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A snapshot of news you may find of interest over the last month
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The #GPS2021 event is approaching!
This digital event will be a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the future role of geoscience within the EU climate framework for 2030 and 2050 and an excellent chance for networking with a wide-range of stakeholders.
Read more in the event section of this newsletter.
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Council complements EU research legislative framework
The Council has recently approved a set of legal acts aimed at complementing the legal framework around Horizon Europe, the EU's framework programme for research and innovation for the years 2021 to 2027.
These legal acts are the following :
- a decision establishing the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe, setting out the operational objectives and types of activities envisaged for implementing Horizon Europe;
- a regulation on the Euratom programme complementing Horizon Europe, ensuring the continuation of nuclear research and training activities with an emphasis on the continuous improvement of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection;
- amendments to the regulation on the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), aimed mainly at enhancing the financial sustainability and openness of Knowledge and Innovation Communities;
- a decision on the Strategic Innovation Agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, setting out the priority fields and strategy of the EIT for the period 2021-2027 by defining the EIT's objectives, key actions, mode of operation, expected results and resources needed.
Read more in the full press release: here.
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Updating the 2020 New Industrial Strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery
On 10 March 2020, the Commission laid the foundations for an industrial strategy that would support the twin transition to a green and digital economy, make EU industry more competitive globally, and enhance Europe’s open strategic autonomy. The day after the new industrial strategy was presented, the World Health Organization announced the COVID-19 as a pandemic.
This update neither replaces the 2020 Industrial Strategy nor completes the processes launched by it – much of that work is in progress, and requires dedicated efforts. This is a targeted update, which focuses on what more needs to be done and what lessons need to be learned.
As a primary vehicle of innovation in the various ecosystems, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) need to be borne in mind in all actions under this Strategy. This is reflected in a horizontal manner by increased attention to regulatory burdens for SMEs. New actions will strongly benefit SMEs and start-ups, whether it be from a strengthened Single Market, reduced supply dependencies or the accelerated green and digital transitions. The Strategy also includes some measures dedicated to SMEs such as on increased resilience, combating late payments, and supporting solvency.
Official Communication: here.
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EU Action plan: Towards Zero pollution, air, water and soil
The European Commission has recently adopted the EU Action Plan: “Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil” – a key deliverable of the European Green Deal and the main topic of this year's EU Green Week. It sets out an integrated vision for 2050: a world where pollution is reduced to levels that are no longer harmful to human health and natural ecosystems, as well as the steps to get there. The plan ties together all relevant EU policies to tackle and prevent pollution, with a special emphasis on how to use digital solutions to tackle pollution.
Read more in the full press release: here.
Official Communication: here.
Fact sheet: here.
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European Green Deal: Developing a sustainable blue economy in the European Union
The European Commission is proposing a new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU for the industries and sectors related to oceans, seas and coasts. A sustainable blue economy is essential to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and ensuring a green and inclusive recovery from the pandemic.
Read and view the full news: here.
Official Communication: here.
Fact sheet: here.
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European Green Deal: Commission adopts strategic guidelines for sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture
The Commission adopted new strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture. The guidelines offer a common vision for the Commission, Member States and stakeholders to develop the sector in a way that contributes directly to the European Green Deal and in particular the Farm to Fork Strategy. The guidelines will help the EU aquaculture sector become more competitive and resilient, and to improve its environmental and climate performance.
Read and view the full news: here.
Official Communication: here.
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Europe's global approach to cooperation in research and innovation: strategic, open, and reciprocal
The European Commission paves the way to a Global Approach to Research and Innovation, Europe's strategy for international cooperation in a changing world. With this, the EU aims to take a leading role in supporting international research and innovation partnerships, and to deliver innovative solutions to make our societies green, digital and healthy.
Read and view the full news: here.
Official Communication: here.
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CO2 emissions from energy use clearly decreased in the EU in 2020
Eurostat estimates that in 2020, the year when COVID-19 containment measures were widely introduced by the EU Member States, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion (mainly oil and oil products, coal, peat and natural gas) significantly decreased by 10% in the EU compared with the previous year. CO2 emissions from energy use are a major contributor to global warming and account for some 75% of all man-made EU greenhouse gas emissions. They are influenced by factors such as climate conditions (e.g. cold / long winter or hot summer), economic growth, size of the population, transport and industrial activities.
Read and view the full news: here.
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The EGS Secretariat welcomes its new Administrative Officer
The EuroGeoSurveys Secretariat has grown!
As from 3rd May 2021, the EGS Secretariat can count on a new talented Administrative Officer. His name is Daniel Sánchez and he is from Spain. Daniel holds a Master's degree in the European Union and China. Previously, he studied Degree in Law and Degree in Business Administration and Management. Specializing in international monetary strategies, he published a scientific essay on the New Great Game and the challenges of the euro. In addition, he collaborates as a writer in economic and legal scientific magazines in Spain. Furthermore, he worked in the academic field as a trainer in Business Finance, Auditing, and Accounting.
Prior to joining EGS, Daniel spent more than 10 years working in numerous administrative, financial, and legal firms, such as the Property Registry of Spain, CaixaBank, or Generali Worldwide Insurance. In the same way, one of the most remarkable professional experiences was doing a Schuman Program in the European Parliament, specifically in the Business Continuity Management Unit.
