Joint amendments to the Horizon Europe proposal
04 July 2018
The Coimbra Group and twelve other associations representing universities have presented a series of amendments to the draft regulation of the European Commission, which was published on 7 June 2018, establishing the Ninth Framework Programme – Horizon Europe.
The thirteen associations are: AURORA, CESAER, Coimbra Group, EARMA, EASSH, ECIU, EUA, The Guild, IDEA League, LERU, SEFI, UNICA and YERUN.
Earlier this year, these associations had published their recommendations for the Ninth Framework Programme in two joint statements: the first one, published in March 2018, called on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to double the budget for research, innovation and education in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The second one, published on 15 June, was an initial response to the proposal for Horizon Europe, the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027).
The signatory university associations are convinced that Horizon Europe can greatly contribute to achieving European ambitions and strengthening its values. Importantly, the amendments argue for an increase of the total budget and a review of the budget allocation. They also underline the need of realising the European Research Area and of fostering stronger linkages between research, innovation and education. Another key element for turning Horizon Europe into a success is the inclusion of human and societal reflections throughout the programme. The proposed amendments regarding the rules for participation primarily aim at clarifying necessary provisions and at improving the efficiency of the programme management.
On 29 June the thirteen associations sent a detailed list of amendments and their rationale to the lead rapporteurs responsible for steering the Horizon Europe programme, MEP Dan Nica and MEP Christian Ehler, who both sit on the Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy.
You can read the document with the proposed amendments here.