Seen from Brussels

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.

Research and innovation communities across Europe are supporting the initiative that calls for a swift association of Switzerland and the UK to Horizon Europe.

The French EU Presidency plans to move the green and digital transitions forward – education, research, and innovation play a crucial role in these efforts.

‘Stories from 2050’ offer new insights, the EU launches the Global Gateway initiative, and is progressing on association – without two longstanding partners.

The new European Research Area policy agenda shows political support for R&I – while the latter are not yet part of the discussions on the ‘Future of Europe’.

While Horizon Europe is almost approaching the end of its first year, association to the new programme is still delayed for longstanding partners.

The European Commission and Member States agree to rebalance openness and strategic autonomy. This is also shaping the openness of the EU’s R&I collaboration.

While the new programme is up and running, EU institutions remain busy finalising key elements, such as European Partnerships, association, and Missions.

The Slovenian Presidency has a full agenda on R&I and education topics – including the setting up of the foundations for the new European Research Area.