On 26 June 2026, the Council of the European Union (Transport, Telecommunications and Energy) adopted partial general approaches on the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2028-2034 and its Specific Programme, and full general approaches on the European Grids Package, which includes a directive on permit-granting acceleration and a regulation on trans-European energy infrastructure guidelines. The decisions advance key energy and research dossiers but come with conditions attached by member states, notably on MFF negotiations, dual-use research, stem cell ethics, and critical infrastructure resilience.
The partial general approach on Horizon Europe 2028-2034 was approved by Coreper on 24 June 2026. A joint statement by Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia raised concerns about the programme's budget in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations. Austria and Germany submitted separate statements, and the Council itself issued a statement (detailed in the annex). The partial nature of the approach indicates that some elements remain open, likely pending further discussions on the MFF.
On the European Grids Package, the Council reached a general approach on both the directive amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, and (EU) 2024/1788 to accelerate permit-granting for grid projects, and the regulation updating guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure. Joint statements by Portugal and Spain, and by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden (see annex) signal regional concerns, likely regarding cross-border grid resilience and investment priorities.
The Council also held non-legislative exchanges of views on decarbonisation post-2030 and the Middle East crisis energy response. Under any other business, member states provided information on the revision of the CACM Regulation (electricity market coupling), impacts of the Methane Regulation, security of radioisotope supply, electrification incentives, and the incoming Irish Presidency's work programme.
The decisions impact several stakeholders. EU research institutions and universities will see the Horizon Europe framework shape funding priorities, with potential restrictions on dual-use research and stem cell ethics. Energy grid operators and renewable energy developers will benefit from accelerated permit-granting, reducing project delays. Member states with high grid investment needs, particularly those in joint statements, may push for more funding or flexibility. EU taxpayers will fund the programmes, with budget negotiations likely to be contentious.
Institutional follow-up includes further discussions on the Horizon Europe partial general approach, likely linked to MFF negotiations, and formal adoption of the Grids Package after legal-linguistic review. The European Parliament will need to approve the final texts.