Organisations Urge Commission President von der Leyen to Safeguard Independent EU Research and Innovation Programme
The CCAM Association and 40 other organisations from civil society, academia, and industry have sent an open letter to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, calling for a strong and independent Research and Innovation Framework Programme 10 (FP10) with a dedicated budget.
The signatories express concern over political narratives that would effectively dissolve FP10 into a broader European Competitiveness Fund, cautioning that this could jeopardise its important mission, strategic focus, and legal basis under Article 182 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
“Science must serve as a unifying force, not a source of division. It is a cornerstone of Europe’s prosperity, resilience, and the long-term sustainability of its economic and social model. It is also a means to strengthen global collaboration, enhance social cohesion, and ensure human security,” the letter states.
The call echoes recent positions adopted by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU in favour of a independent and well-funded FP10. The signatories stress that research and innovation are essential not only to EU competitiveness, but importantly also to democratic resilience, strategic autonomy, and the long-term sustainability of Europe’s economy and society, to improve food and energy sustainability and global health while delivering on the green and digital transitions.
You can find below the joint press statement from the 38 organisations and the full open letter sent to Ursula von der Leyden.
Press Statement
We, the undersigned organisations, have today addressed an open letter to the President European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to express our deep concern over current proposals that risk undermining the future of EU research and innovation.
The European Research and Innovation Framework Programme (FP10) must remain a strong, independent programme with a dedicated budget, as set out under Article 182 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Any move to dissolve FP10 into a broader European Competitiveness Fund would weaken its strategic focus, compromise its legal foundation, and jeopardise its ability to address the EU’s most pressing societal challenges.
At a time of major global upheaval, science and innovation must serve as tools for resilience, prosperity, and democratic strength. FP10 plays a vital role in safeguarding these values by fostering excellence in research, supporting sustainable innovation, and promoting European leadership in addressing climate change, health, food systems, energy transitions, and more.
Our call reflects the recent positions adopted by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, as well as the concerns of research communities, civil society, and industry. We urge the European Commission to listen to these voices and uphold the integrity and ambition of the EU’s R&I policy.
We stand ready to support a constructive dialogue on the future of the programme.
You can download the full letter here.
