17 juli 2025
Campagne- en beleidsmedewerker
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Neth-ER supports the European Commission’s recognition of the importance of investing in knowledge Budget-wise, the proposal marks a step in the right direction and the Dutch knowledge sector is ready to create a positive impact with the proposed budget increase. As representatives of the Dutch knowledge sector, we emphasize that a well-funded and independent funding base for knowledge is essential for maintaining Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy and for finding solutions to the challenges Europe currently faces. Although this proposal is a positive development, Neth-ER stresses that a doubling of the budgets is necessary to achieve all the ambitions outlined in the Draghi, Letta, and Heitor reports. Therefore, additional investments will be crucial.
The current plans designed by the European Commission in the MFF proposal acknowledges that Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and global role are rooted in knowledge, education, research, and innovation. The Commission has made the right decision by proposing an increase in the relevant budgets. This investment is urgently needed, as key programmes such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ require significantly more funding to fully realize Europe’s ambitions.
We welcome the budget growth for Horizon as a much-needed step forward for the European knowledge agenda. At the press conference on July 16th, the increase was described as a doubling of the Horizon budget; however, when adjusted for inflation and other factors, this does not fully reflect reality. Neth-ER especially welcomes the potential to reinforce all pillars of Horizon Europe, from bottom-up frontier science to applied research. Neth-ER understands and welcomes the ECF, but is concerned about the interaction between ECF and especially pillar 2 of Horizon and the implications it may have on the governance structure. Read our full statement on the Horizon proposal here.
Neth-ER welcomes the increase of the Erasmus+ budget, but fears funding for learning mobility may fall short. Neth-ER therefore urges the Commission to double the next budget to expand learning mobility and inclusion for all. Neth-ER welcomes the stronger focus on skills and lifelong learning policies and the Union of Skills, as long as it does not come at the expense off the other goals of the Erasmus+ program. The uncertain position of the European University Alliances and Centres of Vocational Excellence remains a concern to the Dutch knowledge sector and requires further clarification. Finally, simplification efforts must be effectively implemented to reduce administrative burdens. Read our full statement on the Erasmus+ proposal here.
In the coming years, negotiations on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will take place, a process that will require strong political backing. To support this, Neth-ER is launching a knowledge campaign aimed at doubling European investments in knowledge within the new MFF. Programmes such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ are crucial for Dutch education and research institutions. Together with its members, Neth-ER is therefore committed to securing a larger share of the European budget for these programmes.
Neth-ER welcomes MFF proposal by European Commission, and emphasizes need for budget doubling for Horizon and Erasmus+
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