One of the key questions in the first debate was how the future EU R+I Framework Programme can contribute to Europe's long-term competitiveness and what measures are needed to put Europe back at the forefront of international research and innovation. The discussions also addressed ways of ensuring effective coordination between the EU Framework Programme and other relevant EU programmes.
In her statement State Secretary Martina Hirayama emphasised the importance of an independent EU framework programme focused on research and innovation. She said it was crucial to create synergies with other EU programmes so as to ensure compatibility with national budget and resource planning. Switzerland also believes that a stronger European Research Council (ERC) and a focus on excellence are essential to the success of the next generation of programmes. Ms Hirayama also emphasised the importance of European cooperation in key strategic areas such as quantum to exploit the full potential of European research and innovation.
The second debate focused on the European strategy for start-ups and scale-ups in view of challenges in the areas of financing, market access and talent acquisition. In her statement, Martina Hirayama emphasised the need for a balanced regulatory framework that respects European law while preserving national sovereignty. Start-ups need good framework conditions, which also include the leanest possible regulation. It is also important to make the framework conditions attractive for SMEs, which form the backbone of the European economy.
On the fringes of the ministerial meeting, State Secretary Hirayama held talks with Ana Paiva, Portuguese State Secretary for Science; James Lawless, Irish Minister for Higher and Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Johan Pehrson, Swedish Minister for Education; and Marcin Kulasek, Polish Minister for Science and Higher Education. Poland, which holds the EU Council Presidency until June, hosted the ministerial meeting.
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