Scientific Research: EU expands while UK contracts

While Vince Cable signals an accountant's approach to blue-sky research (at least he doesn't go half as far as Mrs Thatcher, who gave the impression that only direct, applied research had her approval), the EU has embarked on a € 6,4 billion research package, the biggest ever allocated by the European Commission. It covers a range of scientific disciplines, public policy areas and commercial sectors. This project is a key element of the so called 'EU 2020 Strategy'that was launched in spring of this year, and also forms the basis of the so called EU Flagship Project 'Innovation Union', which is set to be presented later this year. However, European Liberals feel that "more steps are needed, as the European future cannot afford another Lisbon."