Distribution of funds among EU Member States to be spent on research and innovation is vastly disproportionate. “New Member States (EU-13) receive only 5% of the resources of the Horizon 2020 program. This will increase the innovation gap that hinders sustainable increase and inhibits the development within the whole EU” – commented Sándor Fazekas.
At the meeting of agriculture ministers of V4+3 (Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia) countries on the 26th of October in Warsaw, a joint statement was presented. This common position called for a joint action to equalize the innovation gap among Member States. The Hungarian Minister of Agriculture highlighted that during the Council meeting Commissioner Phil Hogan acknowledged that balanced allocation of resources is required because of regional imbalances.
Sándor Fazekas highlighted as an extraordinary result that the so called BIOEAST initiative (Central Eastern European Initiative for Knowledge-based Agriculture and Bioeconomy) launched by the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture received great support at EU level. This program aims to extend the region-specific research topics and research opportunities.
The Conference in Bratislava organized by the Slovakian Presidency on the 17th of October pointed out the importance of regional cooperation in the development of bioeconomy and the establishment of national macro-regional strategies. “It is my firm belief is that mutual enhancement and united action are needed for the success of the Central and Eastern European macro-regions” – highlighted Sándor Fazekas, adding that the amount of Community funds allocated for the Common Agricultural Policy until 2020 may not be reduced at the costs of Horizon 2020.
