On Tuesday 15 April 2008, EU Ministers for science and research held a meeting, chaired by the Slovenian Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Mojca Kucler Dolinar. The main topic of the meeting was “Development of Partnership in the European Research Area”. The morning session dealt with the vision and further development of the European Research Area, in particular in terms of strengthening partnership between Member States, European institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders. The afternoon session was devoted to an exchange of opinions on how to improve the management of the European Research Area. The aim of the ministerial meeting was to frame high-quality first principles that will help the European Commission and the Member States develop the European Research Area in a faster and more efficient way.

On Wednesday 16 April, in a Council session chaired by the Slovenian Minister for the Economy, Andrej Vizjak, the Ministers discussed issues related to industry. The morning session focused on policy relating to small and medium-sized enterprises. Slovenia will pinpoint the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in their growth phase. The discussionl contributed to the European Charter for Small Enterprises initiative intended to boost the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. In the afternoon, the Ministers discussed sustainable industrial policy. In view of the fact that, in spring, the Commission intends to present an action plan on this subject, the discussion was a good opportunity to exchange opinions.