01 Jun 2026
Nordic rectors' conference publish joint position paper on FP10 and ECF
The Rectors’ Conferences of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden have recently published a joint position paper on 'Shaping FP10 and ECF: a nordic perspective'. Universities Denmark, the Council of Rectors of Finnish Universities, the Icelandic Rectors' Conference, Universities Norway and the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions, which together represent more than 100 higher education institutions across the Nordic region, are presenting their shared vision to contribute to the shaping of the Horizon Europe 2028-2034 (FP10), and its complementarity to the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF).
The joint paper stresses the support of universities and higher education institutions across the Nordic countries for promoting scientific excellence, open knowledge, and societal impact. The views presented in their joint paper are shaped by their national higher education systems, research strengths, innovation ecosystems, national contexts, as well as by "each Nordic nation’s unique spirit".
The Nordic Rectors’ Conferences express their appreciation for the ambition of the European institutions to strengthen the competitiveness of Europe and of the European Union, and for the focus and importance that has been given to education, research and innovation in this endeavour. In their joint paper, they highlight key aspects and support related to research and innovation in the next Framework Programme:
- A strong budget, supporting the proposed €220 billion for FP10 in the draft report from the European Parliament, as long-term funding and predictability are key to support groundbreaking research and innovation, to attract the most excellent and motivated researchers, and to support European competitiveness;
- A strong emphasis on research excellence in the objectives of FP10;
- An independent European Research Council (ERC);
- Avoiding any directionality in ERC and in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA);
- A Framework Programme open to the world: “As open as possible, and as restricted as necessary”.
- Support to simplifications which have the end users in mind, i.e., the recipients of research and innovation funding;
- Support to the implementation of the European Research Area (ERA), and especially the goal of 3% national investment in the Member States and EEA, in research and development;
- Additionally, adding a national goal of public investment in research and development to 1.25% of GDP would further support the 3%-goal.