26/06/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 26 June, the Council of Energy and Transport Ministers, formally approved the joint decision with the European Parliament (see EUROPE 11808), “on the Union’s participation in the research and innovation partnership in the Mediterranean area (PRIMA)”. The programme seeks to “promote research and innovation capacity in the Mediterranean” and “develop knowledge and common innovative solutions for improving efficiency, security, safety and the sustainability of agri-food systems, as well as integrated water supply and management”. The United Kingdom abstained on this decision, which is related to its own negotiating status (Brexit) and the fact that it believes the reserve funding should not be “on the basis of geography rather than excellence”, a precedent that it would like to bring to an end. (FB)