A Reliable Financial Framework and a Robust R&I Programme for Europe’s Scientific Leadership

Science Europe's initial response to the European Commission's proposals for the 2028–2034 EU budget and Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, which will continue the Horizon Europe name.

The significant budget increase and self-standing nature of the programme are welcomed, but clarification is needed on its alignment with the European Competitiveness Fund.

Science Europe makes a number of recommendations as discussions between the European Commission, Parliament, and Council will get started. It calls for:

• A reliable and transparent budget for R&I, ringfenced within the MFF to avoid re-alignment to non-R&I priorities, and aligned with national efforts to reach the target of 3% GDP investment.
• A broad definition of competitiveness, integrating societal and technological innovation and valuing long-term impact.
• Reinforced support for fundamental and blue-sky research, with balanced funding across all TRLs, which protects freedom of scientific enquiry, the independence of the ERC and the bottom-up approach of the MSCA.
• Clear safeguards to preserve the integrity of research in Pillar 2, ensuring it remains focused on scientific excellence and collaboration.
• Continued efforts to keep research open and secure, with tailored measures to address dual-use concerns and research security.
• An integrated, inclusive European R&I system that moves beyond the concept of ‘widening’ with effective support for capacity building and participation.
• Meaningful simplification without compromising standards, and transparency around new governance mechanisms, including ARPA-like innovation models.

Science Europe encourages the European Parliament and Council of the EU to work closely with the R&I community during the budget and programme negotiations, to continue its support of an excellent, inclusive, and competitive European R&I ecosystem.