European Commission proposes 80 billion EUR more for research and innovation 2028–2035

The proposed new financial framework totals almost 2 trillion EUR, of which the next EU research and innovation framework programme, Horizon Europe 2028-2035, will receive 175 billion EUR – compared to the current framework programme's budget of 95.5 billion EUR.

While some elements of the proposed new framework programme are familiar from the past, there are also completely new elements and a lot of restructuring. The new Horizon Europe will ‘scale up what works, simplify what is possible and focus investments where Europe needs them most’ and will be closely linked to the proposed Competitiveness Fund.

The current Framework Programme has three main strands (pillars) under which projects can receive funding. It is proposed that Horizon Europe 2028–2035 will have four pillars:

1. Excellent science: European Research Council (ERC), Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA), and science for EU policies through the Joint Research Centre
2. Competitiveness and society: The focus of competitiveness is on issues such as reduced carbon emissions, digital transformation, health, biotechnology, agriculture and bioeconomy, and defence and space. This is closely linked to the proposed Competitiveness Fund. The society part of Pillar II focuses on societal challenges, EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus Facility.
3. Innovation: European Innovation Council, EIC, and innovation ecosystems.
4. ERA's development, research infrastructure, policies and widening participation.

As an expert authority, the Swedish Research Council assists the Government Offices with views on the proposal and on how the framework programme can best strengthen Swedish and European research and innovation.

“Like the government, we believe that the budget as a whole must strengthen European competitiveness, and we are positive about the budget proposal for Horizon Europe 2028–2035 and its focus on research, innovation, new technology and digitalisation,“ says Katarina Bjelke, Director General of the Swedish Research Council.

The Swedish Research Council's work includes monitoring the role of research in Horizon Europe 2028–2035. Katarina Bjelke emphasises the importance of continued strong support for the ERC and MSCA programmes, of integrating the humanities and social sciences into Horizon Europe, and of recognising that research infrastructures are crucial for groundbreaking research:

“Excellence must continue to be the overarching principle. If Europe is to be a centre of innovation and excellence and attract the best researchers in the world, it needs a very strong research base and a focus that takes into account Europe's long-term competitiveness.“

The proposal for a new financial framework for the EU will now be negotiated by member states in the Council of Ministers. After that, the European Parliament will develop common positions and then it will be time for a so-called trilogue negotiation where representatives of the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and the European Commission will reach a common agreement.

Read more:

The proposal for the financial framework for 2028–2035 on the European Commission’s website External link.

Horizon Europe 2028–2034 on the European Commission’s website External link.

Statement by President von der Leyen on the European Commission’s website External link.

About EU Missions in Horizon Europe on the European Commission’s website External link.

New European Bauhaus Facility in Horisont Europa on the European Union website External link.

The website for European Innovation Council, EIC External link.