Debate: Global approach to research and innovation: Europe’s strategy for international cooperation in a changing world
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Cristian-Silviu Buşoi
Country: Poland
Language: EN

While international cooperation in research and innovation was already taking place in a transformed global landscape underlined by geopolitical tensions, at the time of negotiating this oral question and motion for a resolution, the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation had not yet taken place. I am well aware that we are presenting this oral question and later on voting on a motion for a resolution during a very challenging point in time. Recent events in Ukraine have amplified these geopolitical tensions further. We strongly condemn the Russian aggression and stress that a stronger research and innovation cooperation with Ukraine should be established, while stopping relations with the Russian Federation and its entities.  It is all the more important to ensure that association agreements to Horizon Europe that are signed with non-EU countries and territories should be with those entities that are committed to a rules—based open market economy backed by properly functioning democratic institutions and guaranteeing respect for human rights, while upholding appropriate standards of intellectual property rights. The preservation of academic freedom and the autonomy of institutions in Europe and third countries has become more important than ever in the past and, of course, it is extremely important for good cooperation in research and innovation.  The proposed strategy aims to promote rules based on multilateralism, reciprocal openness and shared fundamental values with third countries in order to deliver innovative solutions to green, digital, health and innovation challenges. As previously mentioned, it is essential that these partnerships are based on a level playing field and respect for academic freedom, while conforming to human rights and international law.  In view of the above, we invite the Commission kindly to answer the following questions. Does the Commission recognise that academic freedom and institutional autonomy are under pressure both within the EU and globally? Does the Commission agree that academic freedom and institutional autonomy must be fully respected for the EU to credibly advocate for these principles worldwide? Will the Commission issue a proposal for the legal protection of academic freedom in the European Union? How will the Commission address academic freedom in new association agreements and promote respect for academic freedom in countries already associated to Horizon Europe? Does the Commission agree that options should be explored to set up a European fellowship programme for researchers at risk? And, finally, how will the Commission ensure reciprocity and a level playing field to accelerate sustainable and inclusive development and the transition to resilient knowledge—based societies and economies in low and middle income countries?  Thank you so much, colleagues. I am looking forward to the debate today and I would of course like to thank the European Commission and Commissioner Mariya Gabriel once again for the very good cooperation in the field of research and innovation.