On Friday 7 December, Europe’s research ministers will gather in Brussels for their final meeting under the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Linking science and public policy in Europe
The ministers will adopt the draft conclusions on strengthening the role and impact of research and innovation in the EU’s policy-making process. The text has been the subject of extensive research (see EUROPE 13296/8, 13266/11, 13249/31).
The aim of these conclusions is to strengthen the potential of research and innovation (R&I) to improve the quality and coherence of policy-making processes.
The document also stresses the importance of high-quality public policies based on scientific knowledge.
In these draft conclusions, the Spanish Presidency wished to emphasise the need to reduce disparities in R&I performance and participation between European regions and States.
To reduce these disparities, the document stresses the need for coordination between R&I ecosystems and more effective use of all capacities and resources at European, national and regional level.
A new framework to attract and retain researchers in Europe
The ministers could reach agreement on the proposed recommendation for a European framework to attract and retain researchers, innovation and entrepreneurs in Europe.
The aim of the European Commission’s proposal was to retain European researchers and make Europe an attractive destination for foreign R&I players, in particular by improving their working conditions, which are often precarious, and the balance between professional and private life.
This proposal includes a revision of the 2005 Charter for Researchers and is accompanied by an initiative for a European framework of competences for researchers (ResearchComp), which will also support intersectoral mobility (see EUROPE 13222/23).
Making the most of research to boost European competitiveness
The Spanish Presidency wanted to organise a policy debate on making the most of research as an instrument for economic and industrial recovery and resilience (see EUROPE 13296/9).
Miscellaneous items
The agenda includes a number of other items, including one on the extension of the Partnership in Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area, PRIMA (see EUROPE 13302/40).
The Commission will also present its report in the context of the new monitoring mechanism for the European Research Area (see EUROPE 13300/14).
An information point will also be devoted to advanced materials for industrial leadership. In particular, the Commission will invite Member States to better identify national R&I priorities and the needs of industry in the field of advanced materials for the green industrial and digital transitions.
Finally, the Spanish Presidency will talk about the events organised during its term of office, and the future Belgian Presidency will present its work programme.
Link to the Council’s draft recommendation on the attractiveness of research: https://aeur.eu/f/a0u
Link to the activities organised by the Spanish Presidency: https://aeur.eu/f/a0v (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)