Foreword

• Author: Mariya Gabriel
• Profession: European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth
• Pages: 2-3

2

Foreword

Research, innovation and education are critical

for Europe to lead on the twin transitions

towards climate neutrality and digital

leadership. Europe’s industry, economy and

society are changing at the speed of light. This

creates not only an urgent challenge beyond

the means of individual Member States,

but also provides a unique opportunity to

transform the EU into a fair and prosperous

society, with a modern, resource-ef‌f‌icient and

competitive economy that works for people.

In order to live up to European citizens’

expectations, we also need to anticipate, react

quickly and ef‌fectively to unexpected events of

global magnitude, as it is now the case of the

Covid19 pandemic. Europe is demonstrating

clearly that science, research, innovation and education are fundamental, not only to tackle the

pandemic and protect citizens, but also to exit the crisis as strong as before, and to be prepared

for similar situation in the future. Protecting citizens and delivering solutions that meet their

needs is vital, and is the European Commission priority.

Research, innovation and education are also key drivers for Europe’s sustainable and inclusive

recovery, boosting the resilience of our production sectors, the competitiveness of our economies

and the transformation of our socio-economic systems. It goes without saying that in times of

looming economic and social activity, strong investments in research, innovation and education

remain indispensable. Within the EU's long-term budget, the new framework programme for

research and innovation, Horizon Europe, is called upon to play a very strong role in support of the

EU’s competitive sustainability. The time has come to boldly turn Europe’s frontier research and

cutting-edge technology into solutions addressing societal challenges. Working together will make

us worldwide innovation leaders and frontrunners in sustainability.