European research and higher education stakeholders have issued a unified call for ambitious, coherent positions from EU member states on the next phase of the bloc’s flagship research and innovation funding. Issued on 27 May 2026, the joint statement from seven leading organisations urges the Council of the EU to build on momentum created by the European Parliament ahead of critical meetings in late May and June.
Background to the Call
The European Union’s research and innovation landscape is at a pivotal juncture as negotiations advance on the tenth framework programme, known as Horizon Europe for the period 2028-2034, and the proposed European Competitiveness Fund. These instruments are central to the bloc’s ambitions for scientific excellence, industrial leadership and addressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and health.
Horizon Europe, the current programme running until 2027, has a budget of approximately €95.5 billion and supports collaborative research, excellent science through the European Research Council, and innovation via the European Innovation Council. Its successor, often referred to as FP10, is expected to maintain a strong focus on excellence while adapting to new geopolitical and technological realities. The European Competitiveness Fund is designed to complement this by supporting the full innovation cycle, from fundamental research to market uptake.
The Joint Statement and Its Signatories
The 27 May 2026 statement was signed by the European University Association (EUA), CESAER, the Coimbra Group, EU-LIFE, The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN). These organisations represent hundreds of universities and research institutes across Europe.
The statement was released just before the Competitiveness Council meeting on 28–29 May 2026, where research ministers were scheduled to debate the Horizon Europe package, and ahead of the General Affairs Council on 16 June. Signatories welcomed the European Parliament’s recent work on the legislative proposals and called on member states to avoid prolonged divergence that could create uncertainty for researchers, universities and innovation ecosystems.
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Key Demands for Ambitious Positions
The organisations stress the need for an ambitious and predictable investment framework. They advocate for a ringfenced budget for FP10 that supports excellent research, talent development and the translation of knowledge into societal and economic impact. Earlier joint contributions have called for a budget of at least €200 billion for the programme.
A central theme is the interface between FP10 and the European Competitiveness Fund. The two should remain distinct yet complementary, with clear legal safeguards to prevent FP10 from becoming subordinate to short-term industrial priorities. The connection must be operational and structured to avoid duplication and complexity for beneficiaries while enabling seamless progression from discovery to application.
Additional priorities include agile governance involving independent experts, strong support for international scientific collaboration, and swift association of close partners such as Switzerland and the United Kingdom to the new programme.
Implications for European Universities and Researchers
For universities and research institutes, the outcome of these negotiations will shape funding opportunities, collaboration models and career pathways for academics and early-career researchers. An ambitious FP10 with adequate resources would sustain Europe’s position as a global leader in science while addressing brain drain and supporting the European Research Area.
The emphasis on talent and skills aligns with broader higher education goals of attracting and retaining researchers. Clear rules on the FP10-ECF interface would help institutions plan long-term strategies, particularly for multidisciplinary projects that span fundamental research and applied innovation.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Context
University leaders and research networks have consistently highlighted the risks of underfunding or overly prescriptive priorities. They argue that excellence-driven funding, combined with flexibility to respond to emerging challenges, delivers the greatest long-term returns for society and the economy.
The call builds on previous joint positions, including proposed amendments to the FP10 regulation and recommendations on the ECF design published earlier in 2026. These efforts reflect a coordinated advocacy approach across the sector.
Future Outlook and Next Steps
The coming weeks are described as decisive. Convergence between the European Parliament, Council and Commission positions is essential to ensure the programmes launch smoothly in 2028. Member states are encouraged to adopt operational positions that safeguard autonomy while fostering synergies.
Universities stand ready to contribute expertise during implementation, particularly in areas such as doctoral training, research infrastructures and international partnerships. Continued dialogue will be vital to translate political commitments into effective funding instruments.
Actionable Insights for the Higher Education Community
Institutions are advised to monitor developments through national contact points and European associations. Engaging with advocacy efforts can help shape favourable outcomes. Researchers should prepare proposals that demonstrate excellence, impact and collaboration potential under the anticipated rules.
Resources on the EUA website provide detailed analysis of the Commission proposals and stakeholder recommendations for further reading.
