28/04/25 (Agence Europe) – In a position paper published on Thursday 24 April, the League of European Research Universities (LERU) has opposed the civilian and military redirection of the Framework Programme (FP) budget. The European Commission is considering this approach to encourage defence-related investment through the EU budget and to implement the ‘ReArm Europe’ plan (see EUROPE 13625/2). “This can hardly be called a ‘consulted policy’ and will further erode the already fragile trust between Europe’s academic sector and the European Commission. This move once again illustrates the complete lack of transparency around the future FP10”, criticised LERU Secretary-General Kurt Deketelaere in a press release. He also regrets the fact that the European Commission is presenting the sector with a fait accompli, “without transparency, consultation, or restraint”. (AD)