At the European Committee of the Regions plenary session, local and regional leaders debated the future of Horizon Europe and the design of the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, stressing the need for a more competitive, innovation-driven and territorially balanced European Union. Speakers highlighted the crucial role of cities and regions in turning research excellence into economic growth, industrial leadership and resilience across Europe.
Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon and EPP-CoR Vice-President, underlined that Europe’s challenge is no longer generating scientific excellence, but ensuring that innovation reaches citizens, businesses and local economies. “Horizon Europe is one of the best science and innovation programmes in the world, built on Europe’s strength in fundamental research,” he said. He stressed that “cities are the laboratories where new ideas become practical solutions, where companies scale up, and where jobs are created,” warning that future programmes must remain closely connected to Europe’s regions and urban centres if they are to deliver real impact.
Bridget Anne Afor, Councillor of Ronneby, Sweden, and Young Elected Politician (YEP) within the EPP-CoR, called for a more ambitious and transformative approach to the next Framework Programme. She argued that Europe is facing a defining moment in global competition and cannot afford incremental change. “This is not just another policy debate. It is a test of whether Europe intends to shape the future, or import it,” she said. Afor emphasised that research and innovation are directly linked to Europe’s economic security, sovereignty and geopolitical standing. She also called for simpler funding procedures, stronger support for disruptive innovators and greater investment in Regional Innovation Valleys to ensure talent can thrive across all territories, not only in major capitals.
Jesús Ángel Garrido Martínez, Director General for Funds and Relations with the European Union of the Government of La Rioja, highlighted the tangible impact that EU research and innovation funding can have at regional level. “Innovation and research are not abstract concepts for our regions — they are concrete tools for development, competitiveness and resilience,” he stated. He pointed to Horizon Europe as an example of how targeted European support can unlock transformation on the ground when local expertise and specialised regional actors are properly connected to EU investment.
Markku Markkula, vice-president of the CoR said that cities and regions are not only implementing European priorities but alo creating the solutions Europe needs. "From climate neutrality and clean energy to circular economy and industrial decarbonisation, local and regional authorities working together with industry are at the heart of Europe’s transformation. That is why FP10, simplification and strong support for innovation ecosystems are so essential for Europe’s future."
The debate reinforced the EPP-CoR’s position that the future 10th Framework Programme must strengthen Europe’s capacity to innovate, scale up strategic technologies and ensure that all regions can contribute to — and benefit from — Europe’s innovation leadership.