The Horizon Papers
Science Business is publishing the European Commission’s sector-by-sector plans for its Horizon Europe programme. These documents spell out the research topics, timing and budgets the European Commission plans.
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'Web of Incentives' in Research Funding Limit Academic Freedom
An indirect "creeping reduction of freedom" is taking place in academia, according to Maria Leptin, president of the European Research Council (ERC), Europe's main funder of fundamental research. This threat is distinct from government "oppression" of universities and scientists in populist regimes such as the US and Hungary.
Egypt Joins Europe’s Flagship Science Program, Raising Academic Freedom Concerns
Egypt Joins Europe’s Flagship Science Program, Raising Academic Freedom Concerns
Horizon Europe’s push for free inquiry clashes with Egypt’s human rights record, critics say.
Council Signs off on Swiss Re-association to Horizon Europe
The Council of the EU has signed off a deal allowing Switzerland to re-associate to the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, taking a further step towards ending years of limbo for Swiss researchers.
MEPs Put Europe's Innovation Gap on FP10 Agenda
Members of the European Parliament's industry and research committee have defended the need for a Widening programme in Horizon Europe after 2027, but also noted that member states should take more responsibility for lagging national R&D expenditures and make better use of EU structural funds.
Scientists Urged to Demand Independent Governance in Horizon Europe
The chair of an expert group charged with advising the European Commission on the next Framework Programme for research and innovation has called for a campaign of "scientific activism" to implement independent governance models across the programme.
Research Ministers Confident of Role in Horizon Europe Negotiations
EU research ministers do not expect to have a reduced role during negotiations on the future Horizon Europe programme, despite Council plans to assign parts of it to finance ministers via the ad hoc working party on the next multiannual EU budget.
Japan Moving Towards Horizon Europe Association
Japan is edging closer to signing off on a deal to join the EU's €93.5 billion Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, with research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva flying to the country on 2 October to continue talks.
Australia and EU Launch Exploratory Talks for Horizon Europe Association
Australia and EU Launch Exploratory Talks for Horizon Europe Association
Exploratory talks that would lead to Australia associating to Horizon Europe were announced by the European Commission on September 10.
Emerging Council Plans Could Shake Up FP10
Just two months after the European Commission published its proposal for the next multiannual EU budget, which included the tenth Framework Programme for research and innovation (FP10) and a new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), details are already changing.
Europe's Independence Hinges on Innovation
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen placed competitiveness, research and innovation at the heart of her annual State of the European Union address, arguing that Europe's "independence will depend on its ability to compete in today's turbulent times." "We have seen how dependencies can be used against us," she said. "This is why we will massively invest in digital and clean tech."
The Road to FP10 is Paved with Missing Details
Brussels research lobbies, together with leading MEP Christian Ehler, are calling for more detail and clarity about the European Commission's €175 billion plan for the tenth Framework Programme (FP10).
Switzerland and EU Insist on the Benefits of Horizon Europe Association, As Potential for New Disruption Looms
Switzerland and EU Insist on the Benefits of Horizon Europe Association, As Potential for New Disruption Looms
On the eve of officially signing Switzerland's late association with Horizon Europe, both sides are thinking about how to avoid renewed disruption when a new set of bilateral accords is brought forward next year.
Nobel Laureate Calls for Tighter Focus in EU Research Funding
Europe is undermining its own innovation potential by spreading research funding too thinly, according to Nobel Prize-winning economist Jean Tirole."Only 5% [of the Framework Programme annual budget] goes to disruptive research. That's very little money. It's almost nothing," he said, speaking at the annual gathering of Nobel laureates and young scientists in Lindau, Germany, on August 26.
Experts Defend ERC from Commission Overreach in FP10
The European Commission's push to exert more control over the European Research Council (ERC) risks undermining one of the EU's most successful scientific institutions, policy experts warn.
European Commission Wants to Suspend Israel from Parts of Horizon Europe
The European Commission has suggested blocking Israel from a grant targeting start-ups, as EU outrage grows at Israel's food blockade of Gaza, which has begun to cause widespread starvation in the besieged territory.
Has the European Commission Listened to Its Advisors on FP10?
Last week, the European Commission unveiled plans for the next €175 billion iteration of Horizon Europe, set to run from 2028 until 2034. Researchers' organisations across Europe are now combing the fine print to see whether it meets expectations.
Horizon Europe's Retention is Good News - but the Fight Isn't over Yet
Horizon Europe's Retention is Good News - but the Fight Isn't over Yet
A significant budget boost, including for the ERC, MSCA and EIC, must not be undermined by the next two years of wrangling.
Horizon Europe Will Be 'Dual Use by Default,' Zaharieva Says
Dual-use projects will be supported across the whole of the next Horizon Europe programme, and not just under the European Innovation Council (EIC), as previously announced.
Horizon Europe Budget to Double, but €68B Will Remain in Competitiveness Fund
Horizon Europe Budget to Double, but €68B Will Remain in Competitiveness Fund
The proposal for the next Horizon Europe is in, with funding increases all round, including a tripling of the budget for the EU's innovation scheme, the European Innovation Council.
Praise for Commission's Research Programme Proposal, but Concerns Linger over Its Vagueness
Praise for Commission's Research Programme Proposal, but Concerns Linger over Its Vagueness
There was praise for research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva and much relief after the European Commission presented its proposal for a €175 billion successor to Horizon Europe on July 16. But concerns remain about the programme's links to the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and plans to simplify funding.
Commission Puts Forward €175B Budget for FP10
The European Commission has presented plans to almost double Horizon Europe's budget to €175 billion under the next long-term budget for 2028-34. The tenth Framework Programme for research and innovation will remain "standalone" within a wider €409 billion European Competitiveness Fund (ECF).
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