What’s going on in Europe: 21 July to 3 August

This week: Ukraine support, Iranian needs, publishing profits and more

Ministerial meeting

EU research ministers met informally late last month under the Spanish presidency of the Council of EU member state governments. Spain’s science minister, Diana Morant, said they “made progress on setting up a European framework for science diplomacy” intended to boost international ties. The European Commission’s top R&I official, Marc Lemaître, said they agreed this must involve “very concrete measures”. The ministers also made progress on the strategic plan for the final three years of the EU’s Horizon Europe R&I programme, which is due to be adopted early next year, according to Lemaître. He said consensus was found on “three key strategic orientations: the green transition, the digital transition, and a more resilient, competitive, democratic and inclusive Europe”.