Mr. Janez Potocnik, the European Commissioner for Science and Research, will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina on 23 and 24 April. During his visit Commissioner Potocnik will meet representatives of BiH authorities and participate in closing session of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) Information event on 23 April as well as in the Ministerial Conference on 24 April.
FP7 Information Event – “Towards Integration into the European Research Area” organised by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Commission will serve as a one-stop shop for the scientific and business communities of BiH to get informed about the opportunities offered by the recently signed association of the country to the Seventh Research and Technological Development programme (FP7). It will encourage dialogue, identify potentially interested partners and pave the way for further collaboration with the European research community. This event is a unique opportunity to discuss the role of the research Policy as a tool to facilitate countries’ integration into the EU.
Commissioner Potocnik will deliver a keynote speech at the Ministerial Conference “Developing Regional Research Strategy for the Western Balkans” which is organised by the Regional cooperation Council together with the Czech Presidency of the European Union. The aim of the conference is to promote the project of Regional Research Strategy for the Western Balkans which supports communication and cooperation among scientific and research communities of the Western Balkans.
Bosnia and Herzegovina became associated to FP7 in November 2008. Association to FP7 means that these countries compete in FP7 on the same basis as EU Member States and the other associated countries. It opens up research opportunities for the European scientific community. Traditionally the Balkan countries have a solid scientific base, and more research cooperation with the EU will allow for a greater flow of ideas, people and transfer of technology.
The FP7 supports scientific research in the EU and the broader European Research Area with a budget of almost 55 billion Euros over a time span of 7 years (2007-2013). It allows for funding of collaborative research in strategic areas such as health; energy; climate change, information technologies, nanotechnology or transport. FP7 also stimulates the mobility of researchers through Marie-Curie grants and has special programmes to support capacity building such as research infrastructure, research for small and medium sized enterprises and Science in Society.
PROGRAM OF THE VISIT:
23 April 2009
16:00 – 17:10 Closing session of the FP7 Information Event, followed by a press point (Session in the White Hall, press point in conference room 3/II, BiH Institutions’ building)
17:15 – 18:00 Meeting with Mr. Sredoje Novic, BiH Minister of Civil Affairs (BiH Institutions’ building)
24 April 2009
10:00 – 12:30 Ministerial conference “Developing Regional Research Strategy for the Western Balkans” (press point 11:00-11:30) (“Radon Plaza”)
13:00 – 13:45 Meeting with Mr. Zeljko Komsic, Member of the BiH Presidency, and Mr. Miroslav Vujicic, Chief of Cabinet of President Radmanovic (BiH Presidency)
