On 7 May 2024, LERU (the League of European Research Universities) published its vision for the European research, innovation and education policy agenda 2024-2029. In this paper, LERU outlines 16 key messages addressed to the incoming European Parliament and Commission. These messages, supported by LERU’s 24 research-intensive universities from 12 European countries, encompass a range of recommendations, including:
- Developing a future-proof Multiannual Financial Framework.
- Establishing clear responsibilities and funding lines for action.
- Creating synergies between EU programmes and funds.
- Increasing investment in research, innovation, and education.
- Harmonising national regulatory frameworks to stimulate growth.
- Introducing a research, innovation, education check for EU legislative action.
- Making education a shared competence of the EU and Member States.
- Ensuring protection of academic freedom in EU treaties.
- Strengthening sustainable societal transformation and innovation through frontier research.
- Promoting open international collaboration.
- Recognising and supporting frontrunners.
- Involving universities as key partners in EU industrial policy.
- Building a real European Research Area.
- Enhancing research careers.
- Strengthening the digital sovereignty of universities.
LERU key messages on EU education, innovation and research policy