Seen from Brussels

The incoming EU Presidency continues the Czech Republic’s focus on research infrastructures and synergies. Sweden will help shaping the European Year of Skills.

The EU Parliament and the Council agreed on a 2023 budget close to the Commission’s proposal. It includes slightly higher budgets for Erasmus+ and Horizon.

The plans for 2023 cover several topics of relevance for R&I and education. There is also progress on REPowerEU – the Commission endorses a new solar alliance.

Ursula Von der Leyen announces new instruments, like a European Hydrogen Bank, to accelerate the green transition. She proposes to make 2023 the Year of Skills.

The Commission proposes a Council Recommendation to strengthen knowledge valorisation – and presents two reports on impacts of data regulation on research.

Research infrastructures, synergies, and digital education are key priorities. The Commission’s new foresight report focuses on the green & digital transitions.

The Stick to Science initiative calls on President von der Leyen to safeguard science collaboration in Europe by allowing UK and Switzerland to join Horizon.

Following up on announcements in March, the Commission presented its REPower EU plan and an analysis of defence gaps, including key R&I aspects in both areas.

April saw a flurry of developments at EU level, including input for education and youth policies, progress on digital regulation, ERA – and on association.

Education, research and innovation play a key role in tackling the new challenges – especially when it comes to new efforts in the energy and defence areas.