Open Letter – Safeguard Independent EU Research Programme
Open Letter
11th April 2025
Plants for the Future ETP has joined over 40 organisations from across Europe in signing an open letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for the protection of an independent and dedicated Framework Programme 10 (FP10) for Research and Innovation.
At a time when the EU faces increasing geopolitical and societal challenges, the letter underscores the critical need for a robust, stand-alone R&I programme that upholds the Union’s core values and supports strategic autonomy, food and energy security, global health, and the twin green and digital transitions.
As part of the signatories — which span academia, civil society, and industry —we express concern over proposals to subsume FP10 into a broader European Competitiveness Fund. Such a move would weaken the EU’s research capacity, reduce its ability to respond to crises, and risk alienating key actors in the innovation ecosystem.
In alignment with the European Parliament, Council, and broader research community, the letter calls on the Commission to preserve FP10’s independence in accordance with Article 182 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, ensuring its ability to deliver meaningful impact for society and the environment.
Plant ETP remains committed to ensuring that research drives sustainable solutions for food, feed, and biobased systems, and stands ready to engage in constructive dialogue on the future of EU R&I.
Read the full letter here.