EU 2028-2034 Budget: European Polar Board Calls for Strong Commitment to Polar Research in FP10
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This week marks a pivotal moment for the future of European research, as a new round of formal discussions began yesterday on Europe’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034). These talks will shape the EU’s priorities for years to come, including the next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, known as FP10. The European Commission has proposed a €175 billion budget for FP10, although the final amount remains subject to negotiation.
As the EU debates how best to allocate its research and innovation funding, the European Polar Board (EPB) is advocating for polar science to remain at the forefront of EU research priorities.
What Are the MFF and FP10?
The Multiannual Financial Framework is the EU’s long-term budget, which sets strategic spending priorities across seven-year periods. FP10, the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, will succeed Horizon Europe and define how EU research funds are used from 2028 to 2034.
The EU has long been a global leader in polar research. Previous Framework Programmes have supported critical work that informs actions from climate policy and maritime safety to sustainable development and scientific diplomacy. This includes monitoring permafrost thaw, tracking sea ice retreat, and developing early warning systems for vulnerable ecosystems.
From EPB’s perspective, a dedicated funding scheme for polar research within FP10 will further connect science, society, and policy. It will solidify Europe’s leadership in polar discovery, building a resilient, and sustainable future.
EPB’s Position: Polar Research Is Essential for Europe’s Strategic Future
The European Polar Board is urging for the EU not to lose momentum. In May 2025, EPB launched an open call advocating for a sustainable polar funding model in FP10, enabling Europe to sustain its leadership and respond to urgent natural and societal challenges arising from and in polar regions, whose impacts increasingly influence Europe’s climate, security, economy, and daily life.
In a formal letter sent on June 3 to EU decision makers, including MEPs, the European Commission, and national governments, EPB highlighted the stakes:
“Continued investments by the EU in Polar Research are not a luxury. These investments are strategic to develop foresight, independent, and world-class expertise, which is directly accessible to support informed decision-making.
The groundwork has been laid. The coordination mechanisms and partnerships are in place. The European Polar Research community stands ready to provide the answers Europe and the rest of the world need. With a clear and continued commitment, the EU can maintain its leadership, build on its achievements, and respond to the evolving challenges of a changing world, confidently, collaboratively, and with foresight.”
Why This Matters
Polar regions are more than remote expanses of ice and snow. They are sentinels of global change. Knowledge produced from EU-funded research has played a vital role in shaping the European Green Deal, Arctic Policy, and Horizon Europe Missions. Europe’s contributions to global polar science have also strengthened its position in international governance and diplomacy.
Without structured polar investment under FP10, Europe risks losing its scientific edge and weakening its capacity to address future environmental and geopolitical challenges. As the MFF negotiations continue, EPB and the broader research community are calling on the EU to ensure that polar science remains a cornerstone of Europe’s research ambitions.
Our open call remains active and has received over 900 signatures from across the research community in Europe and beyond. We encourage all supporters of polar research to add their voice. A strong, collective signal now can help shape FP10 to reflect Europe’s research ambitions in the years to come.