Research & Innovation for EU autonomy: Belgian presidency’s strategic agenda
Research and innovation play a pivotal role in achieving the overarching objectives of the EU and are essential for addressing urgent societal, global and economic challenges such as climate crisis, health, and the digital transformation.
The Belgian presidency will therefore prioritise the contribution of research and innovation as our foremost catalyst for achieving greater open strategic autonomy for Europe, while focusing on better valorisation of research results and reinforcing the role of research and innovation in society to overcome key industrial and societal challenges.
The Belgian presidency acknowledges the importance of space activities as a strategic asset, particularly in domains such as security, defense, climate change mitigation, and the empowerment of New Space actors. It will aim to advance cybersecurity and secure connectivity and to promote the safe, sustainable, and secure use of space.
In dealing with these challenges, including also responsible international cooperation, the commitment to nurturing the EU’s open strategic autonomy will run as a common thread.
Modernising our industry
The presidency will stress the importance of research and innovation in strengthening and modernising the European industry to achieve more open strategic autonomy in health, clean-tech, food, digitalisation, disruptive and key enabling technologies (KETs) ranging from AI, advanced materials and life-science technologies.
Research and innovation is crucial for the green transition and digitalisation of the European industry and substantially impacts many aspects of society. Through Council conclusions, the Belgian presidency will also focus on improving the valorisation of research results. This is key for reducing the innovation gap, and tailoring academic research with the needs of society, policy-makers and industries, while stimulating the EU’s industrial recovery and revitalisation.
Interdisciplinary and evidence-informed policymaking
The Belgian presidency will strive to better connect science, industry, policy and society. This will help enhance trust and engagement in science and address key societal and environmental challenges. To this end, interdisciplinary evidence-informed policymaking and science communication are useful tools. The mission model within Horizon Europe can serve as guidance.
Furthermore, the presidency will closely follow up on Horizon Europe and identify opportunities to maximise the economic, scientific and societal impact of this programme and the EU added value. Meanwhile, building on the ex-post evaluation of Horizon 2020, Council conclusions will be prepared. These conclusions will pave the way for the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
International cooperation
The presidency will also foster international cooperation based on openness, dedicated partnerships and common standards, while promoting a level-playing field and reciprocity under-pinned by fundamental principles and values in line with the Global Approach to Research and Innovation.
The Belgian presidency will advance research and innovation in the nuclear field, focusing on finding innovative solutions for high-level radioactive waste and nuclear material testing. It will also stress the significance of the ITER project, which paves the way for tomorrow’s fusion power plants. Additionally, the presidency will provide full support for the development of radiological and nuclear technologies in healthcare. The Strategic Agenda for Medical Ionising Radiation Applications (SAMIRA Initiative) will play a crucial role in ensuring a secure supply of radioisotopes, improving the quality and security of nuclear medical applications.