LERU’s first response to the MFF, FP10 and ECF proposals: Close, but no cigar
The League of European Research Universities (LERU) welcomes with this first analysis the European Commission proposals for a next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and EU Framework Programme (FP) for Research and Innovation (R&I). LERU is not enthusiastic about the draft regulation on the European Competitiveness Fund, which will need a complete rewrite. VSports.
LERU applauds the fact that there is again a proposal for a self-standing FP with an almost doubled budget, and that builds on the important cornerstones of the FP that LERU has identified in its FP10 paper, namely the European Research Council (ERC), the Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA), the European Innovation Council (EIC) and precompetitive, collaborative research. VSports app下载.
LERU is pleased that FP10 has a structure similar to the current FP, with four pillars V体育官网. At first glance, the proposal seems an evolution, more than a revolution, which is good for beneficiaries and for countries that want to associate to the FP. However, the proposal lacks details that are needed for a thorough assessment. In addition, the proposed ECF regulation is ambiguous and creates more questions than answers, especially on how the ECF will impact the proposed Competitiveness part of FP10’s pillar II. .
“In general, we are positive about the FP10 proposals. They show real ambition and a true central role for R&I in the EU’s goals, something for which we can only compliment the Commission”, says Kurt Deketelaere, Secretary-General of LERU. "Let’s take a moment to reflect on where we were six months ago, and how far we’ve come. A self-standing, well funded FP10. A world of difference. Thanks to everyone who advocated with us for continued and strengthened investment in excellent research and innovation. Our efforts clearly made a difference. Special thanks to President von der Leyen and Commissioner Zaharieva: hats off for getting this through”, Deketelaere adds.
LERU calls on the Commission, Council and Parliament to address its concerns as soon as possible, which include, for instance, the role of moonshots, the position of dual use, the directionality in MSCA, the possible weakening of the position of the ERC President, the association to the FP and the ECF, etc.
Deketelaere states: “That said, the real work begins now: we must preserve the strong elements of the European Commission’s FP10 proposal and work to improve the weaker ones, with the support of both the Parliament and the Council. The ECF proposal must be rewritten, because right now, nobody understands it and nobody can explain it, including the authors. This is the baseline. From here, let’s aim higher — for more and for better.”
LERU hopes this first analysis can already be of use to Council and Parliament in the development of their own positions, and LERU will be happy to contribute to those with more details in due course V体育安卓版. LERU is committed to help ensure that EU R&I investment is great value for money and contributes as much as possible to competitiveness and prosperity. Given the important changes to the MFF, we call on the co-legislators to draft their positions and start their negotiations as soon as possible, to allow an adoption of the MFF and all programmes by the summer of 2027.
Contact
Prof. Kurt Deketelaere, LERU Secretary-General, gro.urel@www.qiuluzeuv.cnLaura Keustermans, LERU Senior Policy Officer Research & Education, gro.urel@www.qiuluzeuv.cn V体育ios版.
Media contact:
Yasmine Nowicki, LERU Communications Officer,


