Lithuania in the Competitiveness Council: from science diplomacy to the future of Horizon Europe
On May 29, the EU Competitiveness Council in Brussels adopted the EU Council Recommendation on an EU framework for science diplomacy. The participants also discussed legislative proposals linked to the EU’s 10th framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe.
Lithuania was represented at the meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council (Research) by Regina Valutytė, the Vice-Minister of Education, Science and Sport.
Basis for EU science diplomacy formed
The EU Council Recommendation sets the basis for the EU’s science diplomacy to link science, innovation and foreign policy and strengthen the EU’s role in the international arena.
According to Vice-Minister Valutytė, the Council recommendation is particularly relevant for Lithuania today as the Lithuanian National Science Diplomacy Guidelines are planned to be developed this year.
Science diplomacy means the use of science and of scientific evidence for shaping foreign policy and the application of diplomatic measures for promoting international scientific cooperation. The recommendation is aimed at creating a coordinated and strategically managed science diplomacy framework that strengthens the EU’s international role, safeguards values and contributes to global problem-solving, while respecting the principles of security, sanctions compliance and the geopolitical context.
Member States are recommended to integrate science diplomacy into national research and innovation and foreign policy strategies, strengthen international partnerships, enhance Europe’s attractiveness to scientists and talents, and use science diplomacy to strengthen the EU’s interests and competitiveness.
Negotiations on the EU’s future framework programme for research and innovation are underway
During the meeting, the Member States expressed their priorities and outlined the political roadmap for further negotiations towards a partial common approach on the future EU framework programme for research and innovation Horizon Europe package for 2028-2034.
Vice-Minister Valutytė stressed that the alignment of strategic priorities between the Horizon Europe programme and the European Competitiveness Fund, the Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence measures are key issues for a strong compromise text.
Lithuania welcomed the proposed process for setting strategic priorities, including the advisory role of the European Research Area and Innovation Committee (ERAC). It was also stressed that similar provisions should be reflected in the European Competitiveness Fund Regulation to ensure a coherent innovation chain and active involvement of Member States.
As for European partnerships, the Vice-Minister stressed the need to link them closely to long-term strategic priorities. In Lithuania’s view, a greater impact could be achieved through fewer but broader partnerships based on detailed impact assessments and developed together with Member States from the start.
On the issue of participation widening measures, Lithuania stressed their importance in reducing the disparities between the scientific and innovative capacities of Member States. At the same time, it was pointed out that the effectiveness of such measures should be regularly evaluated to avoid a “multi-speed Europe”. Lithuania also advocated the continuation of the ERA Fellowships and EIC Pre-Accelerator initiatives and the need to create a similar instrument which helps the widening participants to better participate in the calls from European Research Council (ERC).
The new Horizon Europe programme for 2028-2034 will promote high-level research, breakthrough innovation and its application in the economy and society. It provides for an increased focus on strategic technologies, deep tech development, innovation ecosystems, research and technology infrastructures and strengthening the European Research Area (ERA). All parts of the programme will also fund dual-purpose research.
The total proposed budget for the Horizon Europe programme is €175 billion.
Photo from the EU Council