Brussels, 09/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - As uncertainty hovers over the budget for the upcoming European Union research and innovation budget, known as Horizone 2020, the European University Association (EUA) urged heads of state on Thursday 8 November to back the European Commission's initial proposals for the research budget.
Like the European Parliament, the EUA wants a substantial increase in the budget for the research and innovation programme for 2014-2020. The current research framework-programme has a budget of €50 billion and its successor may be granted €80 billion. The EUA says this investment is necessary and indispensable because a business-as-usual approach will not ensure Europe's competitiveness, as proper investment is needed to mobilise the potential and capabilities of current and future generations of young people in Europe, and get the EU out of the economic doldrums.
The current round of talks on the multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020 culminating at the special European Summit on 22 and 23 November covers the budget heading 1a (Competitiveness for Growth and Employment) in general rather than looking specifically at the budget for Horizon 2020, and the EUA is concerned that some member states want to make cuts in 1a, which amounts to an indirect threat to Horizon 2010. The EUA warns Europe's leaders that “EU-level investments are essential as a counter-balancing force when the economy is weak, and to act as catalysts for economic re-structuring and growth.” The EUA says only the EU has the ability to pay for the necessary cost of the creativity needed to ensure the future. (JK/transl.fl)