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"Europe possesses a store of knowledge that we must make the most of" |
 "Europe possesses a store of knowledge that we must make the most of"
In this conversation, Cristina Garmendia, Spanish Minister of Science, outlines the lines to be pursued by her ministry during the Spanish Presidency of the EU on the eve of the informal meeting of ministers for competitiveness.
Which will be the major areas of work for your ministry over the next six months?
We hope to make progress on very specific issues, including improving excellence in basic research, mobility, the careers of researchers, in deploying large European research infrastructures, in linking research and innovation policies and also in further developing the social dimension of science. All these issues will be grouped into three main lines: integration, where we will develop and help strengthen the European Research Area; involvement, where we will endeavour to involve science and innovation in the major challenges faced by citizens; and thirdly, inclusion, where we will work towards making science a part of the sphere of society and social cohesion.
How will the Spanish Presidency promote the construction of the European Research Area?
We intend to promote certain aspects which will give prominence to the European Research Area, such as mobility and the careers of researchers and the extension of their employment rights as set out in the European Charter for Research. Spain, and also other countries in the north of Europe, has taken a pioneering approach to social security and the job status of young researchers. This is why we feel qualified to promote this on a European scale. We will also move forward on procedures to enable shared use of research resources. If Europe wishes to develop ambitious research projects, these infrastructures will obviously have to be shared by all EU countries.
What initiatives do you intend to set in motion to strengthen the European Research Area ?
We hope to reach important agreements on the mobility of researchers. There is widespread agreement on this issue and for the first time it will be brought before the Employment Council in March. This will be the first time that a group of ministers comes before another council. The science delegation will address the ministers for employment on the need to develop a knowledge economy, and in order to achieve this, researchers must have complete freedom of movement. We must put particular focus on recognising the social security entitlements of a group of people who are necessary in Europe and also inherently highly mobile. Making progress on the construction of the European Research Area would be a wonderful example of the commitment of all European countries to building a better Europe.
What role will science and innovation play in the major challenges facing the citizens of Europe?
Over these six months we will try to give more prominence to the duty of the scientific community to help tackle the major challenges facing Europe, and make this more effective. Right now, the most pressing issue is economic recovery, but there are other challenges such as the search for new sources of energy, climate change, ageing and health. This is why we will be drawing up the Donostia Declaration during the informal meeting in San Sebastian, where we will try to reflect Europe's effort in these directions. The scientific sector in Europe needs a more flexible, simple system. If we work to bring this about, we will have more scientists and more entrepreneurs developing more science for Europe.
Do you believe that science is an engine for economic recovery and development, and how can research be relevant to overcoming the crisis?
Recent indicators show that European scientific production has progressed significantly, and this means that Europe possesses knowledge that must be put to social and economic use. This is leading to new products and services that can now be transferred to business projects to help economic recovery by creating more competitive and international businesses working together in Europe. This is of course also one of the undertakings of the Treaty of Lisbon. Science to construct a Europe of knowledge is one of the fundamental challenges we are working on, firstly because we have the opportunity, but primarily because we are qualified to succeed.
One of your aims also involves the role of research to combat poverty.
For the first time, Spain will incorporate the need for science to develop this social dimension and play an active part in promoting social cohesion and fighting poverty within the European agenda. I should mention that this line was very well received in the informal council, where for the first time the subject will be discussed using constructive proposals, which will help to focus the big meeting in April under the heading “Science against poverty”
What will be the programme of the informal meeting of European ministers in San Sebastián?
We have organised three speakers to address each of the main lines of action. Andre Sapir will speak on integration, Carmen Becerril on involvement, and Pedro Alonso on inclusion. These three lines will be discussed in four parallel sessions, and we will also talk about how to create an integrated, solid scientific community in Europe, one that plays a part in economic recovery and development. This will all be embodied within the Donostia Declaration, because science cannot, and does not want to, remain detached from the current economic situation. This is a chance to highlight the role that knowledge has played, plays and will play in strengthening our economic systems.
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Tue, Mar 16th, @9:00am - 06:30PM
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs |
Tue, Mar 16th, @3:00pm - 06:30PM
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development |
Tue, Mar 16th, @3:00pm - 12:30PM
Committee on Womens Rights and Gender Equality |
Tue, Mar 16th, @3:00pm - 06:30PM
Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection |
Tue, Mar 16th, @3:00pm - 12:30PM
Committee on Budgetary Control |
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