Recommendations on Shaping the Close Connection Between Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund

Science Europe's new position statement outlines recommendations on how the proposed connection between the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (also known as Horizon Europe) and the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) should be designed to strengthen Europe’s knowledge systems and long-term competitiveness. 

The statement focuses on five key themes where the link between the programmes must be carefully designed:

• Clear objectives: The connection should create a continuous knowledge value chain and promote a broad, sustainable view of competitiveness that places research and innovation at its core.

• Ambitious, protected budget: Horizon Europe must retain an independent and predictable budget. Science Europe reiterates the importance of an investment of €200bn and the needs for safeguards to prevent  diverting R&I funds to other EU priorities.

• Excellence-driven governance: Horizon Europe must remain self-standing, grounded in scientific excellence, and include strong protection for bottom-up instruments such as the European Research Council and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions. Collaborative research under Pillar II should be balanced, interdisciplinary, and connected to societal needs, ensuring a joined-up approach that links competitiveness, societal challenges, and long-term scientific advancement.

• Clarity for associated countries: Association to Horizon Europe should remain independent from association to the ECF. Participation rules in areas linked to ECF “policy windows” must be transparent to avoid excluding excellent research partners from outside the EU. 

• Practical implementation: Simplification should not compromise the programme’s autonomy, nor its strategic depth and R&I focus. Legally binding guidance is needed to ensure clarity, uphold evaluation quality, and maintain a high level of trust across the system.

Science Europe will continue working closely with EU institutions, Member States, and R&I stakeholders to support a constructive dialogue and ensure the development of a coherent, ambitious Framework Programme that reflects the needs of the research community and Europe's broader strategic priorities.