Why Horizon Europe?

On 2 May 2018, the European Commission announced the proposed budget of EUR 100 billion and the name of the next EU Research & Innovation Framework Programme for 2021-2027: Horizon Europe. But why the name? European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, explained the rationale behind the new name in a recent blog.

Names are important and the name of the next Research and Innovation Framework Programme, provisionally titled FP9, will be Horizon Europe. Carlos Moedas explains the thinking behind the new brand:

“Horizon, because our brand means excellence. Over the past few years, the name "Horizon 2020" has sent a clear message across the globe: excellence. We have built a global reputation as a world leader in research and innovation programming, and it is for this reason that we believe the successor to Horizon 2020 should capitalise on this strong brand name. With Horizon Europe, we are enacting an evolution not a revolution. Building on the success of the past is putting our best foot forward for the future."

"Europe, because we are proud of our collective strength. In Europe, as we face a period of poly-crises – economic, political and social – EU added value is important, now more than ever. Individually as Member States we are strong, but together as 27 our research and innovation potential is untold. The name "Horizon Europe" also speaks to our pride, because our Union is something we should be infinitely proud of. Too often we focus on the negative at a time when we should be celebrating our achievements. But with this new name we usher in an era of shouting about the EU as a success story.”

Above all, by bestowing the name Horizon Europe on the next framework programme, we are bridging the past and the future of research and innovation in Europe.

Next steps
What are the next steps? The Commission is due to publish an official proposal for Horizon Europe, containing a full budget breakdown, on June 7. When this proposal has been adopted by the Commission, several months of tough negotiations with the Council and the European Parliament will commence before the adoption and launch of Horizon Europe on 1 January 2021.

SusChem will continue to contribute positively to the Horizon Europe process and discussion that has been a very collaborative and co-creative exercise so far.

That discussion will continue at the SusChem 2018 Stakeholder event on 20 June. Register now to make your voice heard!