26/04/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 26 April, the national ambassadors to the EU (Coreper) adopted the framework for a new partnership for research and innovation in the Mediterranean region (PRIMA) (see EUROPE 11766). From 2018, this framework aims to develop water and agri-food supply projects in the Mediterranean region, according to a press release of the Council of the EU. The initiative will bring together the know-how and financial resources of the EU and the participating states, currently 11 EU members (Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia) and eight third countries (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey). Participation in PRIMA will remain open to all EU member states and third countries. The EU will put €220 million into the initiative, from the 'Horizon 2020' European research and innovation framework programme. (FB)