site.btaAccessibility and Attractiveness Remain Priorities of Horizon Europe Research Programme, Says Education Minister

The main priorities of the next European research and innovation funding programme, Horizon Europe, remain accessibility and attractiveness for all research communities across the European Union, said Bulgaria's caretaker Education and Science Minister Sergei Ignatov. He was speaking Friday at a Competitiveness Council meeting in Brussels, the Ministry’s press centre reported.  

The meeting discussed critical issues related to progress in the negotiations on Horizon Europe (2028–2034). Ignatov called for simplifying procedures and avoiding administrative burden for applicants and beneficiaries under the programme. He underscored the need for an inclusive approach, including in the governance of the European Research Council and the European Innovation Council.

Ignatov also called for reform of the country correction coefficients under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions and for launching negotiations on the measures under Widening Participation.

The ministers approved a general approach on the proposal concerning the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, extending it until the end of 2034 with an annual budget of EUR 120 million, of which around 27% is allocated to coal research and nearly 73% to steel research.

Ignatov also took part in an informal debate organized by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, where ministers discussed international cooperation under Horizon Europe in the current geopolitical context.

During a brief meeting with Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, Ignatov reiterated the need for an inclusive approach and further simplification within Horizon Europe.

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. Following the Multiannual Financial Framework Midterm Review decision, the indicative funding amount for Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2027 was EUR 93.5 billion.