The ministers welcomed the new space strategy for Europe and its strategic objectives. Ministers underlined that the implementation of the strategy can have a significant positive impact on competitiveness and bring tangible benefits to European citizens and companies. Close cooperation of all relevant players in the field of space was considered essential for the successful implementation of the strategy. In particular, the partnership between the EU and the ESA was mentioned as one of the key elements. In order to boost the competitiveness of Europe the uptake of space data by industry, SMEs and start-ups was highlighted as an important priority. Furthermore, Ministers stressed the need to reinforce Europe's autonomy in accessing space and underlined the importance of allocation of fund to achieve technological development. Better delineation between civil and military usage of EU space programmes was also highlighted.
On the Research part of the Competitiveness Council ministers adopted conclusions on measures to support early stage researchers and raise the attractiveness of scientific careers. The Council conclusions build on the Bratislava declaration that EU research ministers endorsed during their informal meeting last summer. To raise the attractiveness of scientific careers for young people, foster their talent and offer them appropriate career development opportunities was the main priority of the Slovak Presidency in the field of research.
The ministers also exchanged views on the implementation of the EU's strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation. The debate focused on three main elements: framework conditions to boost international cooperation; the measures to strengthen international cooperation in the EU framework programmes and the role of science diplomacy. Ministers agreed that there is a need to collaborate at global level across disciplines and sectors to find effective solutions to global challenges. Many delegations suggested to improve the attractiveness of EU research programmes to increase the participation of researchers from third countries. A number of delegations referred to the "Prima" initiative for research projects with neighbouring Mediterranean countries as a good example of science diplomacy.
