16 Mar 2026
ITRE Committee presents draft reports on FP10 proposal
On 13 March 2026, Rapporteur MEP Christian Ehler presented his draft report on the future Horizon Europe Regulation, and Rapporteur MEP René Repasi tabled a draft report on the Specific Programme for the implementation of Horizon Europe at the European Parliament. The draft reports will be discussed at the ITRE Committee meeting on 23–24 March 2026, with amendments possible until 9 April 2026. A vote on the final reports by ITRE and subsequently by the European Parliament’s plenary is expected in September or October this year, paving the way for trilogue negotiations with the Council and the European Commission.
MEP Christian Ehler's draft report on the future Horizon Europe Regulation calls for redesigning the link between the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and Horizon Europe (HEU), aiming to improve the relationship so that "each programme delivers its strengths". Comitology for Horizon Europe Work Programmes should be based exclusively on the Horizon Europe Regulation, while allowing for joint meetings with ECF configurations.
For collaborative research, the report calls for "expert-led implementation", with two expert councils, as proposed by the High-level Expert Group chaired by Manuel Heitor. The ECF–HEU link would also work via Joint Undertakings, which should, however, remain an exception. The report calls for "less, but bigger Partnerships" and also addresses moonshots, which should be implemented based on a Commission Communication.
For the proposed Horizon Europe budget of €220 billion, the draft insists on a clear breakdown by individual programme, and 3.3% earmarked for Widening Participation. The report also suggests including the EIT in the Regulation, at least until a "radical decision" on future Framework Programme funding is taken.
The draft report also proposes new instruments, including a "Fast Track to Excellence" for bottom-up collaborative research, a "Fast Track to Innovation" with a permanently open call for collaborative applied research projects, a "European Demonstrator Scheme", and support for researchers at risk. All defence research should be financed via the ECF, Mr. Ehler's report states. Further elements include a Delegated Act for international cooperation and association, a dedicated article on gender equality, support for technology infrastructures, and cautious support for the Commission’s Widening proposals, whose implementation would require further refinement, the report states.
MEP René Repasi's draft report on the Horizon Europe Specific Programme calls for a clearer separation between the governance and Work Programmes of Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund, with all collaborative R&I activities remaining fully governed by Horizon Europe rules and programme committees.
For the European Research Council (ERC), the draft report proposes a new Sectoral Plan instrument under the authority of the ERC Scientific Council, with a six‑year duration, pre‑allocated budget and joint projects by at least two participating institutions. Candidates for the ERC President should undergo a public hearing in the European Parliament, with a four‑year term, renewable once.
Regarding the EIC, the report states that Parliament should be informed and consulted before appointments to the EIC Board, and calls for a new article to define the EIC's dedicated implementation structure. The draft also calls for the introduction of two new councils, and for strengthening provisions on international cooperation. Partnerships should be "independent scientific advisory mechanisms", and their implementation based on excellence. They should only be set up in strategically most relevant cases. EU Missions should be linked to the ECF, as should be the scaling-up of technology infrastructures.
The draft report also refers to the Fifth Freedom and the 28th Regime, and emphasises the importance of closing the R&I divide via Widening measures, and of mainstreaming gender equality, including gender equality plans, across the programme.