Strengthening the Framework Programme
The European Parliament has taken a significant step in shaping the future of Horizon Europe, as rapporteur MEP Christian Ehler (EPP, Germany) presented his draft report on the next Framework Programme Regulation. While the European Commission has proposed maintaining the overall structure, Ehler highlights that key elements – particularly governance and implementation – remain insufficiently defined.
Addressing Gaps in Pillar 2
A central issue concerns Pillar 2, which supports collaborative research across thematic areas crucial to European science, including chemistry. The draft report warns that leaving major policy and implementation decisions unspecified risks weakening the programme’s scientific impact. Given the scale of investment, greater clarity and accountability are deemed essential.
Expert-Led Governance
To strengthen scientific quality, the report proposes an expert-led implementation model. Dedicated councils for Pillar 2 – modelled on the European Research Council (ERC) and European Innovation Council (EIC) – would oversee programme delivery, ensuring that research priorities are translated into high-quality calls and projects through close engagement with the scientific community.
Implications for Chemistry and Innovation
For the chemical sciences, these reforms are particularly pertinent. Chemistry plays a central role in delivering solutions for climate neutrality, sustainable materials, and health. A more bottom-up, flexible programme – combined with fewer but larger partnerships – could better support interdisciplinary research and breakthrough innovation. New instruments, including “Fast Track” schemes, aim to accelerate both fundamental and applied research.
From Research to Competitiveness
The draft also calls for a clearer and more functional link between Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund. Ensuring smooth pathways from fundamental research to market deployment will be key to addressing Europe’s persistent innovation gap and strengthening its global competitiveness.
As legislative discussions continue, the report sets out an ambition to position Horizon Europe as a more agile, transparent, and excellence-driven programme – capable of supporting Europe’s scientific leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
