Call from European science academies: "A strong research framework programme with a €220 Bn budget"

32 European science academies address, on 12/03/2025, an open letter to the EU leadership. They outline three key demands: the creation of a 'comprehensive and robust research framework programme' to enhance Europe's competitiveness and resilience; the allocation of substantial funding amounting to €220 billion for the Framework Programme 2028-2034; and the establishment of EU-level mechanisms to encourage individual member states to invest in research and development."

The letter, written on the initiative of the OeAW (Austrian Academy of Sciences) and its President, Heinz Faßmann, is sent to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, Piotr Serafin, the Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Ekaterina Zaharieva, the Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, and the President of the European Council, António Costa.

"Europe has lost its leading position in the field of R&I", says the letter.

"Europe is falling behind and is being overtaken by the USA, China, and others. Overall, Europe is investing too little, in R&I in particular. The…