> International Cooperation

International Cooperation

EFB collaborates closely with the Research Directorate (DG XII) and other Directorates of the European Commission. At certain meetings of the EFB Committees and Fora, representatives of DG XII are present to brief the EFB on the progress of initiatives of the European Commission and to hear the views of EFB on specific matters.

As R&D programmes form an important topic of the EFB in relation to the EC, EFB has been involved in the framework programmes of the European Commission. In 1992, EFB prepared a general Position Paper with respect to the biotechnology programme in Framework IV. Section and Task Group members also contributed to three separate Position Papers focusing on Environmental Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering Science and Biological Fundamentals. Following this successful initiative EFB aims to intensify its cooperation with the European Commission by preparing Position Papers for the Framework V and VI programme and by cooperating with other organizations related to the European Commission such as IRDAC and CODEST.

The Federation also aims at facilitating joint research and information exchange with countries in Eastern and Central Europe. A dramatic increase in the number of EFB Member Societies from Central and Eastern Europe during the past few years resulted in intensified cooperation between East and West in all areas of biotechnlogical application.

One of the current problems is finance to cover attendance of such representatives; for many of the member societies in these areas, this provision is difficult to realise. In recognition of the emergence of biotechnology in Central Europe, the meetings of the EFB Fora regularly take place in Central or Eastern European countries.

Good relationships and an exchange of information are maintained with various international organisations such as COBIOTECH, ECBA, ESF IOBB, and IUPAC.