Shared vision, unified voice: universities and research institutes in Europe propose joint FP10 amendments

Brussels, 1 December 2025 

Today, organisations representing Europe’s research and innovation community present a coordinated set of amendments to the European Commission’s proposals for the 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).

We are united by a simple, urgent call: enable Europe to move at the speed and scale that the moment demands. The decisions taken in the coming period must show that Europe is markedly stepping up its capacity to lead in cutting-edge research and innovation, in order to accelerate advanced technological and societal development underpinned by the latest scientific breakthroughs.

To this end, CESAER, the Coimbra Group, the European University Association (EUA), EU-LIFE, the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN) are pleased to share the following:

• A cover note that provides a concise overview of our shared objectives and key proposals for the future of Horizon Europe (2028-2034).

• A full list of our jointly proposed amendments to the FP10 legal texts.

Together, representing more than 900 universities and research institutes, we call for an FP10 that strengthens Europe’s capacity to generate excellent research, attract world-leading talent, and translate knowledge into real-world impact. Indeed, these proposed amendments are intended to help ensure that the final legal texts enable the programme to meet the needs of the R&I community and to maximise its contribution to Europe’s resilience, competitiveness, and prosperity.

We stand ready to support the co-legislators by explaining our proposals in detail and by providing further input as negotiations progress. Horizon Europe’s next chapter is a unique opportunity to reinforce Europe’s scientific leadership and innovation potential, underpinned by the talent that makes it possible.

“To be a global leader, Europe needs a Horizon Europe programme that supports its science and technology communities to excel in frontier science, collaborative research and breakthrough innovation, while providing certainty in how we handle critical technologies with dual-use potential. Our amendments ensure the programme is built on that solid footing.” – Mattias Björnmalm, Secretary General of CESAER

"Our amendments make FP10 ready for the next decade. Europe’s challenges will be more complex and interconnected than ever, requiring true multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary approaches. By embedding Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities across the programme, not just in one policy window, we ensure that scientific progress takes into account societal needs, human behaviours, and the broader context in which innovation unfolds." – Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Executive Board of the Coimbra Group

“To unlock Europe’s full research and innovation potential, Horizon Europe must be steered by those who understand its scientific mission. This is why we have proposed the creation of a dedicated Stakeholder Board for Pillar II. Such a structure will safeguard the excellence-driven nature of collaborative research, ensure that strategic decisions are grounded in evidence and expertise, and strengthen coherence with broader EU objectives. Involving the right expertise at the right level is essential if FP10 is to deliver tangible impact.” – Amanda Crowfoot, Secretary General of EUA

“FP10 must empower Europe to remain a global leader in science by protecting what works: excellence-driven, investigator-led research and a strong pipeline of talent. Our joint amendments ensure that FP10 reinforces—not dilutes—its scientific mission while working coherently with other EU instruments. Europe needs a research programme that is ambitious, smartly designed and fully equipped to turn knowledge into long-term competitiveness and societal resilience.” – Marta Agostinho, Executive Director of EU-LIFE

“Our amendments recognise that Europe’s global position stems not least from the excellence of its research and innovation to address common challenges of sustainable development. We also call for a distinctive partnership with the strong European R&I powerhouses of the EEA, UK and Switzerland. And we are united in our call for mutuality in global R&I relations (for instance, through brain circulation rather than brain-drain), and a commitment to address our challenges across the disciplinary spectrum, including the social sciences, arts and humanities” – Jan Palmowski, Secretary-General of The Guild

"We aim to strengthen the very elements that have made the European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) so successful: their focus on investigator-led research and pursuit of excellence." – Kurt Deketelaere, Secretary-General of LERU

“Our amendments underline one fundamental point: FP10 must remain an independent, excellence-driven programme, not subordinated to the European Competitiveness Fund. We support complementarity between the two instruments, but only in a way that preserves FP10's core identity and ensures that collaborative research continues to be governed by the principles and mechanisms that have ensured the success of the Framework Programmes to date” – Silvia Gómez Recio, Secretary General of YERUN

Signatories

CESAER - https://www.cesaer.org/

Coimbra Group - https://www.coimbra-group.eu/

EUA - https://www.eua.eu/

EU-LIFE - https://eu-life.eu/

The Guild - https://www.the-guild.eu/

LERU - https://www.leru.org/

YERUN - https://yerun.eu/

List of supporting organisations:

ALLEA - https://allea.org/

Aurora Universities Network - https://aurora-universities.eu/

ECIU - https://www.eciu.eu/

ISE - https://initiative-se.eu/

MCAA - https://www.mariecuriealumni.eu/

UNICA - https://www.unica-network.eu/

Young Academy of Europe - https://yacadeuro.org/