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Environment
Global Methane Assessment (full report)
The Global Methane Assessment shows that human-caused methane emissions can be reduced by up to 45 per cent this decade. Such reductions would avoid nearly 0.3°C of global warming by 2045 and would be consistent with keeping the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (1.5˚C) within reach.
View and download the full publication: here.
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Marine & Water Resources
New handbook: nature-based solutions for water security
The handbook provides guidance on developing an investable business case for nature-based solution projects for water security, climate mitigation and adaptation and other key societal challenges: it explains how to choose a mode of governance for the project, as well as a funding, financing and procurement strategy.
View and download the publication: here.
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Research & Innovation
Carbon economy - Studies on support to research and innovation policy in the area of bio-based products and services
This report aims to map out the current pathways available for the transition towards a low carbon economy as well as the barriers that hinder this transition.
Based on key findings, the authors set the scene for the future of the bio-based sector with a particular focus on ten case studies of regions and cities across the EU. The report includes as well an evaluation of promising innovations and novel technologies for the realisation of such an economy and a sweeping analysis on EU directives and regulations that pertain to the low carbon economy.
View and download the full publication: here.
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Research and innovation at the heart of the new industrial strategy for Europe
The updated European industrial strategy builds a business case for green, digitally-leading and resilient industry where R&I is a key enabler.
We need to work in a renewed partnership with industry, EU countries and other stakeholders to support industrial research and innovation with a common vision.
The renewed European Research Area’s (ERA) will strengthen the translation of research and innovation (R&I) results into the economy and enhance the competitiveness of European industry, through Common Industrial Technology Roadmaps by linking EU and national R&I investment agendas. Today we publish the first Low-Carbon Industrial Technologies Roadmap to link EU Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas, developed together with industry by the dedicated Horizon Europe partnerships, with the main EU and national support programmes to support low-carbon technologies. It provides R&I evidence and guidance to strengthen the EU industrial ecosystem for energy-intensive industries and facilitate scoping and development of potential industrial alliances and Important Projects for Common European Interest.
View and download the full publication and the related documents: here.
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Quarterly research and innovation literature review: R&I in times of crisis
This edition of the review covers papers and reports that emphasize: (i) the R&I response in times of crisis, and (ii) specific digital issues related to R&I.
Crises create unique opportunities and demand on research and innovation systems. The current pandemic has created economic and financial pressure that could compromise the ambitions of R&I systems. The latest EIB investment report estimates that 45% of EU firms can be expected to reduce their investments with the current crisis. On the other hand, the recent OECD STI Outlook highlights how R&I have played a central role in the response to the COVID-19 crisis. To this respect, R&I can be seen as a key strategic investment in times of crisis, and there is a critical role for public institutions and government-led incentives to play today.
View and download the full publication: here.
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Mapping study for the development of sustainable-by-design criteria
The aim of this study is to map existing initiatives and R&I activities related to sustainability that are relevant for the development of sustainable-by-design criteria for chemicals, materials and products. It includes three main parts, 1) Identification of existing policies and initiatives that implement sustainability criteria, 2) Analysis of a sample of criteria under the relevant policies and initiatives with a focus on materials and chemicals, and 3) Analysis of the progress in R&I.
View and download the full publication: here.
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Geothermal
A new study highlights the role that geothermal can play in cutting down C02 emissions
As a sustainable source of energy, geothermal energy can also make a significant contribution to reducing CO? emissions in Germany. This shows a case study on the Kirchstockach geothermal power plant published by scientists at the Center for Energy Technology (ZET) at the University of Bayreuth in the journal “Renewable Energy”. Geothermal research at ZET is integrated into the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria, which has been funded by the Bavarian Ministry of Science since 2016. As part of the recently launched second funding phase, the ZET will receive around EUR 500,000.
View and read the full news: here.
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The reorganization of our society with focus on renewable energy, sustainable use of resources, and low-climate impact, remains high on European and international agendas. One aspect that receives insufficient attention is the crucial role of the subsurface and its resources in this transition. A better understanding of subsurface processes, linked potential, and the consequences of any actions, whether intended or not, can ensure the safe and sustainable development of these resources, as well as reveal new opportunities of subsurface use. This understanding is therefore the crucial baseline for sound subsurface resource management including spatial planning and associated policy.
This free online event has the main objective to discuss this pressing subject.
For more information, click: here.
Registration is available: here.
EGS News: here.
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European Research and Innovation Days
European Research and Innovation Days is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond.
The event will take place online on 23 and 24 June 2021, allowing everyone to get involved from anywhere.
Registration is available: here.
Programme: here.
EGS News: here.
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ECCA 2021 – 5th European Climate Change Adaptation conference
The 5th European Climate Change Adaptation conference ECCA 2021, will take place on 22 June. The high-level event, hosted by the European Commission, will take place back to back with the annual European Research & Innovation Days (23-24 June).
2021 is the year of climate adaptation. ECCA 2021 comes at the right time, after the first global Climate Adaptation Summit in January 2021, and before the COP 26 in Glasgow in November 2021. It will turn the spotlight on the pressing need to accelerate the transfer of knowledge from R&I to policies and practices, including societal transformation an behavioural change, in order to increase resilience in Europe and beyond, in a context of rising climate risks.
Registration is available: here.
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