22/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 15 June, the Council of Ministers of the European Union adopted a decision authorising the European Commission to open negotiations on a scientific and technological agreement with the Faroe Isles. This agreement would allow the Faroe Isles to take part in the seventh framework programme for research and development (7th FPRD) of the EU for actions in the field of research, technological developments and demonstration (2007-2030). The Faroe Isles is a group of islands belonging to Denmark, situated in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Scotland and Iceland. Since 1948, it has had an autonomous government in all matters with the exception of defence. (B.C./trans.fl)