“We need to put research and innovation at the centre of all our policies in order to secure Europe’s future.”
– Commissioner-designate Ekaterina Zaharieva
On 5 November, Commissioner-designate for Research, Innovation and Start-ups Ekaterina Zaharieva appeared before the Committees on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and Culture and Education (CULT).
In her opening speech, Zaharieva reassured the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) that her competencies are “at the heart of the European competitiveness agenda.” Throughout the hearing, she emphasised innovation and startups, simplification, and cutting red tape, aligning with Von der Leyen’s political priorities and Prime Ministers Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi’s reports.
The Commissioner-designate highlighted the need to meet the 3% GDP target for research and innovation (R&I). Zaharieva said she would focus on boosting R&I capacity in key technologies, from green technologies to biotech and productivity-enhancing digital tech. She also said she wants to integrate R&I spending into the European Semester, the EU’s tool to coordinate and align the socio-economic policies of the member countries.
Below is a short analysis of the questions raised by MEPs and Zaharieva’s answers:
- Zaharieva said Horizon Europe’s successor should be “more focused” and have “more targeted priorities.”
- When comments were made on the hurdles applicants face, Zaharieva said she plans to work for simplification in the programme. She added that the European Innovation Act would be the primary tool for simplification.
- Zaharieva announced that she plans to propose a framework for the 28th regime with Justice Commissioner-designate Michael McGrath. This framework would provide an EU-wide legal status for upstart companies and help overcome the current fragmentation of corporate law across Europe.
- Zaharieva announced she plans to use AI to help SMEs identify and access funding opportunities. MEPs generally reacted well to her strategy to support SMEs’ access to EU funding.
- When asked about the European Innovation Council, she acknowledged the need to shorten the time to award funding and strengthen managers’ competencies.
- Zaharieva confirmed her commitment to the 35% target spending on climate in the Framework Programme.
- Zaharieva linked competitiveness to security, stating, “We are not going to be competitive without being secure”. She reiterated that “European Union security is very much connected with what happened in Ukraine” and that the EU will help Ukraine win the war and support them as long as necessary.
- Zaharieva claimed to be in favour of increased funding for defence-related research. When asked to guarantee that military R&I will not be funded at the expense of civilian priorities (particularly climate and environmental protections), Zaharieva confirmed that the European Defence Fund will be separate from the Horizon Europe programme.
- Faced with comments on the issue of brain drain, Zaharieva offered to urgently “create and propose minimum standards, better salaries, better conditions, good contracts for our researchers.” She also plans to improve research infrastructures and make these professions more attractive for women.
The Commissioner-delegate also set the goal of having 50% women in all boards, expert groups, or evaluation commissions in Horizon Europe.
Background
The first role of the newly elected President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was to select candidate Commissioners based on nominations from each EU country for different policy areas.
All Commissioners-designate are invited to appear before the appropriate committees of the European Parliament for confirmation hearings.
UKRO had previously reported on the mission letter addressed to Commissioner-delegate Zaharieva, which remains available for consultation. The document provides crucial insights into the policy priorities for the upcoming European Commission and will pave the way for the consultations on FP10.
Ahead of the hearings, Commissioner-designate Zaharieva submitted her written answers to Parliament, which can be accessed online.
The recording of the Commissioner-designate’s hearing can also be accessed online.