The innovation’s union: 7 billion euros for research, 448 million for green buildings

The EU confirmss its commitment to research and innovation with a budget of 7 billion euros, the highest ever allocated by the European Commission. The funding is the final stage of the Strategy "Europe 2020".

A key initiative to help the European Union to emerge from the financial crisis, being innovation the most effective tool to create both sustainable growth and lasting jobs, able to cope with the pressures of globalization.

265 million euros will be reserved for the environment’s research: the money will help to contrast climate change, biodiversity loss and efficiency of resources. In addition, 40 million will be earmarked for "Smart Cities".

A total of 488 million euros will be assigned to nanotechnology: projects in the sustainable energy sector will compete with green cars and factories of the future for the allocation of funds. The buildings contribute with a percentage of 40% to the total energy consumption, therefore it is essential to look for innovations and new construction methods in order to upgrade the existing ones from an energy point of view.