Response to Consultation on MFF to support R&D and a standalone FP10

As discussions begin on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Science Europe has responded to the European Commission’s public consultation, from the perspective of national research funding and performing organisations.

Science will play a vital role in addressing Europe’s complex challenges – from boosting economic resilience to strengthening cultural and societal cohesion. A robust and ambitious MFF is essential to support a strong European research and innovation sector.

This statement summarises the response, which calls for:

• A new MFF that strengthens European integration and underpins a world-class R&I system.
• Strategic alignment of national and EU research funding, to help reach the target of 3% of national GDP invested in R&I.
• A ring-fenced budget for FP10, and a dedicated EU Framework Programme for Research & Innovation that builds on the successes of Horizon Europe.

The response reiterates the importance of maintaining the independence of the European Research Council and the European Innovation Council, and ensuring FP10 supports collaborative, fundamental, and blue-sky research. It must also promote researcher mobility, open and secure science, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and academic freedom.

Science Europe thanks its Member Organisations and in particular the Working Group on the EU R&I Framework Programmes, for their contributions to preparing the consultation responses.