the continuity of cooperation and sustained joint efforts to address common challenges. The Agreement is also consistent with wider EU–Lebanon cooperation priorities, notably economic recovery, youth engagement, and the promotion of innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship.

For the reasons stated above, the Rapporteur believes that it is in the Union’s interest to conclude this Agreement.

ANNEX: DECLARATION OF INPUT

The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his report input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title

Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, in the form of an Exchange of Letters, amending and supplementing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Lebanon, setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Republic of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

References

05948/2025 – C10-0345/2025 – 2024/0324(NLE)

Date of consultation or request for consent

11.12.2025

Committee(s) responsible

Date announced in plenary

ITRE

27.1.2026

Rapporteurs

Date appointed

Borys Budka

29.1.2026

Date adopted

25.2.2026

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

80

0

3

Date tabled

26.2.2026

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Key to symbols: