At the Competitiveness Council press conference on 29 May 2026, Cyprus Presidency Minister Nicodemos Damianou and Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva outlined progress on Horizon Europe (FP10) and the new EU science diplomacy framework, warning that delays risk uncertainty for researchers and industry.
Damianou stressed that most of the Horizon Europe text is stable, but political guidance is needed on strategic priorities, alignment with the European Competitiveness Fund, partnerships, widening participation, and bottom-up collaborative research. He urged a partial general approach under the Cyprus Presidency and momentum under the incoming Irish Presidency. Zaharieva agreed that time is critical, pushing for simplification to reduce time-to-grant and avoid bureaucratic layers.
On partnerships, Zaharieva called for flexible core principles without tying hands with complexity. On widening, she noted differences but said excellence remains the backbone, with a balanced solution expected. She argued widening is not just a budgetary issue but also linked to national reforms and investments. On the French-Polish proposal for bottom-up collaborative research, Zaharieva said she believes in bottom-up calls but needs to study the details.
The Council also adopted a recommendation on science diplomacy, which Damianou said strengthens Europe as a trusted global partner while safeguarding research security. Zaharieva emphasised that science diplomacy keeps cooperation channels open even amid geopolitical tensions, citing Horizon Europe's global partnerships.
On a question about universities suspending agreements with Israeli entities, both Damianou and Zaharieva rejected exclusion based on nationality, with Zaharieva calling it a dangerous threat.
Affected stakeholders include researchers, innovators, SMEs, universities, and widening countries seeking to increase participation. The Council is focused on resolving remaining open items to approach trilogues with the right balance.