Commission calls on EU leaders to back R&D

The European Commission has told leaders of EU member states that Europe must act urgently to remain globally competitive in R&D and use it to boost economic growth, a day before leaders are due to gather for political discussions.

The research commissioner Carlos Moedas said in a press conference on 15 May that he hoped national leaders would back the Commission’s proposed €97.6 billion budget for the EU’s next R&D Framework programme, which he described as a “huge boost”.

“It’s not all about money, but it’s very important that Europe invests more,” Moedas said. “I really hope that the countries will defend us on this proposal.”