Brussels, 30/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 30 July, the European Commission launched a call for proposals entirely dedicated to research for Africa. Up to €63 million will be allocated to research projects in 2010 aiming to improve health conditions, and water and food security in Africa. This special initiative for Africa will address some of the science and technology objectives included in the EU-Africa Strategic Partnership agreed on by the European Commission and the African Union Commission in December 2007. EU Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potocnik said: "With this 'Africa call' we are turning words into actions. The EU-Africa Strategic Partnership is harnessing the potential of science and technology to meet the water, food security and health challenges of Africa. It is getting researchers from Europe and Africa to work together in the true spirit of this Partnership; we are working not only for, but with Africa". This call for proposals is the first one entirely dedicated research initiative for Africa under the EU's Framework Programme for research (FP7). It brings together several funding Themes under FP7: Health (€39 million), Environment (€17.5 million) and Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology (€6.5 million). The projects selected will involve these various scientific and technological research fields and will also take into account broader socio-economic factors such as migration and resettlement, urbanisation, health care systems, variation of food and energy prices, etc. The "Africa Call" is structured around two major issues: "Water and Food Security” and "Better Health for Africa". Depending on the project, at least 2 or 3 partners must be established in an African country. EU Commissioner Potocnik and a representative from the African Union will open the Information Day on the "Africa call" on 18 September. Further information: http: //cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm (B.C./transl.rh)