EU advisory committee’s recommendations for FP10 show that member states are aligned with priorities of universities

The Opinion represents the first official stance of the EU’s member states on the tenth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), in anticipation of the European Commission’s proposal in mid-2025. The European University Association (EUA) welcomes this document, which echoes many recommendations from the Association’s own vision for FP10.

In its reaction to the Opinion, EUA highlights the recommendations that are of crucial importance for FP10 from the perspective of universities. The Association also offers additional suggestions to further strengthen these recommendations and encourages ERAC to better leverage its unique role in in actively contributing to FP10 budget discussions.

EUA especially welcomes the committee’s calls to:

• Ensure more predictability and stability in the FP10 budget.
• Provide a well-balanced mix of support for basic research, applied research and innovation
• Improve the consultation process with member states and stakeholders.
• Reduce the complexity of the programme by maximising the potential of existing instruments and evaluating the introduction of new measures.
• Strengthen measures in attracting and retaining new talent and developing skills.
• Dedicate the FP10 budget exclusively to funding R&I.
• Reflect on the future role of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and its links with other instruments.
• Make synergies a priority in the design of EU funding programmes and strengthen alignment with national R&I funding.
• Capitalise on the full potential for excellence across the EU.
• Ensure inclusive, diverse, open and strategic international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
• Achieve greater simplification for applicants.
• Ensure greater efforts to embed knowledge valorisation across EU R&I ecosystems.
• Strengthen the integration of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH).