In Brussels, Commissioner Gabriel met the Informal Group of R&I Liaison Offices for the first time in their history: innovation for higher economic growth in focus.
On 28 February 2023, Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, convenes the Informal Group of R&I Liaison Offices (IGLO) to ask for the enlargement of its network and to launch the new European Knowledge Networks. It is the first time a Commissioner responsible for EU R&I programmes meets IGLO, since its creation 31 years ago.
Commissioner Gabriel said: “We congratulate IGLO for its more than thirty-year activity to widely disseminate European research and innovation actions, and funding offers. Its work to reach out to the scientific community enables unexpected matching opportunities”.
The Brussels-based non-profit association facilitates and enhances the interaction, information exchange and co-operation between its members from 26 countries, their national research systems and the European institutions on issues related to EU-Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon Europe) and education programmes (Erasmus+).
“We invite IGLO to enlarge its membership to Bulgaria, Luxembourg, and Portugal,” says Commissioner Gabriel. “We envisage great advantages for all EU countries to become part of the Informal Group”.
IGLO is also encouraged to bring science closer to the public and join in the European Research Agenda’s action for citizen engagement, thus fostering links with universities and education in the field, and supporting European Knowledge Networks.
The European Office of Cyprus (EOC) is a proud member of the IGLO network and was delighted to be part of the inspiring discussions with Commissioner Gabriel and her team. Among others, there was an interesting exchange of views on how to improve the current and future framework programme.
Commissioner Gabriel concluded: “Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ are incredible tools for collaboration between countries and organisations, for progress and solidarity. We all need to promote inclusive excellence and offer opportunities to all to access our programmes”.