Seen from Brussels

The European Council’s budget compromise includes cuts for research, innovation and education compared to the Commission’s proposal, creating strong resistance.

The German Presidency of the Council of the EU will focus on Europe’s recovery and the challenge of laying the financial groundwork for making it a success.

The EC presented its new MFF proposal for 2021-2027 and a “Next Generation EU” recovery instrument to help Europe bounce back after the pandemic.

The EU struggles to confront the corona crisis that has upended its agenda. After a brief global focus, helping Member States became the main concern.

The difficulties to reach consensus on the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 risk delaying research, innovation and education programmes.

Croatia focuses on brain circulation and advancing rural areas. Meanwhile, the EC’s proposal for a European Green Deal finds support in the European Parliament.

Brussels was busy in December, from personnel shifts in and out to first policy proposals by the new EC – however, no decision yet on the EU budget.

During her presentation of the new Commission and their agenda in the European Parliament, von der Leyen focuses on how she wants to build a stronger Europe.

Brussels is facing delays for the start of the next European Commission – and for Brexit.

About a dozen of the proposed members of the von der Leyen College of Commissioners will oversee a portfolio related to education, research and innovation.