The Research (Atomic Questions) Working Party of the Council of the European Union is scheduled to meet on 16 July 2026 to examine a third Presidency text for the Euratom research and training programme covering 2028-2032, according to a notice of meeting and provisional agenda published on 9 July 2026. The meeting, set for 10:00 in the Justus Lipsius Building in Brussels, will also receive Commission presentations on the 2026 European Innovation Scoreboard and the state of play of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy.
The main item on the agenda is the examination of document 11695/26, a third Presidency compromise text for a Council Regulation establishing the Euratom research and training programme for 2028-2032. The regulation would complement Horizon Europe, include the ITER contribution, and repeal the current Regulation (Euratom) 2025/1304. The working party's review of the third text suggests that negotiations among member states are progressing, with the aim of reaching a common position on the multiannual programme that governs nuclear research and training activities.
Under item 2, the Commission will present the 2026 European Innovation Scoreboard, which benchmarks innovation performance across EU member states and associated countries. Item 3 features Commission information on the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, providing an update on initiatives to support innovative startups and scaling companies. The meeting will conclude with any other business.
Delegations are required to register via the delegates portal, and Council documents are available there, with room attendants providing copies on request. The meeting advances the legislative process for the Euratom programme, which is crucial for nuclear research, safety, and training in the EU, and updates member states on broader innovation policy developments.
Stakeholder impact
- EU member states: National representatives will negotiate the text, balancing national interests in nuclear research and funding. The outcome will determine their obligations and benefits under the 2028-2032 programme. - Euratom research institutions and contractors: The regulation will define funding priorities and rules for research and training activities, affecting universities, research centres, and industry partners involved in nuclear science. - ITER project stakeholders: The inclusion of the ITER contribution in the regulation ensures continued EU funding for the international fusion energy project, impacting the project's timeline and member state contributions. - EU startups and scaleups: The Commission's update on the Startup and Scaleup Strategy signals potential new support measures, though no concrete proposals are on the agenda.
Institutional follow-up
Following the working party meeting, the Presidency will likely revise the text based on member state comments, with further discussions in the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) before adoption by the Council. The European Parliament will also be consulted, as the Euratom programme falls under the consultation procedure.