UNL calls for an ambitious European research and innovation programme

Why these programmes matter 

Horizon Europe funds innovative research within the EU, strengthening the position of both the Netherlands and Europe in the global knowledge landscape. Dutch researchers perform strongly: the Netherlands receives more funding from the programme than it contributes to the EU, while every euro invested yields up to €11 in economic growth. Examples of Dutch participation in successful Horizon projects can be found on this page.  

 The European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) aims to structurally reinforce Europe’s competitiveness – essential to maintaining Europe’s position as a global player and reducing dependence on other economic blocs. 

UNL's stance

Horizon Europe 2028-2034 (FP10) 

UNL welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a nearly doubled budget for the successor to Horizon Europe (2021-2028) but notes that, adjusted for inflation, the proposed funding is insufficient to meet the stated ambitions. UNL therefore calls for a budget of at least €200 billion, as recommended by Mario Draghi. 

Furthermore, UNL stresses that the programme should remain autonomous: independent from short-term political priorities, with funding safeguarded from being redirected to non-research policy objectives. The focus on excellent and impactful research, including in the social sciences and humanities, must be preserved. 

The strength of European research lies in its researchers. Their knowledge and creativity drive the innovation that advances society. Horizon must therefore continue to allow space for their input in shaping research programmes, within a primarily civilian framework that includes clear safeguards for potential dual-use research. 
 
In the Position Paper Horizon Europe and Beyond, updated in 2024, UNL and the Netherlands Federation of University Medical Centres set out in more detail what the Dutch knowledge sector expects from a new European research funding framework.  

European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) 

UNL strongly supports the goal of strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and emphasises that the social sciences and curiosity-driven research are essential: technological progress only succeeds when the social and organisational context evolves alongside it, and when we deepen our understanding of fundamental scientific questions. 

The design of the ECF should also be transparent, with knowledge organizations having a clear role – alongside the European Commission and Member States – in shaping its further development. 

What this means for the Netherlands 

With the right investments from Horizon and the ECF, the Netherlands can maintain its strong position in Europe, and Europe can sustain its global standing. Dutch universities perform exceptionally well in European programmes and benefit from a robust European research and innovation ecosystem. It is therefore crucial that this ecosystem is supported by the right financing and governance conditions.  

 
Our full response is available here and on the European Commission’s website.