The EU Council's Research Working Party is scheduled to meet on 6 July 2026 in Brussels to examine three Commission presentations covering Horizon Europe monitoring, research and innovation in the European Semester, and the Life Sciences Strategy, according to a notice of meeting and provisional agenda published by the Council on 30 June 2026.
The meeting, set for 10:00 in the Justus Lipsius Building, will open with the Commission presenting its annual report on research and technological development activities and monitoring of Horizon Europe in 2025 (document 9837/26). This report tracks progress and implementation of the EU's flagship research framework programme, which runs from 2021 to 2027. Delegations will have the opportunity to discuss the findings and raise questions.
Under the second agenda item, the Commission will present the state of play of research and innovation within the European Semester Spring Package 2026. The Semester coordinates economic and fiscal policies across member states, and the R&I component typically includes country-specific recommendations on innovation performance, investment in research, and links to competitiveness.
The third item covers the state of play of the Life Sciences Strategy, an initiative aimed at strengthening Europe's biotechnology and life sciences sector. The Commission will provide an update on its development, which is expected to address regulatory frameworks, innovation support, and strategic autonomy in health and bio-based industries.
Delegations have been instructed to register attendance via the delegates portal. Council documents related to the agenda are available through the same portal or from room attendants during the meeting. The Research Working Party prepares decisions for the Competitiveness Council, which is composed of ministers responsible for research and innovation.
The discussions will primarily affect EU research institutions and universities that rely on Horizon Europe funding, as well as member state research ministries that implement Semester recommendations. The Life Sciences Strategy update is of particular interest to biotech and pharmaceutical companies, which face regulatory and investment decisions shaped by EU policy. The meeting does not involve formal decision-making but sets the stage for future Council conclusions and legislative proposals.