Cabinet meets in Brussels

The state government still wants to be pacemakers and inspiration providers in the European Union. In order for Europe to remain economically strong, EU funding policy must focus on transformation regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann in Brussels demanded.

"Especially for us in Baden-Württemberg as an innovation and export region, closely networked in Europe and in the world, European policy is of particular importance," emphasized Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, following the external cabinet session in Brussels. In addition to the Baden-Württemberg state government, the head of the commission of the Commission President and the budget commissioner, Björn Seibert and David Müller, also took part in the meeting. A political, economic and technological break is currently experiencing, says Kretschmann. "We need more Europe, especially in these times. No less. The state government is actively involved in the debate about the further development of the European Union (EU)."

stronger focus on transformation regions in EU funding policy

"We need strong regions in Europe, with powerful innovative and industrial networks," continued the Prime Minister. So far, Europe's innovation centers have not been the focus at the EU level, that has to be changed. One of the most important goals is that Europe remains economically strong.

"We therefore treated adaptations to the EU financial framework before the upcoming half-time assessment that better meet transformation regions such as Baden-Württemberg." Suitable instruments would have to be created, such as simplified and more flexible help. "We will also submit concrete proposals to the Commission on the subject of aid in the coming weeks. These will refer to the areas mentioned in the new industrial plan of the Commission," says Kretschmann. It is central that transformation regions would be given the opportunity to support the settlement of innovative companies in Europe.

"The EU funding policy has an important role in strengthening Europe's international competitiveness. We therefore expect the half-time check of the multi-year financial framework announced in July 2023. The state government wants to get into the debate in the early stage," said State Secretary Florian Hassler with a view to the position paper treated in the cabinet for the half-time overtime exam Financial framework 2021 to 2027. It is also important for Baden-Württemberg that the EU funding policy will be more oriented towards the regions in the future. In addition, the expansion of renewable energies and research promotion should be an important focus in the EU budget.

"The Russian attack war against Ukraine has far -reaching effects on the energy sector. We expect short -term measures to be taken or extended this year to get problematic developments in the energy sector under control. In addition, there are long -term adjustments, for example in the area of ​​electricity market design, when accelerating approval processes for renewable energies and the range for a future hydrogen economy. Location of Baden-Württemberg Central subject areas we are continuously accompanying the Brussels legislative processes, ”said State Secretary Florian Hassler with regard to the strategic focus of the state government that is important this year.

Strengthening competitiveness with a focus on green future technologies

"Right now with the continued war in Ukraine and the associated challenges in our country, it is important to become more independent of the suppliers of fossil fuels. By expanding the renewables. We, as Baden-Württemberg

Goals of the strategy dialogue of the state government and the Health location forum also implement

at European level

In addition to the support of the Green Deal, the strategic focus of the government is above all the strategy dialogue of the state government. "Our activities within the framework of the Strategy Economy Baden-Württemberg (SDA BW) We continue in Brussels. Another focus is the idea of ​​the strategy dialogue agriculture and the associated goals at European level. "The departments involved in the strategy dialogue agriculture will actively accompany the relevant European legislative processes as part of the European Green Deal," says Hassler.

"In the focus of the European political activities for Forum Health location Baden-Württemberg will continue to be the suggestions of the EU Commission for a European area Health dates are, ”emphasized the State Secretary. Already on Monday, the Prime Minister and other representatives of the state government exchanged ideas with the EU institutions on the subject of health data. In addition, the cross-departmental Health location has developed an EU position paper, which was discussed on Monday, February 6, 2022, with representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament. "We want clear European regulations with strictly controlled guidelines for a future uniform application for health data. A responsible use of this data is enormous opportunities for tailor -made therapies, new medication and more local health care," said Prime Minister Kretschmann.

The State Secretary also emphasized that after the institutional framework agreement between the EU and Switzerland, future relationships are still uncertain. "In particular, the question of the association of Switzerland in the Horizont Europe research framework program is of outstanding importance. Baden-Württemberg continues to see itself as a bridge builder between both sides and will continue his commitment," says State Secretary Hassler.

Report from the cabinet of February 7, 2023