Brussels, 15/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Whether at the European Commission or the European Parliament, nobody seems happy with the way the negotiations are going among the member states on the upcoming multiannual financial framework (MFF, seven-year budget) and the cash to be allocated for the new framework programme on reseaerch and development known as Horizon 2020. Even a tiny percentage fall in budget would have a direct impact on hundreds of small businesses and the number of projects financed, warns the Commission.
Addressing MEPs in Strasbourg on Tuesday 15 January 2013, Research Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said that the current debate about the next MFF was deceptive because, although the Commission suggested a budget of €80 billion and the EP €100 billion, the member states might go well below that. Recently, France set €67-70 billion as its “red line”, which gives an idea of the type of amount currently on the table in the member states.
Reducing the Horizon 2020 budget would have multiple consequences, said Geoghegan-Quinn and the rapporteur on the creation of Horizon 2020, Teresa Riera Madurell (S&D, Spain). The Commission has unveiled an impact assessment in support of its proposals, revealing that a cut of only €1 million for Horizon 2020 would directly translate into lack of subsidies for some 600 small businesses. At the same time, 500 fewer projects would see the light of day throughout the life of the programme (2014-2020). Such an impact would have a very bad knock-on effect on the EU's credibility and its ability to be competitive and innovative, warned Riera Madurell. (JK/transl.fl)