Crisis-response measures should be combined with a long-term commitment to EU research programmes, says Research MEP.
“We applaud
the measures taken by Commissioner Gabriel and the pooling of almost €140
million against COVID 19. The Commission was very fast in launching a special
call for expressions of interest from Horizon 2020 and involving relevant
stakeholders under the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) public-private
partnership”, said Horizon Europe rapporteur Christian
Ehler (EPP, DE).
“Now, we have to start thinking ahead in order to be better equipped for
the future. Research and development clearly have an important role to play in
addressing global challenges. This is yet another reason to support our
proposal for €120 billion for Horizon Europe.”, he added.
A test of our ability
to work together“The health crisis posed by COVID-19 is focusing minds. The top
priority now is to stem the spread of the virus. Behind the scenes, emergency
research is working on finding a treatment and a vaccine. The virus’
extraordinary rate of contagion should make us aware that our interconnected
world has shrunk considerably and that joint and coordinated action between
states is the only way to deal with this crisis”, said Christian Ehler.
“This crisis is a test of our ability to work together on an emergency
situation on the one hand, and to remain faithful to our long-term objectives
on the other”, he said.
“When this crisis is over, we must immediately prepare for the next one.
This means investing more in research and ensuring that programmes such as
Horizon Europe do not become hostages to short-term squabbles between member
states”, he concluded.
COVID-19: EU and
industry to fund more research through Innovative Medicines InitiativeThe Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), a public-private partnership between the European
Commission and the pharmaceutical industry, has today launched a fast-track
call for research proposals to develop treatments and diagnostics in response
to the COVID-19 outbreak. Up to €45 million of the funding will come from
Horizon 2020, the EU research and innovation programme.
This call is part of the coordinated EU
response to the public health threat of
COVID-19 and complements the emergency research funding already
mobilised recently under Horizon 2020.