Europe cannot fund research just to get a return on investment, policy analysts and university groups tell Commission

MEPs vote for a long-term EU budget focused on competitiveness and defence, with an independent research Framework Programme

Beyond the positive outlook, the midterm analysis highlights the main shortcoming of the research programme: insufficient funding

Budget committee says the proposed Competitiveness Fund is “not fit for purpose” and demands a dedicated innovation funding for researchers

As uncertainty mounts over the structure of the next EU research programme, Zaharieva says the final plan will come out in July

As the struggle intensifies over the future of the Framework Programme, polls suggest EU research isn’t seen as a strength

But longer term support for research into societal divisions is still lacking, experts say

Coordinated statement adds to pressure for European Commission to reveal its plans for the next research Framework Programme