EU research under pressure: political guidelines instead of innovation?

EU research under pressure: political guidelines instead of innovation?

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - The European Union plans to control research projects more in the future according to political guidelines, which triggers massive concerns to the member states. The FPÖ-EU MP Elisabeth Dieringer expresses sharp criticism of this project and warns of an ideological influence on research. According to her, the increase in funding must not lead to the control of science by the EU. Dieringer emphasizes: "Research has to be based on excellence and innovation, not on EU dogmas. The sovereignty of the member states must not be undermined." According to ots in particular was the planned concept of" fifth freedom ", education and research as a central one Provides elements of the internal market, criticized as a potential entry into comprehensive EU control.

Dieringer concerns are reinforced by current EU projects that receive public funds in the millions. For example, 2.38 million euros flowed into the project "Fostering Queer Feminist Intersectional Resistance Against Transnational Anti-Cendics" and 2.9 million euros in "Youth Debunking the Gendered Argents of Far-Right Extremism". The MP describes such funding as a grotesque waste of taxpayers and calls for a rethink in EU policy. "With such projects, identity agendas are promoted under the guise of research, while real innovative strength is lost," explains Dieringer, calling for a reversal in the EU policy. The concern is to be considered in particular against the background of the far-reaching influence of the EU on national policies, which has grown steadily since the establishment of the community in 1957, as on Laenderdaten.info is.

The EU has changed from pure economic goals to a comprehensive political community that also includes elements such as foreign policy and environmental policy. Despite the legal sovereignty of the member states based on this, the increasing influence by Brussels is a challenge for national research policy. Dieringer therefore calls for the independence and excellence of research to maintain and reject ideological decree.