European Union
July 30, 2025
Euroseeds welcomes the proposed simplification measures in Horizon Europe 2028–2034, especially the move to lump sum funding, which is expected to reduce administrative burden and increase participation by smaller actors. Euroseeds remains committed to supporting the development of future R&I programmes and engaging with EU institutions to ensure the needs of the plant breeding and seed sector are addressed.
Euroseeds press release
Euroseeds welcomes the European Commission’s Horizon Europe 2028–2034 proposal and calls for stronger support for plant breeding innovation
Euroseeds welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s proposal for Horizon Europe 2028–2034-. We commend the programme’s emphasis on biotechnology, agriculture, and bioeconomy, alongside its commitment to simplification, broader stakeholder participation, and the strengthening of Partnerships.
As the EU sets its strategic direction for research and innovation, it is essential that plant breeding is recognised as a key enabler of sustainable agriculture, food security, and resilience across Europe.
The proposed €175 billion Horizon Europe budget, together with its integration into the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), aims to simplify funding access and accelerate innovation. Euroseeds acknowledges the inclusion of biotechnology, agriculture, and bioeconomy under Pillar II ‘Competitiveness and Society’. However, we note with concern that the current structure does not explicitly earmark funding for plant breeding research, a sector essential to achieving the EU’s goals for sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and strategic autonomy**. Uncertainty also remains around how Horizon Europe and the ECF will be coordinated in practice.
Euroseeds supports Horizon Europe’s aim to streamline Partnerships, recognising their vital role in turning research into innovation across the agri-food sector. However, the current framework lacks clarity on their structure, funding, and simplification. Clear mechanisms and sustained support will be key to ensuring their success and long-term impact.
Euroseeds calls for dedicated support for plant breeding research and innovation across the full agri-food value chain. We urge the European Institutions to ensure that Horizon Europe and the ECF include targeted mechanisms for applied plant breeding research3, including the establishment of strategic Partnerships.
Euroseeds appreciates the proposed simplification measures aimed at reducing administrative burden and broadening participation. Particularly, Euroseeds welcomes the Commission’s intention to make lump sum funding the default form of Union contribution, as outlined in the proposed regulation establishing Horizon Europe 2028-2034. These measures are expected to foster wider engagement, especially from newcomers and smaller entities, while ensuring sound financial management and control. Euroseeds remains committed to contributing constructively to the development of the Horizon Europe Work Programmes and FP10, and looks forward to continued dialogue with the European Commission and European Bodies to ensure that the future R&I framework fully reflects the needs and potential of the European plant breeding and seed sector.
* European Commission (2025) Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2028-2034
** HFFA Research GmbH (2021) The socio-economic and environmental values of plant breeding in the EU and for selected EU
members states
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