FENS supports statements by other organisations on disappointing EU budget deal and calls for its rejection

FENS supports Science Europe and LERU statements on disappointing EU programme deal

FENS wholeheartedly supports the statements by Science Europe (SE) and the League of European Research Universities (LERU) regarding the extremely disappointing budget deal presented by the European Council for the new Horizon Europe framework programme 2021 – 2027.

The strong calls for continued support for research and innovation by FENS, EBC and many other scientific organisations have been largely ignored in the new proposal. FENS joins SE and LERU in their call for the European Parliament to reject the proposal as it stands.

The insufficient support for research and innovation in Europe in the budget proposal is particularly alarming when seen in the context of the current Covid-19 pandemic. Being able to anticipate, understand and meet such challenges in the future requires strong scientific research and innovation capacities in Europe now. If the budget is approved in its current form, there will be significant economic and health-related consequences.

Continued strong investment in research and innovation is the only way for Europe to remain strong in the face of immense societal challenges linked to the environment and health. 

Statements by Science Europe and LERU:

• “Research Allocated an Insufficient Budget to Meet Unprecedented Challenges”, Science Europe, 22/07/2020: read on Science Europe website
•  “Nobody in the European Council champions research & innovation”, LERU, 22/07/2020: read the press release on the LERU website

Full press release can be downloaded here.