State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal Meeting of EU Higher Education and Research Ministers in Budapest
Bern, 17.09.2024 - Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, represented Switzerland at the Informal Meeting of Higher Education and Research Ministers of the EU member states in Budapest on 16 and 17 September. Discussions at this biannual event focused on the introduction of a common European degree in higher education and strengthening European competitiveness through research and innovation. Other topics included reducing fragmentation in the European Research Area and ensuring freedom of research.
The European Union would like to see further integration in the European Higher Education Area; in parallel with the further development of the European Universities Initiative, the European Commission is proposing the gradual introduction of a European degree that can be awarded jointly by several universities as part of cross-border cooperation. This is intended to offer both students and universities greater clarity and opportunities.
In her address, Ms Hirayama emphasised the great importance of international cooperation in the higher education sector. Yet the proposal to introduce a European degree raises some fundamental questions that need to be carefully examined, she said. For example, it must not lead to segregation of the inclusive and broadly defined European Higher Education Area.
In the debate on Europe's competitiveness, the ministers discussed what contribution research and innovation can and should make in order to bring Europe back to the top of the global league. The current status and future of the European Research Area was also discussed.
Ms Hirayama emphasised the need to exploit Europe's full potential in order to strengthen competitiveness. Switzerland makes a significant contribution to this with its excellent universities and innovation capacities. She emphasised the fruitful collaboration between Swiss industry and research, which is supported by Innosuisse as well as other parties. Ms Hirayama went on to recommend adopting a broad perspective on the value chain in the European Research Area, from basic research through to application and training.
A further discussion point was the freedom of research in times of geopolitical tensions. Ms Hirayama emphasised the importance of creating an environment that allows outstanding basic research and innovative bottom-up approaches to flourish unhindered and freely. Only then can Europe strengthen its global competitiveness and preserve the fundamental values that characterise the European Research Area, she said. These reflect legitimate security concerns and are based on common principles such as reciprocity, transparency, accountability and mutual benefit.
While in Budapest, Ms Hirayama held bilateral talks with the heads of delegations from several countries, including the Czech Republic and Portugal.
European Union Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation
The European Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation are the EU's main instruments for implementing its joint science and innovation policy. The current programme, Horizon Europe (FP9), runs from 2021 to 2027. In the ongoing negotiations with the EU, the Federal Council continues to strive for association to several EU programmes as soon as possible, including Horizon Europe, Euratom, Digital Europe, ITER und Erasmus+.
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