Fast Track for Horizon Europe has stalled

By Ingemar Pongratz

The current Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation scheme is in its final years and the approval process for Horizon Europe is ongoing. Horizon Europe is name of the future European Union Framework Programme and is planned to once Horizon 2020 end.

The European Commission has already stated that Horizon Europe is going to be rather similar to Horizon 2020, the catchphrase being Evolution not Revolution.

The current proposal for Horizon Europe ask for a 94 Billion scheme and there are several novelties specially in the form of a new European Innovation Council (EIT) and new funding mechanism such as loans for European entrepreneurs. The European Commission has stated that they want to Fast Track Horizon Europe and have the final proposal ready to the upcoming European Parliament elections in 2019. However, it seems that the Fast Track to Horizon Europe has stalled

The European member states have recently stated that they want to exercise more control over the process and there is currently disagreement regarding the proposed EIC funding instruments in the form of loans. Not surprisingly, the Academic sectors is not thrilled about this scheme, as it will impede with their efforts to take a sizable part of the funding for innovation. It is thus likely that the European member states and their authorities want to slow down the process and introduce changes.

Also, there have been arguments that the ERC scheme should be modified and to ensure increased participation of the New Member States among ERC funding recipients. Other areas of controversy include the Commission suggestion to increase funding for the Marie Curie scheme, and there is concern that the Horizon Europe budget grows at the same time as the UK is poised to leave the Union.

Taken together, it is clear that the plan to Fast Track Horizon Europe has stalled because the EU member states wants to have their say in the process. More discussion will no doubt follow.

Ingemar Pongratz is founder of Fenix Scientific AB / Pongratz Consulting. We help organizations to apply for public funding, in particular from the European schemes. If you would need our profession assistance for your plans to identify the correct scheme and to apply for funding please contact us either through the Online Contact form (open in a new window) or by email to:

Ingemar.Pongratz (a) pongratzconsulting.com

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