Ministers drop call to boost Framework 9 funding

EU research ministers have backed away from calling for a major funding increase for the bloc’s next research and innovation Framework programme.

A draft Council of Ministers document published in October stressed the need for “a significant increase of investments” in Framework 9. But a final text agreed at a meeting on 1 December merely emphasised “the necessity to prioritise research and innovation…including significant funds for the next Framework programme”. 

Science Europe, an association of research funders and performers, said it was “disappointed by the lack of ambition” in the updated text, in particular about funding. In a statement the group urged ministers to revert to backing a substantial budget boost.