Madrid, 9 April 2025. The Spanish Rectors’ Conference (CRUE) expresses its support for two initiatives aimed at reinforcing Europe’s leadership in research, innovation and higher education, with the overarching goal of consolidating a more competitive and resilient Europe in the face of global challenges.
On one hand, CRUE has endorsed the joint statement «A stronger Europe through research & innovation», backed by European institutions such as EUA, EARTO, ERT, LERU, CESAER, Science Europe and The Guild. The declaration highlights the need for a robust European Framework Programme for research, development and innovation, ensuring a seamless continuum from fundamental research to applied innovation. It also calls for a significant increase in the budget allocated to these areas, framing them as a strategic investment in Europe’s future rather than a cost.
The statement further emphasises the importance of simplifying funding mechanisms to facilitate access to EU research programmes, making them more efficient and impactful for universities, researchers and innovation stakeholders.
Commitment to research and education in the Global Gateway strategy
CRUE also supports the declaration «Invest in research, innovation and higher education to fully realise the potential of Europe’s Global Gateway» by The Guild, which aims to enhance the role of research, innovation and higher education within the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, particularly in relation to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The statement urges the EU to prioritise investment in R&I and education, stressing the need to integrate research across all Global Gateway priorities. Among its recommendations, it calls for the creation of a dedicated advisory group and the establishment of fair funding provisions in the programme that will succeed Horizon Europe (FP10).
For more information on these initiatives, you may access the full statements: «A Stronger Europe Through Research & Innovation» and «Invest in research, innovation and higher education to fully realise the potential of Europe’s Global Gateway».
