Borderless Research – Our Contribution in Europe
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Austria’s accession to the EU, the National Research and Technology Report 2025 impressively demonstrates how strongly Austria is involved in European research. In the current research framework programme Horizon Europe (2021–2027) alone, Austria has, for example, 2,907 project participations.
The respective research framework programme is the central implementation instrument of European research. Within it, research priorities are jointly defined by all member states in annual work programmes. Based on these work programmes, researchers from all over Europe can submit their project ideas.
In this coordination process of setting priorities, the Ministry of Agriculture – together with other ministries – represents Austrian interests in the programme committees for Cluster 5 Climate, Energy and Mobility and Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment. In doing so, it introduces key topics that are relevant for Austria. These include small-scale agriculture and mountain farming, sustainable production systems, animal welfare, climate change adaptation, resource protection, as well as technological and cross-sectoral solutions for decarbonisation. At the same time, care is taken to design calls for proposals in a practice-oriented manner.
In addition, the BMLUK participates in European research networks. One example is its membership in the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR), an important advisory body of the European Commission for agricultural research. A concrete example is the SCAR Protein Task Force. Within this framework, the BMLUK works together with several EU countries to strengthen plant-based protein supply in Europe. This includes greater diversity of protein crops in the fields, improved processing and marketing structures, as well as strategies to reduce feed imports.
Another example of European research cooperation is participation in the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, which is dedicated to the protection and restoration of healthy soils. The aim is to establish so-called “Living Labs” and “Lighthouses” across Europe by 2030, where innovative management methods are tested and further developed together with farmers. Austrian research institutions and pilot farms contribute to testing solutions for soil health, humus formation, and sustainable land use.
Strategic impact and future perspective
European research strengthens competitiveness, cooperation, and cohesion within the Union. It expands financial scope, improves data foundations, and increases international visibility – with added value far beyond individual projects. Three decades of active participation mean established networks and strategic influence for the BMLUK. As an interface between national expertise and Brussels, the BMLUK helps ensure that research not only generates knowledge but also sustainably strengthens Austria’s resilience and competitiveness in the future.
Strategic European research networks
In addition to the programme committees for Cluster 5 and 6, the BMLUK is active in several EU research networks. This strengthens Austria’s position in the ERA and enables early involvement in shaping future research priorities:
SCAR – Standing Committee on Agricultural Research, i.e. strategic policy advice in the field of agricultural research
EFI – European Forest Institute
IUFRO – International Union of Forest Research Organizations
FACCE-JPI – Coordination of research priorities on agriculture, food security, and climate change
CORE Organic Pleiades – Transnational research funding for organic agriculture
eLTER – European Long-Term Ecosystem Research (within ESFRI)