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Competitiveness Council (Research), 27 February 2026
Main results
Research fund for coal and steel
The Council approved its position on the package reforming the research fund for coal and steel, which aims to boost competitiveness and support the green and just transition of the steel industry and coal-mining regions. The agreement extends the programme to 2034 (instead of 2030 as proposed) and ensures up to €120 million in annual investments. It also clarifies the programme's objectives for research and innovation projects.
The approval of the research fund for coal and steel marks the first general approach under the Cyprus Presidency; a clear signal of our commitment to tangible, impact-oriented results. This is a key instrument to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of these critical sectors, essential for Europe’s resilience, economic strength and strategic autonomy. The new rules will simplify access, extend the fund’s duration and strengthen support for SMEs, accelerating the transition to cleaner, more innovative and globally competitive European industries.
Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus
Horizon Europe Package: framework programme for research and innovation 2028–2034
Ministers held a policy debate on the Horizon Europe package for the next EU budget, focusing on the rules for participation and dissemination, and the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe.
Ministers discussed on the critical outstanding issues of the Horizon Europe legislative package, with a view to reaching a partial general approach (PGA) at the next research Council meeting on 29 May 2026. Ministers discussed critical issues, including interlinkages with the European competitiveness fund (ECF), European partnerships, funding for research and technology infrastructures, and questions related to research security, dual-use and defence-only research.
International cooperation on R&D in the current geopolitical context
Ministers held a policy debate on promoting excellence and international cooperation in R&I in the current geopolitical context. Ministers exchanged views on topics such as the lessons learnt from the current agreements on the association of third countries to the R&I programme, and how international R&I cooperation can balance openness with the need to protect EU interests and values, guided by the principle ‘as open as possible, as closed as necessary’.
Any Other Business
The delegations of Spain, Austria, Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia gave a presentation on how to ensure an effective R&I priority-setting mechanism and decision-making process.
