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Minister of Science and Higher Education in Brussels - presentation of priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council

31.01.2025

On January 29-30, 2025, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, Marcin Kulasek, was in Brussels, where he presented the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the field of higher education, research and innovation.

Minister of Science and Higher Education in Brussels

Priorities in the area of higher education

As part of a hearing before the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT), Minister Marcin Kulasek, together with the Minister of Education, the Minister of Culture and National Heritage and the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, presented the Polish Presidency's plans for the next five months. A key issue will be the continuation of work on the higher education package, including the Common European Diploma initiative proposed by the European Commission last year. The Minister stressed that Poland would seek a compromise on the issue.

In addition, following the EC's publication of a report on the matter, the Polish Presidency will also hold discussions on the future of European universities, including the issue of their long-term funding. The MEPs' questions, in addition to the issues discussed by the Minister, also concerned the future of the Erasmus+ program, as well as diploma recognition, academic freedom and the dangers of misinformation.

Hearing before the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE)

During the second hearing, the Minister presented the priorities in the area of research and innovation, the guiding slogan of which is “openness, inclusion and synergies”.  In his speech, he referred to the legislative plans of the Polish Presidency, including:

  • Euratom Regulation Extension,
  • ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027,
  • Horizon Europe mid-term evaluation.

ITRE members inquired about the Polish presidency's position on the future framework program for research and innovation, the issue of strengthening the role of the European Research Council, and the Competitiveness Compass published by the European Commission on January 29, 2025. Topics also included issues related to narrowing the innovation gap between the European Union and world leaders, as well as between EU member states.

Meeting with the Commissioner for Science and Innovation

The Minister of Science and Higher Education also met Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for science and innovation. During the talks, he presented priorities related to Poland's presidency of the Council of the EU and invited the Commissioner to participate in the informal meeting of the Competitiveness Council to be held in Warsaw on March 10-11, 2025.