Ehler report says Horizon Europe needs more money and safeguards for research independence

Christian Ehler, the MEP in charge of the EP's report on the next Horizon Europe programme, has strongly criticised the Commission's proposal, saying it risks harming the independence of EU research.

In his draft report, which was published on 13/03/2026, Ehler said: "The Commission wants to simply subject Horizon Europe to European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) priorities." He also wants the Horizon Europe budget increased to €220 billion, a 26% increase over the Commission's proposal.

In its July 2025 proposal, the Commission said that the next Horizon Europe programme for 2028-2034 should be "closely associated" with the European Competitiveness Fund, a new instrument designed to turn innovative research ideas into viable business ventures. But the lack of clarity about how the two will work together has sparked fears that research priorities will be determined by the ECF's focus on competitiveness.

The MEP wrote in his report: "We must redesign the ECF-Horizon Europe link—not sever it but improve it so each programme delivers its strengths."

Ehler said that the Commission "wants to…