About: Horizon 2020

Frontier researchers to benefit from new Horizon 2020, despite looming budget cuts

As member states are locked into negotiations over the next EU budget, research has become an easy target for cuts. Meanwhile, EU-funded scientists urge that frontier research is becoming more important than ever with new challenges ahead.

New scientific research offers hope for overcoming olive tree killer

A number of promising results from innovative EU funded research presented at the recent scientific conference suggest that we might be one step closer to beating the olive trees killer Xylella fastidiosa.

To target or not to target? That is the EU’s research and innovation question

There is a lot of money available to fund research and innovation in the EU, but it's not reaching the right people at the right time. Policymakers are debating whether more focused funding would make the situation better, or worse.

Bioeconomy, a smarter way of using agricultural resources

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Giving biological resources such as residues and waste a second life means also making money out of the closing of the production circle. Bioeconomy promotes a smarter way of using and also conceiving these resources.

A new Horizon for Europe’s Media, Cultural and Creative industries

Media and the Cultural and Creative Industries are underrepresented in policies and actions aimed at promoting research and innovation in the EU. Luciano Morganti and Heritiana Ranaivoson present their reflections and recommendations for the future of these sectors.

Reclaiming EU research and innovation as a public good

EU-funded research and innovation has enormous potential to deliver a sustainable and equitable future, yet we have fundamentally distorted its purpose, prioritising innovation for commercialisation over innovation for society’s needs.

Boosting farm innovation fast through cooperation

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The European innovations partnerships in agriculture (EIP-AGRI) build bridges between science and practice by connecting farmers, researchers, advisors businesses, and environmental groups.

Paris draws inspiration from Yerevan to give teenagers digital education

With the support of European funding, Paris has started a school for digital creation called “Tumo”. This concept, which comes from Armenia, allows young people aged between 12 and 18 to learn about digital creation in an autonomous manner. EURACTIV France reports.  

France, Germany push EU funding for tech start-ups

France and Germany are pushing for an EU-wide initiative to fund innovation and research in tech start-up projects across the bloc so that Europe can compete more effectively against the likes of China and the United States.

Commission proposes 3% EU budget hike for 2019

With negotiations on the next long-term financial framework around the corner, the European Commission presented on Wednesday (23 May) its draft proposal for the 2019 EU budget with a 3% increase compared to 2018, a proposal backed by Parliament.

Clean energy innovation: How Europe can make a real difference

Public-private partnerships are vital to achieving the leap forward, deploying new clean technologies at scale and fast, writes Maroš Šefčovič.

Macron eyes AI at European level

Emmanuel Macron unveiled the French strategy for artificial intelligence, stressing the need for Europe to get on board.

Erasmus+ becomes increasingly popular in France

The number of beneficiaries of the Erasmus+ programme in France increased in 2017, thanks to a greater budget for the European exchange programme.

The battle for Cohesion policy: Preventing further Balkanisation of Europe

Cohesion policy is the glue of the European Union, however with Brexit and the decisions on the post 2020 budget , some changes may be made. Lambert van Nistelrooij breaks down the three main options the Commission has put forward in regards to cohesion policy.

More space for more Europe

2018 will be a crucial year to shape a stimulating new narrative for EU space policy. Jean-Loic Galle lists a couple of key points ahead of the 10th EU space policy conference taking place in Brussels on 23 and 24 January.

Europe needs more money for research, here’s where to get it

The lack of funding needed to achieve Europe's widely advertised ambitions for global excellence in research and innovation should be addressed in discussing Horizon 2020’s successor. Understanding the challenge and where the money could realistically come from is key, writes Thomas Estermann.

British Council boss: Brexit won’t change the way we help the world

The British Council will continue to do the work it has always done, despite Brexit, and its priorities in areas like Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East remain as important as ever, said the organisation’s CEO in a wide-ranging interview.

Mission possible: Vision 2030!

EU needs more, better and smarter money to convert research and innovation into engines for growth and jobs, writes Nils Røkke.  European researchers stand ready to foster competitiveness, creating new and disruptive industries. But only if we work together. Here is how.

Beyond Horizon 2020: Europe’s winning streak of innovation and research ambition

Despite the programme’s shortcomings, Horizon 2020 is one of the greatest things that ever happened to EU research and innovation. But it’s time to rethink the respective financing through the EU budget, writes Andrey Novakov.

Cohesion funds can stop Europe from moving at different speeds

Cross-border and inter-regional cooperation in cohesion and research & development spending is still limited, but very much needed to prevent a multi-speed Europe writes Lambert van Nistelrooij. To unlock Europe's growth opportunities, the MEP calls for smart regional specialisation and an Innovation Pact 2.0.

UK employers want access to EU research and development funds after Brexit

Britain must seek to protect research funding for its universities when it leaves the European Union or risk losing its leading role in innovation, one of the country's main employer groups said on Wednesday (6 September).