The exchange took place at a pivotal moment for European research and innovation policy, as negotiations advance on the next EU long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034) and the future architectures of the European Union's flagship research, innovation and competitiveness programmes.
Discussions focused on the next EU budget, FP10, the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), the European Research Area (ERA) Act and broader efforts to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, prosperity and security through investment in research, innovation and higher education.
CESAER thanks Commissioner Zaharieva for the constructive exchange and for recognising the important contribution of stakeholder organisations in shaping and delivering Europe's research and innovation ambitions.
A key message from the meeting was the importance of maintaining focus on the bigger picture: securing an ambitious overall EU budget and ensuring strong investment in the programmes that underpin Europe's long-term competitiveness. Participants also highlighted the importance of continued engagement at national level in the months ahead as member states prepare to take decisions that will shape the future scale and ambition of European investment in research and innovation.
The discussion also underlined the importance of maintaining political momentum as negotiations on FP10 and the ECF progress through the Council and the European Parliament. Timely progress will be important to ensure that Europe can move forward with an effective and coherent research and innovation framework capable of delivering on its strategic objectives.
Simplification emerged as another recurring theme. Participants discussed the need to move beyond simplification as an abstract objective and instead focus on measures that deliver tangible benefits for researchers and innovators. This includes reducing unnecessary complexity, shortening time-to-grant and enabling accelerated technological development and uptake of research and innovation results.
The discussion further underlined the need for an ambitious FP10 with a strong and well-designed interface to the ECF. Participants exchanged views on how this interface can best be designed to maximise impact while avoiding unnecessary complexity and duplication. Europe needs programmes that are optimised for their respective purposes while remaining closely connected and capable of delivering results quickly and effectively.
The ERA Act was also discussed, including its potential to strengthen framework conditions for research and innovation across Europe and support the realisation of the fifth freedom through the free circulation of knowledge, talent, research, innovation and education. Participants highlighted the importance of ensuring that Europe has the policy frameworks and governance tools needed to strengthen the European Research Area and support excellence across the continent.
The discussion also touched on dual-use research and innovation. The position of CESAER remains clear: Europe should learn from front runners that have successfully managed civil, dual-use and defence-related research and innovation activities for many years, ensuring that different objectives are supported through appropriate instruments and governance arrangements.
The global attractiveness of Horizon Europe was highlighted as a major strength of the programme, reflected in the growing number of countries seeking association. CESAER and partner organisations also underlined the importance of securing the swift (re-)association of longstanding partner countries such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland and EFTA countries to FP10. International collaboration remains a cornerstone of scientific and technological excellence and an important driver of Europe's research and innovation performance.
Photo at the top of the article courtesy of the European Commission. From left to right:
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For more information, please contact the CESAER Secretariat.
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