02 Mar 2026
Horizon Europe is moving towards a Partial General Approach
At the Competitiveness Council (Research) on Friday, 27 February 2026, EU ministers responsible for research met in Brussels to discuss key issues shaping the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe (2028-2034). The reform of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) was also on the agenda, and ministers discussed the topic of international cooperation in the current geopolitical context during an informal Lunch Debate. The meeting was chaired by Cypriot Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. The European Commission was represented by Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for Start-ups, Research and Innovation.
Building on progress made under the Danish Council Presidency during the second half of 2025, the Cypriot Presidency had continued to advance negotiations on the Horizon Europe Package (Regulation and Specific Programme) in January and February 2026. Ministers were invited to provide political guidance on the next steps, particularly regarding the path towards a Partial General Approach (PGA), which the Presidency aims to reach at the Competitiveness Council meeting on 29 May 2026. The discussion focused on elements that, in the view of Member States, are sufficiently mature, and on the steps still needed to address remaining critical issues. Member States particularly highlighted open questions regarding the interlinking of Horizon Europe with the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). Additionally, the governance structure and the involvement of Member States in priority-setting and implementation processes were discussed, as well as the alignment of European and national activities. Several Member States called for a dedicated discussion on Widening measures. Further clarification is needed on defence research and dual-use technologies, particularly in the context of research security. In addition, the future of European Partnerships, the role of third-country association to Horizon Europe, and research and technology infrastructures were addressed.
Ministers approved the Council position (General Approach) on the reform of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS). This reform aims at ensuring the Fund’s continued relevance and alignment with the EU’s long-term sustainability and green transition goals. The duration of the RFCS will be extended until 2034, with up to € 120 million available annually. In addition, there will be changes to the funding rates, and the RFCS will be open to dual-use projects. The opinion/consent of the European Parliament is pending.
Under Any Other Business, the Spanish delegation addressed the Commission’s proposal for a new European Competitiveness Fund, closely linked to the Horizon Europe Programme. Supported by other Member States, the Spanish delegation emphasised the need for an effective R&I priority-setting mechanism and decision-making process and called for intensifying and deepening discussions on both the strategic priority-setting mechanisms and the corresponding governance structures.
During the Lunch Debate, Ministers discussed promoting excellence and international cooperation in the current geopolitical context, considering the lessons learned from third-country associations with the current Horizon Europe Programme. In particular, they addressed the issue of how future international collaborations can balance openness with the protection of EU interests and values, especially in the areas of dual-use technologies and research security.
On the day of the Council meeting, the European Commission presented a package on research security and Science Diplomacy, which also includes the Council Recommendation on Science Diplomacy. This Recommendation is scheduled to be adopted at the COMPET Council (Research) on 29 May 2026.
An Informal Meeting of research ministers is scheduled to take place on 30–31 March 2026 in Cyprus, while the next formal Competitiveness Council (Research) is planned for 29 May 2026 in Brussels.
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