Warsaw, 11 March 2025
Strong science is key to a competitive, secure, and resilient Europe. At the informal meeting of ministers for research and innovation (COMPET Research), the Polish presidency emphasised that the EU Framework Programme in this area requires an independent structure and a budget that meets the scale of today’s challenges.
European Commission’s work on the successor to “Horizon Europe”
As early as this summer, the European Commission is expected to present a proposal for financing the next EU Framework Programme in the post-2027 multiannual financial framework. EU ministers responsible for science have gathered in Warsaw to discuss its strategic role in research, innovation, and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
The current EU Framework Programme, “Horizon Europe”, provides over €95 billion for research and innovation between 2021 and 2027 – the largest programme of its kind in the world. However, concerns have been raised over the potential integration of the next Framework Programme into the European Competitiveness Fund.
Strong science is key to a competitive, secure, and resilient Europe. The EU’s research and innovation programme needs an independent structure and a budget that reflects today’s challenges.
Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Poland
The Warsaw meeting was a significant step toward ensuring stable and predictable funding for European science post-2027.
Ministers from numerous EU member states endorsed the Warsaw Declaration, an initiative of the Polish presidency. The declaration calls for an ambitious EU science budget and a reliable support system for European researchers and innovators. Ministers also reaffirmed that the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation is embedded in the EU Treaties.
Support for European innovators
Ministers also discussed how to better support European startups and scaleups, marking a key step toward a European Strategy for Startups and Scaleups. The discussion was preceded by insights from Łukasz Koźlik (CTO, Clone Inc.) and Mirosław Trześniowski (CEO, WIDMO Spectral Technologies), who shared their experiences in growing businesses across Europe.
It is essential for our competitiveness to secure strong national and EU funding for R&I, and in particular to increase private investment. – Ekaterina ZaharievaCommissioner responsible for startups, research and innovation.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner responsible for Startups, Research and Innovation
‘The EU’s long-term budget, and especially the next Framework Programme for research and innovation, will be key in fostering our long-term competitiveness and closing the innovation gap. Europe has to be bold and fast. Our focus is clear: urgent action to enhance our startup ecosystem, improve the single market, and reduce burdens faced by companies.’ – said Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner responsible for startups, research and innovation
During the debate, Minister Marcin Kulasek emphasised that innovative SMEs are the backbone of the EU’s economic potential. – We must create conditions where these companies can grow and build a strong market presence in the European Union.
Ministers also explored ways to remove administrative and regulatory barriers to fully unlock the potential of European innovation.
The future of research and innovation in Europe
Reports by Mario Draghi on competitiveness, Enrico Letta on the single market, and the expert group led by Manuel Heitor on Horizon Europe’s mid-term review leave no doubt – science and innovation will be crucial for strengthening the EU’s global standing. Enhancing security, fostering technological independence, and building Europe’s resilience remain top priorities for the coming years.
EU science ministers agreed on the need for stronger international scientific cooperation and increased investment in innovative enterprises to boost Europe’s position in research and innovation. The Warsaw Declaration, backed by a clear majority of participants, sends a strong message to the European Commission and other EU institutions that science and innovation must remain a priority in the EU’s future budgets and that the EU Framework Programme should retain its independence.
Ministers highlighted the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange to maintain Europe’s leadership in science and innovation. They also called for continued investment in advanced technologies and research infrastructure.
“Recent geopolitical tensions show that we must urgently strengthen the EU’s position in the global technological race and reduce our dependence on external resources and technologies. Science and innovation are central to Europe’s competitive edge, and the next independent Framework Programme must reflect this – Minister Marcin Kulasek.
Conclusion
The Warsaw meeting was a major step toward ensuring stable and predictable funding for European science post-2027. The Warsaw Declaration, signed by science ministers from across the EU, is a strong signal to the European Commission that science and innovation must remain a priority for building a more competitive Europe.
Press Conference
You can watch the full press conference here.
Source – Polish EU Presidency