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FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT

for scientific and technical cooperation between the European Communities and the Republic of Iceland

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, acting on behalf of the European Economic Community, and

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, acting on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community, hereinafter called 'the Commission',

of the one part,

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ICELAND, acting on behalf of the Republic of Iceland, hereinafter called 'Iceland',

of the other part,

both hereinafter called the 'Contracting Parties',

WHEREAS, without prejudice to the relevant provisions of the Treaties establishing the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community, this Framework Agreement and any activities entered into under it will in no way affect the powers vested in the Member States of the European Communities to undertake bilateral activities with Iceland in the field of science, technology, research and development and to conclude, where appropriate, agreements to that end;

CONSIDERING the importance of scientific and technical research for Iceland and the European Communities, hereinafter called 'the Communities', and their mutual interest in cooperation in this field in order to better utilize resources and avoid wasteful duplications;

WH