EU Conference shapes new strategy for Research Infrastructures

Representatives from research infrastructures and policymakers convened on 4 and 5 June in Brussels for the “Research Infrastructures in a Changing Global, Environmental and Socio-economical Context” conference. Organised by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union with support from the European Commission, the event focused on how research infrastructures should respond to a shifting global context, characterized by a volatile and unstable geopolitical situation and rapidly evolving political priorities. 

The discussions will feed the development of a new strategy on research infrastructures by addressing key aspects such as investments, access, cooperation with industry, and international cooperation, with due attention to research security. This approach aligns with Enrico Letta’s recommendations on the future of the single market. In his recent report, Letta defines the empowerment of research infrastructures as a key pillar of the fifth freedom: the freedom of investigating, exploring and creating.

Research infrastructures are crucial for the European Research Area (ERA) as they support EU’s priorities such as the green and digital transition, health and European competitiveness. They are vital for maintaining strategic autonomy and research security, both of which are increasingly at stake.

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Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union