The issue of strengthening European competitiveness through research, innovation and space will be discussed at the Competitiveness Council (Research and Space), taking place on Friday, in Brussels.
In statements before the start of the meeting, Cyprus' Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou, who is chairing the Council, stressed that strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty and strategic capabilities has been a key direction of the Cyprus EU Presidency in the fields of research, innovation and space, alongside maintaining international cooperation.
The agenda includes, among other topics, the future “Horizon Europe” programme for 2028–2034, science diplomacy, and progress on the European Space Act.
Damianou said that this is the last Competitiveness Council in the fields of research, innovation and space under the Cyprus Presidency.
He pointed out that over the past five months, the Cyprus Presidency has worked to advance key priorities linked to Europe’s competitiveness, autonomy and resilience, noting that research and innovation are strategic assets in this direction.
Referring to the negotiations on the “Horizon Europe” 2028–2034 programme, the Deputy Minister said that significant progress has been achieved during the Cyprus Presidency, although outstanding issues remain that require further political guidance, with the aim of reaching a partial general approach before the Presidency concludes.
At the same time, Ministers are also expected to adopt the Council Recommendation on a European Framework for Science Diplomacy. The Deputy Minister described this development as an important step towards strengthening Europe’s international presence through science, linking it to the motto of the Cyprus Presidency: An Autonomous Union, open to the world.
Regarding the space sector, the Deputy Minister said that discussions will focus on the progress of the European Space Act, which he described as an ambitious proposal aimed at reducing fragmentation in the single market and strengthening Europe’s presence in the space sector.
