It was integrated in 1992 into the 4th Research Framework Programme as the International Cooperation Programme (INCO). The 6th framework Programme saw a general opening to all third countries, including the industrialised ones.
The current 7th Framework Programme (FP7) (2007-2013) places a new emphasis on international research cooperation. The FP7 approach moves toward the integration of the international dimension throughout the thematic work programmes of the FP. It addresses the entire spectrum of FP7 activities and includes strategic activities fostering the building of a European Research Area open to the world.

ERA International Dimension

The absence of a common strategy for international science and technology cooperation on a European level has led to duplication in this field. The Commission has therefore come forward in 2008 with a Communication (A Strategic European Framework for International Science and Technology Cooperation) that identifies general principles and specific orientations for action to promote European technologies in the world.

The Commission wants to underline the importance of international research cooperation in maintaining European research excellence and competitiveness. It also provides a framework for partnership in action. The new strategy sets out a number of principles:

• a further opening of the ERA to the rest of the world, by integrating Europe's neighbours into it and fostering strategic cooperation with key third countries
• a better coherence between research and other policy instruments for international cooperation, by improving the framework conditions for cooperation, developing researchers’ mobility, and promoting intellectual property issues
• fostering strategic research partnerships
• increasing the attractiveness of Europe as a research partner and location
• the strategy outlines different approaches to cooperation depending on the geographic and thematic targets, and calls for long term commitment of the EU and its Member States. It recognises that cooperation is not possible with all countries on all topics. Focus will be placed on cooperation which brings clear added value in addressing key global challenges such as tackling climate change, ensuring energy, food and water security or combating infectious diseases.

The December 2008 Competitiveness Council supported the Commission's proposal, establishing the Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation (SFIC) to drive forward the European Partnership for S&T cooperation. The SFIC met for the first time in February 2009.

Partnerships

The EU has concluded bi-lateral S&T agreements with a number of individual countries. These agreements constitute a framework and a privileged forum to identify common interests, priorities, policy dialogue, and the necessary tools for S&T collaboration. As a regional actor, the EU also pays particular attention to cooperation with other regions in the world. Regional scientific and technological cooperation seeks synergies with other Community policies and activities, as well as complementarities with EU member states bilateral actions.