Brussels, 24/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 24 November, Bosnia-Herzegovina signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Commission which will allow full access to the EC's 7th framework programme for research (FPRD7), covering the period 2007-2013. Bosnia-Herzegovina is the 12th country associated to FPRD. As of 1 January 2009, this status will allow it to participate in all calls for proposals and compete on an equal footing with the EU member states and the other associated countries for research cooperation and support actions funded under the 7th FPRD. In a press release, the European Commission states that the agreement is a major stage in the integration of Bosnia Herzegovina in the European research area and the pre-accession process. All Western Balkan states are today associated to the 7th FPRD. (B.C./transl.jl)