Brussels, 22 October 2024
Commission analyses potential to boost European Research Area
The EU has made strides towards building a more integrated, efficient and attractive single market for research and innovation, but further work is needed to fully tap into its potential. These are the conclusions of the Communication on the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) that the Commission adopted today, reaffirming its commitment to placing research and innovation at the core of Europe’s future growth. As highlighted by the Draghi report and the Political Guidelines for the next Commission, research and innovation are critical drivers of economic resilience, competitiveness and wellbeing.
Initiated in 2000 to address fragmentation in the European research landscape and given a new push in 2020, the ERA aims to create a dynamic and attractive environment for researchers and innovators across Europe, making it the place to be for them. The new Communication takes stock of the progress made under th
e four strategic objectives agreed with the member states and highlights where further work is needed:
Prioritising investments and reforms: the Commission has worked with Member States to align research and innovation efforts, supporting reforms and investments through cohesion policy funds, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and through expert support under Horizon Europe’s Policy Support Facility and the Technical Support Instrument. However, Europe is still far from achieving the target of 3% of EU GDP invested in research and development (R and D). The key issue remains low private investment, which is hindered by regulatory, legal, and administrative barriers that need to be addressed to attract more investors and innovators.
Improving access to excellence: Support provided under Horizon Europe for collaborative projects and mobility schemes such as Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) helped reinforced scientific cooperation networks. The widening part of Horizon Europe has also invested over pou
nd 1 billion so far to support the development of stronger R and I capacities in less performing Member States. However, more work is needed to reduce bureaucracy and provide better information on available opportunities for researchers.
Translating results into economic impact: The European Innovation Council (EIC) has become the largest investor in deep tech in Europe, with every euro invested by the EIC Fund attracting four euros from private investors. The ERA framework has supported the development with member states of targeted guidance for the economic exploitation of research results and technology roadmaps, but Europe still needs more venture capital to scale breakthrough innovations. The recent launch of the Trusted Investors Network marks a step forward in syndicating European investors.
Deepening the ERA: The ERA framework has led to significant progress in improving working conditions and career development for researchers, including through the adoption of the Council Recommendation on researc
h careers, but more can still be done. In line with European values, Horizon Europe also led the way to further boost gender equality and research integrity, open science and data-sharing efforts. Through the adoption of a Council recommendation on research security, further progress was also made to ensure the security of European research. However, more effort is needed to address remaining disparities in career development opportunities across the Union and to ensure the long-term sustainability and accessibility of European research and technology infrastructures.
Background
Over the past two decades, the ERA has triggered structural, economic and policy change. The current ERA Framework results from a revitalisation process, starting with the 2020 Commission Communication on a new ERA for Research and Innovation, followed by a new policy and governance framework adopted by the Council, and the Council recommendation on a Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe as well as the Council conclusions on t
he future governance of the European Research Area (2021).
The first ERA Policy Agenda (2022-2024) is nearing completion with tangible results, and this new Communication comes as the second ERA policy agenda (2025-2027) is being prepared.
For more information
Communication on the implementation of the European Research Area
Factsheet on the Communication
European Research Area Platform
ERA Policy Agenda 2022-24
ERA Monitoring Report 2023
ERA Country Reports 2023
Quote(s)
The vision for the European Research Area remains as relevant today as it was in 2000. I am proud of what we have achieved. We now have a strong foundation to build on, as we progress with making Europe the place to be for researchers and innovators. Now is the time to address the remaining challenges and unlock Europe’s full potential to prosper and compete on the global stage.
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth
Commission opens calls worth pound 323 million to support advanced di
gital connectivity infrastructures under Connecting Europe Facility
Today, the Commission has opened the fourth set of calls for proposals worth pound 323 million under the digital strand of the Connecting Europe Facility programme (CEF Digital). The new calls aim to speed up the deployment of fast, secure, and sustainable advanced infrastructures, contributing to the development of backbone connectivity, 5G networks, and quantum communication.
pound 128 million of funding under the Backbone Connectivity for Digital Global Gateways call for studies and for works will support the deployment of backbone connections, mainly via submarine and terrestrial cables. Such connections will improve the performance and resilience of connectivity networks within the EU, with its islands, remote and outermost regions, sparsely populated areas, as well as with third countries. The call is in line with the Recommendation on the security and resilience of submarine cable infrastructures and the Global Gateway strategy.
