Commissioner warns against H2020 funding cuts
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn is calling on the European Parliament and Commission to come together in the face of possible funding cuts to the flagship Horizon 2020 programme.
The Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science made the warning as some member states look to reduce the amount of money the EU spends. She said it was important to lobby national governments against cutting investment in research that could otherwise aid national economic recoveries.
Speaking to MEPs, the Commissioner said: “In general the individual member states are very supportive of Horizon 2020 and innovation and R&D as being where growth and jobs come from,” although the Commissioner added that national governments became more reluctant when debating future policy together.
Horizon 2020 is expected to provide SMEs and scientists with funding worth €80bn, equivalent to 8% of the EU budget. However, final financing for the programme will not be approved until European leaders agree the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.
The 27 heads of government are expected to reconvene budget negotiations later this year.
