We welcome MEP Christian Ehler and MEP Dan Nica's proposal for connecting the ECF to FP10. As outlined in our joint position on the ECF published in February 2026, we support the approach of positioning the ECF as ‘a bridge amplifier’ to FP10, with FP10 acting as the ‘bridge generator’. This FP10-ECF interface model would maximise FP10’s contribution to the ECF’s objectives, by underpinning an innovation-based competitiveness model for Europe.
MEPs Ehler and Nica move away from the European Commission's proposal for a bureaucratic planning of innovation through joint programming which, if implemented, could affect the scientific relevance of FP10 Pillar 2 projects. Instead, the ECF would support the deployment, commercialisation, scaling, licensing and standardisation of Horizon Europe-funded projects, through the Horizon Europe pathway actions they proposed that would be integrated into the work programmes of the relevant ECF policy windows. By ensuring that the ECF targets the most promising ideas developed through excellent research, this approach would significantly strengthen their impact on Europe’s economy and society. Since a future-proof competitiveness requires establishing a framework able to develop and scale up innovations that are still unthinkable, we also welcome the proposal to enhance the advisory role of experts in supporting the Commission with the implementation of the ECF.
The rapporteurs propose important amendments to the EU preference rules, making them exceptional. However, the draft report does not fully address concerns regarding the European Commission’s proposal to apply these rules to the Horizon Europe programme. As highlighted in our recently published statement, such rules — designed for economic security — will negatively affect international research collaborations and thereby limit Europe’s capacity to generate frontier knowledge and breakthrough solutions to present and future challenges. We therefore reiterate our call for EU preference rules not to apply to Horizon Europe and instead urge the EU institutions to adopt an approach to research security that removes, rather than creates, barriers to international scientific collaboration.
We welcome the rapporteurs’ proposal for clearly identifying the award criteria. It is critical that the ECF funds the highest quality projects to make a substantive and sustainable impact on Europe’s competitiveness. In the context of the ECF, quality must be understood as the expected contribution an innovation makes to enhance the ability of European companies to successfully compete in global markets. However, this welcomed focus on quality still risks being undermined by the ‘accelerated’ and ‘targeted’ actions proposed by the European Commission, which may reduce open competition in certain circumstances. We reiterate our strong concerns about these provisions also applying to Horizon Europe, as they would have severe effects on Europe’s capacity to compete globally.
We strongly regret that the rapporteurs propose to remove the reference of synergies between the ECF and Global Europe. Strengthening coherence between these funding instruments is crucial to support Europe in achieving not only its ECF objectives but also its broader global ambitions. If Europe aims to boost its competitiveness, reinforce its strategic autonomy and remain a strong global player, it must propose a legislative approach that facilitates international research partnerships.
Lastly, we welcome the proposal for embedding skills development across ECF policy windows. Investment in people is a precondition for Europe's competitiveness. The higher education sector must be supported in delivering high-quality education and training, including life-long learning opportunities and investment in educational infrastructure. In this context, ECF should leverage the success of the Erasmus+ programme, for example through co-funding scholarships in educational fields identified as strategic.
We look forward to working together with the EU institutions to create an innovation-driven ECF focused on scaling and deploying Europe’s strongest R&I projects.
Related publications:
Position paper | Joint response to the Proposal for a Regulation establishing Global Europe (2026)