EUA calls for clarity on future coordination between future Commissioners regarding R&I and education portfolios

Following the unveiling of the Commissioners-designate and their portfolios by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 17 September 2024, the European University Association (EUA) has called for clarity to be provided by the upcoming European Parliament hearings on the coordination between education and R&I portfolios in the new Commission.

According to the new portfolios, education, research and innovation are now split between different Commissioners. Roxana Mînzatu is set to become Executive Vice-President for People, Skills and Preparedness. Under this portfolio, the Romanian politician would be responsible for the European Education Area, the European Universities Initiative and Erasmus+. Bulgaria’s nominee, Ekaterina Zaharieva, is Commissioner-designate for Startups, Research and Innovation. This portfolio includes delivering a European Research Area Act and a European Innovation Act.

Prior to the announcement, the EUA had argued for the education, research and innovation portfolios to be kept together. The association points out that since these portfolios will now be divided, this will increase the need for policy coordination within the Commission and with stakeholders like EUA.

EUA states that is will pay close attention to the process of Commissioners-designate being questioned by the European Parliament before the Commission is approved by the EP. EUA hopes that the hearings will shed more light on coordination between the proposed Commissioners, as well as their vision for these important portfolios.

For more information:

EUA - news