Research community urges strong EU Framework Programme 10 to tackle global challenges

In an open letter on 10 April 2025, ASD and 40+ European organisations urged EU leaders to safeguard Framework Programme 10 as a standalone, independent research initiative, vital for strategic autonomy, addressing global challenges, and upholding core EU values. The letter warns against diluting R&I funding, stressing science as a unifying force for resilience and societal progress.

“Dear Commission President Von der Leyen,

We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your leadership in strengthening the European Union in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment. As the EU and its citizens navigate an era of profound transformation, marked by unprecedented challenges, it is essential to equip the Union with a robust and strategic research and innovation (R&I) agenda. This agenda must be firmly rooted in the core values of the European project: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights.

At a time when R&I lies at the heart of the EU’s political vision and enjoys broad support across the political spectrum and among stakeholders, we strongly believe that a dedicated budget and an independent programme, in line with Article 182 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, are indispensable for the European R&I agenda. 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 European R&I agenda must address pressing global societal challenges, strengthen strategic autonomy, and improve food and energy sustainability and global health while delivering on the green and digital transitions. The Framework Programme must be embedded in a vision that builds a prosperous and more equitable future for all humans and the environment.

In recent weeks, both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU have expressed strong support for a stand-alone Framework Programme 10. The research community, industry representatives through their sectoral associations, and civil society organisations have also voiced significant concerns over any move to dilute the Framework Programme into a European Competitiveness Fund. Disregarding these positions would send a damaging signal to the EU’s co-legislators and actors in the research and innovation ecosystem but also to the European citizens.

It is with profound concern that we, the undersigned, urge you to work towards building a strong and independent Framework Programme 10. It is essential not only for EU competitiveness but also for addressing the most pressing societal challenges. A fragmented or weakened R&I framework would risk diminishing the EU’s ability to respond effectively to future crises and societal needs.

We, the signatories, stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue on the reform of the programme to strengthen its role in fostering scientific excellence, driving sustainable innovation, engaging society and reinforcing Europe’s leadership in addressing global challenges.”

Signed: Aidsfonds, International; ALICE, Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe, Europe; ALLEA - The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities; ARCHE NOAH, Denmark; ASD - European Aerospace, Security and Defence industry, Europe; Association of ERC Grantees, Europe; Aurora Universities Network, Europe; Bio Garancia Kft, Hungary; Biocoop, France; BioForum vzw, Belgium and Europe; Connected, Cooperative, Automated Mobility Association A.I.S.B.L., Europe; De Landgenoten, Flanders; DSW - Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung, International; EASN, European Aerospace Science Network, Europe; Ecocert, International; Ecovalia Association, Spain; EPSO, European Plant Science Organisation, Europe; EREA - Association of European Research Establishments in Aeronautics, Europe; ESRE - Association of the European Space Research Establishments, Europe; EuMaT - The European Technology Partnership on Advanced Materials, Europe; European Agroforestry Federation (EURAF), Europe; European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform, Europe; European Consortium for Mathematics in Industry, Europe; European Road Transport Research Advisory Council, Europe; FABRE TP, Europe; Federation of European Biochemical Societies, Europe; FederBio - Italian Federation for Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture, Italy; FiBL Europe, Europe; FiBL, Switzerland and Europe; Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca in Agricoltura Biologica e Biodinamica – FIRAB, Italy; IFOAM Organics Europe, Europe; International Center for research in Organic Food Systems, Europe; National Institute for Aerospace Research "Elie Carafoli" - INCAS Bucharest, Romania and Europe; Naturland, International; Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture, Norway; ÖMKi Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Hungary; Photonics21, Europe; Plants for the Future ETP, Europe; SAFE Food Advocacy Europe, Europe; Sciences Citoyennes, France; TP Organics, Europe