The European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee has backed a €200 billion budget for Horizon Europe in 2028–2034, compared with the European Commission’s proposed €175 billion. The committee vote took place on 10 November 2026.
The €200 billion figure is expressed in current prices. It forms part of the debate on the EU’s next long-term budget and the future design of European research and innovation funding.
Funding and scientific independence
Alongside the larger budget, MEPs seek stronger safeguards for the independence of the European Research Council (ERC) and European Innovation Council (EIC), dedicated budget lines and clearer links between Horizon Europe and the proposed European Competitiveness Fund.
The committee also wants independent scientific expertise to play a greater role in shaping collaborative research priorities. Its proposed high-level advisory council would bring together experts from science, industry and civil society to advise on themes, partnerships and resource allocation.
Why it matters for the research community
These proposals could influence both the resources available and the balance between frontier science, collaborative research and industrial innovation. For universities, research organisations and innovation actors, the programme’s governance will matter alongside its headline budget: it will help determine how priorities are selected and how research connects with wider European objectives.
A practical implication for research managers and prospective coordinators is to follow the negotiations when considering longer-term partnerships and project ideas. The committee position provides a policy signal; specific opportunities will depend on the final programme and subsequent work programmes and calls.
Committee position adopted; €200 billion is not an agreed EU budget. Further parliamentary and interinstitutional stages remain. The final funding level and programme rules depend on the legislative negotiations and agreement on the 2028–2034 EU budget.