Commission's proposal to create European Institute of Technology to be published on 18 October

Brussels, 13 October 2006

0n 22 February 2006, 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 June 2006, the Commission detailed its plan in a new Communication;

Consequently, the European Council invited the Commission to make a formal proposal;

Since the beginning of the year, the Commission has carried out a wide-ranging consultation of stakeholders and Member States: on 7 September, President Barroso and Commissioners Kroes and Figel' met various CEOs to present the initiative;

On 18 October, the Commission will adopt a proposal for Regulation establishing the EIT, whose central task will be to promote the integration of the three sides of the knowledge triangle - innovation, education and research;

The Commission's proposal will lay out precisely the tasks and operating mode of the EIT, including key issues such as governance of the Institute, delivery of degrees etc. It will also outline the financing of the EIT.

An impact assessment will also be published.

The event: Press Conference 12.30 at the Berlaymont, in Brussels with President Barroso and Commissioner Figel for Education, training, culture and multilingualism..
EbS coverage

The sources: IP/06/751 , MEMO/06/233

IET webpage

The contacts:
Frédéric Vincent +32 2 298 7166; Mona Lund +32 2 299 0920