On 26 June 2026, the Council of the European Union reached a partial general approach on the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe for the 2028-2034 period. The decision sets operational objectives and rules for EU research and innovation funding, covering the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) cycle with an indicative financial envelope of EUR 175 002 000 000 in current prices, pending final MFF negotiations.
The Specific Programme outlines operational objectives including fostering excellent research, supporting researcher mobility, attracting talent, strengthening collaboration, enhancing knowledge valorisation, supporting deep-tech start-ups, and increasing participation from widening countries. Work programmes will be adopted via implementing acts for separate components: the European Research Council (ERC), the European Innovation Council (EIC), the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the Joint Research Centre (JRC), and European Partnerships.
European Partnerships must follow a lifecycle approach with selection criteria including critical mass, pan-European relevance, and mission-oriented objectives. They are required to launch final calls before 31 December 2034 and undergo independent assessment. The ERC will operate under core principles of scientific excellence, autonomy, transparency, and research integrity. The ERC President serves a four-year term, renewable once, and must devote at least 80% of working time to ERC business.
Provisions in brackets are excluded from the partial general approach, indicating areas still under negotiation. The budget figures remain provisional pending the outcome of MFF negotiations. The partial general approach establishes the framework for Horizon Europe's 2028-2034 implementation, with new partnership selection criteria, ERC governance rules, and work programme structures.
Stakeholder Impact EU research institutions and universities will benefit from continued funding and new partnership criteria that emphasise mission-oriented objectives, potentially increasing collaboration. Deep-tech start-ups stand to gain from dedicated support under the EIC, fostering innovation and commercialisation. Widening countries, those with lower research performance, may see increased participation due to specific objectives to attract talent and strengthen collaboration. However, the provisional budget creates uncertainty for all stakeholders, as final allocations depend on MFF negotiations. The requirement for partnerships to undergo independent assessment may impose administrative burdens, but ensures accountability and effectiveness.
Institutional Follow-Up The partial general approach will now be transmitted to the European Parliament for consultation. The Council will continue negotiations on bracketed provisions and finalise the budget pending MFF agreement. Implementing acts for work programmes will be developed by the European Commission in due course.