IMMEDIATE ACTION

ACTION 1 : Develop an innovation, science and research partnership between Australia and the EU.

Desired Outcome: new initiatives in specific thematic areas:

• new instruments of collaboration which enhance the scope and reciprocity of research exchanges between Australia and the EU;
• preparation by Australia of a strategy for science and research collaboration with the EU;
• increased exchange of information and sharing of practices for enhancing innovation; and
• improved mutual understanding of developments in innovation, science and research policy.

ACTION 2 : Enhance Australian-EU science and research collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region through the European Commission's 7th Framework Programme and in particular via its international cooperation activities under the Capacities programme, which supports and develops regional networks of European and third countries to identify and work together on key scientific issues.

Desired Outcome: Appropriate link between the policy dialogue undertaken by the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee and the underlying initiatives led by third parties, such as the dialogue platforms (FEAST) and others led by Member States and stakeholders.

ACTION 3 : Hold the first policy dialogue on issues and themes in education and training in the first half of 2009.

Desired outcome : Reinforced bilateral and multilateral co-operation at both the administrative and policy level. Enhanced understanding of education and training policies and developments in both the EU and Australia.

ACTION 4 : Establish a policy dialogue on issues arising from cultural, religious and linguistic diversity .

Desired outcome: Close co-operation towards reaching common objectives, notably in relevant international fora.

ACTION 5 : EC Delegation in Canberra, with assistance from the Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to develop a brochure on EU-Australia Relations on education and training.

Desired outcome: Increased awareness of opportunities for student and scholar mobility and institutional partnerships, including through the Erasmus Mundus programme.

ACTION 6 : Ensure smooth implementation of the eVisitors system, which provides equal treatment for all EU Member States, through support for the Australian Government's information campaign in Europe .