This live blog is tracking the latest developments in European research and innovation programmes, including the broader debate on the future of R&D policy and funding in the next multiannual budget due to start in 2028. Beyond that, we look at other EU policies with significant research and innovation components in climate, digital, agriculture and regional development. In addition, national governments often come up with new R&D policies, decide to fund new research avenues, and set up international cooperation deals. This blog aims to keep you informed on all of that and more.
If you have any tips, please email them at [email protected].
You can read the full archive of this blog here.
The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has selected six new sites in Czechia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Spain to deploy new artificial intelligence factories next year and expand Europe’s AI capabilities.
“Each AI factory will act as a one-stop shop nationally, offering European AI startups, SMEs, and researchers comprehensive support to develop their AI-ready data and gain access to AI-optimised HPC [High-Performance Computing] resources, training, and technical expertise,” EuroHPC JU said in a statement.
The selected sites come in addition to 13 others that were previously chosen.
More details here.
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges 2025 call, which will support international and intersectoral staff exchanges, received 363 project proposals for a budget close to €423.6 million.
Last year, the European Research Executive Agency received 329 proposals.
Under this call, the EU is expected to finance 80 to 90 projects for around €97.7 million.
More details here.
The European Commission has launched ResearchComp, a tool designed to help researchers across Europe evaluate and develop their transversal skills, support higher education and training providers in adapting their offer, and inform employers on the competences of researchers.
“This brand-new digital tool is based on the 39 competences of ResearchComp and allows users to identify their proficiency level in each of the 7 competence areas through a multiple-choice online questionnaire,” the Commission writes.
More details here.
G20 ministers adopted the Tshwane Package, which includes recommendations on enhancing science engagement.
According to the Commission, “these recommendations aim to promote openness, transparency, and public trust in science, and strengthen international cooperation in areas such as disaster risk reduction, biodiversity, and gender equality in STI [science, technology, and innovation].”
The package is also supported by UNESCO and the OECD.
More details here.
The European Parliament’s budget committee is calling for a €60 million increase in funding for Horizon Europe in 2026, along with the reversal of budget cuts proposed by the EU Council.
In September, the Council proposed cuts of €1.3 billion in commitment appropriations across the EU’s 2026 budget, including a €211.2 million reduction for Horizon Europe, as well as cuts to Erasmus+ and the EU4Health programme.
In response, the budget committee wants to restore the €1.3 billion along with an additional €523 million to strengthen investment in strategic areas. These increases include €144 million more for research and innovation, including €60 million for Horizon Europe and €5 million each for EU4Health and Erasmus+.
The committee adopted its position on October 6 as part of the Parliament’s annual budget procedure. A second vote on October 13 will finalise the committee’s draft report, but won’t change the figures.
Co-rapporteur Andrzej Halicki, from the European People’s Party, called the Council’s cuts “unjustified.” Reversing them would strengthen research, innovation and competitiveness in the EU, along with preparedness, health and education, environmental sustainability and defence policy.
MEPs are expected to vote on their position during the October plenary session, opening three weeks of negotiations with the Council.
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence on a new European framework for science diplomacy, which aims to improve the coordination of science diplomacy efforts in Europe.
The strategy would help the EU “avoid vulnerabilities against the background of a rapidly changing geopolitical and scientific-technological environment, with global competitors using science diplomacy more strategically,” the Commission said.
The call is open for feedback until November 3.
More details here.
The European University Association and Universities UK say Brussels and London should “swiftly” agree to the UK’s long-term association to Erasmus+ and provide “clarity and timely communication” for stakeholders to start planning related partnerships and programmes.
“The Erasmus+ programme supports mobility and exchange that enrich the lives of students and strengthens ties between universities across Europe and beyond,” said Jamie Arrowsmith, director of UUK International. “We urge all parties to move swiftly to reach a mutually agreeable deal on the cost of association so that universities, students and staff can plan with confidence and realise these benefits in future.”
More details here.
Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking has launched its 2025-02 call for proposals dedicated to speeding up rail innovation in the EU.
“Open to all innovators, including SMEs, universities, and start-ups, the call encourages strong partnerships and practical solutions that deliver impact quickly and at scale. I look forward to ambitious proposals that will help move European rail forward,” said EU transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
The call, which covers areas including European rail network management, automation and digitalisation of operations, sustainable and resilient systems and regional and capillary lines, will also fund innovative studies in rail industry 5.0, innovation in climate finance for rail.
The deadline for submission is February 11, 2026.
More details here.
The governing board of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has approved an allocation of €978 million dedicated to boosting European innovation and skills over the 2026-2028 period.
“We are confident this decision steers resources to the best performing innovation ecosystems, that effectively integrate the triangle of research, industry and entrepreneurship,” said Stefan Dobrev, chair of the EIT governing board.
The funding will support six of EIT’s innovation communities: €67.3 million for EIT Health, €74.8 million for EIT Raw Materials, €125.3 million for EIT Food, €206.9 million for EIT Urban Mobility, €163.2 million for EIT Manufacturing, and €131.6 million for EIT Culture & Creativity.
Meanwhile, €79.3 million will go to activities spanning two or more innovation communities, and another €130 million is expected to support EIT Higher Education Initiative.
More details here.
Universities should play a pivotal role in the upcoming Innovation Act, according to a statement by the European University Association (EUA). The process and the outcomes of innovation are “equally important,” the EUA said.
“The European Innovation Act is an opportunity to recognise that research and innovation is a spectrum drawing upon the many and diverse contributions of universities to basic and applied research, all the way to commercialisation,” said Vinciane Gaillard, EUA director for research and innovation.
More details here.
Receive the Funding Newswire [full access requires a subscription] each Tuesday, our Policy Bulletin each Thursday, and news about bridging Europe’s east-west innovation gap twice a month in The Widening. 
A unique international forum for public research organisations and companies to connect their external engagement with strategic interests around their R&D system.