The
5G Large-Scale Pilots call for smart communities and for corridors, worth pound 105 million, will fund the deployment of 5G standalone infrastructure, underpinning the vision for a connected, collaborative computing network identified in the White Paper ‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?.’ It will unlock the full potential of 5G to enable innovative services in smart communities and along transport corridors, such as the Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM).
The actions funded with pound 90 million under the European Quantum Communication Infrastructures (EuroQCI) call will finance the interconnection of national quantum communication infrastructure networks across borders (developed at the national level with the support of the Digital Europe programme), as well as the connections between the EuroQCI’s ground and space segments.
Eligible entities can apply to these calls for proposals until 13 February 2025 at 17.00h.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patr
icia Poropat – Tel. : + 32 2 298 04 85).
Commission makes pound 16 million available to support journalism and media literacy across Europe
The Commission has today published three calls for proposals under the Creative Europe programme, aimed at supporting media freedom and pluralism, strengthening media resilience and contributing to improved media literacy.
The first call for proposals will fund pluralism and collaboration actions to promote journalism partnerships, for a total amount of pound 10.5 million. The pluralism action is aimed at organisations that can set up and distribute funds to news media in sectors of particular relevance for democracy, while the collaboration action aims to support proposals for cross-border collaboration between news media focusing on innovative business models and journalism projects across Europe.
Another pound 3 million call for proposals aims to create a rapid response system that will systematically and comprehensively monitor violations of press and media freedo
m across the EU, as well as in the Creative Europe and candidate countries. The overall objective is that this monitoring will lead to better data and information on risks to media freedom and pluralism.
In addition, pound 2.5 million is earmarked for innovative cross-border projects that help build European media literacy skills and limit the harmful effects of disinformation. The grants will encourage knowledge sharing and strengthening of media literacy practices across national, cultural and linguistic borders.
These Creative Europe calls for proposals are part of broader EU support for the news media sector.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat – Tel.: + 32 2 298 04 85).
New report shows increasing soil degradation in Europe
Today, the Commission published the 2024 State of Europe’s Soil Report, which assesses the state of soil degradation in the EU and the wider Europe. The report shows a worrying situation and trends, with soil degradation worsening in r
ecent years, and stresses the need for immediate action to reverse this trend.
Overall soil erosion is estimated at 1 billion tonnes per year across the EU. Water erosion is the most widespread type of erosion, currently affecting about a quarter (24%) of EU soils, with projections suggesting a possible increase of 13-25% by 2050. Water erosion affects about a third (32%) of agricultural soils. Mechanical agitation of soil, when resulting from agriculture, can also initiate soil degradation. This phenomenon, called tillage erosion, can have a significant impact on the soil of cultivated fields. Other forms of erosion include, among others, wind erosion.
Tackling soil degradation is crucial to achieving the EU’s environmental, agricultural and climate goals as healthy soils are essential to the overall resilience of our society and economy. The EU Soil Strategy 2030 sets out measures to achieve healthy soils by 2050, with concrete actions by 2030. Through collective action, enhanced monitoring and legislativ
e support, the EU can restore this vital resource and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. In addition, the European Soil Observatory (EUSO) has already laid the foundations for better soil monitoring, using advanced tools to improve the quality of data on soil erosion, soil organic carbon levels and nutrient imbalances. The EU mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, a large-scale R and D funding programme, supports the EU Soil Strategy and funds actions to establish harmonised soil health monitoring in the EU.
