EU leads global mobilisation for increased investments in inclusive and quality education for all
Today at the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education, the European Union brought together the global education community to take stock of the Global Gateway education investments so far and mobilise partners, as well as new investments ahead of the September’s UN Summit of the Future.
Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen confirmed the European Union’s strong commitment to quality education as showcased by the pound 3 billion in funding allocated for education actions between 2021 and 2023, representing around a 13% of the international partnerships budget. This is in line with Commissioner’s decision to increase education spending from 7% to at least 10% by 2027.
At the event, the Commissioner signed programmes totalling pound 245 million. These include support to girls’ education in Zambia, support to research and learning mobility in Nigeria, a new Team Europe Initiative on vocat
ional education and training in Africa, and the launch of an Africa-Europe Youth Academy and 15 new projects supporting academic mobility inside Africa under the flagship initiative.
New support to girls’ education, youth mobility and skills for jobs
At the event, Commissioner Urpilainen and Zambian Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, signed an agreement to support Zambia’s National Development Plan and Free Education Initiative, supported by a pound 110 million EU grant. The funds will enhance the quality of primary and secondary education, reduce girls’ dropout rate, increase accessibility for learners with disabilities, and boost early childhood education and development in underserved provinces.
Together with Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, Commissioner also signed an pound 18 million cooperation agreement to enhance research and development capacities in the pharmaceutical sector. This action is part of the Team Europe Initiative on Manufa
cturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+). It will support the wider enabling environment around Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, notably by promoting skills development, research and development (for example research in artificial intelligence and nanotechnology), digitalisation and a centralised system for forecasting, procurement and distribution of quality medical products.
Under the flagship Youth Mobility for Africa, 15 Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme projects funded by the EU with pound 27 million will provide learning mobility opportunities for students, trainees and staff across the continent to boost high-level green and digital skills. As a key initiative of the Youth Action Plan in EU external relations, the Africa-Europe Youth Academy will provide opportunities for formal and informal learning and exchanges to young people looking to improve their leadership skills and create networks between Africa and Europe. The first set of actions launched today is supp
orted with pound 15 million from the EU.
The regional Team Europe Initiative Opportunity-driven Skills and Vocational Education and Training in Africa, launched today, aims to enhance the employability of women and men in Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative will steer vocational training initiatives towards concrete employment opportunities created by Global Gateway investments. The initiative will thus support a paradigm shift where the training offer will be tailored to concrete identified job opportunities. The identification of opportunities for women will be compulsory. The Team Europe Initiative is co-financed with pound 75 million from the EU budget for the period 2024-2028.
Background
The Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education gathered decision makers, private sector and education actors to Brussels to discuss the opportunities for education investments and cooperation under the Global Gateway investment strategy, to showcase results and share best practices and lessons learned and to accelera
te progress towards the SDG4, quality education for all.
Education is a powerful mechanism to address inequality and poverty, boosting human potential, opening doors for girls, youth and marginalised groups, and providing a springboard for human connections, debate and democratic values.
For More Information
Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education – European Commission
Education – European Commission
EU and Zambia strengthen cooperation on education and research
EU and Nigeria boost cooperation on research and learning mobility
The EU launches new regional initiatives in Africa to boost youth mobility and skills, including the unique Africa-Europe Youth Academy
Quote(s)
I believe that education is the vehicle to shape a more sustainable world. The EU is a Global Champion on Education. Today’s event brought together key global education actors and was part of our follow-up to the UN Transforming Education Summit, where we made important commitments. I am happy to say that the EU is well on track
to deliver on those commitments, including on increasing the share of education in the international partnerships budget from 7% to at least 10%. With Global Gateway, we have made the strategic decision to prioritise investment in inclusion and access to education, in quality teaching and learning, and in future-proof skills. Ahead of the UN Summit of the Future, the EU driving the push to put the SDG4 on track.
Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships
Contacts for media
Ana PISONERO-HERNANDEZ
Spokesperson
Phone +32 2 295 43 20
Mail ana.pisonero-hernandez@ec.europa.eu
Jennifer SANCHEZ DA SILVA
Press Officer
Phone +32 2 295 83 16
Mail jennifer.sanchez-da-silva@ec.europa.eu
Interoperable Europe Act enters into force for better connected public services for people and businesses
The Interoperable Europe Act, which enters into force today, will facilitate cross-border data exchange and accelerate the digital transformation of the public sector. The Act is essential to reaching the
objectives of the EU’s Digital Decade, such as having 100% of key public services available online by 2030. Interoperability is a core feature of a functioning Digital Single Market and contributes to a more effective implementation of digital features of public policies, from justice to health to transport.
Citizens, businesses, and public administrations will benefit most of the new regulation when using interconnected digital public services that require cross-border exchange of data. Examples of such services include mutual recognition of academic diplomas or professional qualifications, exchanges of vehicle data for road safety, access to social security and health data, the exchange of information related to taxation, customs, public tender accreditation, digital driving licenses, commercial registers. According to the impact assessment, the Act is expected to save up to pound 5 billion on a yearly basis.
The Act will be implemented through a set of key measures:
The setup of a multi-level cooperatio
n framework bringing together Member State most senior digital government practitioners, as well as a broad community of civil society, experts, academics and local actors, to define a common interoperability agenda and an evolving ecosystem of common interoperability solutions. This framework will be steered by the Interoperable Europe Board and supported by the Interoperable Europe Community.
The introduction of mandatory interoperability assessments to build ‘interoperable-by-design” public services. This will help public sector bodies to explore and, where appropriate, address cross-border interoperability aspects already at the design phase of new services or tools. The Commission will provide the necessary guidelines and support.
The ‘Interoperable Europe Portal’, a one-stop-shop to encourage the sharing and reuse of high quality and reliable interoperability solutions among public administrations.
Strengthened innovation and policy support mechanisms, including training, regulatory sandboxes for pol
icy experimentation, public-private GovTech and policy implementation support projects, to develop, test and scale up solutions.
The regulation applies to public sector bodies, including EU Institutions and bodies. The implementation of the interoperable Europe Act will be funded through the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL).
Next Steps
Following the timeline defined in the Regulation, most of the provisions will apply within 3 months from the date of entry into force.
Exceptionally:
European Institutions, bodies and agencies and public sector bodies will run Interoperability assessments as of January 2025;
Member States will designate national competent authorities 9 months after the date of entry into force of the Regulation, by January 2025.
Background
Public sector interoperability is the ability of administrations to cooperate and make public services function across borders, sectors and organisational boundaries. It plays a crucial role in designing safe data flows and avoiding the duplication
of efforts in public services. In different crises over the past years, public sector interoperability allowed for better coordination among Member States, mobilisation of resources where they were most needed, and the fast formulation of joint solutions.
The Commission has been supporting interoperability between public administrations since the 1990s through the European Interoperability Framework (EIF), a series of action plans and funding programmes such as IDA, IDABC, ISA, ISA², and now DIGITAL. To assist Members States and European Institutions, bodies and agencies in implementation of the public sector interoperability policy, the Commission has developed a comprehensive set of tools and trainings, such as the EIF toolbox, the SEMIC Support Centre, the JoinUp platform and the Interoperable Europe Academy. In addition to these, the Commission has also created a GovTech Incubator initiative where governments come together to adopt the best solutions developed by startups and other governments across the
EU.
Several evaluations of public sector interoperability policy pointed to shortcomings and called for action. Member States have also increasingly stressed the need to strengthen European interoperability cooperation through, among others, the ministerial declarations signed in 2017 in Tallinn and in 2020 in Berlin. Likewise, EU citizens participating in the Conference on the Future of Europe have voiced a demand for enhanced cross-border interoperability. The Interoperable Europe Act responds directly to these calls for action.
For More Information
Interoperable Europe Act
Questions and Answers: Interoperable Europe Act
Impact assessment report
European Interoperability Framework for Smart Cities and Communities (EIF4SCC)
Evaluation of the EIF
Quote(s)
Interoperability is essential to better serve people and businesses and to cut unnecessary administrative burden. It helps administrations themselves to work better. I am very pleased to see the Interoperable Europe Act in place, fulfilling the call
s for better, interoperable digital public services in the EU. This Act lays the groundwork for an effective, interconnected EU public sector and for inclusive, transparent and responsible digital transformation. It enhances collaboration among public administrations in Member States and expands access to digital cross-border public services in the EU, leaving no one behind.
Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Budget and Administration
Contacts for media
Johannes BAHRKE
Spokesperson
Phone
+32 2 295 86 15
johannes.bahrke@ec.europa.eu
Roberta VERBANAC
Press Officer
Phone
+32 2 298 24 98
roberta.verbanac@ec.europa.eu
European Research Council grants pound 652 million to leading researchers in Europe
The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the names of 255 research leaders in Europe set to be awarded ERC Advanced Grants. The funding is amongst the EU’s most prestigious and competitive, providing leading senior researchers with the opportunity to pursue ambitious, curiosity-driven p
rojects. The new grants worth pound 652 million in total are funded by the EU’s research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe.
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “To all the new ERC grantees, my heartfelt congratulations! These grants will not only support leading researchers in pushing the boundaries of knowledge, but also create some 2500 jobs for postdoctoral fellows, PhD students and other research staff across Europe. This investment nurtures the next generation of brilliant minds. I look forward to seeing the resulting breakthroughs and fresh advancements in the years ahead.’
The announced grants will support cutting-edge research in a wide range of fields, from life sciences and physical sciences to social sciences and humanities. The successful candidates proposed to host their projects at universities and research centres in 19 EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe. Among the EU countries, the highest numbers of grant
s will be hosted by institutions in Germany (50), France (37), and Netherlands (23). Among the laureates, there are Germans (50 researchers), French (31), Britons (28), Italians (22) and citizens of other 28 nations. The competition attracted 1,829 proposals, out of which nearly 14% were selected for funding. Estimates show that the grants will create 2480 jobs in the new grantees’ teams.
You will find more information in the ERC press release and more information on statistics here.
Fighting drug-resistance in pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Europe, behind lung, colorectal, and breast cancer. Thus, developing novel therapeutic strategies is an urgent need to save human lives.
As in other solid cancers, a major obstacle to treatment is the compression of tumour blood vessels, drastically reducing delivery of drugs to cancer cells. In recent years, Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos found a method to make it easier for drugs to reach the tumour. Neverth
eless, he observed the phenomenon of “mechanoresistance” in which intratumoral mechanical forces promote resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. With his interdisciplinary team, he will tackle this rarely studied problem. His plan is to first employ a mixture of cutting-edge bioengineering and biology methods to identify the intracellular mechanisms that lead to mechanoresistance. Then, Prof. Stylianopoulos will use different drugs to see if they can counteract mechanoresistance to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy. Overall, his project aims to design new, personalized treatments for pancreatic cancer and make a difference for patients.
Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos moved from the US to the University of Cyprus in 2013, where he could establish a state-of-the-art lab thanks to ERC support through a Starting Grant, a Consolidator Grant and three Proof of Concept grants.
Researcher: Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
Project: Overcoming Mechanically-Induced Resistance to Chemo-Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Ca
ncer (MechanoResistance)
Host Institution: University of Cyprus (CY)
ERC funding: 2.5 million euro for 5 years
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98)
Commission publishes Recommendation on Post-Quantum Cryptography
Today, the Commission has published a Recommendation on Post-Quantum Cryptography to encourage Member States to develop and implement a harmonised approach as the EU transitions to post-quantum cryptography. This will help to ensure that the EU’s digital infrastructures and services are secure in the next digital era.
While quantum technologies will bring many economic and societal benefits, advances in quantum computing are expected to make it easier for malicious actors to access sensitive data, unless we advance our cryptography.
It is vital that communications remain protected in the future for the security of our citizens, societies, economies and the EU’s digital single market. Post-Quantum Cryptography is one of the so
lutions to this future threat, as it is based on mathematical problems that are difficult even for quantum computers to solve. As a software-based solution, post-quantum cryptography is compatible with our existing infrastructures in several sectors, and so can be deployed relatively swiftly.
