image: ©AscentXmedia | iStock Christophe Lefèvre is a EESC member, Rapporteur for the EESC opinion on Horizon Europe. Here, he examines Horizon Europe, including why the voice of civil society is essential and what the European Economic and Social Committee proposes in this regard
At a time when the European Union (EU) is preparing the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (R&I), Horizon Europe 2028-2034 (FP10), the Draghi and Letta reports have fuelled high expectations. This programme, which has been the cornerstone of European research policy for over 30 years, has spurred major scientific advances, supported breakthrough innovation and strengthened the continent’s industrial competitiveness.
However, as global challenges multiply, be they the green transition, geopolitical shifts or industrial transformations, one issue becomes central: how can we ensure that European research continues to meet the needs of society and citizens?
This is precisely where the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the EU’s advisory body that represents employers, workers and civil society organisations, comes into play.
In its 2026 opinion on Horizon Europe 2028-2034, the EESC sets out in detail why it is essential to listen to civil society and makes concrete proposals to strengthen the future programme’s legitimacy, relevance and impact.
What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the EU’s framework programme for R&I, which currently covers the period 2021-2027. Its successor, FP10, is set to continue to guide European investments in science, technology and innovation for the 2028-2034 period. It is currently structured around four pillars:
Excellent science.
Global challenges.
Industrial competitiveness and
Breakthrough innovation.
The programme, presented by the Commission, which says it has simplified the programme and facilitated access to its funding, remains a key tool for responding to complex global challenges, including the green and digital transitions, the global water crisis and strategic competition with other scientific powers, such as the United States and China.
Why is it important to take into account the needs, expectations and concerns of civil society?
Involving civil society in designing and implementing the programme is not a symbolic addition; it is a threefold political, scientific and democratic necessity.
Firstly, because research financed by Europe must respond to the real needs of Europeans. The green, energy, digital and social transitions cannot succeed without a direct understanding of the expectations of citizens, workers, consumers, businesses and nongovernmental organisations.
Secondly, because science is facing a crisis of trust. By involving civil society organisations upstream, Horizon Europe enhances transparency and societal ownership of scientific results.
Thirdly, because industrial and geopolitical changes require stronger dialogue with those who will be directly affected or with those, such as sectoral federations, who have an in-depth knowledge of their fields.
What exactly does the EESC propose?
In its opinion, the EESC makes several key recommendations:
To further increase the proposed budget of €175 billion for 2028-2034, this amount is encouraging, but should only serve as a minimum benchmark.
To support the new strategic direction towards EU industrial competitiveness and technological leadership.
To steer research and development towards clear objectives that address societal challenges.
To strengthen dialogue with socioeconomic partners.
To strengthen oversight of the use of funds and highlight the obstacles to their mobilisation, in terms of governance, to maintain the term of office of the President of the European Research Council (ERC) at four years, renewable once.
To maintain alignment between Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund, while clarifying how that alignment should operate and ensuring its proper implementation.
To include commercial relevance, industrial impact and contribution to strategic autonomy and competitiveness among the project evaluation criteria.
To move away from a top-down policy guidance approach to Pillar I on excellent science, and
To exercise the utmost caution regarding the 3%-ofGDP conditionality, which could affect countries with lower R&I capacities.
Horizon Europe conclusion
Horizon Europe is a major pillar of EU action in science, technology and innovation. At a time when Europe is rethinking its industrial strategy and technological sovereignty, the EESC’s contribution highlights the fundamental challenge of designing European research with European society, for European society.
The EESC wants to see a more strategic and industrial Horizon Europe programme that safeguards fundamental research, transparency, civil society participation and fairness between Member States.