The State of Europe’s Soil report is a collaboration between the Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the European Environment Agency. It was presented today at the European Soil Observatory Stakeholder Forum, a platform bringing together experts, policy makers and stakeholders from across Europe.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Flore Boutier – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43)
President von der Leyen travels to the Western Balkans
The President of the European Commi
ssion, Ursula von der Leyen, will start a four-day trip to the Western Balkans tomorrow, where she will meet with the leaders of Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. This will be the occasion to discuss our Western Balkan partners’ progress on the EU path as well the EU’s pound 6 billion Growth Plan.
The President will first travel to Tirana, where she will meet the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama. She will also deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the academic year of the College of Europe campus in Tirana. On Thursday, still in Tirana, the President will meet with Bajram Begaj, President of Albania.
The same morning, she will travel to Skopje, where she will meet with the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, and with the President, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
Later in the day, President von der Leyen will travel to Jablanica, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to visit the areas affected by the floods that recently hit the country. On Fri
day morning, she will be in Sarajevo, where she will meet with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Chairwomen of the Council of Ministers, Borjana Krišto.
Later, the President will travel to Belgrade. There, she will meet with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, and the Prime Minister, Miloš Vucevic.
On Saturday, President von der Leyen will be in Pristina, where she will meet with the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, and the Prime Minister, Albin Kurti.
She will conclude her trip to the region in Podgorica, where she will have meetings with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, and with the Prime Minister, Milojko Spajic.
The President will hold press conferences during all her visits, and they will be broadcast on EbS.
This year´s visit follows that of last year, and the several occasions in which the President has outlined the importance of the region for the European Union. She did so recently, at the Berlin Process Summit and the Bled Strategic Forum.
(For more
information: Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 229-94073; Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24)
Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis travels to Brazil for G20 trade ministerial
From tomorrow to Friday, Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, travels to Brazil to participate in G20 Trade and Investment ministerial meetings, with the aim to advance work on the reform of the World Trade Organisation and of the multilateral trading system, global trade and sustainable development issues, as well as the participation of women in international trade. He will also participate in the trade ministers’ session of the B20 business summit in São Paulo.
While in Brasília, Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis will also deliver a speech on EU-Brazil relations in a changing global environment at the Institute for Foreign Relations (IREL) of the University of Brasília (UnB). In addition, he will hold meetings to discuss bilateral and global trade issues with Geraldo Alckmin, Vice-President and Mini
ster of Development, Industry, Trade and Services of Brazil; Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom; Diana Mondino, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina; Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative; and Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates.
Furthermore, in São Paulo, the Executive Vice-President will meet the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP), including its President Josue Gomes and CEOs of other companies.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)
Commissioners Gentiloni and Urpilainen participate in the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, in Washington D.C.
This week, Commissioner for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, and Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, will travel to Washington, D.C to attend the World Bank Group (WBG) and Inte
rnational Monetary Fund (IMF) 2024 Annual Meetings.
Tomorrow, Commissioner Gentiloni will take part in the Sixth Ukraine Ministerial Roundtable.
On Thursday, he will participate in a G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. He will also sign an agreement with the President of the European Investment Bank for the “112 emergency number” project in Ukraine, in the presence of Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko. Later that day, the Commissioner will speak at the Washington D.C. Economic Festival on the topic of European competitiveness. He will then attend the G20 Joint Climate-Finance Ministerial meeting.
On Friday, Commissioner Gentiloni will take part in IMF meetings focusing on the global policy agenda and challenges, and in a meeting of G7 Finance Ministers regarding support for Ukraine, artificial intelligence and international taxation.
On the same day, Commissioner Urpilainen will take stock with European Development Finance Institutions of cooperation under Global Gateway. S
he will then sign a pound 71.1 million EU guarantee with IFU, the Danish investment fund, to support investments in developing countries in green energy and infrastructure, healthcare and sustainable food systems. She will also take part in a fireside chat with the Atlantic Council and deliver a speech on child nutrition at a WBG event. She will then participate in the Development Committee Plenary on ‘A Future-Ready WBG’.
