MEP brands EU innovation delays a ‘scandal’ and cuts ‘draconian’

Christian Ehler tears into Commission and Council over R&D actions

EU leaders have drawn extraordinary ire from a leading member of the European Parliament’s research committee, who decried what he described as “draconian” planned cuts to the bloc’s 2023 budget, including for research, and “scandalous” problems with its innovation fund.

German MEP Christian Ehler (pictured left), who is leading on the budget negotiations for the committee as well as heading up an inquiry into problems with the European Innovation Council, tore into the European Commission and the Council of the EU, which brings together member state governments, in a committee session on 1 September.