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Opinion Paper of Charles University on the Future Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034)

Submitted in response to the European Commission’s public consultation

April 2025

Charles University, the leading institution in Central and Eastern Europe, the largest university in the Czech Republic welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the European Commission’s consultation on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. As a research-intensive university actively engaged in EU-funded research, innovation, and education programmes - including Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and the 4EU+ European University Alliance - we strongly support a strategic, forward-looking, and future-proof approach to the design of the next MFF.

We are, however, deeply concerned about emerging tendencies to reduce the role of fundamental and collaborative research in future funding priorities. Discussions around a potential shift toward a consolidated European Competitiveness Fund, and the absence of clear reference to FP10 as a standalone Framework Programme for research, signal a risk that Europe’s long-standing commitment to scientific excellence and academic freedom may be undermined in favour of short-term, purely market-driven priorities.

Let us state this clearly: research is the foundation of innovation, and Europe’s long-term competitiveness cannot be reduced to economic metrics alone. A robust, independent, and well-resourced research ecosystem is essential, not only for technological innovation and industrial competitiveness, but also for strengthening societal resilience, supporting democratic institutions, and enhancing national security. Scientific excellence, talent development, and open collaboration are strategic assets of the European Union, and they require dedicated, protected, and adequately funded instruments. Especially now, the knowledge we gain must not be lost. In some parts of the world, the data foundation is being erased or actively suppressed, and efforts to promote it are restricted. Europe must stand firm in safeguarding its scientific base and the free circulation of knowledge.

We therefore strongly advocate for the preservation of a stand-alone Framework Programme for research and innovation (FP10). Such a programme must remain clearly distinct from industrial, policy-based, or defence-related investment instruments, and must continue to serve the scientific community through transparent, excellence-based, and curiosity-driven funding.

Importantly, the legal basis for a stand-alone Framework Programme is enshrined in Article 182 of the EU Treaties. While Article 182 appears to guarantee the Framework Programme’s autonomy, recent discussions have raised concerns that the European Commission may be exploring legal workarounds to integrate FP10 into the new Competitiveness Fund. However, as stated in February by Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation, “the Commission will not ignore the treaty.” We call for this commitment to be upheld.

The core components of FP10 - such as the European Research Council (ERC), the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), and collaborative research under Pillar II - have demonstrated clear value and earned global recognition. These instruments must retain their operational autonomy, specific objectives, and trust-based funding mechanisms.

From the perspective of Charles University, a widening country institution, FP10 is not only a source of scientific ambition, but also a vehicle for balanced participation across Europe. Despite progress made through Widening actions, structural disparities remain. To close this gap and fully utilize the scientific potential of the member states, we urge the European Commission to mainstream inclusiveness across all research calls, by embedding financial incentives for meaningful involvement of partners from underrepresented regions, addressing salary and cost disparities through flexible budgeting rules, and extending institutional capacity-building schemes beyond current Twinning and Teaming instruments.

Moreover, we encourage the MFF to recognize the importance of long-term investment in people, institutions, and knowledge ecosystems. Europe’s competitiveness must rest on its capacity to cultivate talent and retain researchers. This calls for mobility schemes that can adapt to regional constraints, postdoctoral programmes that ensure career stability, and targeted investments in research support infrastructure, lifelong learning and digital transformation.

In the education sector, Erasmus+ must continue to grow as a strategic instrument of European integration. Charles University sees the Erasmus+ programme not only as a driver of student and staff mobility but also as a lever for institutional modernization, internationalization and diversity as well as an instrument towards building the European identity. Charles University advocates for stronger links between education, research, and innovation at the European level - for instance, by connecting the successor to Erasmus+ with the next Framework Programme. The introduction of short-term mobilities and Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) has been very positively received at our institution. We recommend maintaining and further improving these formats, simplifying administrative processes, and providing additional support for students with fewer opportunities. Increased funding for mobility support services such as accommodation, language preparation, and academic guidance is essential to ensure equity of access and the quality of the student experience.

Furthermore, we call for a holistic and integrated approach to the financing of European University Alliances. These alliances, including the 4EU+ of which Charles University is a founding member, are not only instruments of mobility, but strategic frameworks for long-term cooperation across education, research, and innovation. A coherent funding model that bridges Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and structural support is essential to sustain their transformative potential, ensure institutional engagement, and deliver on their cross-sectoral missions. Fragmented or project-based support alone is insufficient to realise the ambitions of the European Universities Initiative.

While the proposed European Competitiveness Fund seeks to streamline the funding architecture, we caution against excessive consolidation. Over-integration of successful programmes like the ERC and MSCA into a single umbrella risk losing the clarity, flexibility, and scientific autonomy that are essential for their continued success. A “one-size-fits-all” approach cannot do justice to the diverse missions of fundamental research, applied innovation, and policy implementation. The EU must instead prioritize coherence, complementarity, and procedural simplification, not administrative fusion at the expense of purpose and effectiveness.

Furthermore, the next MFF should allocate a dedicated share of funding to institutional sustainability and systemic resilience. Beyond project-based grants, the EU should support universities in developing long-term strategies for talent management, financial diversification, open science adoption, sustainable development, and digital transition. These structural investments are critical for maintaining Europe’s research capacity in the face of global competition, economic volatility, societal disruption, and environmental challenges.

In conclusion, Charles University strongly supports an MFF that reaffirms the EU’s strategic commitment to research, education, and innovation. We call on the European Commission to uphold the legacy and vision of the Framework Programme as a pillar of Europe’s knowledge-based society. Growth and competitiveness must not be interpreted in narrow economic terms. A truly competitive Europe is one that invests in excellence, promotes diversity, ensures balanced access, and empowers its universities to lead the way toward a sustainable future.

Moreover, it is essential that the MFF be implemented through cooperation - supported by transparent communication from the European Commission regarding next steps, and by the active engagement of stakeholders, particularly universities and university alliances, as emphasized in recent reports by Enrico Letta, Mario Draghi, and Manuel Heitor.

We also support an approach that ensures the voices of beneficiaries are equally reflected in the decision-making process. We stand ready to continue our active engagement in shaping Europe’s future and thank the Commission for providing the opportunity to contribute to this critical reflection.

Milena Králíčková

Rector of Charles University