Malta presents position paper on FP10

Malta is the next EU Member State to present a position paper on FP10. The paper was published on 23 October 2024 and has a certain focus on Widening. Malta's position paper includes the following 8 key messages:

1. Widening measures under FP10 should be expanded and receive a substantial expansion of funding allocation from the general FP budget
2. The application process for FP10 calls and its structure should be simplified, clearer, more transparent, and less administratively burdensome.
3. The funding allocated to collaborative calls under Pillar II should be retained and expanded to effectively address complex societal challenges that require a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.
4. The overall number of FP calls should be reduced by the elimination of calls with similar objectives. A balanced approach is required, with support given to projects with Lower TRLs.
5. Successful FP instruments, like the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), should be strengthened and receive increased budgetary support.
6. The ERC and EIC need to be made more accessible to the researchers from Widening Member States.
7. Missions require reconsideration to ensure impact, relevance, long-term value, and effectiveness.
8. Expanding and leveraging international partnerships and collaborations.

The "Maltese position on the 10th European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034" and a compilation of positions published on the next FP so far are available on the ERA Portal Austria here.