Joint Statement: Investing More in RD&I as a Strategic Move for Europe's Future Prosperity

In this open letter to European Commissioner Iliana Ivanova (Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth), Science Europe, the European University Association (EUA) and European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) emphasise the crucial role of EU R&I investments in addressing global challenges, enhancing the EU's competitiveness, and reinforcing its strategic autonomy.

The associations highlight the need for a strong and sustainable budget for the next EU R&I Framework Programme (FP10) and advocate a budget increase to €200 billion – as also called for by MEPs Christian Ehler and Maria da Graça Carvalho.

The letter also calls attention to issues such as the persistent gap in R&I investments compared to global counterparts, instability in the Framework Programme budget, and the importance of rebalancing support across various stages of the R&I continuum.

Furthermore, it calls for greater synergies with other EU programmes and national and regional R&I investments, while highlighting the significance of meeting the agreed target of 3% of GDP for national investments in R&I.