Member-only content is available on this page. Please log in to view this content.
EU Framework Programmes
The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation is an essential tool to boost excellent research and foster collaboration at European level. Science Europe firmly believes that such an ambitious programme should help develop excellence throughout the European Research Area.
Why are the EU Framework Programmes important?
The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation is the main EU funding instrument for R&I. The current programme, Horizon Europe, will run from 2021 to 2027 and has a budget of €95 billion. The next programme, known as FP10, is currently in development.
The topic is a major priority area for Science Europe, which represents both research performing organisations – who are among the main beneficiaries of the Framework Programmes – and research funding organisations – who have decades of experience in setting up leading research programmes and regularly collaborate with the European Commission, notably through joint initiatives.
Science Europe and its members are committed to contributing to the success and efficiency of the Framework Programmes to boost R&I in Europe.
What are the current priorities?
Horizon Europe aims to strengthen Europe’s position on the global R&I stage and to address the societal challenges that Europe faces.
Science Europe believes that Horizon Europe should be a Framework Programme that:
- has yearly budgets that meet its ambitious goals.
- recognises ‘excellence’ as its core principle and protects instruments that promote research excellence, such as the European Research Council.
- provides opportunities for fundamental and applied research in all parts of the programme, including challenge-oriented research.
- includes measures to encourage and develop excellence in all countries of the European Research Area.
- encourages Open Access to research results, and data sharing.
- strengthens co-operation with public sector partners by joining R&I programmes and cross-border investment that benefits R&I.
- contributes to the goals of the European Research Area (ERA) and complements the national programmes and initiatives.
What is Science Europe doing to achieve these aims?
Science Europe is an active voice in the Horizon Europe policy dialogue. It collaborates with policy makers to ensure that the input of its members is integrated in the programme’s implementation.
The association puts forward the experience of its members and provides feedback from approaches tested at national level. This helps inform the decisions on the development and implementation of new initiatives developed in Horizon Europe.
Science Europe also informs and supports its members regarding their own engagement with the Framework Programme.
Over the course of Horizon Europe’s lifespan, Science Europe will continue to defend the annual budget of the programme to ensure that minimum funding is at least at the level of the ceilings indicated in the Multiannual Financial Framework.
Related content
04.06.2025
Event Summary - FP10: A Robust R&I Framework Programme in Light of the EU Competitiveness Agenda
On 4 June 2025, Science Europe published the event summary of its workshop, "FP10: A Robust R&I Framework Programme in Light of the Competitiveness Agenda," addressing the upcoming EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The summary highlights concerns about FP10’s integration with a Competitiveness Fund, which could prioritise short-term economic gains over fundamental research and disciplines like Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts.
08.05.2025
Response to Consultation on MFF to support R&D and a standalone FP10
Science Europe has responded to the European Commission’s public consultation on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. It focuses on establishing a strong and ambitious MFF that strategically aligns national and EU research funding, and includes a ringfenced budget for FP10.
03.04.2025
Working Together for a Strong and Standalone FP10
Science Europe proudly presents its statement, 'Working Together for a Strong and Standalone FP10', reaffirming the vital role of a dedicated EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme. Building on shared commitments from the European Parliament, EU research ministers, and the ERC and EIC, we advocate for an ambitious FP10 within the 2027 Multiannual Financial Framework. This programme must prioritise scientific freedom, curiosity-driven research, and a robust, independent R&I ecosystem to secure Europe’s long-term strategic, societal, and competitive future.
08.03.2025
Science Europe Statement on International Women's Day
On International Women's Day, Science Europe reaffirms its commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the European research ecosystem as an essential part of research quality. We aim to promote a research ecosystem where all scholars can realise their potential regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, disabilities, ethnic origin, or social background.
27.02.2025
FP10: Beyond an Investment - Concluding Statement
Leaders and senior-level representatives of Science Europe Member Organisations met in Brussels on 18 and 19 February to discuss Science Europe’s priorities for the upcoming 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10). The recommendations in the landmark reports by Enrico Letta, Mario Draghi, and the Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe led by Manuel Heitor were taken into account. The event was kindly hosted by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) in Brussels, with the Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva participating in the opening session.
This statement presents the conclusions of these discussions.
12.02.2025
A Stronger Europe through Research and Innovation
Science Europe, together with CESAER; the European Association of Research and Technology; the European Round Table for Industry; the European University Association, the League of European Research Universities; and The Guild have joined together to call for a robust and dedicated European framework programme for research and innovation.
MORE?