CLEPA joins urgent call for increased EU investment in research and innovation

CLEPA has joined 85 other European associations in calling on EU institutions to significantly strengthen the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), arguing that greater investment in research and innovation is essential to restore Europe’s competitiveness.

In a joint letter, the signatories warn that Europe faces a widening innovation and productivity gap with global competitors and urge policymakers to provide a substantially larger FP10 budget under the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. They also call for stronger support for collaborative, industry-driven research through an enhanced Pillar II and for FP10, together with the European Competitiveness Fund, to support the full innovation cycle – from fundamental research to deployment and scale-up.

The letter stresses that sustained investment in research and innovation is critical to accelerating the green and digital transitions, strengthening Europe’s industrial base, and improving long-term productivity and resilience. The associations urge EU institutions to seize the opportunity presented by the upcoming budget negotiations to ensure Europe has the resources needed to compete globally.