The Proposal for a Regulation on the revised framework of the European Institute of Technology (EIT) was addressed, inter alia, by the EU Competitiveness Council (Research and Innovation), held today, 29 November, in Brussels, where Cyprus was represented by the Director-General European Programs, Coordination and Development (DG EPSA), Theodosis Tsiolas.
According to an announcement by the GIP, the Proposal for a Regulation as it stands includes a number of positive provisions for Cyprus, such as those that improve the scope of EIT geographical coverage over time.
During the discussion, Mr. Tsiolas stressed that Cyprus attaches special importance to this issue because it leads to the further strengthening of the triangle between research organizations, educational organizations and innovation bodies, known as the "Knowledge Triangle". Regarding the revised framework of the Foundation, the Director General of the EPSA, as well as a significant number of other Member States, noted the need for clear provisions to ensure that by the end of the 2020-27 period, Member States will have the possibility of amending this Regulation.
As part of the Council's work, Mr. Tsiolas attended a working lunch, with the main topic of discussion being the contribution of the "Horizons Europe" program to attracting private research and development investment for sustainable development. In his speech, the Director General of EPSA referred in particular to the important role that Research and Innovation plays in maintaining, but also enhancing, the high standard of living of European citizens.
On the sidelines of the Council, Mr Chiolas had a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Jean Eric Paquet, where a wide-ranging exchange of views on the next seven-year EU budget took place. Framework - MFF) for the period 2021-2027, with special emphasis on Research and Innovation.
Mr. Tsiolas expressed support for the European Commission proposal in relation to the increase in the new MFF, the funds related to Research and Innovation from 80 billion to 100 billion, noting that in the current programming period Cyprus has made sufficient use of the funds that's all.