Austrian Research and Technology Report 2020

1. Current Trends
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1.3.2 The new Framework Programme
On 7 June 2018 the European Commission presented 
its proposal for Horizon Europe, the next Framework 
Programme for Research and Innovation (duration: 
2021–2027). This consisted of a Regulation for the 
establishment of Horizon Europe, including the rules 
for participation and the resolution on the specific 
programme to implement Horizon Europe. After 
Member States reached agreement in the Council of 
the European Union on 30 November 2018 about the 
content of the programme, and following a series of 
three-way discussions, which had been initiated in 
the second half of 2018 under the Austrian Presiden-
cy of the Council, on 27 March 2019
67
the European 
Council and the European Parliament, communicat-
ing through the European Commission, agreed on a 
“Common Understanding” for Horizon Europe.
68
Fol-
lowing this political agreement, the Commission be-
gan the strategic planning process, to prepare the 
content of the work programme and requests for pro-
posal submissions for the first four years of Horizon 
Europe. 
67 The European Parliament officially endorsed the agreement on 17 April 2019. 
68 Information taken from the European Liaison Office of the German Research Organisations (KoWi) factsheet, July 2019; 
https://
www.kowi.de/Portaldata/2/Resources/kowi/KoWi-Factsheet_-Common-_Understanding-HE.pdf
 
The basic understanding between the decision 
makers relates to structures and content of the fu-
ture EU Research Framework Programme, but at this 
stage without consideration of the financial provi-
sions, since the budget for Horizon Europe is depen-
dent on the provisions and programme of the next 
EU multi-annual financial framework. 
Fig. 1-34 provides an overview of the configuration 
and structure of the pillars and programme areas of 
Horizon Europe.
In autumn 2018 individual Mission areas were laid 
out at a political level. These are:
1. adapting to climate change, including through 
societal transformation;
2. cancer research;
3. healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters;
4. climate-neutral and smart cities;
5. soil health and food.
Five fully specified Missions are to be subsequently 
developed, based on these mission areas. For every 
mission area a high-level independent committee of