Policy context

The African-European Radio Astronomy Platform (AERAP) is a response to the call of the European Parliament, through the adoption of its Written Declaration 45 “on Science Capacity Building in Africa: promoting European-African radio astronomy partnerships”. This call was repeated by the Heads of State of the African Union, through their decision “Assembly/AU/Dec.407 CXVIII”, for radio astronomy to be a priority focus area for Africa—EU cooperation.

Written Declaration 45/2011

Written Declaration number 45 on “Science Capacity Building in Africa: promoting European African radio astronomy partnerships”, was tabled by MEPs Miguel Angel Martinez, Filip Kaczmarek, Fiona Hall, Judith Sargentini and Teresa Riera Madurell.

Written Declaration 45 aims to strengthen scientific collaboration between Europe and Africa and highlight the importance of science and technology in achieving development goals and sustainable economic growth.

The capacity for scientific research is a proven necessity for sustainable economic growth in Europe and around the world. This is increasingly understood by African governments, who are investing significantly in scientific capacity to harness its potential for development.

With EU support, science collaboration between Europe and Africa will harness innovation as a tool for socio-economic development in Africa, support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and create new opportunities for European and African scientists and industry.

The complete text of Written Declaration 45/2011 can be found at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/written-declarations.html