On the 2nd September 2020, EUREC prepared a position paper highlighting that Horizon Europe should invest in Climate, Energy and Mobility much more. EUREC also invited all organisations agreeing with the content of the position paper to join us by signing the paper with their logo. One week later, we are 22 organisations supporting the idea that Horizon Europe budget must be aligned with the European Green Deal. You can read the full paper and download the list of signatories below .

Horizon Europe budget must be aligned with the European Green Deal

In difficult circumstances the July European Council managed to find agreement for an exceptional EU budget. New facilities have been created to deal with the economic restructuring that will come in the wake of COVID-19.

But some parts of the budget suffered cuts compared to the European Commission’s proposals. This is the case of Horizon Europe.

Horizon Europe is a vital instrument to cement the EU’s recovery long-term and embed it in the transition to climate neutrality by 2050 – rightfully a key policy priority of the EU. With a smaller Horizon Europe budget, the EU must invest sensibly. It must prioritise funding for those technologies that will deliver on the EU’s energy & climate targets.

Recently the German Presidency surveyed Member States for their views on the split between budget headings within Horizon 2020. Our view is that in no circumstances should the Cluster Climate, Energy and Mobility receive less than the amount the Commission proposed in 2018 (13.3 bn EUR in constant 2018 prices) – and that it should in fact receive much more.

Since 2018, the mission of the EU has been reframed. Central to it now is a European Green Deal containing a commitment to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 with significant additional work to be done by 2030. This Deal implies a greater need for resources for renewable energy-related R&D than originally foreseen, not a smaller need.

Horizon Europe contains the commitment that 35% of its budget must go towards climate-relevant actions. An adequate budget for the Climate, Energy and Mobility Cluster will help to ensure that the target is reached.

The industries we serve consider European R&D funding vital important to their success and will use Horizon Europe’s resources to create jobs and growth for a healthier planet.