On 5 September, MEPs will interview Iliana Ivanova (see EUROPE 13227/39) with a view to her appointment as Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.
The MEP has already replied in writing to a number of questions from MEPs, particularly concerning the Commissioner-designate’s strategic priorities and the funding of research and investment (R&I).
Political priorities
Among the political priorities mentioned, the Commissioner-designate expressed her commitment to the completion of the European Research Area (ERA) and wishes to reduce what she identified as one of the main obstacles to this completion: the fragmentation of national research and innovation systems.
The Commissioner-designate has indicated that, if appointed, she would work to consolidate the broadening of participation by Member States in European research programmes and the ERA, and that she would focus her efforts on pursuing a more global approach to ensure that the EU can compete on the world stage “in the most inclusive and sustainable way possible”.
Ms Ivanova also points out that the simplification measures set up to attract new participants and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Horizon Europe could help to improve the programme, particularly in terms of reducing the administrative burden.
Although most of the initiatives she will be called upon to take during her term of office will be non-legislative proposals, Ms Ivanova has expressed her support for the principle of “one addition, one withdrawal”.
The Commissioner-designate also plans to strengthen regional innovation partnerships and the ‘New European Bauhaus’ mission.
Financing R&I
Ms Ivanova acknowledges that research in Europe is underfunded, and pledges to explore “all possible sources of funding from synergies with other programmes under the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)”.
She felt that the transfer of funds or the association of third countries sharing European values with Horizon Europe could be one way of meeting funding needs.
The Commissioner-designate mentioned other avenues, such as attracting private funding via the future ten new partnerships (see EUROPE 13225/17) or new solutions for Horizon Europe proposed as part of the MFF review, such as the ’Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform’ (STEP) (see EUROPE 13205/3).
Ms Ivanova stresses that Horizon Europe’s contribution to the new emerging European priorities (HERA, semi-conductors, etc.) should only concern the R&I component of these priorities and that these contributions should benefit from visibility and broad support.
Contribution to the ‘European Green Deal’
Iliana Ivanova says she is determined to devote 35% of the Horizon Europe budget to climate action.
She also indicated that the second Horizon Europe strategic plan will incorporate the first years of information and focus actions on the 35% target.
Link to written answers: https://aeur.eu/f/8bo (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)