DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 11 February 2025
Commission awards fellowships worth €417 million to nearly 1,700 researchers through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
The European Commission has revealed the results of the 2024 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships, part of the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation.
With a total funding of €417 million, 1,696 outstanding post-doctoral researchers from Europe and beyond will now be able to develop their own projects while receiving high-level training and supervision. Their projects will span a wide range of scientific disciplines, the top three are:
Research topics include cultural heritage, education, social inclusion, cancer research, renewable energies, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, or quantum research, among many others.
In addition, 41 researchers will have the opportunity to conduct their work in countries targeted for increased research integration under the European fellowships research Area.
Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, said: “The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are a testament to the excellence and ambition of researchers across Europe and beyond. I congratulate all the successful applicants of the 2024 call. These grants are a great opportunity for researchers to expand their skills, gain international experience, and collaborate with leading scientists shaping the future of research. I look forward to seeing your projects and expertise enrich the EU's research and innovation landscape.
The selected fellows will conduct their projects at universities, research centres, public institutions and businesses across 47 countries. The next call for applications is planned to open on 8 May 2025. More information is available on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions website.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
The Commission opens applications to reward the best Cohesion Policy supported projects
Today, the European Commission kicks off the 2025 edition of the REGIOSTARS competition which will award the best Cohesion Policy supported projects in the EU. Between 11 February and 20 May 2025, beneficiaries of Cohesion projects all over the EU can apply to the awards in one of five thematic categories: 1) ‘A Competitive and Smart Europe'; 2) ‘A Green Europe'; 3) ‘A Connected Europe'; 4) ‘A Social and Inclusive Europe'; and 5) ‘A Europe Closer to Citizens'. The public will also be able to choose their favourite project by participating in the ‘REGIOSTARS Public Vote'.
Commenting on the competition launch, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, said: “The REGIOSTARS competition will allow the best Cohesion supported projects to show their excellence in transforming Europe's regions and improving people's lives. By illustrating ideas and good practices, these projects will be an inspiration for other regions. I encourage as many projects as possible to apply!”
The winning project representatives will receive a REGIOSTARS trophy. The Commission will then organise local mini communication campaigns with the collaboration of the winning project promoters and the respective Managing Authorities.
More information on how to apply can be found on the REGIOSTARS website. You can also see last year's REGIOSTARS winners online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha +32 229-52117)
Commission welcomes new European Board for Media Services
The new European Board for Media Services (the Media Board) held its constitutive meeting yesterday, marking a milestone in the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act.
The Media Board is an independent advisory body at Union level established by EMFA, consisting of representatives of the national media regulators, who will replace and continue the work of the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services. As such, the Board will promote the consistent implementation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive while providing expertise and assistance on media regulation to the Commission.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “I welcome the new Media Board and look forward to our cooperation on media regulation matters, while effectively implementing the landmark European Media Freedom Act and ensuring that media in the EU – be it traditional or digital – is independent and pluralistic.”
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, commented: “Today marks a vital step in the application of the European Media Freedom Act. We count on the essential work of the new Media Board to support the independent functioning of media providers, which is a pre-condition for the high-quality services Europeans deserve.”
The Media Board will have new tasks under the Media Freedom Act. It will provide opinions on national measures that could significantly affect the operation of media providers, on media market concentrations, and on common measures to protect the internal market from non-EU media providers that pose threats to public security, for example, when it comes to foreign information manipulation and interference. These new tasks will contribute to reducing barriers to the provision of media services across the EU, and to safeguarding media pluralism and independence in the internal market.
In addition, a media service provider can request the Media Board's opinion on the outcome of the dialogue concerning repeated unjustified restrictions or suspension of the media provider's content based on terms of service with Very Large Online Platforms designated under the Digital Services Act. The Media Board shall inform the Commission of its opinion.
During the meeting, the Media Board elected Carlos Aguilar Paredes as Chair and Amma Asante as Vice-Chair, from the Spanish and Dutch national media regulators, respectively.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Markus Lammert — Tel.: + 32 2 296 75 33; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79)
New rules enter into force for a more sustainable and competitive packaging economy
Today, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation enters into force with new measures to further tackle the environmental challenges caused by excessive packaging. It will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, water use and environmental costs in the packaging industry. In parallel, the regulation will create opportunities for recycling and sustainability sectors. This is an important step towards a more circular, sustainable and competitive economy for the EU.
