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Investing in what makes Europe strong

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CESAER and partners today convene a high-level event in Brussels and publish a joint statement on research and innovation in the EU’s next seven-year budget.
9th September 2026
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Brussels, 9 September 2026

The seven organisations call for at least €200 billion for Horizon Europe in 2028–2034, with stable and predictable funding to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, prosperity and security.

As governments shape their positions on the next EU budget, Europe needs to invest where acting together delivers the greatest value.

Horizon Europe combines European competition for excellence in frontier research with collaboration that connects science and technology expertise, teams and infrastructures across borders. This builds scientific knowledge, talent and emerging technologies by leveraging complementary strengths across Europe.

For leaders managing tight public finances, this shared and leveraged capacity strengthens what national investment can deliver.

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

“Europe’s freedom to act tomorrow depends on the knowledge and talent we invest in today. We have the people and ideas to shape the technologies of the future and create opportunities for the next generation. Our leaders must now back that potential with investment equal to Europe’s ambitions.”

Europe’s ability to lead in science and technology depends on sustained investment in discovery and research talent, alongside support for bringing technologies to market. Today’s budget choices will shape that capacity well beyond 2034.

Mattias Björnmalm, Secretary General of CESAER, said:

“Fiscal discipline means investing where public money delivers the greatest value. Cutting joint investment can force countries to spend more individually, while achieving less. Horizon Europe makes national research investment go further by combining expertise and capabilities across borders. A strong Horizon Europe is therefore both financially effective and fiscally prudent. EU institutions and national leaders must secure its funding from the outset and protect it throughout the programme.”

Contact

For more information, please contact our Senior Advisor for Innovation & Sustainability Louise Drogoul.

List of co-signatories

  • CESAER
  • Coimbra Group
  • EUA
  • EU-LIFE
  • The Guild
  • LERU
  • YERUN

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