MEPs to hear from the new commissioner-designate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth

On 5 September 2023, the European Parliament will hold a hearing to hear from the new commissioner-designate for innovation, research, culture, education and youth, Iliana Ivanova (Bulgaria), a former MEP and member of the European Court of Auditors.

Nominated end of June to replace Mariya Gabriel in the European Commission, she will be asked questions on her competences and plans to tackle key topics at the European Innovation Council, the future of fundamental research in the EU framework programme, including Horizon Europe budget, bridging the east-west gap in research capabilities, the role of the European Research Council and how the EU strikes the right balance between funding for bottom-up research and policy-driven programmes.

MEPs are scheduled to vote on her official appointment at the EP plenary session on 11-14 September 2023. With the European Parliament elections coming soon (June 2024), the new commissioner will have little time to bring considerable changes to the EU research and innovation policy. But MEPs want to see whether she has plans to ensure that Horizon Europe has enough money to meet the demands of EU researchers.  

“Her experience is crucial in carrying forward the implementation of the EU’s flagship research programme, Horizon Europe, to enhance the performance of EU’s research spending and achieve a better impact on the ground”, said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.