ERTRAC joins 41 organisations calling EC President to safeguard independent EU R&I Programme

ERTRAC has joined an action by 41 organisations from civil society, academia, and industry to send an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for a strong and independent Research and Innovation Framework Programme 10 (FP10) with a dedicated budget.

The call echoes recent positions adopted by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU in favour of an independent and well-funded FP10. The signatories stress that research and innovation are essential to EU competitiveness, but importantly also to democratic resilience, strategic autonomy, and the long-term sustainability of Europe’s economy and society.

Extracts from the press statement:

The European Research and Innovation Framework Programme (FP10) must remain a strong, independent programme with a dedicated budget, as set out under Article 182 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

At a time of major global upheaval, science and innovation must serve as tools for resilience, prosperity, and democratic strength. FP10 plays a vital role in safeguarding these values by fostering excellence in research, supporting sustainable innovation, and promoting European leadership in addressing climate change, health, food systems, energy transitions, and more.