The European Commission's intention to nearly double the funding for the successor programme of Horizon Europe within the next multiannual EU budget from 2028 is good news from the companies' perspective. However, the economy has additional expectations for the 'FP10'.
What is FP10?
On July 16, 2025, the European Commission published its proposal for the tenth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. According to the EU Commission, it is scheduled to be funded with around 175 billion euros from 2028 to 2034. The aim is to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, accelerate technological development and effectively promote innovation, especially in companies.
To remain competitive globally, it is essential for the European Union to strengthen its position as an innovation hub, emphasises the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) in a position paper on the 10th EU Framework Programme for Research 2028 to 2034.
The programme will decisively shape competitiveness and innovation in Europe in the coming years. Europe must close innovation gaps with competitors in third countries and establish itself as a global hub for technology.
Four central priorities
For this, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry demands a strategic enhancement of FP10. It should remain an "independent, long-term financed, and effective programme," continue proven funding instruments but act more politically independently, and take greater account of the interests of the entire industrial economy.
Additionally, the FP10, according to companies, must strengthen synergies between science and business, facilitate the transfer of research results into marketable products, and specifically involve small and medium-sized enterprises.
To open up new market opportunities for companies and enable access to additional financing sources, the programme should also create opportunities for synergies between civilian and military research funding, according to the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
And last but not least, bureaucratic hurdles must be reduced and application procedures simplified. This would ease companies' access to funding and allow innovations to break through faster.
The demands at a glance
Ensure FP10 remains an independent programme and adequately financed
Continue proven funding instruments under FP10 and make them more independent
Enable synergies between civilian and military research funding
Simplify application and approval processes, reduce bureaucratic burden
Truly realise budget increase
The more generous funding compared to the current predecessor programme Horizon Europe is considered necessary by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry to sustainably secure the competitiveness of European research and innovation. Now it is up to the Council and Parliament to "make the right move" and approve the planned budget increase during the upcoming budget negotiations.
Only then can the current underfunding of excellent research be effectively addressed, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry warns. Moreover, "higher funding would provide participating companies with greater financial planning security when transferring research results into marketable products."
Download
The comprehensive position paper can be downloaded here
Requirements for the 10th EU Framework Programme for Research (PDF, 280 KB) (only available in German)
- Relevant in topic:
- Innovation
- Key areas:
-
- Finanzierung
- Industrie
Released 21.07.2025
Modified 12.02.2026
Contact
Lorenz Kramer
Head of Unit Economy in Europe
Susanne Schraff
Spokesperson