ExclusiveEhler says innovation must take priority over the EU’s traditional spending priorities

News Tank Academic - Brussels - Interview #460398 - Published on 11/11/26 at 17:17
©       D.R.
Christian Ehler - ©       D.R.

The lead MEP responsible for the Parliament's position on Horizon Europe 2028-2034 has argued that the global race will be driven primarily by investment in innovation rather than agriculture or European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds.

Christian Ehler, a German centre-right MEP, said in an interview with News Tank on 11/11/2026: "I have every appreciation of farmers and the structural funds. But if you look at the global race, neither agriculture nor the ESI Funds may prove decisive. It will be investments in innovation. This is the race, besides an arms race."

He was closing the R&I Days organised by the Commission on 11/11/2026, the day after the adoption of his report on FP10 in the European Parliament's Committee for Industry, Technology and Research (ITRE).

Ehler stated that…

©       D.R.
Christian Ehler - ©       D.R.

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