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On 16 February 2024, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union hosted an international conference which endorsed the Ministerial Statement on principles and values for international cooperation in research & innovation (‘Brussels Statement’).
The Statement, crafted collectively by the participating countries, stakeholder organisations, the Presidency and the European Commission promotes continuous collaboration, recognising that diversity fosters trust among global partners, and emphasises the importance of international collaboration in research and innovation in addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge.
The Brussels Statement calls for a roadmap to establish a common understanding of principles and values for international R&I cooperation, coordination with organisations such as UNESCO, UNCSTD, OECD, International Science Council, G7, G20, Council of Europe, and other international fora.
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:
“Scientists and innovators, no matter where in the world they live and work, must be able to reach out to one another and work together across borders and cultural traditions, based on a foundation of mutual trust and understanding. This is what we are working towards: to establish a global ethical compass for research and innovation with people and values at its heart.”
Background
The Multilateral Dialogue on principles and values for international cooperation in research & innovation (R&I) was launched in July 2022, following the European Commission’s Communication on the Global Approach to R&I which gained strong support by the EU Member States through Council Conclusions in 2022.
The Dialogue involves EU Member States, the EU’s main international partner countries and key international and EU stakeholder organisations. Since its launch, the Multilateral Dialogue has been implemented through a series of eight thematic online workshops on different principles and values, to discuss and compare terminology and experiences regarding practical implementation worldwide and establish commonalities to deepen R&I cooperation. These workshops were collaboratively designed and organised by the countries and organisations participating in the Dialogue, covering the topics in an inclusive and interactive manner.
The Belgian Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the European Union organised the international Ministerial meeting in Brussels on 15-16 February 2024, inviting Ministers from the EU Member States, countries associated or negotiating association to the ‘Horizon Europe’, countries with an active S&T Cooperation Agreement with the EU, as well as representatives of UNESCO, OECD, and the International Science Council in recognition of the developments of the Multilateral Dialogue to date.
Publication date: 16 February 2024
Author: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation