EU-LIFE, a partnership between 17 leading life sciences research institutes across Europe, has released an open letter calling on the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU to put Research and Innovation (R&I) at the centre of Europe’s future competitiveness
The open letter comes after the European Commission’s proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and advocates for a strong and independent Framework Programme 10 (FP10).
Support for a proposed increase in R&I investment
EU-LIFE introduced several positive elements of the European Commission’s MFF proposal. The nearly doubled budget for FP10—EUR 175 billion- was recognised as a strong starting point.
The proposal also acknowledges FP10 as a standalone and independent programme, ensuring more predictable and stable investment in long-term, bottom-up research.
The organisation praised the continued role of EU research instruments such as the European Research Council (ERC), the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), each of which is receiving increased funding.
More substantial commitment and transparent governance
Despite these advancements, EU-LIFE highlighted several concerns that could jeopardise the effectiveness and independence of FP10. One of the main issues raised is the risk that FP10 might be subordinated to the rules and governance of the proposed Competitiveness Fund. EU-LIFE argued that this arrangement could undermine the programme’s strategic impact and compromise its ability to deliver on its objectives.
The organisation also highlighted the importance of securing the proposed FP10 budget during negotiations, warning against any dilution of the EUR 175 billion commitment. EU-LIFE noted that while the increase is significant, it still falls short of the EUR 200 billion target supported by many in the research community and independent experts.
Protection of scientific autonomy
Another primary concern raised in the letter involves proposed changes that could weaken the autonomy of the ERC. Specific mention was made of suggestions to alter the governance structure, including changes to the role and term of the ERC President, which EU-LIFE sees as a threat to the ERC’s effectiveness and reputation.
EU-LIFE stressed the need for strong, independent governance across all key R&I bodies within FP10, including the ERC, EIC, MSCA, and collaborative research mechanisms. The letter reiterated the importance of excellence-based funding principles and the preservation of investigator-driven science.
Support for Early-Stage and Bottom-Up Research
EU-LIFE also expressed disappointment at the lack of balanced investment across the complete research and innovation continuum. In particular, the letter criticised the insufficient attention to early-stage research and lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). The alliance called for more substantial support for bottom-up, curiosity-driven research within all policy areas of FP10, including those aligned with the Competitiveness Fund.
EU-LIFE also warned that the concept of “open” calls in the proposal may still be too prescriptive and not genuinely bottom-up. It also highlighted the need for meaningful inclusion of early-stage research in EU Missions and Moonshots.
Europe’s scientific future
As the EU enters the negotiation phase for its next long-term budget, EU-LIFE sees this as a pivotal moment to turn ambitious rhetoric into concrete action. The organisation encourages all EU institutions to reinforce the role of R&I through a transformative and independent FP10, positioning Europe to lead globally in science, innovation, and economic resilience.
