Bulgaria’s Commission designate, Ekaterina Zaharieva, has received backing from lawmakers to become the bloc’s first ever Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation. During a public hearing, Zaharieva pledged to engage national finance ministers to promote investment and simplify access to EU funding for SMEs and start-ups. Despite criticism from some lawmakers during the hearing, Zaharieva emphasized the importance of cutting red tape and creating a favorable climate for talent development and retention in Europe.
Zaharieva, a former Foreign Minister and Minister of Justice in Bulgaria, plans to work on convincing finance ministers to invest more in research and development. She believes that funding alone is not enough and aims to show the added value of increased investment in these areas. Additionally, she expressed a commitment to promoting gender equality by setting a target of having 50% women on all boards and expert groups in the Horizon Europe research funding program.
During the three-hour hearing in Brussels, Zaharieva addressed concerns raised about her lack of technology expertise. She assured critics that there would be no defense-related funding through Horizon Europe and emphasized the importance of a strict monitoring system to ensure that projects focus on civilian applications. Zaharieva’s focus on simplifying access to funding for SMEs and start-ups reflects her understanding of the sector’s needs and the potential for growth and innovation.
The confirmation vote for the 26 Commissioners-designate, including Zaharieva, is set to take place during the November plenary session in Strasbourg. If approved, Zaharieva will work towards making it easier for SMEs and start-ups to apply for EU funding and engage with national finance ministers to promote investment in research and development. Her commitment to talent development and gender equality in research funding programs highlights her dedication to creating a supportive environment for innovation and growth in Europe.
Zaharieva’s background in diplomacy and government positions in Bulgaria gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs and start-ups in accessing EU funding. Her promise to simplify access and cut red tape in the application process demonstrates her commitment to making it easier for entrepreneurs to access the resources they need to grow and innovate. With a focus on talent development and gender equality, Zaharieva aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for research and innovation in Europe.
In conclusion, Bulgaria’s Commission designate, Ekaterina Zaharieva, is poised to become a key player in promoting investment in research and development, as well as supporting SMEs and start-ups in accessing EU funding. Her experience in government and commitment to simplifying access to funding and promoting gender equality in research programs position her as a strong advocate for innovation and growth in Europe. If confirmed, Zaharieva will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the European startup ecosystem and drive forward initiatives to support talent development and gender equality in research funding programs.
