Following the hearings in November, the European Parliament approved the new Commissioners at the end of the month, enabling the European Commission to officially assume office on 1 December 2024. In her address to the Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the Commission will prioritize “research and innovation, science, and technology as the heart of our economy.” She announced that the Commission’s first task would be to establish a “Competitive Compass,” aimed at steering the EU toward sustained economic growth and competitiveness.
Among the newly appointed Executive Vice-Presidents and Commissioners, the following will have significant influence over issues related to the forest-based sector:
- Teresa Ribera Rodríguez (Spain): Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition
- Ekaterina Zaharieva (Bulgaria): Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation
- Dan Jørgensen (Denmark): Commissioner for Energy and Housing
- Christophe Hansen (Luxembourg): Commissioner for Agriculture and Food
- Jessika Roswall (Sweden): Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy
- Wopke Hoekstra (Netherlands): Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth
A Closer Look at Ekaterina Zaharieva’s Mandate
During her parliamentary hearing, Ekaterina Zaharieva emphasized the significance of the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10). Zaharieva’s vision for a reformed EU research & innovation budget is shaped by the recent Draghi Report on EU competitiveness and recommendations from the Commission’s independent FP10 advisory group. Among her key commitments are radically simplifying the Framework Programme and enhancing its appeal for start-ups and SMEs.
FTP will continue working closely with the Commission to get funding and calls that are practical and relevant for all actors in the forest-based sector.
Sources:
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/new-commission-takes-reins-what-can-we-expect-rd
