Following the closure of the European Commission’s public consultation on the past, present and future of the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, the Commission is starting to articulate a strategy for the EU’s next framework programme for R&I (FP10). The Vice-Presidents continued the discussion on The Guild’s vision for FP10, which it will be developing in the coming months.
The Vice-Presidents also fostered a timely discussion on the strategic priorities for the European Education Area (EEA). In the spring of 2023, the Erasmus+ programme will open its interim evaluation of the programme. The Vice-Presidents reflected on the priorities of the current programme and reviewed its international dimension. They emphasised that the programme should continue to enhance its international scope to foster cooperation with, for example, African partners and to help address current international societal challenges such as the war in Ukraine. Additionally, the Vice-presidents took stock of the European Universities Initiative and its role within the European Education Area. They highlighted the importance and success of the university alliances but also reflected on the growing urge to implement new initiatives and targets.
The meeting concluded with a key discussion on the European Excellence Initiative. The Commission has launched its subgroup on priority 13 ‘Empowering Universities’ within the European Research Area. Besides the Commission, the group consists of Member States and stakeholder representatives, including The Guild. The Vice-Presidents raised important questions regarding the aim and scope of the instrument, and highlighted the need for designing an initiative that protects and empowers the pursuit of research excellence through support for leading research collaborations.
20 March 2023