In a statement published on Thursday 19 September, the European University Association (EUA) reacted to the announcement on 17 September by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, concerning the reorganisation of the Education, Research and Innovation portfolios. These areas, which were grouped under the responsibility of Iliana Ivanova during the 2019-2024 legislature, will now be divided between several Commissioners.
Romanian Roxana Mînzatu is to become Executive Vice-President for People, Skills and Preparation (see EUROPE 13484/5), with responsibility for the European Education Area, the European Universities Initiative and the Erasmus+ programme. For her part, Ekaterina Zaharieva from Bulgaria has been appointed head of Start-ups, Research and Innovation.
The EUA has expressed concerns about this separation, which it had argued against, fearing that it would complicate coordination between education and research, not only within the Commission, but also with stakeholders.
The association is calling for clarification during the parliamentary hearings that are now due to begin, to ensure that the effectiveness of European policies is not affected and that cooperation between those involved in education and research remains fluid. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)