Commissioner Urpilainen will also sign with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva a pound 15 million EU contribution to the Global Public Finance Partnership supporting public finance management and pound 8 million for the IMF-EU Public Finance Management-Partnership Programme to improve spending policies to achieve the SDGs. Later on, she will sign together with the African Union (AU) Commission Director for Partnerships, Steve Lalande, the pound 1.5 million AU component of the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa. She will then hold a trilateral meeting with the World Bank Managi
ng Director for operations, Anna Bjerde, and the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, on gender-based violence.
On Saturday, Commissioner Gentiloni will attend the third G7 – Africa Ministerial Roundtable.
(For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: + 32 229-96302; Ana Pisonero – Tel.: +32 2 295 43 20)
APPOINTMENTS
COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Deputy Director General at its department for Interpretation
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Colin Scicluna as Deputy Director-General at the Commission’s Directorate-General for Interpretation (DG SCIC). This department is responsible for providing high-quality conference interpretation, and by delivering corporate conference organisation and meeting room management services across the Commission. The date of effect will be determined later.
Mr Scicluna has accumulated nearly 30 years of broad professional experience in public service, with a remarkable track record in senior-level negotiations a
nd management across various EU structures and the Maltese public administration. He is recognized for his strong leadership, an excellent ability for developing innovative solutions to address complex policy challenges in different areas as well as his thorough knowledge of EU decision-making processes and inter-institutional matters. Building on his deep understanding of complex policy environments, Mr Scicluna is well-positioned to take on a leadership role at DG SCIC, where precision in communication and organizational excellence are paramount. Mr Scicluna was instrumental, as Head of Secretariat, in organising the highly complex, multilingual ‘Conference on the Future of Europe´ ensuring seamless coordination of interpretation services and overseeing the management of logistical challenges of engaging participants from across the EU in multiple languages. His leadership was crucial in facilitating smooth communication and fostering meaningful dialogue in a diverse, multilingual environment.
A Maltese na
tional, Colin Scicluna was until recently Head of Cabinet for the Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica. Previously, he was Deputy Managing-Director and Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf at the European External Action Service; Member of the Cabinet of former Commissioner for the European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement, Johannes Hahn; and Member of the Cabinet of former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton.
Before joining the Commission in 2013, he served as Resident Ambassador of Malta to Austria, non-resident Ambassador to Hungary, the Slovak Republic, and Kosovo, and Deputy Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN in New York.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)
COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Director for its department for trade
The European Commission has decided t
oday to appoint Myrto Zambarta as Director for ‘Multilateral Affairs, Strategy, Analysis, Evaluation’ at the Commission’s Directorate-General for trade (DG TRADE). DG TRADE is the Commission’s department responsible for implementing the common commercial policy of the EU, managing trade relationships and negotiations with countries, regions and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The date of effect is to be determined at a later stage.
Ms Zambarta, a Cypriot national, brings almost two decades of experience within the Commission, where she has consistently taken on roles of increasing responsibility. Her career has been marked by a proven record of strong leadership, strategic thinking, and an excellent capacity to address complex operational and organizational issues.
In her new role, Ms Zambarta will draw upon her extensive experience in both strategic leadership and international negotiations, gained through a series of senior roles within the European Commission. Her prior positions, including Head of U
nit for ‘Multilateral Affairs and the WTO’ and Deputy Head of Unit for ‘Services and Investments’ at DG TRADE, as well as her role as Head of the Commission Representation in Cyprus and as Member of the Cabinet of the former Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, have equipped her with the managerial and diplomatic skills needed to navigate the complexities of international trade. Her deep understanding of EU trade policy and multilateral relations, coupled with her clear communication and sharp political acumen, will be key as she takes on this challenging new role.
