Coimbra Group’s initial reaction to the proposal for the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2028-2034
The Coimbra Group (CG) welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF). The increase in the combined budget share for Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, from about 9% in the final MFF 2021-2027 to almost 11% in the proposed MFF 2028-2034, is a promising signal for Universities and for Europe’s future in these challenging times.
“We have repeatedly called on the EU institutions to prioritise investment in education, research, and innovation as essential pillars for driving Europe’s societal and economic growth, advancing sustainable development, and safeguarding the well-being of future generations. We have specifically advocated for a standalone framework programme for R&I, that continues to support collaborative research at all SRLs/TRLs, alongside increased funding for the ERC and the MSCA. We appreciate that the European Commission has taken the sector’s message seriously and acted upon it! It is also encouraging to see the European Universities Alliances referenced in the various proposed draft regulations“, say Ludovic Thilly and Beatrix Busse, respectively Chair and Vice-Chair of the Coimbra Group’s Executive Board.
The EU’s renewed commitment to strengthening education, research, and innovation through its flagship programmes, Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, with their respective budgets increasing, as well as through the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), is a positive development – although the precise budgetary breakdown within each programme is yet to be clarified.
CG especially welcomes the confirmation that Horizon Europe will remain a self-standing programme. Such continuity and predictability are essential for the effective conduct of research. We are also pleased to see the Social Sciences and Humanities recognised as integral to Europe’s research landscape, alongside a commitment to simplification for the programme’s beneficiaries. CG supports the emphasis on expanding the European Research Council (ERC) and the European Innovation Council (EIC) and looks forward to a similar commitment for the Maria Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA).
Nevertheless, we eagerly await clarity and reassurance on how the governance, structure and objectives of Horizon Europe and the ECF will be defined and articulated, while firmly reiterating our caution against any attempts to operationally integrate the two instruments or to align their strategic directions. The scientific autonomy of EU research must be unequivocally safeguarded.