The Industry, Research and Energy Committee broadly supported six draft laws on the EU's framework research programme, Horizon 2020, to be financed under the new long-term budget for 2014 to 2020. According to MEPs, Europe needs further investment in research and innovation.

MEPs at the Industry, Research and Energy Committee in the European Parliament supported six draft laws on the Horizon 2020, the EU's framework research programme, to be financed under the new long-term budget for 2014 to 2020. According to one of the MEPs involved in drafting one of the resolution approved, Teresa Riera Madurell, Horizon 2020 aims to make the EU a world-leading economy and a society based on knowledge and innovation. She added that the Union's budget should mirror this ambitious goal and this should be clearly visible in a considerable increase in research and innovation funding compared to the funding level of 2013. The Commission's proposal was unveiled in November 2011.

The Committee also stressed that the new laws also seek to simplify procedures. According to other resolution approved, common rules should apply to all components of the programme and a simplified cost reimbursement system should be adopted (making greater use of lump sums and flat rates), to make it easier to take part in the programme.

MEPs also highlighted that to make Europe competitive, Horizon 2020 will encourage broader participation by private companies. At least 20% of the total combined budget for the priorities "fostering industrial leadership" and "societal challenges" will go to SMEs. Furthermore, a dedicated instrument targeted at all types of SME will be set up to ensure that SMEs are integrated in the programme and get access to all the opportunities offered in Horizon 2020.