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REPORT (2024/2109(INI))

On the assessment of the implementation of Horizon Europe in view of its interim evaluation and recommendations for the 10th Research Framework Programme

A-10-2025-0021

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy · Rapporteur: Christian Ehler

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This resolution assesses Horizon Europe's implementation and makes recommendations for the 10th Framework Programme (FP10). It calls for a substantially higher budget, simplification, and a focus on excellence and competitiveness. It demands that FP10 be a stand-alone programme with at least EUR 220 billion, funding at least 75% of excellent proposals, and recommends reforms to governance, including new councils and programme managers. The resolution urges continued use of lump sums only where beneficial, stronger action on academic freedom, and a strategic approach to international cooperation and dual-use research.

Committee position. The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy proposes a resolution that assesses Horizon Europe's implementation and makes detailed recommendations for FP10, including a higher budget, simplification, and governance reforms.

Key points

  1. Calls for FP10 to be a stand-alone EU programme with a substantially higher budget, sufficient to fund at least 75% of excellent proposals, and recommends a budget of at least EUR 220 billion.
  2. Urges member states to commit to the 3% of GDP R&D spending target by 2030 and stresses the need for better coordination between national and EU R&D spending.
  3. Regrets increased complexity and bureaucracy in Horizon Europe, noting longer time-to-grant and high administrative costs, and insists on further simplification.
  4. Supports continued use of lump-sum funding only where it is a genuine simplification, and calls for sound use of funds before increasing its share.
  5. Calls for the Commission to enforce academic freedom using recital 72 of the Horizon Europe Regulation and to propose legislation on freedom of scientific research.
  6. Recommends that FP10 focus on three core objectives: a European competition of ideas, strategic research initiatives, and advancing the European Research Area.
  7. Calls for improved governance with self-governance by independent specialists, new councils for expert advice, and programme managers for the EIC.
  8. Recommends maintaining gender equality plans as eligibility criteria and ensuring that any Do No Significant Harm principle application is set out in FP10 legislation.
  9. Calls for a strategic approach to international cooperation, including a clear policy on association of third countries and a plan to boost global collaboration.
  10. Recommends maintaining the civilian nature of FP10 and developing synergies with defence R&D, while respecting academic freedom.
  11. Calls for a new European fellowship programme for researchers at risk and a 'Choose Europe' co-funding line to turn brain drain into brain gain by 2035.
  12. Recommends that mission-oriented programmes in FP10 be organized differently, with open calls for bottom-up ideas and portfolio management.

Who is affected

  • Researchers and innovators in the EU and associated countries, who would benefit from simplified procedures and increased funding opportunities.
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which would see lower barriers to participation and more tailored support.
  • Member states, which are urged to increase national R&D investment and implement reforms to close the innovation gap.
  • European Innovation Council and European Research Council, which would gain autonomy and potentially become dedicated legal entities.
  • Third countries seeking association to FP10, which would require international agreements with Parliament's consent.

Figures and deadlines

  • EUR 220 billion recommended budget for FP10.
  • 3% of GDP target for R&D spending by 2030.
  • 75% of excellent proposals to be funded.
  • 35% climate spending target for Horizon Europe.
  • 6-10% of project budget spent on administrative costs on average.
  • 48% of beneficiaries report administrative costs over 10%.
  • 10% of beneficiaries report administrative costs over 20%.
  • 32% of participants find applying to Horizon Europe more burdensome than Horizon 2020.

Legal basis: Articles 179 to 188 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union