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Europe must back the programmes that underpin its competitiveness

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Research, education and innovation funding must match Europe’s ambitions
12th June 2026
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Lausanne, 12 June 2026

CESAER, the strong and united voice of universities of science and technology in Europe, responds to the proposal published yesterday by the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the EU long-term budget for 2028–2034.

The proposal would set the next EU research and innovation framework programme, commonly referred to as FP10, at €167.9 billion, Erasmus+ at €39.1 billion and the European Competitiveness Fund at €224.8 billion.

This is below the European Commission proposal of €175 billion for FP10, €40.8 billion for Erasmus+ and €234.3 billion for the European Competitiveness Fund. CESAER and partners across the research, education and innovation community have consistently called for at least €200 billion for FP10 and €60 billion for Erasmus+.

Orla Feely, President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin, said:

“The upcoming Irish EU Presidency has set out three mutually reinforcing priorities for Europe: competitiveness – fostering prosperity and wellbeing; values – upholding the indispensable foundation of Europe; and security – protecting our citizens. Strong investment in research, education and innovation is essential to all three. Europe’s ambitions must now be matched by the programmes and funding needed to deliver them.”

Mattias Björnmalm, Secretary General of CESAER, said:

"The European Commission proposal was already a difficult compromise below what is needed. Reducing it further would move Europe away from the shared goal of €200 billion for FP10 and €60 billion for Erasmus+. Europe cannot remain at the forefront of global science, technology and innovation while reducing investment in the programmes that underpin its competitiveness."

CESAER calls on European leaders to maintain, at minimum, the European Commission proposal as the floor for negotiations, while working towards €200 billion for FP10 and €60 billion for Erasmus+.

Contact

For more information please contact the CESAER Secretariat.

Photo: The CESAER Board of Directors during its meeting hosted by EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 12 June 2026. Photo courtesy of EPFL.

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