Neth-ER Pushes for Doubling EU Innovation Budget to €200 Billion
The Hague, Thursday, 4 December 2025.
Neth-ER urges the EU to double its Framework Programme budget to €200 billion, emphasizing innovation’s role in Europe’s strategic ambitions. This call underscores the need for research protection and stakeholder representation.
Neth-ER’s Advocacy for Enhanced EU Funding
Neth-ER, representing the Dutch knowledge community, has made a compelling case for doubling the budget of the EU Framework Programme to €200 billion. This proposal comes in response to the European Commission’s recent publication of the Multiannual Financial Framework Programme for 2025, which Neth-ER argues must be expanded to meet Europe’s strategic goals in research and innovation [1][2].
Protecting Research and Stakeholder Representation
Central to Neth-ER’s recommendations is the protection of bottom-up research initiatives and ensuring robust stakeholder representation. They advocate for a simplified participation process in the EU Framework Programme to encourage more inclusive involvement from diverse actors in the research and innovation sector [1]. The organization also emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated dual-use advisory platform to guide research that has both civilian and military applications [1][3].
Timing and Strategic Importance
The timing of Neth-ER’s call is pivotal as negotiations between the European Council and Parliament regarding the proposed budget are ongoing. This advocacy aligns with broader European efforts to strengthen competitiveness and sustainability through innovation, particularly as the region navigates the post-Horizon Europe era [2][3]. Robbert Dijkgraaf and other influential figures have highlighted the urgent need for strategic investment to maintain Europe’s position in the global knowledge race [4][5].
Future Implications and Challenges
Looking ahead, the doubling of the EU Framework Programme budget could significantly impact Europe’s capacity for innovation. However, realizing this ambition will require overcoming challenges related to aligning national and European policies and addressing the growing investment gap in research and innovation [2][4][5]. The push for increased funding reflects a broader consensus on the necessity of enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy and ensuring long-term economic and social benefits [5].