"One top priority will be the development of the next FP R&I" (E. Zaharieva to MEPs)

"One top priority will be the development of the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation", says Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner-designated for Startups, Research and Innovation on 22/10/2024, while the very existence of a framework programme in R&I is still in question.

She and each Commissioner-designate had to answer written questions from EP committees and MEPs prior to their hearings. Ekaterina Zaharieva will be heard by the Itre and Cult committees on 05/11/2024.

"I will work to increase our research spending, in line with the Political Guidelines. I will also aim for simplification, and focus the framework programme more where it matters and has the highest European added value, taking into account the recommendations of the Draghi report".

She adds that mainstreaming gender equality and youth into all policy areas of her portfolio will be two of her priorities:

"I will therefore contribute to the post-2025 Gender Equality Strategy, specifically to efforts to combat gender-based violence. We will work to further integrate the gender dimensions in funded projects…