The new measures aim to develop a single market for waste, secondary and reusable materials; promote recycling; and reduce dependency on primary resources. They include promoting reuse or refill as alternatives to single-use packaging, and improving consumer information. Packaging will be more sustainable and enable consumers to reuse and sort their packaging waste more effectively, with solutions customised to the specific needs of Member States and businesses. The regulation will thus enhance resource efficiency and boost a circular use of materials.
By offering new business opportunities, the regulation will generate jobs and drive innovation in packaging solutions. It will also increase efficiency in the recycling sector. Additionally, restrictions on certain hazardous substances will protect consumer health and the environment.
The Commission will now focus on the implementation of the new regulation.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki: +32 229-66483; Maëlys Dreux: +32 2 295 46 73)
Commissioner Hoekstra hosts the Working Group on Clean Transition under the Strategic Dialogue with the European automotive sector
Tomorrow, Commissioner Hoekstra will host the Working Group on ‘Clean transition and decarbonisation' as part of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Automotive Industry, which was launched by President von der Leyen on 30 January 2025. The Commissioner will meet with key European industry leaders, social partners, and stakeholders of the sector to discuss the transition to clean mobility - one of the most pressing challenges these days for the industry.
This transition is an opportunity for the sector to develop new markets, to innovate and to help lower the dependence on fossil fuels and its carbon footprint in our continent. However, it also poses challenges for consumers as they are still confronted with higher upfront costs of vehicles and lack of charging infrastructure. In this context, the Commissioner and participants to the Working Group will discuss together the regulatory framework, the development of infrastructure for passenger and heavy-duty vehicles (both recharging infrastructure and electricity grid), as well as measures to stimulate demand.
This Working Group is the first of the four thematic work strands to be covered by the Strategic Dialogue, which also includes groups on ‘Industrial Value Chain'; ‘Technological and Digital Innovation'; and ‘Skills and Social'. With the Strategic Dialogue, an inclusive and collaborative process was initiated to better understand and address the critical challenges facing the sector. An open public consultation on the future of the European automotive industry is already open until 13 February and the output of this consultative process and Working Group discussions will inform the EU Industrial Action Plan for the automotive sector, to be presented by Commissioner Tzitzikostas on 5 March.
The list of participants to the Clean transition and Decarbonisation Working Group is available here.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Gender equality in research and innovation is not progressing fast enough, says new Commission report
The Commission has published the latest edition of its 'She Figures' series of publications, presenting the most recent EU-wide statistics on gender equality in research and innovation. While women outnumber men in university education, they remain significantly under-represented in careers and leadership positions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The report reveals a widening gender gap in critical sectors such as information and communication technologies (ICT), where only 22% of PhD students are women. This not only exacerbates existing skills shortages in the EU, but also threatens long-term competitiveness. Gender gaps persist at the highest levels of research and innovation: just 9% of inventors are women and 98% of EU-funded research is gender blind. Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, said: “Talent is genderless, but opportunity too often is. The She Figures report is a wake-up call: women are driving progress in education, but they still face too many barriers in research, innovation and leadership. We need to change this not just because it is fair, but because the future of Europe depends on it. A truly competitive and innovative Europe is one where every mind, regardless of gender, has the chance to thrive. » These findings echo the concerns expressed in the Draghi Report on EU Competitiveness, which highlighted the need to harness the power of a diverse and inclusive workforce to boost Europe's competitiveness and economic growth. More information on the latest She Figures report is available online. (For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel.: + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission assesses impact of Geo-Blocking Regulation on the internal market
