Horizon ‘needs €200 billion budget to invest in Europe’s future’

Organisations representing European universities have called for the European Union’s next research programme be given a budget of at least €200 billion (£167 billion), amid fears that member states could reduce funding. 

Cesaer, an association of science and technology universities; the European University Association and the League of European Research Universities (Leru) are among 29 organisations that have launched a petition urging European leaders to protect investment in Horizon Europe, which funds science and international collaborations.

The campaign comes at a crucial time in negotiations over the EU’s next seven-year budget. In October, Ireland, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, proposed allocating €158.2 billion to Horizon Europe, €17 billion less than the European Commission’s proposal of €175 billion.

University groups have repeatedly said over the course of negotiations that even the commission’s figure falls short of what is needed to keep Europe competitive on a global scale and support scientific breakthroughs. 

The petition also comes ahead of a vote on 10 November by the European Parliament’s industry, research and energy committee, which is expected to consider a compromise proposal calling for €200 billion for Horizon Europe. The agreement has been welcomed by university groups but still needs to secure the backing of the full parliament, and national governments also need to agree on the overall EU budget.

“The compromise ahead of Tuesday’s vote is an important achievement for European research and innovation. I particularly welcome the broad political agreement around the principles that should underpin FP10: scientific excellence, independent expertise, academic freedom, international openness and a clear distinction between research and competitiveness policy,”  said Leru secretary general Kurt Deketelaere.

“We cannot expect European research and innovation to deliver more for our competitiveness, prosperity and security while investing less in its foundations. At least €200 billion for Horizon Europe is not an excessive ambition. It is a necessary investment in Europe’s future.”

The organisations are also calling for more protection of funding for fundamental research, including through the European Research Council and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the EU’s main funding programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training.

The petition, titled “Fund Research, development and innovation. Fund the future”, urges researchers and businesses to express their support for more funding ahead of key budget decisions this year.

seher.asaf@timeshighereducation.com