Please note that the English version of this text has been prepared with the assistance of AI, and in some instances, it may not have been subsequently reviewed or edited by the authors.
This year, on July 20th and 21st, the informal meeting of the European Union's research ministers took place in Dublin, Ireland, where Latvia was represented by Ieva Siliņa, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES).
The main objective of the meeting was to agree on the political guidelines for the European Research Area (ERA) Act proposal, in order to strengthen the single market in research and innovation by the end of 2027. The meeting discussed the free circulation of knowledge, research, and innovation in the EU, as well as how research and innovation can help Europe become more globally competitive and productive.
At the meeting, Latvia advocated for Horizon Europe 2028-2034 to include targeted support for countries with less developed research and innovation systems, aiming to reduce the innovation gap and attract capital. At the same time, Latvia emphasized that it does not support setting mandatory research and innovation investment targets for EU member states.
“A strong and united European research area is only possible if we can ensure balanced talent circulation. It is important for Latvia that European instruments provide targeted support for strengthening these systems and overcoming innovation gaps, thereby creating equal and motivating opportunities for all member states,” states IZM Parliamentary Secretary Ieva Siliņa.
Latvia also supports measures aimed at the valorization and commercialization of science, by backing the strengthening of the European Innovation Council and linking Horizon Europe instruments with the new European Competitiveness Fund. Latvia called for stable funding for fundamental research, which forms the knowledge base for future innovations.
As a successful example of effective cooperation between the government, scientists, and industry, Latvia presented the national interdisciplinary research and innovation platform “BioPhoT” at the meeting. The platform's goal is to develop innovative, market-ready technologies in biomedicine, medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, photonics, and smart materials by 2032. Such an inclusive approach allows for the effective utilization of research strengths, combining the most outstanding talents even in conditions of limited resources.
More information about the meeting and its agenda is available from the Council of the EU website.
