The French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) has reminded higher education institutions of the need to submit draft international partnership agreements or renewals for the ministry’s opinion prior to being signed by the head of the institution. This provision results from Article D123-19 of the Education Code.
The MESRI also pointed out that, where applicable, the opinion of the Senior Defence and Security Officer (HFDS) may be sought by the Security and Defence Officer (FSD) if these projects present security or defence issues, in particular for scientific and technical international cooperation agreement projects.
Regarding industrial partnerships, agreements with French companies with foreign capital are also considered as international cooperation agreements. The time needed to obtain an opinion, which can be up to two months, must therefore now be taken into account when negotiating such agreements. For more information, please contact the FSD of Centrale Lille: .