ERAP: new MMF an important step towards a better Europe

Brussels – After a salvo of negative comments against the new Multiannual Financial Framework presented yesterday (16 July) by the European Commission, mostly due to the cuts for the agricultural industry, and the new rules for Cohesion Policy, the European Research Promotion Agency (ERPA) has voiced its praise for the new MFF. In a communiqué, it “greets with strong conviction and positive interest the framework outlined for the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) Horizon Europe 2028–2034, and the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), recognising its strategic importance for the future of the European Union.” 

ERPA highlights three elements of particular value, which, for the agency, point in the right direction. 

As a first element, it welcomes the “strong and far-sighted decision, in the wake of Mario Draghi, Enrico Letta, and Manuel Heitor’s reports, to put research and innovation at the centre of the EU’s economic and social design”. It emphasises these factors “recognising them as fundamental drivers of competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic autonomy, in line with the major transitions underway.”  

The Agency also highlights the Commission’s proposal to allocate €409 billion to the Competitiveness Fund and €175 billion to the new Horizon Europe. “It is a clear signal,” it notes, “expected and necessary, which marks a turning point in the allocation of resources consistent with the Union’s strategic ambitions and constitutes an excellent basis for negotiations between the Member States. 

Moreover, ERPA welcomes the decision to maintain FP10 as a separate programme, which is within a synergetic framework with the Competitiveness Fund. “This is a choice that safeguards scientific and technological freedom, and recognises the role of Horizon Europe as an instrument based on the principle of scientific excellence, oriented towards the production of knowledge and the response to major medium- and long-term challenges,” concludes the note.