EU research ministers have sent a strong signal that they want the next Framework Programme (FP10) to remain a standalone research and innovation programme, rejecting proposals to merge it into a broader European Competitiveness Fund. Meeting in Warsaw on 11 March, they urged the European Commission to draft FP10 based on the legacy of previous self-standing Framework Programmes, reinforcing its role as a dedicated instrument for scientific and technological progress.

The Warsaw Declaration highlights the need for a strong, well-funded FP10 to support Europe’s technological leadership, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. Poland’s science minister, Marcin Kulasek, emphasised that without a robust Framework Programme, Europe will struggle to boost its competitiveness, achieve technological independence, and enhance security. Research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva echoed this sentiment, stating that member states recognise the Framework Programme as essential for Europe’s competitiveness.

Meanwhile, MEPs in Strasbourg adopted their own recommendations, likewise calling for FP10 to remain a standalone programme. MEP Christian Ehler, the Parliament’s rapporteur on the file, strongly criticised the European Commission’s budget department for allegedly planning to integrate FP10 into the Competitiveness Fund without consulting Parliament or the Council. He warned that such a move could jeopardise broader negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget. The Irish government also weighed in, advocating for a ring-fenced EU research budget.

The Warsaw Declaration further calls for maintaining the independence of key research institutions, including the European Research Council (ERC) and the European Innovation Council (EIC). While universities have raised concerns that the Commission’s competitiveness agenda could sideline basic research, Zaharieva reassured that support for fundamental science remains firm.

Despite the strong political message, negotiations over FP10’s budget remain contentious. Some governments pushed for clearer commitments on funding, but foreign and finance ministries resisted language that could pre-empt wider budget talks. Notably, the final declaration omits references to closing Europe’s research and innovation gap, which had appeared in earlier drafts. This suggests that the “Widening” programme may become a key point of contention in FP10 discussions.

With the European Parliament and research ministers aligned in defending FP10’s independence and budget, a major political battle with the Commission is shaping up. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the next Framework Programme retains its distinct role in advancing European R&I or becomes part of a broader industrial and competitiveness agenda.

From its side, EERA welcomes and supports the strong stance taken by research ministers and MEPs in defending FP10’s independence and budget, while also emphasising the importance of preserving the crucial role of pre-competitive R&I within it, thereby maintaining the function currently fulfilled by Horizon Europe’s Pillar II. Against this backdrop, EERA will continue to advocate for low-carbon energy research and innovation to underpin a seamless continuum from early-stage development to market uptake, through a balanced, integrated, and forward-looking approach, key as the EU moves forward.