Next EU comissionner's priorities for R&I: "We have a momentum" (E. Zaharieva to MEPs)

"We have momentum with the Letta, Draghi and Heitor reports. We should work to achieve an increased budget for R&I. We should motivate member states to meet the 3% GDP target for R&I. Private sector investments are also crucial. However, increasing funding will not work if we don't simplify", says Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner-designate for start-ups and R&I during her hearing at the European Parliament on 05/11/2024.

She is being questioned by MEPs from the Itre Committee and some from the Cult Committee, who will submit their recommendations following their evaluation to the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and the chairman of the political groups).

The election of the full College of Commissioners by MEPs is currently scheduled for the plenary session of 25-28/11/2024 in Strasbourg.

"To unleash the full potential of R&I, we need to invest more resources, more strategically, and in a more coordinated way. Generative AI alone is estimated to add between €2 and 4 Tn to industries, from pharmaceuticals to manufacturing. One-third of the CO2 reductions we need by 2050…