The European Union (EU) has the world’s largest funding program exclusively for research and innovation (R&I)—Horizon Europe—which is now preparing its 10th edition for 2028–2034. The good news is that the EU aims to raise Horizon Europe’s budget by 83% and continue the trend of supporting all types of institutions and partnerships, including universities, research institutes, small-and medium-sized enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and a widening circle of international collaborations.

Horizon Europe is the nickname given to both the 9th and 10th EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation, with goals that require a careful balance among long-and short-term gains, security and openness, and economic growth and social well-being. R&I have the potential, however, to bridge these seemingly competing objectives. A key factor to success will be the budget: The proposed allocation of €175 billion is a welcome and necessary increase over the €95 billion budget for the 9th Framework Programme for R&I. Although less than the €200 billion that was recommended by the research sector to achieve the program’s objectives, it nevertheless forms a solid foundation for the future. It is now crucial to ensure that this funding is maintained during the upcoming budget negotiations by the EU institutions at play: namely, the European Commission (creating the initial proposals), the Council of the EU (member state ministers), and the European Parliament (elected representatives on the EU level). Additionally, structures should be put in place to protect the program’s legal distinction from other EU funding programs and to prevent its funding from being reallocated to non-R&I priorities.

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Horizon Europe will be structured across four “pillars” (Excellent Science; Competitiveness and Society; Innovation; and European Research Area) for continuity with previous programs. The first pillar features a bottom-up approach to research that champions fundamental science and boasts prestigious instruments such as the European Research Council and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which support researchers’ careers and training. These will continue to fund projects that embrace scientific curiosity and freedom of inquiry exclusively on the basis of scientific excellence. Safeguarding their governance and independence from policy-driven objectives is essential to maintaining Europe as a leader in bringing about new ideas and innovative solutions.

The proposed approach to competitiveness, however, gives some cause for concern. A focus on short-term policy goals, such as rapid economic growth, risks reducing the scope for bottom-up approaches to research. The new Framework Programme is meant to coordinate with the European Commission’s European Competitiveness Fund, a merger of multiple funding initiatives primarily focused on scaling up the EU’s industrial and economic development. This might divert Horizon funds from fundamental, long-term research toward priorities dominated by shortterm competitiveness criteria. It would be more advantageous for Horizon Europe to uphold a long-term definition of competitiveness in which research is a core component of competitiveness, not a tool in its service.

Horizon Europe’s continued commitment to reduce persisting disparities in R&I capacity across Europe through its “Widening” program promises a more integrated and cohesive European R&I environment. Here, more focus should be placed on “brain circulation” to increase the research capacity of regions and countries that lag behind to achieve a level playing field across the continent. However, clearer action is needed to reduce the gap in R&I performance between European countries.

In a time of international political conflicts, science is a bridge for dialogue and cooperation. Although strategic areas such as defense and advanced technology may require special security measures, these must not create arbitrary barriers to scientific openness and collaboration. Association with like-minded countries outside the EU and opportunities for researchers in the EU’s “Choose Europe” initiative are good examples of how the EU is supporting international collaboration while protecting researchers at risk from political pressure or threats to academic freedom. In 2025, Switzerland and South Korea officially became fully associated with Horizon Europe, and Egypt is expected to do so as well later this year. Japan is likely to join in 2026, and Australia has recently began exploring a potential association agreement.

There are other important issues in Horizon Europe that require more detailed consideration, such as administrative simplification, environmentally sustainable research practices, and inclusivity. However, the Horizon Europe proposal builds on the legacy of previous programs and on Europe’s strong research traditions, while expanding its global reach and ambition.

Lidia Borrell-Damián is the secretary general of Science Europe, Brussels, Belgium.