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Minister referred to the December 2014 conclusions of the Competitiveness Council (COMPET) about research and innovation being the key driver for creating and developing new jobs and particularly neighbourhood cooperation playing a decisive role. It gives rise to development of constructive joint projects, sets the basis for fruitful and peaceful neighbourliness, as well as promotes trust in the region as a whole.
The European Neighbourhood Policy is one of the essential tasks of the Latvian Presidency under the priority of Engaged Europe, stressed Ms Mārīte Seile. The Minister confirmed that Latvia seizes the opportunities it is given to raise, discuss and deal with issues concerning the EU's Eastern Partnership because it is interested in establishing and maintaining long-term relations with neighbours. The Eastern Partnership countries are widely known by their scientific excellence in fields, such as material science, nanotechnologies, transport, space technologies and environmental science.
The Minister also noted the importance of cooperation with Ukraine and referred to the newly signed contract on Ukraine's accession to Horizon 2020, which will stimulate inclusion of its scientists in the EU common research area.
The aim of this Conference was to evaluate the current cooperation in the field of research and innovation, developing a common area of knowledge and innovation, as well as to outline perspectives for the future, including active involvement of the countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy in Horizon 2020.
