On 12 February, the European Defence Agency and the European Commission held a workshop dedicated to the governance and modalities of CSDP-related research at EDA premises in Brussels. The event gathered about 100 participants from the European Commission, Member States and EDA.
With a view to setting the scene for a forthcoming Preparatory Action that would be dedicated to CSDP-related research, in line with December 2013 European Council conclusions, the workshop aimed to address potential governance and modalities issues regarding the initiative. “I would like to stress that this Preparatory Action is something new and potentially ground breaking”, said EDA European Synergies and Innovation Director Denis Roger during the workshop. “We need to be innovative and creative in the way we define it”, he added.
Towards a CSDP-related research programme at EU Level
A major opportunity to support the development of the capabilities needed for CSDP operations and the competitiveness of European industry, the Preparatory Action could pave the way to a future CSDP-related European research programme. One of the aims of the Preparatory Action, except demonstrating value added of EU CSDP related research programme, is to test the appropriate governance and modalities adapted to the specificities of such research.
The 12 February workshop allowed participants to exchange views on the respective roles to be played by the European Commission, EDA, Member States and industry in this Preparatory Action. They discussed the process of definition and validation of a future work programme, as well as the organisation of calls and tenders. The afternoon panel assessed the flexibility of the existing Horizon 2020 rules, discussed issues related to intellectual property rights and presented the views of Member States regarding the subject.
The workshop was a follow-up of an initial conference on this issue which was held at EDA premises on 21 November 2014.
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