EU ministers to discuss the role of research in responding to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic

EU ministers responsible for competitiveness will meet in a videoconference on 29 May 2020 to discuss ways in which research and innovation could contribute to economic recovery after the coronavirus epidemic. Ministers responsible for space will meet in a separate session. State Secretary Kimmo Tiilikainen will represent Finland in the meetings on behalf of Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä.

The coronavirus epidemic has serious consequences for the EU economy, businesses and jobs.

“Research and innovation play an important role in the recovery of the EU. Following the coronavirus outbreak, the Member States and the European Commission responded immediately by allocating research and innovation funding to important sectors such as vaccine development. This is an excellent example of EU-level activities with a direct and practical impact,” says State Secretary Tiilikainen.

In the informal videoconference, ministers responsible for space will hold a political discussion on the societal impact of space solutions. Ministers will exchange views on the use of EU space data and services by public authorities to foster sustainable growth and recovery.

Ministers will discuss the following:

• The role of research and innovation in the EU’s recovery plan
• The role of R&D investments in creating jobs
• The effects of the coronavirus crisis on the development of the European Research Area (ERA)

The informal meeting of ministers will be held at the initiative of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU. No formal decisions will be made at the meeting.

Inquiries:

Nina Alatalo, Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs (EU Affairs), Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7171
Venja Henningsen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7195