Blog post by Stephen Wyber
From Thursday to Sunday, millions of voters across the European Union cast their votes in elections for the European Parliament for the coming five years. The Members of the European Parliament selected will have a key role in determining how the European Union approaches the future.
There is already plenty of commentary about the results, with many questions still about how the different political groups will form up in the Parliament. How this happens is likely to shape how, in turn, the European Parliament will consider the proposals put to it by the Commission, as well as the resolution and ‘own initiative’ reports it produces.
It is already clear that there will be lots to disagree about.
Yet some things should be more consensual. The importance of boosting research, education and access crosses the political divide. These are essential, regardless of whether the priority is competitiveness or finding ways to address key global and social challenges.
What is on the table is the opportunity to make sure that European researchers, students, educators and readers are able to enjoy their rights, and realise their potential in a digital age.
As Knowledge Rights 21, we believe that there is a clear path forwards under the new Parliament – and Commission from September.
We need to update the EU’s approach to policy making, placing research, education and access at the centre of planning and delivery. We cannot, as so often happened under the last Parliament, see these core issues overlooked or only dealt with so late on in the process as to have little impact.
Crucially, this means that Europe’s law-makers need to start with the end goal – an effective and equitable research system, modern education and cultural participation for all. Within the limits of its competences, the full range of policy levers – from copyright to competition, and from funding to regulation – need to be mobilised.
What will this look like in practice? Take a look at the resources across our website, and don’t forget to register for our webinar on 24 June where we will hear from key players, and officially launch the KR21 action plan. Follow our countdown on the KR21 social media channels (Twitter/X and LinkedIn), as we share our twelve recommendations ahead of the webinar.
10 June 2024
