On 1 July 2011, Poland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) until the end of the year. Taking over this leadership role from Hungary, Poland has outlined its main priorities in the fields of higher education and research, in accordance with Europe’s mission to boost its intellectual capital.

In the field of higher education, the new Presidency has pledged to start a discussion on the international dimension of “learning mobility issues in the framework of EU educational programmes”. Further, it seeks to draft and present “a declaration on the development of educational contacts between EU Member States and the Eastern Partnership countries, and their importance in enhancing the EU’s position in global development processes” during its term.

In regards to research and innovation, the Polish Presidency has outlined its commitment to the sustainability and integration of the European Research Area (ERA), by vowing to organise a ministerial conference regarding the function and governance of the ERA in relation to increasing Europe’s intellectual capital and improving its position in the global knowledge economy. In addition, the Presidency hopes to pass legislation for a unitary EU patent (see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, March 2011), which would save money and streamline the existing patent process.

More information on the Polish Presidency’s higher education, and research and innovation-related initiatives can be found on the official site: http://pl2011.eu/.

Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union - programme