Agenda of the EU Competitiveness Council on Research and Space, 8 December 2023

Research

On Friday morning, ministers will discuss research related matters, with two main points in the agenda.

The impact of research and innovation in policy making – Council conclusions

Ministers are expected to adopt Council conclusions on the impact of research and innovation in policy making, a priority file for the Spanish presidency. The conclusions reflect on how an appropriate design, research and innovation can improve the work of policymaking with the inclusion of scientific evidence and knowledge in the regulatory process.

Draft Council conclusions on the impact of research and innovation in policy making

Council recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe – Political agreement

Ministers are invited to reach a political agreement on a Council recommendation to create a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation, and entrepreneurial talents in Europe.

This Recommendation aims at supporting researchers and research careers in the Union, but also to developing a more attractive, open and sustainable European labour market for researchers, which is also attractive to foreign talent.

Proposal for a Council recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe

Research valorisation as a tool for economic and industrial recovery and resilience – Policy debate

Ministers will hold a policy debate on the subject ‘Research valorisation as a tool for economic and industrial recovery and resilience’. Following the recommendation on the guiding principles for knowledge valorisation, that was adopted during the Czech presidency, Ministers will be invited to share best practices on how research results can be used to revitalise the Union’s economy and industry answering questions presented by the presidency in a note.

Presidency note on ‘Research valorisation as a tool for economic and industrial recovery and resilience’

Also on the agenda

There are six additional items under Any Other Business:

– the Presidency will inform on the continuation of the EU’s participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under Horizon Europe

– Presidency will debrief ministers on the events and activities held during the Spanish Presidency

– the Commission will inform the participants on the “EU-level report to be issued in the context of the new ERA Monitoring Mechanism”

– the Commission will continue with a presentation of the progress made with research assessment reforms and actions

– the Commission will also inform on advanced materials for industrial leadership

– finally, the incoming Belgian Presidency will present their work program in the field of research

Youth and gender equality in research – Exchange of views

Over lunch, ministers will discuss on the topic “Fostering policies for youth and gender equality in Research and Innovation” based on a reflexion document prepared by the Spanish presidency.

Infographic – EU achievements in space

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Space

On Friday afternoon minister of Space will meet with two main points in the agenda.

Space traffic management – Council conclusions

Ministers are expected to approve the Council Conclusions on ‘Space traffic management: state of play’.

The number of satellites and debris in space is steadily increasing and the resulting congestion in space puts at risk the security and resilience of EU and Member States space policies and assets. Space traffic management will be very important with the upcoming Commission initiative to propose EU legislation related to space, that covers safety, security, and sustainability aspects.

Draft Council conclusions on “Space traffic management: state of play”

Future of EU policy on space in a changing world – Exchange of views

Ministers will hold an exchange of views on the “future EU policy on space in a changing world” based on a document prepared by the presidency containing some background information and two questions to steer the debate. The discussion will cover issues like sustainability of space, security and defence, and EU strategic autonomy.

Presidency note on “The future EU policy on space in a changing world”

Council Conclusions on the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence

Also on the agenda

The Council will conclude with two additional points under Any Other Business:

the Spanish presidency will make a presentation on the events and activities during the six months of their mandate.

this will be followed by an information point of the Work programme of the incoming Belgian Presidency.

EU space policy (background information)

Meeting information

• Brussels
• 8 December 2023

Preparatory documents

• Provisional agenda