The EU will attempt to enhance the tools it has for increasing scientific cooperation with non-EU countries, despite the fact that its current framework programme for research and innovation, “Horizon 2020” has proved less attractive to third country researchers.
This commitment was highlighted by the European Commissioner for Research, Carlos Moedas, during a meeting in Brussels for ministers responsible for the same portfolio, in a backdrop to the Competitiveness Council on Tuesday 29 November. Many of the ministers highlighted the importance of “scientific diplomacy” and proposed different options to strengthen it.
During his introduction to the debate, Mr Moedas asserted that “scientific diplomacy” should be translated into three major objectives. First of all, they needed to build bridges with third countries as part of the association agreement (Tunisia, Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine) and the major research projects, such as the first research partnership in the Mediterranean (PRIMA) (see EUROPE 11648). Then, they needed to tackle the major challenges involved and in this regard, the Commissioner highlighted the issues of health and migration. Finally, the question of a “global approach” where scientific diplomacy has to be organised with other EU goals, such as sustainable development, was mentioned.
Some member states, particularly Spain, France and Germany were keen to point out that scientific diplomacy in the EU should be developed in consultation with the member states and that the objectives were defined together. Several countries (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Estonia and Poland) pointed out that “Horizon 2020” participation from non-EU countries was less than during the previous framework programme and according to Poland, stood at a rate of 2.4%
On the basis of this observation, several member states suggested a number of adjustments to the Commissioner. Portugal proposed that scientific diplomacy groupings were organised for EU ambassadors. Quite a large number of states asked for protocols to be signed with third countries that were similar to the one organised with the US (see EUROPE 11647). Cyprus also proposed that the Commission should strengthen its communication strategy on the benefits of international cooperation. (Original version in French by Jan Kordys)