Within the Research Council, Belgium will put forward the following specific priorities:

1. The strengthening of the European Research Area (improved cooperation between the member states and private actors in order to meet the major social challenges of our times; removal of administrative restrictions and hindrances for international research workers)
2. The evaluation and revision of the Lisbon Strategy with regard to research (3% target)
3. The role of Research, Development and Innovation in the realisation of a sustainable society.

Other core targets of the Belgian Presidency are the European patent and access of SMEs to European research activities.

'Research and Innovation Plan' to be approved in December

The final version of the EU 'Research and Innovation Plan' will be discussed at the October summit and is expected to be approved at another meeting in December. As Euractive reports, the report is likely to focus on such issues as intellectual property, research funding, public procurement and innovation infrastructure.

Sources: Flamish government,Euractive.