On 11 March 2025, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) proposed a report aimed at strengthening Europe’s research and innovation capabilities in preparation for the 10th Research Framework Programme (FP10).
MEPs call for the FP10 to be a stand-alone Union Programme with a substantially higher budget, in order to reach the target of spending 3% of GDP on research and development (R&D) and ensure the funding of at least 75% of excellent proposals submitted.
Need for radical simplification
MEPs acknowledge the administrative burdens faced by participants under the current programme, and emphasize the need for radical simplification in the application and management processes of the FP10. Further, based on extensive stakeholder feedback, FP10 should focus on three core objectives:
MEPs highlight the role of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Research Council (ERC) as key drivers for innovation, with proposals to expand their budgets and ensure their autonomy. This support is crucial for fostering breakthrough technologies and supporting high-risk, high-reward research, which is essential for addressing societal challenges effectively.
Moreover, MEPs advocate for mission-oriented programmes, focusing on bottom-up research ideas and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. They underscore the importance of international cooperation while ensuring that academic freedom is respected and protected across the EU and in associated countries.
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