25 Nov 2024
Hungarian Presidency discusses Presidency priorities with EP's ITRE Committee

The ministers of the current Hungarian Council Presidency are holding a series of meetings in committees of the European Parliament to present and discuss the priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council. On 21 November, Minister for Culture and Innovation, Balázs Hankó, spoke before the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), emphasising the need to strengthen European research and innovation to restore EU's global competitiveness. He highlighted challenges such as underinvestment, fragmentation of the European Research Area, and the need for better knowledge valorisation across all member states. He said that the Presidency will aim to increase funding for research, reduce administrative barriers, foster collaboration, and ensure inclusivity for all EU countries.
During the debate, MEPs raised concerns over the exclusion of Hungarian researchers from EU programmes and the lack of cooperation between universities. Concerns were also expressed over restrictions on academic freedom in Hungary, political influence over research agendas, and the promotion of outdated gender roles.
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