Priority question for written answer P-003992/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christian Ehler (PPE)

In recent months, several stakeholders and participants have strongly criticised the functioning of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). In particular, the cost-benefit balance seems to be negative for many of the EU's leading research organisations. Generally, the EIT is seen more as an institution that controls its Knowledge and Innovation Communities rather than one that enables them to excel. It seems clear that, under the control of the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) of the Commission, the EIT has not kept up with the needs of EU researchers and innovators, which is not surprising, given that DG EAC does not generally deal with research and innovation.

In the light of the above, can the Commission clarify the following:

• 1.The Governing Board's vision for the future of the EIT does not reflect the framework conditions that Knowledge and Innovation Communities need to succeed; what are those framework conditions, in the Commission's view?
• 2.What measures is the Commission taking to ensure that the EIT is positioned as an enabler rather than a controller?
• 3.Why should the co-legislators and stakeholders expect that, under DG EAC, the EIT can be reformed to support EU research and innovation to make continued financial support for the EIT worthwhile under the next multiannual financial framework?

Submitted: 10.10.2025