Yesterday in Marseille, European research ministers strongly supported the need to respect fundamental values and principles in international research and innovation, as set out in the EU’s Global Approach to research and innovation (R&I) and taking into account synergies with higher education. In this context, they unequivocally condemned the Russian illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine as an attack on the elementary values of freedom, democracy, sovereignty and respect for international order , on which academic and scientific freedom and cooperation are based.
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel said:
European research and innovation programmes have a tradition of openness but geopolitical changes put this at risk. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the most serious manifestation of this phenomenon. Where there is no agreement on values and principles, it is necessary to draw the consequences and modulate our cooperation. As announced last week, we have suspended our scientific cooperation with Russia and after the assessment of the situation, the same decision was taken for Belarus.
Following the EU Global Approach to research and innovation European ministers and Commissioner Gabriel discussed key values and principles for international cooperation in research and innovation and expressed their intention to launch a dialogue on the issue with international partners. The ministers and the Commissioner took the opportunity of the conference to affirm the full support and solidarity of the EU’s R&I community towards Ukraine and its scientific community, and noted the timeliness of the dialogue on values in international cooperation.
The French Presidency presented the “Marseille Declaration”, setting out its proposals for a common understanding of the values and principles for international cooperation in research, innovation and higher education. These include issues such as freedom of scientific research, ethics and integrity, gender equality, and open science
Background
This ‘Conference on International Cooperation for a Global Europe in the Field of Research, Higher Education and Innovation’ was organised by the French Presidency of the Council and supported by the European Commission.
In May 2021, the Commission adopted a Communication on its Global Approach to Research and Innovation, Europe’s strategy for international cooperation in a changing world. The Communication was supported by the Council conclusions of 28 September 2021. With this strategy, the EU aims to take a leading role in supporting international research and innovation partnerships, and to deliver innovative solutions to make our societies green, digital and healthy. At the same time, the new strategy aims to ensure the respect of fundamental values and reciprocity in R&I cooperation.
The values-based approach of the EU’s strategy for international R&I cooperation is in line with the key priorities of the European Commission, in particular the Global Gateway.
More information
Press release on research and innovation cooperation with Russia.
Statement by Commissioner Gabriel on Russia
International cooperation in research and innovation
Video on global approach to research and innovation
