On July 12, 2016, Minister Peter Plavčan presented to the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) the priorities of the Slovak Presidency in the area of science, research and space. The main theme of the research will be measures to encourage young researchers to increase the attractiveness of scientific careers and strengthen investment in human potential in research and development. A manifesto of young researchers from EU will be presented at the informal Council of Ministers for Research in Bratislava on July 2016. Another priority will be the topic of development of European research, development and innovation ecosystem of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, under which the Presidency will focus on opportunities to improve the framework conditions for researchers in the EU.
In the area of space, the Slovak Presidency will focus to point out tangible benefits of Copernicus space program and the use of space data for small and medium businesses and European citizens. Similarly, the Presidency will seek to promote and build an equal and constructive partnership between the European Commission and the Space Strategy for Europe.
