The Director General of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Stelios Chimonas participated in the work of the EU Research and Space Policy Council, which took place today in Brussels.
During the Council's proceedings, an orientation debate on Research issues was held, focusing on the role of Science in policy-making in all sectors of the economy and society in general. In their presentations, the "27" referred to the main challenges they face and the best practices they apply in their countries as regards the promotion of Science both at the policy level and more generally. They also exchanged views on the formulation of initiatives and promotion of actions at European level, such as financial and technical support to Member States on this issue.
In his intervention, Dr. Chimonas welcomed the formulation of the relevant working document by the European Commission and presented the initiatives and actions undertaken in Cyprus for the promotion of Science and the formation of a culture of Research and Innovation.
In his intervention, Dr. Chimonas welcomed the formulation of the relevant working document by the European Commission and presented the initiatives and actions undertaken in Cyprus for the promotion of Science and the formation of a culture of Research and Innovation. He also referred to the horizontal dimension of Research and Innovation and its importance for the formulation and implementation of sectoral policies, with emphasis on the priorities related to the Digital and Green Transition. In Cyprus, he pointed out, the use of Science in policy formulation is promoted through the structures of the National Governance System for Research and Innovation, namely through the institution of the Chief Scientist, the National Research and Innovation Council and through the Committee of Research and Innovation Coordinators of the Ministries. As he explained, both the Chief Scientist and the Coordinators Committee, in which all Ministries/departments are represented, support policy formulation and the promotion of Research and Innovation capacities to policy makers. Dr. Winter also referred to the European Commission's processes for science-based policy formulation and invited the Commission to facilitate the exchange of know-how and good practices on the use of science in policy formulation through the organisation of high-level meetings and other joint training sessions for Member States.
Dr. Chimona then supported the initiative of the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council (2nd half of 2023) to continue the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership "PRIMA" after 2024, noting that the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership is a priority for our country.
The Council also adopted Conclusions on Research Infrastructures which highlight the need for long-term, sustainable investments within the European Research Infrastructure ecosystem. In addition, Conclusions were also adopted on the New European Innovation Agenda, which aims at sustainable recovery, accelerating the Digital and Green Transition and Europe's technological dominance. A Council Recommendation on guiding principles for the exploitation of knowledge was also adopted.
Regarding space policy issues, an orientation debate on the exploitation of EU space data was held. In particular, the "27" exchanged views on how to better and more widely manage and exploit EU space data and services in markets, as well as to promote EU and national policies. Particular emphasis was placed on issues of coordination between the EU and Member States, as well as on regulatory and administrative barriers that hinder the adoption of EU space services at European or national level.
In his intervention, Dr. Winter informed our partners that the Republic of Cyprus could not become a member of EUMETSAT due to the refusal of Turkey (already a member of the organisation) to approve its application, thus preventing Cyprus' full access to the relevant data. In this context, it called on the EU - which funds EUMETSAT through its contribution to the development of the Copernicus Programme - to take immediate action so that Cyprus, a Member State of the Union, does not suffer this discrimination.
(MF/NG)
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