EU R&I Council: "Strengthening of the ERC's independence" (22 member states)

22 of the 27 EU member states present a document supporting the strengthening of the ERC's independence during the Council of European Research Ministers on 29/11/2024 in Brussels.

The document "welcomes the statement of support for the independence of the ERC made by Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva in her recent written answers to the European Parliament, and we wish to join this call to ensure the continued strength of the ERC, its reputation and its proven ability to deliver on its promises as an independent organisation".

The ministers also adopt conclusions on:
• strengthening the EU's competitiveness, reinforcing ERA and overcoming its fragmentation;
• a Europe-wide R&I initiative to promote the sustainable management of natural resources, the security of food systems and the deployment of the bioeconomy;
• advanced materials.

The ministers debate the conclusions of Mario Draghi's report published in September 2024.

Patrick Hetzel, French Minister for Higher Education and Research, looks back at this debate for News Tank after the Council meeting: "The various European ministers…