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As Brussels debates how to extract more economic value out of its investments in science and technology, this news tracker brings together the latest developments in EU and national R&I policies, as well as updates on how the worlds of research and industry are working together for a more prosperous Europe.
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EU research commission Ekaterina Zaharieva is on a visit to the US this week, starting off with meetings at Stanford University in California to promote cooperation.
Zaharieva visited the university's business and medicine schools, meeting faculty to discuss topics such as entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The visit comes as the US government’s shifting approach to science has put strain on its global leadership in science. The Trump administration's recent measures included cutting funding for research on diversity-related topics and halting biomedical grants to international partners.
“Transatlantic cooperation remains essential to tackle global challenges while safeguarding shared values such as academic freedom and openness,” Zaharieva said on LinkedIn.
The European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) have renewed their partnership with a joint action plan designed to boost the role of cities and regions in research and innovation, with CoR representatives set to participate in the design and implementation of the European Research Area.
The plan is structured around four priorities: developing strong local and regional innovation ecosystems, contributing to the green and digital transition at the local level, raising awareness of Horizon Europe funding opportunities among local governors, and supporting evidence-based policymaking in regions.
“Every European policy on research and innovation must mean concrete benefits for our citizens, no matter where they are living. Through the new Joint Action Plan and together with our partners in the Committee of the Regions, we will make that happen,” research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva says in a statement.
The joint action plan builds on a first iteration between 2020 and 2025.
More details here.
René Repasi, MEP for the Socialists and Democrats group, has been appointed as the European Parliament’s rapporteur for the Commission’s EU Inc. proposal. Repasi is the author of a previous Parliament report on the 28th company regime, of which EU Inc. is the key component.
“There is much to do and it will be anchored in the previous work that was able to find a broad majority in this house, namely: creating a regulatory landscape in the Internal Market for disruptive innovation and creative growth, without neglecting the social fabric of the European social market economy,” Repasi wrote on social media.
The institutions hope to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026.
Beneficiaries who are owed money by EIT Manufacturing are invited to submit their claims following the designation of a court-appointed liquidator to oversee the liquidation process.
Organisations domiciled in France have two months to submit their claims, while organisations outside of France have four months, from 15 April 2026.
“While liabilities towards beneficiaries rest with EIT Manufacturing ASBL, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) fully cooperates with the appointed judicial administrator responsible for the liquidation and financial settlements, in full respect of applicable legal procedures, with a view to facilitating the settlement of claims towards EIT Manufacturing ASBL for beneficiaries,” the EIT said in a statement.
See further details for submitting claims here.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is looking for experts in critical defence technologies to help assess which companies should receive direct equity investments to scale up innovations in the field.
Areas of expertise include air and missile defence, artillery and precision strikes, missiles and ammunition, drones and counter-drones, strategic enablers, cyber, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare, military mobility, ground and air combat, maritime, and medical and countermeasures.
More details here.
The European Commission has opened seven calls worth €63.2 million under the Digital Europe programme in efforts to support the adoption and deployment of artificial intelligence in health and online safety.
Of the total amount, €9 million will go to AI-powered image screening in medical centres: €24 million will stimulate digital health services and systems; €12.5 million will fund trainings for advanced digital skills; €8.5 million will finance innovative digital solutions to reduce regulatory burdens on companies; €6 million will boost research on online information integrity; €1.8 million will support Digital Europe’s dissemination and exploitation activities; and €1 million will set up a European Digital Infrastructure Consortium support hub.
“These calls contribute to achieving the ambitions of the Commission's AI Continent Action Plan and Apply AI Strategy,” the Commission says.
The call will close on October 1.
More details here.
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