The European Union reaches decision on European Partnership on metrology
In September 2021, European Union Ambassadors gave the green light to significant investment into a new European Partnership on metrology. On November 18th the council adopted this decision meaning the project is set for the go ahead.
In general, the partnership on metrology aims to:
- develop new research capabilities within the framework of new European metrology networks by 2030
- support sales of new innovative products and services through the use and adoption of new metrology capabilities in emerging technologies by 2030
- contribute to the design and implementation of specific standards and regulations by 2030
- contribute to achieving the EU’s goals for the digital and green transitions
The main elements contained in the provisionally agreed text include that EURAMET (the European association of national metrology institutes) will ensure the implementation of the metrology partnership by managing the EU’s financial contribution. This contribution will be up to €300 million. Participating states’ contributions will cover administrative costs, which are capped at 5% of the partnership’s total budget.
“Metrology impacts us, every day and everywhere,” says Simona Kustec, Slovenian Minister for Education, Science, and Sport. “Without metrology, we cannot imagine contemporary world trade, safe and reliable consumer products or modern industry. The adoption of the European Partnership on metrology enables us to align measurement standards across member states, and enables achieving our goals for the digital transformation and green transition.”
The proposal for a European partnership on metrology is part of the package of three proposals on institutionalised European partnerships under Horizon Europe, the framework programme for research and innovation for the period 2021 to 2027. It is the only partnership based on Article 185 TFEU (public-public) in the partnerships package.
“We are very pleased with the endorsement for the provisional agreement on the metrology file,” continued Simona. “The European partnership on metrology aims to promote academic freedom and scientific integrity, which are key topics for the Slovenian presidency. It ensures that we can develop public policies to address societal, economic and environmental challenges.”
After the signing and publication, the decision will enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.