Associated Countries urge EU to keep FP10 open and research-led

Universities from four countries associated with Horizon Europe have called on the EU Council to ensure that Framework Programme 10 (FP10) remains open, research-led and attractive to trusted international partners. In a joint letter addressed to the Cyprus EU Presidency, the Russell Group, U15 Canada, swissuniversities and Universities New Zealand stress the importance of preserving meaningful participation for Associated Countries in the EU’s next research and innovation programme.

The organisations describe Horizon Europe as a major success for both science and diplomacy, noting that associated countries strengthen the programme’s research base and increase its overall impact. They argue that a broader Horizon Europe benefits all participants and should serve as a foundation for FP10.

Among their key demands are a research-led Pillar II, continued observer roles for Associated Countries in governance, strong protection for fundamental research, a fully independent European Research Council, and bottom-up Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. They also urge the EU to keep topic exclusions to a minimum and ensure equal treatment in applications and collaborations.

The signatories further call for smooth and rapid association procedures for trusted partners so they can join FP10 from the start. In a time of growing geopolitical competition, they say, stronger long-term research partnerships are more important than ever.

The letter can be found here:

Letter from associated Horizon countries to the EU Council