News archive - Competitiveness Council agrees partial general approach for Horizon 2020
The Competitiveness Council, one of the configurations of the Council of the EU which brings together ministers from EU countries to discuss industry, internal market, research and space issues, has agreed on a partial general approach for Horizon 2020 on May 30/31, a significant milestone in ongoing negotiations over the future funding programme for research and innovation. This refers to an agreement on the essential elements of the legal proposal for Horizon 2020, pending the opinion of the European Parliament and the relevant discussions on the EU’s multi-annual budget, which are ongoing.
Prior to agreement on the partial general approach being reached, the debate within the Competitiveness Council meeting focused on the following issues: simplification of procedures that will apply to funded projects under Horizon 2020; the aim of widening participation by reinforcing the attractiveness of research careers; compliance with ethical principles and relevant legislation; and increased participation of SMEs in research projects. In a major change from the Commission proposal, the partial general approach sees the societal challenge originally titled ‘Inclusive, innovative and Secure Societies’ split into two new challenges: ‘Europe in a Changing World: Inclusive, Innovative and Reflective Societies’; and ‘Secure Societies: Protecting Freedom of Europe and its Citizens’.
Further Information
European Commission press release on Conclusions of 30-31 May Competitiveness Council meeting: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/intm/130562.pdf
Partial general approach text on Horizon 2020:
http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/12/st10/st10218.en12.pdf
- FP7
- Cross-thematic/Interdisciplinary
Entry created by Elke Dall on June 16, 2012
Modified on July 16, 2012
