The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc), led by its President, Professor Rodrigo Martins, is pleased to announce the success of its advocacy for a stronger focus on research and innovation within the European Commission. In response to a formal petition, supported by Nobel laureates and prominent figures from the scientific community, the European Commission has appointed Ekaterina Zaharieva as the first-ever commissioner exclusively focused on startups, research, and innovation.
This appointment marks a significant shift, as previous commissioners—such as Mariya Gabriel—had been tasked with a broad portfolio that included culture, education, and youth, diluting the attention given to research and innovation. The EurASc, in collaboration with the Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE) and its president, Prof. Dr. Martin Andler, had urged President Ursula von der Leyen to prioritize this critical area with a dedicated commissioner. Their request has now been fulfilled.
In a letter sent to von der Leyen earlier this year, the European Academy of Sciences emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its research ecosystem to compete globally. Professor Martins, together with the EurASc Presidium, stressed the importance of increasing investment in research and enhancing the European Research Council’s (ERC) capabilities. They argued that only through empowered leadership could Europe achieve the strategic goals laid out by von der Leyen, including those in the European Prosperity Plan, which places research and innovation at the heart of Europe’s future economy. (PRESS RELEASE)
The appointment of Ekaterina Zaharieva as commissioner for startups, research, and innovation is widely seen as a critical move to ensure that Horizon Europe’s budget is protected and that Europe remains competitive in the global science and technology landscape. This aligns with the proposals of Mario Draghi, who also advocated for a more robust European focus on research and innovation to improve quality of life across the continent.
Kurt Deketelaere, Secretary General of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), praised the decision and highlighted the importance of having a commissioner capable of immediate action. Ekaterina Zaharieva, with her extensive experience, is expected to bring much-needed momentum to Europe’s research and innovation sectors.
The scientific community across Europe celebrates this victory as a step towards a prosperous future grounded in science, technology, and innovation.
On Media:
- https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-europe-politics-2024-9-eu-commissioner-for-startups-research-and-innovation-proposed/
- https://www.leru.org/news/next-commissioner-to-focus-solely-on-research-innovation-and-education
- https://initiative-se.eu/2024/09/03/open-letter-to-president-von-der-leyen-advocating-a-dedicated-commissioner-for-research-and-innovation/