Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, is in Brussels to chair the European Union’s Competitiveness Council (COMPET) in its research configuration on Friday, 27 February.
According to an official announcement, discussions will focus on the legislative package for the EU’s new Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe, covering the period 2028–2034. The aim of the new package is to safeguard excellence while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy.
Ministers are expected to exchange views on the key provisions shaping the next phase of Horizon Europe, which remains the bloc’s flagship funding programme for research and innovation. The upcoming framework is intended to enhance the EU’s capacity to respond to global challenges, foster cutting-edge research and support the development of strategic technologies.
In addition, the Council is set to seek approval of its general approach on the reform of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, a long-standing financial instrument supporting innovation and modernisation in the respective sectors.
On the sidelines of the Council meeting, Damianou will hold bilateral contacts with his counterparts from other member states as well as officials of European institutions, in discussions expected to touch on research collaboration, digital policy and innovation-driven growth.
The Deputy Minister is scheduled to return to Cyprus on the evening of 27 February.
(Source: CNA)
