How UiB works with EU policy
The EU shapes much of our research and education – through the framework programme Horizon Europe, the education programme Erasmus+, and policy on areas such as climate, the ocean, health, democracy and the Arctic.
UiB actively works to shape European policy by contributing to public consultations on new EU initiatives, submitting policy recommendations and publications to highlight underrepresented research areas and promote evidence-based policy.
All our contributions to EU policy draw on research from the many excellent research environments at UiB
Our Brussels Office, established in 2015, plays a central role in UiB's work to influence EU policy
Public Consultations
European Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy
UiB contributed to the hearing on the European Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy, highlighting that the worsening triple planetary crisis – climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss – together with increasing demands for food, energy and maritime resources, are placing unprecedented pressures on marine ecosystems and the ecosystem services they provide. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires long-term investments in excellent, interdisciplinary and international research and innovation.
Read the full recommendations here
EU Arctic Policy Update
UiB contributed to the call for evidence for the update of the Arctic policy of the EU. While UiB considers the current EU Arctic policy to provide a strong foundation, an updated policy should take into account that climate change is progressing faster than previously assumed, and that the security and geopolitical situation in the region has become more challenging
A European Strategy for AI in Science
The University of Bergen has given five key inputs to the European strategy for AI in science: 1) Trust and trustworthiness; 2) Cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration; 3) Strengthening AI competence in all disciplines; 4) Responsible data sharing and strong infrastructure; and 5) Providing long-term funding for basic AI research.
European Democracy Shield
The University of Bergen provided input on the the European Democracy Shield through a position paper on the Role of Research, Education and the Arts in Building Democratic Resilience.
EU's Next Framework Programme on R&I (FP10)
UiB has contributed to the public consultation on the EU’s next framework programme for research and innovation, FP10. The position paper highlights the importance of increased investments in research and innovation across the whole R&I landscape, from curiosity-driven research to challenge-driven research and innovation.
Erasmus+
UiB supports the current priorities of the Erasmus+ programme, but highlights that the programme must remain flexible to emerging needs. UiB further emphasizes that Erasmus+ should contribute to stronger links between research, innovation, and education, and encourages futher efforts for flexibility and simplification of mobility and projects in Erasmus+.
European strategy on research and technology infrastructures
UiB considers it vital that the European strategy on Research & Technology Infrastructures must build on the strong foundation already in place in the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) and the ESFRI landmarks, that it must be embedded in a strengthened European Research Area, that the differences between technology and research infrastructures should be acknowledged in the strategy, and that continued full access to the collaboration on infrastructures for EEA/EFTA-countries.
Other
Fisheries and aquaculture – Vision 2040
UiB points to the need for research, innovation and research-based education in a range of fields to secure the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture over the next decades
Read the contribution in full here
2025 Strategic Foresight Report
UiB wishes to emphasize the importance of long-term perspectives to ensure European resilience. We also encourage a broad understanding of the term and underline that research, education and innovation secure the knowledge and competences needed for efficient policies for resilience and competitiveness now and in the coming years.
Read the full contribution here
A Culture Compass for Europe
UiB recommends that the Culture Compass places a strong emphasis on the crucial role in democracies of access to culture and freedom of cultural and artistic expression, the importance of culture for inclusion, health and well-being, as well as the central role of universities, research and research-based education and innovation in this context.
Read the full contribution here
Recommendations for the EU Climate Target for 2040
UiB sees knowledge generation and knowledge-based climate action as critical areas to effectively combat climate change.
Policy Recommendations and Publications
Research Matters Campaign
UiB is part of the Research Matters campaign, an initiative dedicated to mobilizing and uniting the European research and innovation community. We aim to raise awareness of the crucial role research plays in shaping our future and addressing global challenges, and advocate for increased investment in research and innovation.
Our goals are:
- Increased funding for R&D and over 3% of GDP in EU and all European countries
- Doubling the budget for the EU’s next research and innovation programme (FP10)
- Protecting the latter by ring-fencing it
Call for Stronger Focus on Women's Health in EU Research
DRIV – UiB’s Center for Research on Women’s Health urges the EU to strengthen women’s health research in Europe. In this position paper, UiB highlights the need for increased funding, dedicated partnerships, and policy measures to close critical knowledge gaps in women’s health.
Open Letter on the Future FP10 to the College of Commissioners
In light of the ongoing discussions on future EU long-term budget (MFF) and the future Pramework Programme for research and innovation (FP10). The Rector of the University of Bergen, Margareth Hagen shared the following letter with some key concerns.
Policy Publication: Seeking Truth, Ensuring Quality
Seeking Truth, Ensuring Quality: Journalistic Weapons in the Age of Disinformation brings together leading perspectives from European media to address journalism's urgent challenges. Published by the University of Bergen in collaboration with Media Cluster Norway on April 28, 2025. It highlights the diverse efforts that are underway to uphold information integrity, counter disinformation, and strengthen journalism's role as a cornerstone of democratic life.
Policy briefs: New Challenges to Democracy
How can research and innovation contribute to a future robust society? These policy briefs are recommendations from researchers from NORCE and UiB.
More about UiB's work in Europe
Want to know more about how UiB works in Brussels and the opportunities the EU offers?
Contact the Brussels Office
Do you have questions about UiB's work on EU policy, or would you like to involve your academic community? Get in touch with Head of Office of the Brussels Office, Charlotte Eide
- Phone number
- +47 411 75 794
- Emails
- charlotte.eide@uib.no