Brussels Roundtable Underscores Importance of Widening Countries in Future FP10

On 26 June 2025, Science|Business, in partnership with INESC Brussels HUB, hosted a high-level roundtable focused on the future of the Widening instrument in the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10). The event, held in Brussels in a hybrid format, brought together policymakers, researchers, and institutional leaders from across Europe to explore ways to move beyond participation and towards empowerment for Widening countries. 

The closed-door discussions reflected growing recognition that supporting research and innovation ecosystems in Widening countries is not only a matter of balanced resource allocation, but also a strategic necessity for Europe’s long-term resilience, competitiveness, and inclusive green and digital transitions. 

As the EU prepares its new research and innovation (R&I) agenda and Multiannual Financial Framework, the role of Widening is evolving in light of broader policy objectives, including defence, enlargement, and single market reform. Roundtable participants discussed the effectiveness of current tools under Horizon Europe and highlighted the need for better-targeted, long-term capacity-building measures in FP10. 

While further decisions are still ahead, one message stood out clearly: empowering Widening countries is essential to achieving the EU’s research and innovation ambitions.