KNOWLEDGE
IS POWER

That is the lesson the 21st century will teach us.
It is a lesson that the European Union has been slow
to learn. For decades, we have seen the Commission and
member states stress innovation and research as pivotal
to the future of Europe.


They were right. In times of rapid technological change,
a small gap between countries can quickly become
unbridgeable.


The gap between us and China and the US can still be
bridged, but we cannot wait any longer. We are feeling
the terrible insecurity of dependence on others for
technology.


We could build a staircase to the 13th floor of the
Berlaymont, with all the reports written about the
importance of investing in knowledge. Enough with the
talking. Enough with the reports. The world will not wait
for us.

That is the lesson the 21st century will teach us.

It is a lesson that the European Union has been

slow to learn. For decades, we have seen the

Commission and member states stress innovation

and research as pivotal to the future of Europe.


They were right. In times of rapid technological change,
a small gap between countries can quickly become
unbridgeable.


The gap between us and China and the US can still be
bridged, but we cannot wait any longer. We are feeling
the terrible insecurity of dependence on others for
technology.


We could build a staircase to the 13th floor of the
Berlaymont, with all the reports written about the
importance of investing in knowledge. Enough with

the talking. Enough with the reports.

The world will not wait for us.

That is the lesson the 21st century will teach us.
It is a lesson that the European Union has

been slow to learn. For decades, we have seen

the Commission and member states stress

innovation and research as pivotal
to the future of Europe.


They were right. In times of rapid

technological change, a small gap between

countries can quickly become unbridgeable.


The gap between us and China and the US

can still be bridged, but we cannot wait any

longer. We are feeling the terrible insecurity

of dependence on others for technology.


We could build a staircase to the 13th floor

of the Berlaymont, with all the reports written

about the importance of investing in knowledge.

Enough with the talking. Enough with the

reports. The world will not wait for us.

It’s time to close the gap.

It’s time to put our money
where our brain is.

double investment in knowledge

in the next EU multiannual

financial framework

double investment in

knowledge in the next EU

multiannual financial

framework

WHERE WE
STAND

In 2023, EU spending on research and development rose
slightly to 2.22% of GDP — still well below the
3% target and far behind countries like Japan (3.41%),
the United States (3.59%), and front-runner
South Korea (4.85%).

We should aim even higher to stay competitive.

In 2023, EU spending on research and development
rose slightly to 2.22% of GDP — still well below the
3% target and far behind countries like Japan (3.41%),
the United States (3.59%), and front-runner
South Korea (4.85%).

We should aim even higher to stay competitive.

In 2023, EU spending on research and development

rose slightly to 2.22% of GDP — still well below the
3% target and far behind countries like Japan (3.41%),
the United States (3.59%), and front-runner
South Korea (4.85%).

We should aim even higher to stay competitive.

The European Commission has issued numerous
statements about the need to become world leader in
knowledge.

The European Commission has issued numerous
statements about the need to become world leader in
knowledge.

WHAT WE CAN
DELIVER

Investing in knowledge, research and innovation

brings enormous benefits. It helps us tackle

the most important challenges the EU is facing today.

And it makes us capable of leading again on the new

frontiers of technology in the 21st century.


We are not the only one who believes so.

The European Commission continuously highlights

knowledge as a priority.

Investing in knowledge, research and innovation

brings enormous benefits. It helps us tackle

the most important challenges the EU is facing today.

And it makes us capable of leading again on the new

frontiers of technology in the 21st century.


We are not the only one who believes so.

The European Commission continuously highlights

knowledge as a priority.

Investing in knowledge, research and innovation

brings enormous benefits. It helps us tackle

the most important challenges the EU is facing

today. And it makes us capable of leading again on

the new frontiers of technology in the 21st century.

Commission’s priorities

Commission’s priorities

Boost productivity: We need to do more with fewer
people. That means working smarter, powered
by knowledge.

Strategic autonomy: Knowledge strengthens our
economy and reduces reliance on autocratic
regimes. It’s also key for Europe’s security
and independence.

Green competitiveness: Investing in knowledge

helps decarbonize industry, lower energy costs, and
protect the environment — securing a clean and
competitive future.

Stronger society: Knowledge fuels critical thinking,
social cohesion, and supports our democratic rule
of law.

“We will put research and innovation, science and
technology at the heart of our economy.”

“We will put research and innovation, science and
technology at the heart of our economy.”

“We will put research and innovation,

science and technology at the heart of our

economy.”

Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission

“My goal is clear: to make Europe THE global leader in
free and open research.”

“My goal is clear: to make Europe THE global

leader in free and open research.”

Ekaterina Zaharieva

Ekaterina Zaharieva

Ekaterina Zaharieva

European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

WHAT WE NEED

WHAT WE
NEED

WHAT WE
NEED

Double the budget for research in the next MFF.

Double the budget for Erasmus+ scholarships.

OUR CAMPAIGN

OUR
CAMPAIGN

OUR
CAMPAIGN