The Recommendation addresses the need for a coordinated approach to Europe’s transition to a quantum-safe digital infrastructure. It will help Member States develop a consistent strategy as they migrate towards more secure ways of protecting their digital infrastructures. This will promote interoperability between countries, allowing systems and services to function seamlessly across borders.
The Recommendation complements the work already being done by many countries and at international level to develop and select post-quantum cryptography algorithms for standards, including the research efforts done by EU-funded projects, the recent report from the European Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), and discussions on post-q
uantum cryptography at international level, such as in the EU-US Trade and Technology Council and Cyber Dialogue.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98)
Seven historical sites across the EU receive the European Heritage Label
Today, the Commission awarded the 2023 European Heritage Label to seven sites across the continent, recognising their key role in the history and culture of Europe.
They are: Cisterscapes – Cistercian Landscapes Connecting Europe (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Slovenia); the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste (Spain); Our Lord in the Attic Museum (the Netherlands); the Royal Theatre Toone (Belgium); the Kalevala (Finland); the Romanian Athenaeum (Romania) and Sant’Anna di Stazzema (Italy).
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: ‘My heartfelt congratulations to the seven sites receiving the award today and the teams behind them. This brings the number of Europea
n Heritage Label sites to 67 in total. Together, they deepen our understanding and appreciation of Europe’s culture and history. I encourage everyone to visit the sites: every single one is a unique and enriching experience.’
The European Heritage Label is awarded to monuments, natural or urban sites, but also cultural objects, goods and intangible heritage. It acknowledges their key role in the European history and culture as well as in the formation of what is now the European Union. It also encourages Heritage Sites to use digital technologies to offer a broader and modern perspective of identity, dialogue, cohesion and creativity.
Working under the responsibility of the Commission, a panel of independent experts made this selection from a pool of 16 candidates previously shortlisted by the EU Member States participating in the selection process this year. The winners will be invited to the European Heritage Label Award Ceremony in Antwerp (Belgium) on 17 April 2024.
More information on the seven newly-
awarded sites, as well as the 60 sites already labelled, can be found here.
(For more information: Johanna Bernsel – Tel.: + 32 2 298 66 99; Flore Boutier – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43)
InvestEU and European Investment Fund support sustainable agri-food investments with pound 40 million
The European Investment Fund (EIF), backed by the InvestEU programme, is committing pound 40 million to an INOKS Capital-run investment fund for sustainable food systems. The fund has a target size of between pound 150 million and pound 300 million.
It aims to enhance sustainable food production and consumption, particularly in eastern and southern EU countries including Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. The fund supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small mid-caps in the agricultural and food sectors. The beneficiary companies will target these goals throughout the entire agri-food value chain, ranging from input supply, produc
tion and logistics to processing, distribution and waste reuse.
Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: ‘The InvestEU programme is supporting investments across Europe that will boost the transition to a low-carbon and more sustainable economy. I am glad that today’s agreement will channel financing to SMEs and small mid-caps in support of these EU goals. This is a very good example of how InvestEU helps small and medium-sized businesses to make Europe greener and fairer while contributing to sustainable growth and food security.’
The InvestEU programme provides the EU with long-term funding by leveraging private and public funds in support of EU policy priorities. As part of the programme, the InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners who will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee and thus mobilising at least pound 372 billion in additional investment.
A press release is available online.
(For more information: Veerle Nuyts – Tel.: +32 229 96302; Flora Matthaes – Tel
.: +32 229-83951)
Commission decides to register European Citizens’ Initiative calling for EU financial support on safe and accessible abortion
Today, the European Commission decided to register a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘My Voice, My Choice: For Safe And Accessible Abortion’.
The organisers of the initiative call on the Commission to submit a proposal for financial support to Member States for enabling safe termination of pregnancies for anyone in Europe who lacks access to safe and legal abortion.
The initiative does not concern the granting of a right to abortion at EU level and the registration decision must be viewed within the limits of Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the limits within which the EU has only supportive competence of the action of the Member States in the field of health policy and the organisation and delivery of health services, including sexual and reproductive health.The decision to register is of a legal nature and it
does not prejudge the final legal and political conclusions of the Commission on this initiative and the action it would take, if any, in case the initiative obtains the necessary support.
