Brussels, 02 Jun 2006
The news:
- 0n February 22nd of this year, the European Commission outlined a proposal for the creation of a European Institute of Technology (EIT), as announced in the mid-term review of the Lisbon Strategy. It is intended to be a “new flagship for excellence” in higher education, research and innovation.
- In March, having acknowledged that the EIT “will be an important step to fill the existing gap between higher education, research and innovation”, the European Council invited the Commission to submit a proposal on further steps to be taken.
- In the past two months, the Commission has carried out a wide-ranging consultation of stakeholders and Member States.
- As a result of this, the new Communication gives further details and clarifications on some aspects of the EIT model proposed and identifies those issues where further work will be needed. Its purpose is to focus the ongoing consultation with Member States and stakeholders in the coming months, in order to prepare the ground for a legislative proposal towards the end of the year.
The event:
Press Conference at 11.30 in the Berlaymont press room by European Commissioner in charge of Education and Training, Ján Figel.
The sources:
- The IET website:
http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/educ/eit/index_en.html
The contacts:
Frédéric Vincent + 32 298 71 66 ; Mona Lund + 32 299 90 20
Item source: AGENDA/05/9