• H2020
• Policy & Research

A key rapporteur of Horizon 2020 in the European Parliament has warned against budget cuts to the programme.

In a Q&A session with Research, Innovation and Science Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Spanish MEP Teresa Riera Madurell said any reduction in funding would have a negative effect on the EU’s future competitiveness and job creation goal, therefore damaging Europe’s scientific image. Madurell, a member of the Socialists and Democrats Grouping in the European Parliament, was appointed as the rapporteur for the flagship Horizon 2020 legislation in January 2012.

In response to Madurell, Geoghegan-Quinn said: “I would like to reassure members of the Parliament that I have…been using all the powers of persuasion that I have at the very highest political level in member states, and at the highest level in the business and research community, to impress on those who are going to come to that MFF table how crucial investment in the future economy of the European Union is.”

The Commissioner added that even a €1bn reduction in Horizon 2020 could see 600 SMEs lose out in participating in Horizon 2020-funded projects. Geoghegan-Quinn also said that many member states were only likely to invest in research and innovation due to European funds.

It is currently anticipated that Horizon 2020 will receive €80bn of EU funding, €30bn more compared to the current Seventh Framework Programme. However, financing for the new programme will not be finalised until member states agree the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.

Heads of governments will discuss the EU budget at the next meeting of the European Council in February.