As part of the next long-term EU budget (2028–2034), the European Commission proposes doubling the research and innovation framework programme’s budget to €175 billion.
The new Horizon Europe will strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and deliver solutions to real-world challenges — from AI that supports doctors, to satellites that protect farmers, to cleaner, smarter ways to live and work, according to a press release.
“You spoke, we listened. As one of Europe’s strongest brands, Horizon Europe will place research and innovation at the heart of the EU economy and investment strategy,” Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, stated. “We will attract and retain talents through ‘Choose Europe’, de-risk and mobilise private research and innovation financing, empowering innovative startups and work together with Member States to reach the 3% investment target.”
Building on the 2021–2027 programme, Horizon Europe will feature four pillars:
- Pillar I – Excellent Science: Strengthens the EU’s scientific base, attracts top talent, and supports frontier research through the ERC, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and the Joint Research Centre.
- Pillar II – Competitiveness and Society: Funds collaborative research in areas with high societal impact, including clean transition, digital leadership, defence, and space, in partnership with the European Competitiveness Fund.
- Pillar III – Innovation: Expands the European Innovation Council to support high-risk, disruptive projects, including defence and dual-use startups.
- Pillar IV – European Research Area: Builds a unified research area, promotes excellence, and develops research and technology infrastructures.
Streamlined implementation will simplify support, reduce the number of topics, and shorten time from call closure to grant signature.
Moonshot projects will accelerate research to real-world deployment in strategic fields such as:
- clean aviation
- quantum computing
- next-generation AI
- fusion energy
- automated transport
- regenerative therapies
- zero water pollution and ocean observation
Interinstitutional negotiations between the European Parliament, Council, and Commission will follow.
In a statement on their website, Euroseeds welcomes the proposed simplification measures in Horizon Europe 2028–2034, particularly the shift to lump-sum funding.
“Euroseeds welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s proposal for Horizon Europe 2028–2034. We commend the programme’s emphasis on biotechnology, agriculture, and bioeconomy, alongside its commitment to simplification, broader stakeholder participation, and the strengthening of Partnerships.
“As the EU sets its strategic direction for research and innovation, it is essential that plant breeding is recognised as a key enabler of sustainable agriculture, food security, and resilience across Europe,” read a statement on the Euroseeds website.
“The proposed €175 billion Horizon Europe budget, together with its integration into the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), aims to simplify funding access and accelerate innovation. Euroseeds acknowledges the inclusion of biotechnology, agriculture, and bioeconomy under Pillar II ‘Competitiveness and Society’. However, we note with concern that the current structure does not explicitly earmark funding for plant breeding research, a sector essential to achieving the EU’s goals for sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and strategic autonomy. Uncertainty also remains around how Horizon Europe and the ECF will be coordinated in practice.
Euroseeds supports Horizon Europe’s aim to streamline Partnerships, recognising their vital role in turning research into innovation across the agri-food sector. However, the current framework lacks clarity on their structure, funding, and simplification. Clear mechanisms and sustained support will be key to ensuring their success and long-term impact.”
Euroseeds is calling for dedicated support for plant breeding research and innovation across the agri-food value chain. The organisation urges EU institutions to include targeted mechanisms for applied plant breeding research in Horizon Europe and the ECF, including strategic Partnerships.
Euroseeds welcomes proposed simplification measures, particularly the shift to lump-sum funding, which is expected to reduce administrative burden and broaden participation, especially for newcomers and smaller entities.
The organisation remains committed to contributing to the development of Horizon Europe Work Programmes and FP10 and will continue engaging with EU bodies to ensure future R&I frameworks address the needs of the plant breeding and seed sector.
