€100-billion budget proposed for Europe’s next big research programme

[Andy]

The European Union is planning to spend €100 billion (US$120 billion) on its next major research-funding programme, for 2021 to 2027 — a disappointment to some scientists and policy groups who were hoping for up to 60% more. The budget does not include a contribution from the United Kingdom, whose departure from the bloc in 2019 is likely to shake up the distribution of funds among the remaining 27 EU countries.

The European Commission issued its opening budget proposal for Framework Programme Nine — newly named Horizon Europe, and the successor to the current programme, Horizon 2020 — on 2 May. The announcement marks the start of tough negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, which comprises government representatives from EU nations.

The proposed €100 billion, which includes €2.4 billion for the Euratom nuclear-research programme, is an increase on the €77-billion pot for Horizon 2020, which began in 2014 (see ‘Europe’s science spending’). However, a report by influential academic and industry experts, published last July, had urged a doubling of the budget for the next framework programme.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05105-0

 

[Hoopoe]

They must put some money aside for ME/CFS research. It is unnaceptable that there are such large gaps in our knowledge about an illness that is relatively prevalent and disabling.

 

[Adrian]

From what I remember of the previous framework projects they are big consortiums that need to be put together and they need the right members to get approval. I think Framework 4 needed southern European partners and FW5 needed east European partners (the new members). A consortium will include companies as well as academic institutions.

A lot of planning and money goes into forming these proposals.