As the European Citizens’ Initiative fulfils the formal conditions established in the relevant legislation, the Commission considers that it is legally admissible. The Commission has not analysed the substance of the proposals at this stage.
Next Steps
Following today’s registration, the organisers have six months to open the signature collection. If a European Citizens’ Initiative receives one million statements of support within one year from at least seven different Member States, the Commission will have to react. The Commission will have to decide whether or not it will take action in response to the request, and will be required to explain its reasoning.
Background
The European Citizens’ Initiative was introduced with the Lisbon Treaty as an agenda-setting tool in the hands of citizens. It was officially launched
in April 2012. Once formally registered, a European Citizens’ Initiative allows one million citizens from at least seven EU Member States to invite the European Commission to propose legal acts in areas where it has the power to act. The conditions for admissibility are: (1) the proposed action does not manifestly fall outside the framework of the Commission’s powers to submit a proposal for a legal act, (2) it is not manifestly abusive, frivolous or vexatious and (3) it is not manifestly contrary to the values of the Union.
Since the beginning of the European Citizens’ Initiative, the Commission has registered 111 initiatives.
For More Information
‘My Voice, My Choice: For Safe And Accessible Abortion’
ECI statistics
ECIs currently collecting signatures
European Citizens’ Initiative Forum
#EUTakeTheInitiative campaign
Contacts for media
Christian WIGAND Spokesperson
Phone +32 2 296 22 53
Mail christian.wigand@ec.europa.eu
Yuliya MATSYK Press Assistant
Phone +32 460 76 15 41
Mail yuliya.matsyk@e
c.europa.eu
Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Metsola and Belgian Prime Minister De Croo on the adoption of the Pact on Asylum and Migration
Today is indeed a historic day. After years of intense work, the Pact on Migration and Asylum becomes a reality. It is a huge achievement for Europe. And this excellent achievement is built on the outstanding work of so many. So let me start by thanking Vice-President Schinas and Commissioner Johannsson for your amazing and tireless work. You and your teams have worked so hard over so many years to make this day happen. Dear Roberta, I also want to thank you and the European Parliament for your dedication and for the excellent cooperation. This was really amazing. And I want to thank the successive Council Presidencies, and I start with you, dear Alexander, the Belgian Presidency, who got us over the finish line. Thank you so much.
We all understand this fundamental truth. Migration is a European challenge which must be
met with a European solution. One that is effective, and both fair and firm. This is what the Pact on Migration and Asylum delivers. It will be making a real difference for all Europeans. First, more secure European borders. Knowing exactly who crosses our borders, by registering and screening everyone, while ensuring the protection of fundamental rights through an independent monitoring. Second, faster, more efficient procedures for asylum and return. This means that those with no right to asylum will not be allowed to enter in the European Union, while those escaping war or persecution can count on the protection they need. The Pact strikes the right balance between stricter rules against the abuse of the system, and care for the most vulnerable. And third, more solidarity with the Member States at our external borders. Because they manage the pressure from illegal migration. So, all Member States will be part of this solidarity effort – but they will choose how best to do it. At the same time, secondary mo
vements within the European Union cannot be allowed. The new rules foresee closer collaboration between Member States to stop secondary movements.
In essence, the Pact is about how best to pull our weight together. We will do it in a way that respects our obligation, as part of the international community, to support those with the right to international protection. We have fulfilled it in the past, and we will continue to do so. But we must be the ones to decide who comes to the European Union and under what circumstances, not the smugglers and traffickers.
With the Pact in place, we have the legal framework we need. This is one leg. The second leg is our operational support to Member States. We will continue to bring them tailored solutions on border management, the fight against smugglers, and returns. And we will continue to respond to crises, from Lampedusa to Finland’s border, from the Canary Islands to Cyprus. In parallel, we will also press ahead with our work with global partners, developing partne
rships with countries of origin and transit so that we can address the root causes of migration together. This engagement has become an essential pillar of our work. And it is delivering.
To conclude, I am proud to say: We delivered a European solution. But our work is not done yet. And it must be the same determination and unity that has led us to this day that has to guide us to make the Pact a true success in Europe.
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Source: Cyprus News Agency