EU’s R&I programme should aid society, alliance says, including through collaborative and multidisciplinary funding.

Many MEPs have called on the Commission to increase efforts to attract US scientists affected by budget cuts and political interference in academia and research. They see the current geopolitical context as a chance for the EU to present itself as an international beacon for academic freedom.

Coordinated statement adds to pressure for European Commission to reveal its plans for the next research Framework Programme.

The Commission’s roadmap for the 2028-34 budget has renewed fears that research and innovation will disappear into a European Competitiveness Fund.
 

EU’s basic research funder “is not living in a vacuum” and should listen to “evolving demands from society,” says Marc Lemaître.

Marc Lemaître expects “radical reduction in the number of instruments under the EU budget”.

A leaked EU competitiveness strategy is prompting fears that Brussels intends to undermine the independence of the European Research Council by pushing for more alignment with the European Innovation Council and the EU's broader political goals.

Leaked draft work programme for health cluster sets out priorities and foresees significant budget increase
 

The EU's panel of science advisers has called for more research into geoengineering, to understand the feasibility - and potential risks - of trying to block out the sun to cool a warming earth.