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Deputy Minister of State for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr. Filippos Hadjizaharias participated in the EU Research and Space Policy Council, which concluded yesterday in Brussels. The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Director General, Dr Stelios Chimonas.
During the Council's proceedings, an orientation debate was held on the promotion of international cooperation in the field of Research and Innovation, as well as on how to counteract any negative effects due to specific foreign interventions. Mr Hadjizaharias praised the role of international cooperation in addressing global challenges, accessing new knowledge and attracting talented scientists. Cyprus, he said, attaches great importance to international cooperation, which contributes to achieving excellence in Research. He noted that about one-fifth of national R&D funding programmes involve supporting the cooperation of domestic institutions with partners from selected countries. The Deputy Minister also referred to the need to strengthen coordination at EU level through the establishment of an EU Stakeholder Forum to prepare guidelines for cooperation with third countries.
The Council adopted Conclusions on transparent, open, reliable, fair and high quality scientific publications. Among other things, they note the opportunities and challenges resulting from the digital transition, focusing on investment in digital open science infrastructure and training of researchers.
This was followed by an orientation debate on "EU space policy in a new geopolitical landscape". In his intervention, Mr Hadjizaharias highlighted the leading role of the EU in promoting free access and fair and sustainable use of space by all states. He underlined that the protection of the EU's space infrastructure is an important element in maintaining its autonomy strategy. He also recognised the need to strengthen synergies and stressed the importance of the gradual integration of all Member States into the European Space Agency (ESA). He informed the Summit of Cyprus' intention to seek immediate upgrading of its membership of the ESA to associate member status. Finally, he pointed out that the maximum possible participation of EU Member States should be ensured in joint EU-NATO actions.
The Council adopted Conclusions on "Fair and sustainable use of space" recalling the importance of an EU approach to space traffic management, given that safety, security and sustainability are essential to achieve fair and sustainable use of space.
Finally, during a working lunch, Research Ministers exchanged views on how to address the challenges of Science Denial and the shift towards misinformation and biased opinions.
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