The seminar will present and discuss European Union policy in the area of science, technology and innovation. After a brief historical review, the speaker will discuss the efforts to improve framework conditions for research and innovation in Europe and to create a unified European Research Area. In a second part of the presentation, the Horizon 2020 programme will be presented, including rules for participation and its funding priorities for the years 2018-2020 in a context of increasing globalisation. The last part of the seminar will discuss future challenges and trends for the years 2020 and beyond.