Written by Dorian Filote with Adam Furman.
Christian Ehler (EPP, Germany) was re-elected as Chair of the STOA Panel, continuing his leadership from the previous term. Joining him in key roles are Lina Gálvez (S&D, Spain) as First Vice-Chair and Ivars Ijabs (Renew, Latvia) as Second Vice-Chair.
During the meeting, EP Vice-President Victor Negrescu (Romania, S&D) responsible for STOA, emphasised the Panel’s pivotal role in providing Members with independent, expert assessment of scientific and technological developments and the importance of STOA as a platform for fostering dialogue between European policymakers, the scientific and technological communities, and citizens. He stated ‘The Panel for the Future of Science and Technology is a key instrument for the European Parliament to analyse, predict, anticipate and plan issues related to the future of science and technology. We have together a lot of work in front of us in trying to highlight the key role that this structure has for policy-making but also for enabling us to better understand the changes that are currently happening in the world and, in the same time, be able to adapt and regulate accordingly. Europe has been and can continue to be a leader in science and technology and I believe this panel will allow us to highlight this aspect’.
Newly re-elected STOA Chair Christian Ehler, noted ‘Foresight and science advice for policy is more important than ever because we are regulating several transitions at the same time, remaking our markets and societies. Having the STOA Panel, where we can take a forward-looking approach and learn together based on scientific advice, is crucial in such a time. Furthermore, as we have shown in the last term, STOA is the best place for a depoliticised debate on the state of Academic Freedom in Europe. The STOA Panel helps the Parliament to protect this fundamental value of the Union’.
As members of the STOA Bureau, the four panel chairs work closely with the other 23 STOA Panel members to further its mission of providing independent expert assessment of scientific and technological developments. They evaluate the impact of these developments and help identify the best policy options. Their efforts focus on issues with significant implications for individual and societal progress, ensuring that science and technology contribute to the wellbeing and benefit of society.
A short look back: STOA’s key achievements in the previous term
During the previous legislative term, STOA accomplished several key milestones. One of the central focuses was artificial intelligence (AI) and disruptive technologies. STOA explored the impact of AI on sectors such as healthcare, digital governance, privacy and security. The panel played a crucial role in shaping the European Union’s AI regulation, particularly with the development of the AI Act. STOA also addressed the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI, organising workshops and producing studies on topics like the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, which supported the EU’s digital transition.
Another priority area was the Green Deal, where STOA contributed policy debates on environmental sustainability through studies on hydrogen, genome editing, and decarbonising industry. The panel organised workshops on energy transition and sustainable finance, supporting the EU’s climate goals. Additionally, STOA focused on quality of life by exploring advancements in healthcare, such as digital health, 5G technology, and rare disease treatments, with the aim of improving public health strategies and resilience.
In 2022, STOA launched the European Parliament Forum for Academic Freedom to promote and protect academic freedom across the EU. Through studies and conferences, STOA fostered meaningful discussions on safeguarding academic rights and identified emerging challenges.
STOA also addressed disinformation and science communication, organising events and studies to promote trust in science, particularly during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The full rollout of the European Science-Media Hub (ESMH) was another significant achievement, serving as a key platform for effective communication between scientists, policymakers, and the media. The ESMH organised workshops, media briefings, and events including a summer schools for journalists to strengthen science communication across the EU.
As STOA embarks on the 10th parliamentary term with new leadership, its role as a key advisory panel to the European Parliament is more important than ever. By providing independent scientific and technological assessments, STOA will continue to shape European policy and provide a platform for long-term strategic thinking. Looking ahead, STOA remains committed to ensuring that science and technology serve European citizens, addressing critical challenges facing the EU and fostering progress for everyone’s benefit.
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STOA website: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/stoa/en/home/highlights
ESMH website: https://sciencemediahub.eu/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ep-stoa/posts/
YouTube: @MySTOA
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