Gabriel ‘positive’ on R&D budget despite possible cuts and delays

But research commissioner calls for ‘vigilance’ as national leaders seek budget agreement

Mariya Gabriel, the EU’s research commissioner, has said she “remains positive” about how negotiations on the bloc’s 2021-27 budget will affect the Horizon Europe R&D programme.

But she also hinted that she thinks national leaders will not reach an agreement on the budget when they meet as the European Council on 20 February—or will agree an R&D allocation the European Parliament might not like.