On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposal for the 2028-2034 period, amounting to nearly €2 trillion. The Horizon Europe Programme, which is linked to the European Competitiveness Fund within the MFF, has €175 billion earmarked for it. As such, Horizon Europe 2028-2034 has been introduced as being “twice bigger, simpler, faster and more impactful” than FP9, its predecessor.
“You spoke, we listened. As one of Europe’s strongest brands, Horizon Europe will place research and innovation at the heart of the EU economy and investment strategy…” Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation.
The approach advocated in ERTICO-ITS Europe’s perspectives paper on FP10 (Horizon Europe), published in February, resonates to some extent in the Commission's communication supporting the release of the new MFF. We had called for a substantial increase in research and innovation funding, simplification of processes, promotion of public-private partnerships, and overall collaboration and equity across regions and Member States.
ERTICO’s key recommendations on FP10
- Protecting budget allocation: ensure that FP10 receives at least 1.5% of the EU’s GDP to support robust research and innovation activities.
- Simplifying access and execution: reduce bureaucratic hurdles to attract more participants and streamline processes.
- Promoting public-private partnerships: leverage private funding to amplify public investment and foster collaboration.
- Enhancing collaboration: strengthen synergies between FP10, national R&I programs, and local deployment initiatives.
- Focusing on equity: prioritise inclusivity, ensuring all Member States and regions benefit from FP10 investments.
Speaking before the European Parliament’s TRAN Committee, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, remarked: “I am particularly pleased that this package includes a strong proposal for a Connecting Europe Facility 3, with a transport budget of €51.5 billion - two times bigger than the budget we had in [the current] MFF... So I believe all of us, and of course the transport community, can be satisfied.”
Reflecting on the MFF - described by the Commission as bigger in scale, smarter in design and sharper in priorities - Commissioner Tzitzikostas added: “I am also particularly pleased that this envelope includes 17.65 billion euros for military mobility. This is a big leap forward. A tenfold increase compared to the current MFF. And it is truly needed, because military mobility has become integral to keeping Europe secure.”
While we appreciate the inclusion of automated transport and mobility in the list of 11 “Moonshot projects” (focusing on demonstration and real-world deployment), we also note the more horizontal focus on digitalisation and we strongly plead for a dedicated agenda on intelligent transport in the research domain focus areas. This segment is a vital part in the current Framework Programme 9 and should receive continued attention.
At ERTICO’s recent Annual Partnership Forum on 10 June 2025, the discussion on the strategic priorities of ITS centred on deployment and transport infrastructure, with a sharper focus on safety, security, defence (including military-civil links), physical and digital resilience, mobility access and equity, user needs, and skills development. Our Partnership stands ready to assume responsibility in achieving the MFF’s transport and mobility targets.
In the coming period, ERTICO will continue to monitor the details of the MFF as the budget allocations are finalised and priorities - including those related to Horizon Europe - are set. We will ensure that our Partnership’s voice continues to be heard.
Read more about ERTICO's perspective on dedicated EU funding for Research & Innovation.
About ERTICO – ITS Europe
Founded in 1991, ERTICO is a European public-private partnership organisation, pioneered by the European Commission. With 120 members, connecting eight sectors across the ITS community, ERTICO embodies thought leadership and stakeholder engagement by facilitating, contributing, and promoting innovation through European co-funded partnership projects, innovation platforms, mobility data spaces, and international cooperation advocacy. ERTICO organises the ITS European Congresses and the ITS World Congress in Europe every three-year cycle, attracting thousands of attendees from around the world.
Learn more about the ERTICO Partnership: Download the Brochure