The European Commission is today launching a call for evidence to gather the views of stakeholders affected by the Regulation to counter unjustified geo-blocking, in force since December 2018. The Regulation aims to facilitate access to goods and services for individuals and businesses across the European Union. Its aim is to strengthen the internal market, both online and offline, by removing unjustified geo-blocking and discrimination based on nationality, residence or establishment. Geo-blocking involves limiting or preventing customers from other Member States from accessing merchants' platforms, such as their websites or apps, when they seek to make cross-border transactions. It also includes a merchant imposing different conditions depending on where customers come from (residence, nationality or place of establishment), or otherwise preventing them from completing their purchases or accessing products and services. As part of its usual evaluation process, the Commission will assess whether the Regulation has achieved its objectives. The call for evidence invites consumers, businesses and national authorities to share their views and feedback on its implementation and impact. Ensuring a robust internal market remains a priority for the European Commission. This assessment will help determine whether further measures are needed to remove remaining barriers and boost cross-border trade within the EU. Interested parties can submit their contributions via the Have Your Say portal. More information on the Geo-Blocking Regulation is available on the Regulation's explanatory page. (For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel: +32 2 295 62 98; Federica Miccoli — Tel: + 32 2 295 83 00)
Commission promotes responsible internet use on International Safer Internet Day
Today, the Commission promotes responsible internet use on Safer Internet Day, an annual global event to promote children's online safety. Children and young people are increasingly using the internet. In 2023, 97% of young people in the EU reported using the internet on a daily basis, compared to 86% of the EU population overall. The online safety and security of all children is essential for the European Commission. Therefore, the Commission has already launched measures under the Digital Services Act, including the launch of investigations into the protection of minors from online platforms. The Commission is also currently developing guidelines for all online platforms to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security for young users. The Commission will also present this year a privacy-friendly European approach to age verification, ahead of the EU Digital Wallet being available by the end of 2026. And throughout January and February, the Commission is running the ADWISE online campaign to help young people who play online know their rights and spot manipulative practices in games. To better protect consumers from exploitation, deception and unfair practices online, the Commission is also working on the future Digital Fairness Act. Throughout its work, the Commission consults young people, as demonstrated by the first evaluation of the Strategy for a Better Internet for Children. In addition, next month, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen will meet young people in Helsinki to discuss the role of social media platforms in democracy. On 10 March, Commissioner Michael McGrath will meet with young people in his first Youth Dialogue to discuss their democratic empowerment, including through online tools. Further information is available online. (For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: + 32 2 299 10 99; Markus Lammert – Tel.: + 32 2 296 75 33; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: + 32 2 291 31 73)
Statement by President von der Leyen on announced US tariffs
I deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports.
Tariffs are taxes - bad for business, worse for consumers.
Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered - they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.
The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers.
***
The statement is also available online.
Speech by President von der Leyen at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit
“Check against delivery”
Merci Monsieur le Président, cher Emmanuel,
Presidents,
Your Serene Highness,
Prime Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
This is the third Summit on AI safety in just over one year. In the same period three new generations of ever more powerful AI models have been released. Some expect models that will approach human reasoning within a year's time. Past summits focused on laying the groundwork for AI safety. Together, we built a shared consensus that AI will be safe, and that it will promote our values and benefit humanity. But this Summit is focused on action. And that is exactly what we need right now. The time has come for us to formulate a vision of where we want AI to take us, as society and as humanity. And then we need to act and accelerate Europe in getting there. This is what I would like to address today. Europe's specific place in the global race for AI.
We want Europe to be one of the leading AI continents. And this means embracing a way of life where AI is everywhere. AI can help us boost our competitiveness, protect our security, shore up public health, and make access to knowledge and information more democratic. And this is what you – entrepreneurs and researchers, investors and business leaders – are showcasing here in Paris. This is a glimpse of the AI continent we want to become.
Too often, I hear that Europe is late to the race – while the US and China have already gotten ahead. I disagree. Because the AI race is far from over. Truth is, we are only at the beginning. The frontier is constantly moving. And global leadership is still up for grabs. And behind the frontier, lies the whole world of AI adoption. AI has only just begun to be adopted in the key sectors of our economy, and for the key challenges of our times. This should be Europe's focus. Bringing AI to industry-specific applications and harnessing its power for productivity and people. This is where Europe can truly lead the race. So, Europe has everything to gain.
