On 26 June 2026, the Council of the European Union is set to discuss a revised Presidency text for the Specific Programme implementing Horizon Europe 2028-2034, with all reference amounts left pending the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations and bracketed provisions excluded from the partial general approach. The document, published ahead of the meeting, replaces Council Decision (EU) 2021/764 and covers the period of the next MFF.
The Specific Programme sets operational objectives including fostering excellent research, supporting researcher mobility and career development, creating deep tech start-ups, and increasing participation from widening countries and transition countries. The Commission will adopt separate work programmes via implementing acts for the European Research Council (ERC), European Innovation Council (EIC), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Joint Research Centre (JRC), and European Partnerships.
European Partnerships must follow a lifecycle approach with selection criteria including participation from at least 10 Member States, pan-European relevance, and mission-oriented objectives. They must launch final calls before 31 December 2034. The Commission may reduce, suspend, or terminate Union funding for non-compliant partnerships. The ERC President term is set at four years, renewable once, with at least 80% working time devoted to ERC business.
Key budget figures remain bracketed, subject to the broader MFF negotiations that will determine the overall Horizon Europe envelope. The partial general approach aims to secure political agreement on non-budgetary elements, with financial provisions to be finalised later. The Council's move follows the European Commission's proposal for the next framework programme, which was presented in 2025. The European Parliament is expected to give its opinion once the Council reaches a general approach.
Research institutions and universities will benefit from continued funding for excellent science and mobility, but face uncertainty until budget figures are settled. Deep tech start-ups and SMEs stand to gain from dedicated EIC support, though the lack of budget clarity may delay planning. Widening countries (those with lower R&I performance) may see increased participation opportunities, but the effectiveness depends on final budget allocations. The ERC and partnership bodies will operate under clearer governance rules, but the threat of funding termination for non-compliant partnerships introduces new compliance risks.