FORWIT calls for strong commitment to R&I in Austria following EU decision

FORWIT welcomes the fact that the Member States have obviously recognised the seriousness of the situation and are following the recommendations of the Draghi and Letta reports by clearly rejecting further cuts to the Horizon Europe budget. While the European Council for Finance and Economy planned cuts of more than €400 million to the Framework Programme for 2025, the European Parliament successfully convinced the Member States not to agree to this proposal. After €2.1 billion of the 2021-2027 Horizon Europe budget was recently cancelled and allocated to other purposes, the rejection of a further reduction is a landmark signal for the governments of the EU member states.

FORWIT calls on the negotiating parties to follow the European example

We call on the negotiating parties to follow the example at European level and stand up for Austria as a strong centre of research and innovation.
Helga Nowotny

This signal must now also be seen in the coalition negotiations that have begun, says Council member Helga Nowotny. ‘We call on the negotiating parties to follow the example set at European level and to stand up for a strong research and innovation centre in the interests of Austria’s future prosperity and global competitiveness,’ Nowotny appeals. This also means distinguishing between expenditure and investment in view of the expected austerity measures.

After all, promoting research and innovation is an investment in the future – every euro invested demonstrably creates up to six euros in added value. Against the background of their dwindling competitiveness and global relevance – particularly in view of the ever-increasing need to catch up with the USA and China – Austria and Europe cannot afford to make savings in the very areas that hold the key to their future.