News
11 Apr 2025

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.

The full letter is available here.