Gaitanis: Greece at the Heart of the European Strategy for Research and Innovation

Strategic Greek Presence in Brussels

Tasos Gaitanis, Secretary General for Research and Innovation, represented Greece with a dynamic presence at the EU Council of Ministers for Research and Innovation, during a period marked by critical geopolitical and economic developments.

During his two-day visit to Brussels, Mr. Gaitanis highlighted the role of innovation as a driver of growth, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy for the EU. He presented comprehensive proposals that connect research policy with the economic and defense strengthening of the Union.

Innovation as a Catalyst for the New European Growth Model

The Council’s work focused on four key pillars:

• Strengthening startups through innovation,
• Dual-use research for both defense and business applications,
• The strategic role of life sciences in Europe’s competitiveness,
• Policy planning for the EU’s research infrastructures.

Mr. Gaitanis emphasized that Research and Innovation have become cross-sectoral drivers of development for the EU, especially in light of current geopolitical challenges and the urgent need to reduce dependency on critical technologies from third countries.

“Close cooperation between Member States, the European Commission, and funding bodies is essential to build a business environment that keeps innovative enterprises within Europe,” he stated.

Dual-Use Research: Security and Development Hand in Hand

Mr. Gaitanis placed special emphasis on the dual-use potential of research results, which can be leveraged for:

• Strengthening the EU’s defense capabilities, and
• Empowering SMEs and startups.

However, he also warned of the need for clear safeguards regarding the participation of entities from third countries when security is at stake. Through this intervention, he underlined the importance of national sovereignty and technological security in shaping the EU’s innovation policy.

Life Sciences: A Strategic Sector for Europe — With a Strong Greek Footprint

In his speech, Mr. Gaitanis also referred to the importance of life sciences as a strategic sector for European competitiveness, with wide-ranging applications in health, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and agri-food systems.

“Greece has significant research activity in the life sciences, with research centers, universities, and startups achieving notable results,” he noted.

He called for coordinated European action and targeted funding so that this sector can become a pillar of the EU’s new production model.

Interregional Cooperation: Enhancing Europe’s Global Reach — With Greece Contributing

Mr. Gaitanis also participated in the EU–CELAC meeting (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), aiming to strengthen interregional cooperation in Research and Innovation.

He stated:

“Interregional cooperation is an integral part of the EU’s dialogue with Latin America and the Caribbean. Strategic areas such as Health, Climate Change, Energy Transition, Environment, and Artificial Intelligence are common fields of action. Greece brings experience and results in multilateral collaboration and can make a meaningful contribution to this effort.”

Greece–EU: Alignment of Positions and a Common Strategy for the Future

On the sidelines of the official meetings, Mr. Gaitanis visited the Offices of the Permanent Representation of Greece to the EU, where he met with Deputy Permanent Representative Mr. Efthymis Kostopoulos.

Their meeting focused on the need to align Greek research policy with European strategic priorities and to strengthen national participation in European research programs.

A Vision with a Greek Signature in European Innovation

Through a well-documented and strategic approach, Tasos Gaitanis positioned Greece as a knowledge and innovation-producing force, with international orientation and an active role in shaping European policy.

His intervention was not merely a representation — it was a substantive policy contribution, underscoring the importance of research not just as a technocratic tool, but as a pillar of national strategy and European autonomy.

With Gaitanis’ presence, Greece reaffirmed its ability to be at the forefront of the European dialogue on science, technology, and innovation.

Source: pagenews.gr