News

Joint statement concerning Marie Curie Actions in Horizon 2020

12 December 2011

Eurodoc and the Marie Curie Fellows Associations have jointly issued a response to the ‘Horizon 2020’ framework. We warmly welcome the European Commission’s affirmation that ‘Excellent Science’ should be given high priority in the EU’s research and innovation funding for 2014-2020. At the same time, we are very concerned that the Marie Curie Actions (MCA) does not reflect the EU’s aspiration. We note that there has been a significant decrease in the overall share of MCA budget in the Horizon 2020 framework ~7% in comparison to its actual allocation in FP7 ~9%. Such a significant decrease in funding will create an unfavourable situation, especially for southern as well as new member states.
We urge member states and the members of the European Parliament to ensure that the overall ‘Excellent Science’ budget will be increased, but particularly the Marie Curie Actions. Creative solutions should be sought, such as creating a mechanism to make extra money available when the broader economic situation improves. You can download the press release here.