HRK President comments on EU financial framework until 2027: right direction, however vested rights still too protected

3. May 2018

This week, the European Commission presented its proposal for the EU financial framework for the years between 2021 to 2027. It envisages providing the next EU research and innovation funding programme "Horizon Europe" with 100 billion euros and doubling the mobility programme Erasmus+, which is highly regarded throughout Europe, to a volume of 30 billion euros.

The President of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), Professor Dr Horst Hippler, stated his views on this today in Berlin:

"By doing this, the European Commission is strengthening the areas of research, education and student mobility. These are very welcome investments in the future of Europe.

However, the European Parliament and the European Council of Heads of State and Government should definitely make adjustments on this basis and initiate a real paradigm shift: Europe needs to focus a lot more on shaping the future and a lot less on preserving vested rights.
Despite the shifts, only one-tenth of the EU budget goes towards these important future oriented areas, while agriculture continues to receive one-third of the budget.

The budget currently being negotiated is crucial for stepping up the inevitable structural change of the European economy. Other world regions are investing a lot more consistently in knowledge and new technologies. That is why funding for education, research and innovation should be increased in the forthcoming negotiations between governments and the European Parliament.

Together with the presidents of the French and Polish Rectors’ Conferences, I have pleaded for the funding for research and innovation to be doubled and for education and mobility funding to be tripled. This request is not overly ambitious. It represents the necessary setting of priorities in light of the challenges and foreseeable crises facing Europe."