Ms Zambarta joined the European Commission in 2005, prior to which she worked as a lawyer in private practice in London.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)
COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a new Director for its department for trade
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Léon Delvaux as Director for ‘Neig
hbouring Countries, Industry, Goods, Regulatory Cooperation and Public Procurement’ at the Commission’s Directorate-General for trade (DG TRADE). DG TRADE is the Commission’s department responsible for implementing the common commercial policy of the EU, managing trade relationships and negotiations with countries, regions and the World Trade Organisation. The date of effect is to be determined at a later stage.
Mr Delvaux’s nearly 25-year career has encompassed a broad range of high-level roles in trade and foreign affairs, both within the European Commission and in Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His extensive experience has honed his strategic thinking, sound judgment, and strong conceptual abilities, enabling him to navigate complex international negotiations and policymaking environments.
Mr Delvaux, a Luxembourgish national, is currently acting Director at DG TRADE, responsible for trade with the EU`s neighbours. This engagement combined with his former roles as Principal Adviser at the same
DG, and Trade and Development Adviser to the former President of the Commission, have allowed him to play a central role in shaping key European trade policies. His leadership was especially impactful concerning Ukraine where he played a pivotal role in devising a policy to enhance the support trade could offer to the country faced with Russia’s war of aggression. These positions have also highlighted his capacity for innovative thinking and his skill in translating fresh ideas into actionable policies, a consistent theme throughout his career.
Before joining the Commission in 2014, Mr Delvaux was Deputy Director for all trade-related issues at the Directorate for Economic and European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, as well as Ambassador to Kosovo and Montenegro.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)
COLLEGE MEETING: The European Commission appoints a Principal Adviser for its department of Human Resources and Secu
rity
Today, the European Commission has appointed David Mueller as Principal Adviser at the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security (DG HR) in charge of ‘HR Strategic Foresight and Innovation’. This Commission department oversees recruitment policy, training and career management, social policies and working conditions for Commission staff. It is responsible for keeping buildings and employees safe, and online security. The date of effect will be determined later.
With over 20 years of experience in EU and national institutions, Mr Mueller has developed deep expertise across various policy areas, including budgetary and administrative matters, cohesion policy, enlargement, and foreign policy, particularly focusing on the EU’s neighbouring countries. His extensive experience has refined his coordination, negotiation, and communication skills, enabling him to represent the Commission effectively at senior levels externally, while also driving internal decision-making processes.
Most notably, Mr
Mueller played a key role in range of key human resources policy initiatives in the past 5 years, including shaping the Commission’s Human Resources Strategy, the roll-out of the digital transition for staff during the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the considerable improvement of gender balance at all levels of management in the Commission. In his new role, Mr Mueller, an Austrian national, will be well-placed to leverage further his robust management experience and comprehensive knowledge of Human Resources policy, which he has acquired particularly over the past five years as Head of Cabinet for Commissioner Johannes Hahn, responsible for Budget and Administration. Previously, he served as a Member of Cabinet under Commissioner Hahn during his mandates for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, and before that for Regional and Urban Policy.
Prior to joining the Commission in 2007, Mr Mueller held roles at Austrian public administration and the European Parliament.
(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2
295 45 78; Veronica Favalli – Tel.: +32 2 298 72 69)
CALENDAR
Monday 21/10
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Hanoi, Vietnam (until 23/10): delivers opening remarks at the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition 2024.
Tuesday 22/10
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Hanoi, Vietnam: delivers opening remarks at the Erasmus+ day; participates in the ceremonial signing with World Vision and Red Cross.
Friday 25/10
Ms Stella Kyriakides delivers a speech via videoconference at an event on the EU’s policies on child cancer organised by MEP Giorgos Georgiou; delivers a speech via videoconference to present Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan at the Breast Cancer Awareness event organised by Ms Evanthia Savva, Mayoress of Aradippou.
The European Commission is committed to personal data protection. Any personal data is processed in line with Regulation (EC) 2018/1725. All personal information processed by the Directorate-General for Communication / European Commission Representations is treated accordingly. If you do not work for a media or
ganisation, you are welcome to contact the EU through Europe Direct in writing or by calling 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11
Source: Cyprus News Agency