Bulgaria supports mutual recognition of diplomas across EU

Speaking at an informal EU Competitiveness Council meeting in Dublin on Wednesday, Bulgaria's Deputy Minister of Education and Science Nikolay Vitanov expressed support for a more integrated European Research Area and emphasized the need to remove barriers to the free movement of knowledge, researchers and research data. He highlighted the importance of attractive research careers, cross-border access to research infrastructures, the development of open science and the reduction of administrative burdens, Vitanov's ministry reported on its website.

At the meeting, EU ministers responsible for research discussed the development of a single European market for knowledge, research and innovation, as well as measures to accelerate innovation in order to enhance Europe's competitiveness and security, CE Report quotes BTA.

According to the press release, Bulgaria's position is that existing European instruments, including the European Innovation Council and the European Partnerships, make a significant contribution to the development of Europe's innovation ecosystem. To increase their effectiveness, national mechanisms for technology transfer, intellectual property management and the commercialization of research results need to be strengthened, while closer synergies between European and national support instruments should also be ensured.

The meeting underlined the importance of maintaining a strong and independent Horizon Europe framework programme based on scientific excellence, European added value and transnational cooperation.

The ministers further discussed the need for Europe to translate scientific knowledge more effectively into innovation, competitive businesses and economic growth. Particular attention was given to improving the framework conditions for innovation, reducing regulatory barriers, advancing technology transfer and ensuring better access to financing for innovative enterprises.

Participants were also presented with an initiative on the mutual recognition of diplomas. Bulgaria will consider the possibility of joining the initiative to facilitate academic mobility and cooperation among European countries.

During his visit, Vitanov met with Irish Minister for Science James Lawless and Hungarian State Secretary for Science Policy Peter Horvath. They discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in research and innovation and prospects for developing joint initiatives.

Photo: Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science