08.12.2025 - "Business thrives on innovation. That's why the member states must send a strong signal today in the Competitiveness Council for the successor programme to Horizon Europe: The programme must be simplified and, as proposed by the European Commission, financially bolstered.

Businesses call for significantly streamlined application procedures, open-ended calls for proposals, and faster access to funding - for start-ups as well as large companies. The planned opening for dual-use technologies brings opportunities in new fields but must not hinder international cooperation.

Another key aspect is integration: The successor programme must be seamlessly linked with other new initiatives, such as the European Competitiveness Fund, in order for the systematic approach of EU programmes to remain coherent – from development to scaling up of innovations. Embedded in this way, a new Horizon Europe and increased funding can unfold their full potential to strengthen Europe's innovative capability."