12 Feb 2026
Science Europe proposes amendments to FP10 regulation and specific programme
On 12 February 2026, Science Europe published a paper proposing a number of amendments to the drafts for the Regulation and Council Decision that will establish and implement Horizon Europe (2028-2034).
The association states as its goal to ensure that Horizon Europe will remain a self-standing, excellence-driven Programme that safeguards scientific autonomy, supports the full research value chain, and promotes open international collaboration.
Based on extensive discussions with its Members and other R&I stakeholders, and building on a broader, long-term understanding of competitiveness, Science Europe therefore proposes a number of amendments to the legislative documents.
The proposed amendments concern the following priority issues for Science Europe:
- Increase clarity to align with a broader notion of competitiveness
- Enable the appropriate involvement of the R&I community in the programme’s governance
- Promote the diversity of scientific disciplines
- Underscore the importance of bottom-up research
- Refocus the Programme’s objectives to reinforce the role of scientific excellence and strengthen the EU’s research base as fundamental goals
- Ensure the Programme’s autonomy by increasing and safeguarding the budget and avoid links to the ECF that may risk Horizon Europe’s overall autonomy
- Foster open, reciprocal, and responsible international collaboration
- Enable swift access to the Programme as key trusted partners for previously associated countries.
By sharing these amendments, Science Europe seeks to inform ongoing legislative negotiations, encourage alignment with the wider R&I community, and advocate a Framework Programme that effectively supports Europe’s long-term knowledge, societal, and economic ambitions.
For more information: