On 26 June 2026, the Council of the European Union agreed a partial General Approach for the Horizon Europe 2028-2034 Framework Programme and its Specific Programme, proposing a €175 billion financial envelope. All provisions linked to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) remain bracketed and excluded pending MFF negotiations, meaning the final budget and widening measures are on hold.
The partial deal strengthens Council and Member State roles in strategic priority-setting, starting with advice from the European Research Area and Innovation Committee (ERAC), followed by a Commission multiannual strategic document, and coordination with the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) Programme Committee. New horizontal principles include cross-border collaboration, dual-use by design, gender equality by default, and synergies with other EU programmes. On European Partnerships, the Council gains a guiding role, a maximum Pillar II allocation is set, and a stronger lifecycle approach with monitoring, transition, and phasing-out is introduced. A new research security article promotes "as open as possible, as closed as necessary" with proportionate risk mitigation measures.
Under Pillar I (Excellent Science), the ERC President's working arrangements and term are modified, the ERC Scientific Council composition is adjusted, and a focus on early-career researchers for both ERC and MSCA is added. Pillar II (Collaborative research) clarifies the "Society" component, including EU Missions and New European Bauhaus, with a balance between bottom-up and predefined topics. Pillar III (Innovation) specifies EIC programme managers' roles and allows the EIC to support critical deep-tech for defence up to a capped Pillar III budget amount. Pillar IV (European Research Area) gives the Council a role in defining areas for research infrastructure costs and clarifies the strategic role of infrastructure fora. Widening instruments are continued with possible new ones, reinforcing the sustained convergence objective. Rules for participation are clarified on eligibility and evaluation. Comitology adds an examination procedure for all configurations except the ERC work programme, with a no-opinion clause inserted. EIT/KICs provisions are without prejudice to the Council's final position on the EIT Regulation revision.
EU research institutions and universities face new governance and security requirements but gain clearer partnership rules. Member states see increased influence over strategic priorities, though budget uncertainty persists. Industry, especially deep-tech and defence sectors, may benefit from EIC support but face dual-use compliance costs. Early-career researchers gain targeted support under Pillar I. The partial approach now awaits MFF negotiations to unlock budget and widening measures, with the European Parliament expected to weigh in on the full package.