Informal EU competitiveness council on research and innovation

The informal EU Competitiveness Council held an online meeting on March 31, 2026, to discuss research and innovation strategies. The session was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus, Dr. Nikodimos Damianou, with the participation of EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva. Discussions focused on strengthening European technological development, resilience, and strategic autonomy. Participants identified structural barriers to innovation, including market fragmentation, complex regulatory frameworks, limited access to funding, and difficulties in commercializing research results. The ministers explored ways to bridge the gap between research and the market and discussed strategies for improving cross-border scaling for innovative businesses. Additionally, the Council addressed best practices for attracting researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to the European Union. Member states emphasized the need for closer cooperation between national, regional, and EU levels to overcome persistent barriers in the innovation ecosystem.