On 29 May 2026, European Commissioner for Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva addressed the Competitiveness Council (COMPET) in Brussels, reporting progress on two key priorities: the next Horizon Europe programme and the newly adopted EU Framework for Science Diplomacy. Zaharieva thanked the Cypriot Presidency for its leadership and noted that ministers gave a clear mandate to continue working towards a partial general approach on Horizon Europe, while she urged preserving the core features of the Commission's proposal.
On Horizon Europe, Zaharieva stressed the need for an agile priority-setting process without unnecessary bureaucratic layers that cause delays in approving work programmes, opening calls, signing agreements, and disbursing grants. She called for flexible core principles for partnerships, leaving operational details for implementation, and emphasised that Member States will be involved but must avoid tying the programme's hands with unnecessary complexity. Regarding widening participation, she acknowledged differences among Member States but noted a shared understanding that excellence will remain the backbone of the programme, expressing optimism that a balanced solution will be found.
On science diplomacy, Zaharieva announced that Member States had adopted the new EU Framework for Science Diplomacy, three months after the Commission's proposal. The framework is built on the conviction that science remains a space for global cooperation even amid geopolitical tensions. She highlighted that entities from most countries collaborate in Horizon Europe projects, and global innovation leaders like Canada, South Korea, and Japan have associated with the programme, with Australia and India actively moving to join. Zaharieva argued that Europe's ecosystem combines world-class excellence with openness, freedom of scientific research, and stable rules, and the new framework will allow the EU to use its strength more strategically, projecting its values and protecting technological sovereignty.
The speech contained concrete proposals for the Horizon Europe programme, including calls for agile priority-setting and flexible partnership principles, but did not provide numerical targets or budget details. The science diplomacy framework was formally adopted, marking a concrete step. The policy orientation is towards maintaining excellence and openness while streamlining processes to enhance competitiveness. The speech did not address any third-country relations beyond noting association agreements, maintaining a conciliatory tone towards global partners.
EU research institutions and scientists may benefit from reduced bureaucratic delays, improving grant access and project efficiency. EU businesses and entrepreneurs could gain from faster innovation cycles and partnerships. Member states with weaker research capacities may face challenges if excellence remains the sole criterion for widening, potentially limiting their participation. Non-EU associated countries like Canada and Japan will see continued collaboration opportunities under stable rules, reinforcing Europe's attractiveness as a research hub.