We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Necessary cookies are required to support essential features of the Council's website. Optional cookies help us produce anonymous and aggregated statistical reports to better serve your needs.
With your permission, we will use cookies to produce aggregated, anonymous data about our visitors' browsing and behaviour on our website. We will use this data to improve your experience on our website.
Competitiveness Council (Research and Space), 29 May 2026
Main results
Horizon Europe Package
Ministers held a policy debate on the legislative measures linked to the 10th framework programme for research and innovation 2028-2034, also known as the Horizon Europe package. Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. On 16 July 2025, the European Commission put forward its proposal for the 10th framework programme, with a €175 billion budget, as part of the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF).
Ministers provided guidance for the negotiations to reach a Council’s position regarding the Horizon Europe legislative text before the end of the Cyprus presidency. Most delegations supported the amendments made to ensure early involvement of member states in setting the programme’s priorities. Several delegations emphasized the importance of coordinated governance between the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and Horizon Europe to ensure a seamless investment journey. Member States, while acknowledging excellence as the guiding principle of the framework programme, still expressed differing views on reaching balanced widening measures. Today’s exchange reaffirmed that the discussions on Horizon Europe are on a path of convergence, under the Cyprus Presidency.
Ministers adopted a recommendation on outlining a new European Union framework for science diplomacy. This framework aims to strengthen the Union’s position as a global leader in science and technology, and to use scientific cooperation to advance its foreign policy objectives.
In an era defined by geopolitical fragmentation and rapid technological change, science diplomacy is no longer a peripheral endeavour – it is a core strategic imperative. It is through the universal language of science, and a commitment to open yet secured collaboration, that the European Union can not only advance its own interests and values, but also forge a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world; an autonomous Union, open to the world.
Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus
Ministers were briefed on the progress report on the EU space act, a legislative proposal presented on 25 June 2025 and aimed at establishing a harmonised framework for space activities across the Union. The space act seeks to strengthen safety, resilience and environmental sustainability, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU space sector. The report outlines the progress achieved under the Cyprus presidency in advancing work towards a Council position.
Ministers held a policy debate on space for economic security. They exchanged views on how space capabilities can bolster Europe’s economic security and competitiveness amid growing global risks, and how to best integrate civil, commercial and security aspects of space policy while maintaining openness and innovation.
Any Other Business
The French delegation briefed ministers on the International Space Summit that will take place in the Grand Palais in Paris (France) on 9 and 10 September 2026
The Cyprus presidency briefed ministers about the progress of negotiations on the space part of the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and about the progress of the proposal for regulation on the EU Space Services Agency (EUSPA Regulation)
The Irish delegation presented the main priorities of its presidency in the field of space policy
Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, briefed ministers on the European Resilience from Space programme
