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Christian Ehler says there are “a lot of important tasks to do”
The influential German MEP Christian Ehler has been made a member of the European Parliament’s research committee again, following previous stints in which he helped to shape the design of EU research and innovation programmes, among other legislation.
Ehler (pictured) posted on X that he was “happy and grateful to be re-elected” as coordinator for the European People’s Party political group in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. The EPP is the largest and therefore most influential group in the Parliament.
“We have a lot of important tasks to do to ensure European competitiveness, a digital and green transition, affordable and clean energy and to strengthen European research, innovation and academic freedom,” wrote Ehler, who has been a member of the committee since 2009.
His reappointment was welcomed by research sector representatives.
Thomas Estermann, director for governance, funding and public policy development at the European University Association, said on X: “Congratulations! Good news for the university sector!”
Jan Palmowski of the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities said: “Many congratulations! We need your strong understanding of R&I, your experience, and your leadership!”
Ehler was the managing director of a biotechnology centre in Germany from 2000 until 2010, and was the industry and technology spokesman for the CDU Group in Brandenburg Regional Parliament between 1999 and 2004.
On 23 July, the committee will elect a chair and vice-chairs for the next two-and-a-half years.
Other prominent MEPs who returned to the committee include Spanish academic Lina Gálvez Muñoz of the Socialists and Democrats group, and Dan Nica, a Romanian MEP who was coordinator for the S&D group in the previous parliamentary term.