Ekaterina Zaharieva, nominated as Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation in the European Commission, has had her nomination approved.
Today, Zaharieva presented her vision for the new Commission mandate to the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee.
"Congratulations to Ekaterina Zaharieva! After a three-hour hearing in the European Parliament committees, Katya has been approved as European Commissioner with overwhelming support! She has shown that her experience as an expert, deputy minister, minister and GERB MEP have given her a broad basis to be entrusted with such an important portfolio," GERB leader Boyko Borissov was quick to congratulate her on the social network.
BGNES recalls that the candidate for European Commissioner stated that in order to strengthen the European Research Area a new legislative act is needed. Zaharieva presented 5 key priorities she will work on.
We need to achieve 3% of GDP for innovation and research. We need to strengthen the European Research Area (ERA) with new legislation.
"Lack of coordination leads to an inefficient funding system," she added.
My second priority will be to provide an incentive for start-ups and companies that are scaling up their production. The key challenge for Europe is to mobilise more private investment in research and innovation. We need to support our companies to increase their production. Many of them are failing to go through the growth phase. Every start-up that moves to third countries is a loss for European resources, European jobs and our communities. We must stop the leakage of innovation. I will expand and strengthen the European Innovation Council, providing more opportunities for innovative ventures. I will strengthen cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the Credible Investor Network, but funding is not enough. I will present a comprehensive strategy for start-ups and organise a European forum as soon as possible.
The former Foreign Minister identified investment in key technologies as his third priority.
"My third priority will be to promote our capacity in key technologies. Europe cannot afford to remain limited in the field of medium technologies, which is why I will ensure that research and investment efforts are organised and concentrated in key technologies. We have seen the strength of EU cooperation in the rapid development of coronavirus vaccines, which have saved many lives. I will propose a strategy for the uptake of artificial intelligence in science, which has serious productivity potential."
"I come to my fourth priority. As Minister, I have a track record of promoting women's participation. There are more women than men, in terms of graduates, but they nevertheless have one in four senior research positions. I will present a plan for women in research, innovation and start-ups. My aim will be to achieve 50% participation of women in committees relevant to Horizon Europe.
After presenting her priorities as Commissioner, Zaharieva was asked questions by MEPs. Several of the Bulgarian representatives in the European Parliament also asked the former foreign minister questions.
Petar Volgin from the Europe of Sovereign Nations group asked whether the war in Ukraine would make EU research policy focus largely on defence research?
Zaharieva believes that Europe's security is closely linked to Ukraine's victory and said that Russia, and no one else, was responsible for the start of the war.
At the beginning of the second round of questions Eva Majdel - from the European People's Party (EPP) - asked Zaharieva how the funds from the Horizon Europe programme could be used to stimulate innovation and growth of the EU economy.
According to the Bulgarian Commissioner-designate, the big difference between the EU and countries like the US and Japan is private investment.
"Only 40% of European companies invest in research and innovation. . In the US the share is 56%, it is even higher in Japan and South Korea," Zaharieva said.
In the fourth round of questions, Renew Europe MEP Hristo Petrov asked Zaharieva if she thought Horizon Europe should provide wider access to culture?
The former foreign minister said that inclusiveness of education and culture was extremely important, but added that her portfolio was not so much about culture. She expressed willingness to cooperate in this regard, adding that inclusiveness should be about "regions, not just countries". | BGNES
