26 Apr 2024

President Macron calls to reinforce Horizon Europe

Following his 2017 keynote speech, French President Emmanuel Macron returned to the Sorbonne in Paris and gave a speech on the future of Europe. President Macron stated that the EU must fundamentally change, including the way it invests in R&I. "Horizon Europe must be reinforced by focusing on the most effective programmes such as the European Research Council", he said. The European Innovation Council (EIC) should also be strengthened. Europe should become "a continent that invests in breakthrough innovation and advanced fundamental research".

President Macron argued that the Member States should resume their efforts to achieve the 3% target (of GDP to be spent on research and development). The EU should aim to become a "global leader" by 2030, with "targeted funding strategies" in five strategic areas: AI, quantum information, space, biotechnologies and new energies.