Ministerial Competitiveness Council in Brussels
Research ministers attended the Competitiveness Council in Brussels to discuss issues related to the role of research and innovation in Europe’s economy. During the first session, the ministers discussed the report issued by the Presidency on the vision for a long-term strategy on sustainable growth. This debate is an important follow-up to the European Council Strategic Agenda and a contribution to the Commission’s work programme for the next five years.
Parliamentary secretary Silvio Schembri stated that Malta welcomes the report as it considers digitisation as a key enabler for a future-proof Single Market. He added that the European industry could build on its strengths in advanced digital technologies and its strong presence in traditional sectors to seize the range of opportunities that technologies such as the internet of things, big data, advanced manufacturing, robotics, 3D printing, blockchain technologies and AI offer. Malta recognises these technologies as the building blocks for economic growth and shared its success of various financial instruments such as the SME initiative, which can serve as support for the promotion of these sectors to the industry.
The Horizon Europe package was the main area discussed during the second session during which ministers shared their vision on EU programmes, which can complement the support for strategic research and innovation initiatives in synergy with Horizon Europe.
Schembri stated that synergies between the programmes, if properly achieved, could help alleviate administrative burdens on member states’ administrations and, importantly, the project beneficiaries themselves.
He added that EU programmes should aim to address the specific needs of the member states. For Malta, such investments would be required in areas such as digital technologies and in addressing the structural infrastructural challenges, due to insularity in the energy and transport fields.
The parliamentary secretary also attended the closing session of the R&I days where together with other ministers and MEPs they discussed the need for further research in the areas of maritime, health and energy, among others.
The event was organised by the European Commission and its aim was to bring stakeholders together to shape the future for the research and innovation policy. The Malta Council for Science and Technology represented Malta in the panels of discussions on the future of research and funding.
In preparation for the new Croatian Presidency, the parliamentary secretary had a bilateral meeting with Prof. Blazenka Divjak, Minister of Science and Education. Schembri reiterated Malta’s support for the priority areas chosen by Croatia and offered Malta’s assistance in time where the new Presidency will operate in a challenging environment of Brexit and a new Commission.