The two politicians highlighted central aspects of European research and innovation funding, including the 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has announced that Horizon Europe will remain a self-standing research programme of the EU. In response, Federal Research Minister Bär stated “I am delighted by this wonderful news from Brussels. This sends out a strong signal in support of Europe as a sovereign location for innovation.”
The Federal Minister and the EU Commissioner also spoke about recruiting talented researchers from abroad, especially in the face of restrictions on academic freedom.
The meeting marked the start of cooperation at a European level. “I’ll see Commissioner Zaharieva again on Friday when we will meet up with all of the EU research ministers at the Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels,” said Dorothee Bär.