Time and place: 9. Sep. 2026 13:00–16:30 (GMT+1), University Foundation, Rue d’Egmont 11, Brussels
Europe is facing multiple crises at once, with competing priorities. It is urgent that the Council, Commission, and European Parliament reach an agreement on the EU budget 2028-2034, to deploy the instruments that will address these crises. Investment in research and innovation must now be recognised as a strategic priority capable of steering Europe through today’s challenges and preparing it for those ahead.
YERUN, together with six other European research organisations, invites you to a discussion on the investments Europe must prioritise to deliver on its ambitions. The event will highlight the essential role of R&I, featuring high-level EU policymakers and key stakeholders.
The discussion will explore what the next Horizon Europe framework programme (FP10) must deliver for Europe’s future and why, in times of crisis, underfunding FP10 is not an option.
Taking place just after the summer break, this event offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the importance of a strong and ambitious R&I budget in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), as FP10 negotiations enter a decisive phase.
This is an in-person event only and places are limited, so please secure your spot as soon as possible. You will receive a confirmation closer to the event.
List of organisers:
- CESAER
- Coimbra Group
- EUA
- EU-LIFE
- The Guild
- LERU
- YERUN
.
Programme and speakers
| 12:45 – 13:15 | Registration |
| 13:15 – 13:30 | Welcome by the master of ceremonies, Charlotte Van Velthoven-Geerdink/Charly Speaks, and the organising networks |
| 13:30 – 14:00 | Setting the scene by Fredrik Erixon, Director of the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE) followed by a Q&A |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | First session: What FP10 must deliver for Europe’s future Keynote speech by: – Rianne Letschert, Minister of Education, Culture and Science, The Netherlands – Eszter Lakos, European Parliament’s shadow rapporteur on FP10 Specific Programme High-level conversation moderated by Ludovic Thilly, Vice-Rector, University of Poitiers and Chair of the Executive Board, Coimbra Group, with: – Linda Doyle, Provost, Trinity College Dublin and Chair of LERU – Gregor Majdič, Rector, University of Ljubljana and EUA Board Member |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | Second session: Why Europe cannot afford to underfund FP10 in times of crisis Keynote speech by: – Siegfried Mureşan, European Parliament’s co-rapporteur on the MFF – Stephanie Wehner, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Professor in quantum information at Delft University of Technology, Director of the European Quantum Internet Alliance High-level conversation moderated moderated by Jan Palmowski, Secretary-General of The Guild, with: – Maria Leptin, ERC President – Christine Durinx, Managing Director, VIB and EU-LIFE Board Member – Adam Kola, Vice Rector for Research, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and Vice President of YERUN |
| 16:00 – 16:10 | Concluding remarks by Orla Feely, President, University College Dublin and President of CESAER |
| 16:10 – 17:30 | Networking reception |
