Horizon Europe: How to build a Framework Programme & New Year Reception

2025 is set to be a key year for the research and innovation (R&I) sector, with the new European Commission set to begin the drafting process for its next multi-annual budget (MFF) and the successor to Horizon Europe.  The Commission’s first proposals are expected to see the light of day in mid-2025 – but for many, the process itself remains something of a “black box”: how is a new Framework Programme built in reality? Who is in the lead, who takes part in the discussions, and how are priorities set around budget, structure, purpose and objectives?  In the wider context, how might the Commission draw on the recommendations from the high-level reports published in 2024 by Letta, Draghi and the Heitor group – not to mention the myriad feedback from R&I stakeholders?  

On January 14, Science|Business will convene members of its Network for an in-depth set of discussions about the nuts, bolts and key milestones of Framework Programme development, and what to expect in the first half of the year.

FP Working Group’s indicative agenda – Reserved to members of the Science|Business Network:

15.30: Welcoming Remarks
15:35: Q&A with Massimiliano Esposito, Head of Unit ‘Common Strategic Planning & Programming Service’, DG RTD, European Commission
15:55: Open Q&A with participants
16:10: Q&A with Jakob Just Madsen, Head of the Danish EU Research Liaison Office (DANRO)
16:25: Open Q&A with participants
16:45: Concluding remarks

16:50 – 17:00: Transition break

Network Reception – Reserved to members of the Science|Business Network and invited guests:

17:00: Welcome drinks
17:15: Q&A with Andreas Schwarz, Head of Cabinet for Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, research and innovation
17:30 – 18:30: Networking reception