Member states should step up to close EU R&I gaps, say auditors

Report finds Commission measures supporting lower-performing countries fit for purpose but no “miracle pill”

Despite the best efforts of the European Commission, closing the research and innovation gap between the EU’s top-performing and lagging member states is down to national governments, according to the European Court of Auditors.

The EU introduced measures to widen participation in its 2014-20 R&I programme, Horizon 2020, aiming to give more access to the 13 countries that have joined the EU since 2004, plus Luxembourg and Portugal.