In an attempt to reach a consensus, on 19 September the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union shared a new set of draft conclusions on research infrastructures which fed into the discussions of the preparatory bodies on Monday 26 September.
Among the notable changes to the text submitted on 23 August (see EUROPE 13008/8), the new document reiterates the importance of the European Commission and the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) supporting the development of a global network of research infrastructures, but specifies that this network should be developed “in cooperation with partner countries, based on shared fundamental values and principles”.
The first draft of the conclusions referred to the recognition by Council members of the central role that research infrastructures play in Europe’s core capacity to provide “science-based solutions to challenges” defined as “environmental, social, health and economic challenges”. The new version is more vague, referring to “grand societal challenges to support overall EU priorities”.
Furthermore, the importance of industry having access to research infrastructures is underlined in a paragraph on strengthening European competitiveness.
As regards the territorial anchorage of research infrastructures, the new text refers to the national level and not only to the local or regional level.
In the light of recent events, the Presidency introduced a call to Member States, the Commission and research infrastructures to develop scenarios to respond to possible future crises, “including energy supply difficulties”.
Other substantial changes include the reference to the use of European funding instruments for the long-term funding and sustainability of research infrastructures and the consideration not only of human and financial resources, but also of the environmental footprint of infrastructures.
Link to the draft conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/39m (Original version in French by Emilie Vanderhulst)