Christian Ehler (EPP, Germany), the rapporteur on the future Horizon Europe framework programme considers that the budget of €94.1 billion in current prices (or €83.5 billion in constant prices) put forward by the European Commission is not ambitious enough for this programme or the next 2021-2027 budgetary cycle and suggest that it is increased to €120 billion (constant prices).
In his statement of reasons, the rapporteur explains that the European Commission itself considered that the budget for Horizon 2020, the predecessor of Horizon Europe, should have had €160 billion to be able to finance all the projects of excellence and pointed out that orders had risen exponentially over recent years in this connection.
Mr Ehler explains that €120 billion is not enough to ensure “optimal” functioning of the programme but it would allow for the GDP 3% target for research and development to be reached. It should be recalled that the budget proposed by the Commission was swift to cause controversy and several scientific and university organisations called for a substantial budget increase for Horizon Europe to the tune of €160 billion (see EUROPE 12065).
Strategic planning
The MEP is also enhancing the European Parliament's follow-up in the strategic planning process, especially with regard to the definition of missions and partnerships that should be funded. In this connection, he is proposing to opt for a delegated act (for which would be required for the European Parliament) instead and in place of an implementing act. He also provides clarification about the partnerships.
Less-developed member states
The rapporteur also wants to develop the “sharing excellence” principle, which aims to support less advanced member states in the research and innovation domain and shift towards the “spreading excellence” principle.
He is proposing that these member states are able to more quickly access funding and maximum financing of six months. He is proposing that this specificity affects 15% of all framework programme actions. He also wants to strengthen synergies with other funds, particularly Cohesion Funds in connection with specialisation strategies.
Climate. The amendments include the rapporteur’s creation of a new industrial facilities in energy transition area of intervention.
The member states held an initial ministerial level debate in Vienna earlier this month and concentrated on strategic planning (see EUROPE 12064) on the basis of a paper submitted by the European Commission (see EUROPE 12069).
To consult the draft report please see: https://bit.ly/2mUIpvg . (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)