PRIMA in brief
Why PRIMA
Environmental and social changes are deeply affecting Euro-Mediterranean agro-food systems and water resources.
Climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices, over-exploitation of natural resources, new lifestyle behaviours (diet, physical activity and socio-cultural) and low profitability of smallholders put a strain on the sustainable and healthy development of the Region, with major impacts on our societies
The increased complexity and multidimensionality of such social, economic and environmental challenges can only be tackled through common efforts and resources with a research and innovation approach.
Thematic focus
Integrated and sustainable management of water for arid and semi-arid Mediterranean areas
Sustainable farming systems under Mediterranean environmental constraints
Sustainable Mediterranean agro-food value chain for regional and local development.
Vision
Inclusive, healthy and prosperous Mediterranean societies through innovative solutions in agro-food and water systems, contributing, by the end of the programme, to sustainable use of natural resources, economic growth and stability
Natural resources within Mediterranean agro-food and water systems managed in an integrated and sustainable way, in line with the objectives set by Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development;
Mediterranean agro-food value chains enhancing development and competitiveness of business actors, creating employment and generating sustainable growth while maintaining and restoring ecosystem services under current and future climate change;
All Mediterranean population having access to healthy, safe and affordable agro-food products.
Mission
“To achieve, support and promote integration, alignment and joint implementation of national R&I programmes under a common research and innovation strategy to address the diverse challenges in water scarcity, agriculture, food security.”
PRIMA History
2-3 April 2012
Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Research and Innovation
The Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Research and Innovation (Barcelona, Spain) marks the inception of the proposal for a Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).
23 December 2014
Submission of PRIMA proposal to EU Commissioner
Italian Minister of Education, Universities and Research Stefania Giannini submits a proposal for the participation of the EU in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area, through an Article 185, to European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas.
June 2015 – July 2016
PRIMA Impact Assessment
The European Commission services perform an Impact Assessment of the PRIMA initiative to analyse the need for an EU action in this domain and the potential economic, social and environmental impacts of the alternative policy options.
May 2016 – February 2018
PRIMA Impact Assessment
The 4PRIMA Coordination and Support Action, funded by Horizon 2020, sets the ground for the launch of the initiative, by contributing to the alignment of R&I programmes on food systems and water use in the Euro-Mediterranean Area and through the definition of the PRIMA Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).
3-4 May 2017
Ministerial Conference on Strengthening Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation through Research and Innovation
The Valletta Declaration, endorsed during the Ministerial Conference on Strengthening Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation through Research and Innovation (Valletta, Malta) welcomes PRIMA as the most ambitious joint programme to be undertaken in the frame of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.
June 2017 – August 2017
PRIMA Decision
On 13 June 2017, the European Parliament adopts the PRIMA Decision and on 26 June 2017, the Council of the EU endorses the initiative. The Decision enters into force on 7 August 2017.
19 June 2017
PRIMA Foundation
The PRIMA Foundation is officially established, with its Secretariat based in Barcelona.
September 2017 - January 2018
PRIMA Ex-ante assessment
An ex-ante assessment of the PRIMA Implementation Structure is carried out to provide reasonable assurance to the European Commission as to whether the entity fulfils the necessary requirements to be entrusted with budget implementation tasks.
October 2017 - April 2018
Signature and ratification of International Agreements
- Algeria is a PRIMA Participating State from 26th October 2017.
- Egypt is a PRIMA Participating State from 15th March 2018.
- Jordan is a PRIMA Participating State from 16th January 2018.
- Lebanon is a PRIMA Participating State from 27th February 2018.
- Morocco is a PRIMA Participating State from 10th April 2018.
6 February 2018
PRIMA Calls for Proposals
The first round of PRIMA calls for proposals is launched by the PRIMA Secretariat.
