Seen from Brussels

With the start of negotiations, researchers in Switzerland become eligible to apply for 2024 ERC Advanced Grants. The EC adopted its first defence industrial strategy.

Ministers also discussed the future of international R&I collaboration, the Commission proposed an advanced materials strategy, and the MFF revision was approved.

The package includes proposals to increase research security and presents options on how the support of dual use R&I can be enhanced in the next EU programmes.

Belgium will lead the EU during the first half of 2024. Next year will also see progress towards Swiss association to Union programmes.

Next year’s budget is slightly higher than proposed. Council agrees to the UK’s association; there is progress for Canada – and light on the horizon for Switzerland.

The EU Commission invites Member States to join a risk assessment of four critical technologies and adopts an update of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

This month saw President von der Leyen’s State of the EU Address, Commissioner Ivanova’s appointment, and an agreement on the UK’s association.

Ahead of her hearing at the EU Parliament, Commissioner-designate Iliana Ivanova laid out her views on the future of the EU’s knowledge policies and programmes.

Education, research, and innovation play a crucial role in the Spanish Presidency priorities – as well as in the Commission’s 2023 Strategic Foresight Report.

The Commission reviewed 2022 R&I activities and proposes a reinforced budget to cope with new geopolitical realities. ERAC discussed ERA implementation.