But we need our own, distinctive approach to AI. Too often, I have heard that we should replicate what others are doing and run after their strengths. I think that instead, we should invest in what we can do best and build on our strengths here in Europe, which are our science and technology mastery that we have given to the world. As this Summit shows, there is a distinct European brand of AI. It is already driving innovation and adoption. And it is picking up speed. So what are its main features? First, European AI focuses on AI adoption in complex applications, using our unique industrial and manufacturing data and know-how. Second, European AI is cooperative. It brings talents together from different countries, sectors and backgrounds. It is the same spirit of our collaborative approach to science, which has produced many a breakthrough and a huge pool of talent. Just think of Horizon Europe. And third, European AI embraces the power of open source. And open source can spread much faster, along with proprietary systems. It is for all these reasons that the AI start-up scene in Europe is booming. The number of unicorns has increased by ten times in just a few years. So, this European brand of open innovation is showing results. But it now needs to be supercharged. And this is why this is an AI Action Summit.
We will act in two main ways. First, we want to accelerate innovation. Europe has some of the world's fastest public supercomputers. We are now putting them at the service of our best start-ups and scientists, so they can forge the AI we need. In just a few months we have set up a record of 12 AI factories. And we are investing EUR 10 billion in them. This is not a promise – it is happening right now, and it is the largest public investment for AI in the world, which will unlock over ten times more private investment. Our goal is that every company, not only the big players, can access the computing power it needs. We want AI developers to compete based on how innovative they are, not just on their access to chips or the size of their financial firepower.
And now we are also bringing AI Factories to the next level, with AI Gigafactories. Very large data and computing infrastructure, to train very large models. We want to replicate the success story of the CERN laboratory in Geneva. CERN hosts the largest particle accelerator in the world. And it allows the best and the brightest minds in the world to work together. We want the same to happen in our AI Gigafactories. We provide the infrastructure for large computational power. Researchers, entrepreneurs and investors will be able to join forces. Talents of the world are welcome. Industries will be able to collaborate and federate their data. We are creating the safe space for them – like the European health data space. Because AI needs competition but also collaboration. And AI needs the confidence of people and has to be safe. This is the purpose of the AI Act – to provide for one single set of safety rules across the European Union – 450 million people –, instead of 27 different national regulations. And safety is in the interest of business. At the same time, I know, we have to make it easier, we have to cut red tape. And we will.
Finally, computational power requires immediate substantial financial capital, from both public and private sector. In this context, I welcome the European AI Champions Initiative that pledges EUR 150 billion EUR from providers, investors and industry. Today, I can announce with our InvestAI initiative that we can top up by EUR 50 billion. Thereby we aim to mobilise a total of EUR 200 billion for AI investments in Europe. We will have a focus on industrial and mission-critical applications. It will be the largest public-private partnership in the world for the development of trustworthy AI.
Finally, cooperative AI can be attractive well beyond Europe, including for our partners in the Global South. In this spirit, we fully support the AI Foundation that is being launched today. AI can be a gift to humanity. But we must make sure that benefits are widespread and accessible to all. We want AI to be a force for good. We want an AI where everyone collaborates and everyone benefits. That is our path – our European way.
Thank you very much.
CALENDAR
Calendrier du lundi 10 février au dimanche 16 février
Thursday 13 February
Mr Costas Kadis meets with representatives of Environmental Research and Consultancy Isotech and AKTI Project and Research Centre; meets with intern students from European Universities; meets representatives of the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Board
Friday 14 February
Mr Costas Kadis meets with Mr Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus; meets with Ms Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus.
The European Commission is committed to personal data protection. Any personal data is processed in line with Regulation (EC) 2018/1725. All personal information processed by the Directorate-General for Communication / European Commission Representations is treated accordingly. If you do not work for a media organisation, you are welcome to contact the EU through Europe Direct in writing or by calling 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11.
Athanasios ATHANASIOU
Press Officer / Political Reporter
European Commission
Representation in Cyprus
EU House, 30 Vyronos Avenue, 1096 Nicosia
Tel: +357 22 81 75 76 Mob: +357 99 363753
Twitter: @aathans