What’s going on in Europe: 7-27 April

This week: animal research, boosting democracy, research uptake and more

Strategic priorities

Respondents to a consultation on the EU’s Horizon Europe R&D programme have asked for more clarity on how to meet its strategic political priorities, such as promoting European autonomy, and get the most out of its links with other funding sources. A European Commission summary of a consultation on a ‘strategic plan’ for 2025-27 priorities said 29 per cent of respondents were “not at all” familiar with the planning process, while 37 per cent found the 2021-24 plan “difficult” to understand. Those responding said there was a “lack of clarity” on the links and overlaps of the EU’s various funding schemes.