Florin Zubașcu

French president calls for an end to silo mentality and tells industry to work with start-ups

In wide-ranging interview, the research commissioner outlines issues standing in the way of the UK and Switzerland taking part in Horizon Europe. There is also an update on the European Research Area and a call for one and all to back the research missions

€408M in the Horizon 2020 budget was not disbursed. MEPs say it could be used to reverse cuts to 2022 spending on research proposed by the European Council in July

Following objections from member states, the Commission has shifted position and after receiving assurances, now appears open to UK involvement in these strategic fields, while Israel will be allowed to take part in quantum research

Member states need to be more explicit about opportunities and support universities can expect from national plans for the €750B fund

EU health commissioner downplays concerns of ‘democratic deficiencies’ in the setup of HERA, as the European Parliament demands more transparency and a greater say in how the authority operates

Slovenian presidency is open to letting research and university associations be involved in the future governance of the European Research Area, but admits further talks are needed to work out best way to do this

One year after €150M anchor investment by the European Investment Fund, Venture Centre of Excellence now has ‘total investment capabilities’ of €1.7B for innovative start-ups

The news has moved the optimism needle in Brussels, but lots of administrative and legal hurdles remain, including where the life sciences court that was due to be based in London will now be located

The debate comes at a time when Horizon Europe association talks are embroiled in broader political battles and no longer purely limited to principles of integrity and performance in research and innovation