The Council of the European Union has reached a partial general approach on Horizon Europe FP10, establishing its negotiating position for discussions with the European Parliament and the European Commission. The agreement, published on 24 June 2026, marks an important milestone in shaping the next Horizon Europe 2028–2034 framework programme.
Although the Council has agreed on most of the legislative text, the position remains partial because the programme’s budget will only be finalised during negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
FP10 budget still under negotiation
The European Commission originally proposed a €175 billion budget for Horizon Europe FP10. However, the Cypriot Presidency has suggested reducing this allocation to €167.9 billion (current prices). These figures remain provisional and will be negotiated alongside the broader EU budget.
For organisations planning future participation in Horizon Europe, the final budget will directly influence the number and scale of funding opportunities available after 2027.
Governance emerges as the main political debate
Beyond the budget, governance has become the central issue in the FP10 negotiations. The Council is seeking a stronger role for Member States in defining the programme’s strategic priorities. Under its proposal, the European Research Area and Innovation Committee (ERAC) would advise the Commission on research and innovation priorities that feed into a new multiannual strategic document.
Member States also want:
- greater influence over the creation of European partnerships;
- limits on the share of the Horizon Europe budget allocated to partnerships; and
- stronger national involvement in long-term programme steering.
This approach differs significantly from the European Parliament’s position.
Parliament proposes independent expert councils
Parliament rapporteurs Christian Ehler and René Repasi have proposed dedicated expert councils to oversee the competitiveness and societal challenges sections of Pillar 2. Their proposal would establish councils of at least 15 members representing:
- science;
- industry;
- innovation; and
- civil society.
The European Commission has already expressed reservations, arguing that this governance model would introduce unnecessary complexity.
The future of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
The Council has postponed taking a definitive position on the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Several Member States have questioned the EIT’s future, with some even suggesting it should be discontinued. Instead of deciding now, governments will wait for a separate legislative proposal from the Commission, expected before the end of 2026.
Relationship between Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund
Another important point of discussion is how FP10 will interact with the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The European Parliament opposes the Commission’s proposal for a single work programme covering both Horizon Europe Pillar 2 and the ECF. Instead, Parliament proposes Horizon Europe Pathway Actions—a dedicated mechanism that would support deployment, commercialisation and scale-up activities based exclusively on Horizon Europe research results. The Council, meanwhile, broadly supports the Commission’s original proposal for shared governance between the two instruments.
Defence research included under the European Innovation Council
The Council also confirmed that the European Innovation Council (EIC) should be able to support defence-related research and innovation projects. However, Member States propose introducing a capped allocation for defence funding, reflecting ongoing discussions around dual-use technologies and research security within FP10.
What happens next?
Several important milestones remain before the new programme can be adopted. The European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee is expected to vote on its final reports by 10 September 2026, followed by a plenary vote on 5 October 2026. If approved, trilogue negotiations between the Council, Parliament and Commission could begin in mid-October.
The wider EU budget negotiations are expected to continue throughout the second half of 2026. While policymakers hope to conclude the Multiannual Financial Framework before the end of the year, many observers consider this timeline ambitious.
To allow sufficient preparation for the next programming period, the final Horizon Europe FP10 Regulation should be adopted before summer 2027, enabling the programme to launch on 1 January 2028.
What this means for Horizon Europe applicants
For research organisations, universities, companies and innovation stakeholders, the Council’s position provides greater clarity on the future direction of FP10. The agreement confirms that Horizon Europe will remain a standalone research and innovation programme built around the Commission’s proposed four-pillar structure. However, negotiations over governance and budget are far from complete.
The coming months will determine:
- the final FP10 budget;
- how much influence Member States will have over programme priorities;
- the future role of the EIT;
- the relationship between Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund; and
- the balance between scientific excellence, competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
Organisations planning to participate in FP10 should closely monitor the 10 September ITRE vote and the 5 October Parliament plenary, as these will shape the negotiations leading to the final Horizon Europe legislation.
