Minister Lawless engages with EU R&I Ministers on a bold new vision for research and innovation
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 17 July 2025
- Last updated on: 17 July 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD attended the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers for Research & Innovation in Copenhagen on 16–17 July. Discussion centred on the European Commission’s landmark proposals for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, including the expansion of Horizon Europe and introduction of a powerful new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF).
Minister Lawless described the proposed framework - that doubles the proposed budget for Horizon Europe to €175 billion - as,
“reaffirming the role of FP10 (the next framework) as foundational to European competitiveness and solutions-driven research from AI diagnostics and satellite-enabled farming to clean and smart mobility”.
The Minister continued:
“It is very positive that the European Commission has proposed a standalone Framework Programme built on excellence, collaborative research and innovation. The level of ambition is very welcome and underlines Europe’s shared commitment to enhancing competitiveness, prosperity, security and in bridging the gap between research and real-world innovation.
“Horizon Europe is proving to be a major driver of economic and societal benefits. According to research on the current programme, for every euro invested, the programme is expected to generate up to six euros in benefits for EU citizens by 2045. In terms of economic growth, every euro contributed is estimated to generate up to €11 in GDP gains by 2045. This is real impact and delivery for Europe and its people.”
Minister Lawless also held preliminary exchanges with Commissioner Zaharieva and his EU counterparts on aligning Horizon Europe and the ECF within the MFF.
“Ireland, like other Member States, will now consider and develop the national position on these proposals. We are well positioned to support the development of both Horizon Europe and the Competitiveness Fund during our Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. With strong economic impact to date from Horizon Europe, a doubling of the budget, and Europe's renewal as a global innovator, these initiatives mark a vital chapter in the bloc's economic and scientific resurgence”
Minister Lawless concluded.
NOTES
Photo caption: Minister Lawless with the Danish Minister of Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, at the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers for Research & Innovation in Copenhagen today.
