Europe’s research policy faces a stormy autumn

The EU’s agenda for R&D is packed with thorny problems, says Kurt Deketelaere

As EU institutions get back up to speed after the summer, the agenda for the rest of the year looks challenging, if not depressing. It includes Covid-19, Brexit, the budget for 2021-27, Next Generation EU, a European green deal, digitalisation, the rule of law, Belarus, and disputes over oil and gas reserves in the Mediterranean. The German presidency has a lot on its plate. 

For policy on research, innovation and education, the weeks and months to come will be crucial. The launch of the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programmes in early 2021 depends on taking a few important steps.