The European Commission (EC) has presented a proposal for regulating the next European Union (EU) research and innovation programme, “Horizon Europe”, for the period 2028–2034. Everyone interested is invited to submit their comments and proposals by September 8, 2025, thereby contributing to the development of Latvia’s position.
"High ambitions for collaboration-based research (Pillar II), a strong Widening Participation instrument, and reducing the administrative burden currently stand out as the main priorities for Latvia in the next period. In preparing Latvia’s national position, we wish to hear the sector’s opinions, thereby gaining deeper insights into various aspects of the programme that cannot be obtained from project statistics alone," said Aleksandrs M. Blūms, Counsellor for Research and Space Affairs at the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the EU.
The draft regulation, published by the EC on 16 July, is available online.
To submit proposals, the Ministry of Education and Science invites you to add them using the commenting function in the document or free form, and send them by 8 September to: aleksandrs-martins.blums@izm.gov.lv.
The proposal published by the European Commission envisages an ambitious “Horizon Europe” budget of EUR 175 billion for 2028–2034. The programme aims to strengthen the EU’s scientific and technological base, including by developing solutions for the green and digital transitions, helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and promoting competitiveness and growth by supporting research and innovation. The programme is based on four pillars:
- Excellence in Science;
- Competitiveness and Society;
- Innovation;
- The European Research Area.
In addition to the opportunity to provide written proposals, on 26 September, the Ministry of Education and Science invites all interested parties to a seminar on the “Horizon Europe 2028–2034” programme. The event will include discussions on Latvia’s priorities and opportunities to jointly shape a strong and well-considered position for participation in the programme.
The in-person seminar will be organised within the framework of the Ministry of Education and Science project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001 "More Effective and Smarter Implementation and Management of Latvia’s Science Policy."
