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.
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The European Commission has proposed member states to start negotiating Ukraine’s participation in the Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) component of the EU space and secure connectivity programmes.
“Secure connectivity is essential for Europe’s resilience. By deepening our cooperation with Ukraine, we strengthen our shared security and our ability to act in a rapidly changing world,” said Henna Virkkunen, EU executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy.
Reinforcing collaboration in GOVSATCOM, which is designed to provide secure and resilient satellite communication capabilities, will strengthen the participation of Ukraine in the EU space programme. The country is already allowed to take part in the programme's Copernicus, space weather events and near-earth objects components.
More details here.
The European Commission has launched the Critical Chemicals Alliance, designed to boost the competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s chemical industry by addressing challenges ranging from plant closures to trade disruptions to lacking investments in critical production capacities.
The alliance, which is open to companies, associations, investors, research bodies and civil society, is tasked to help identify and map critical chemical productions and molecules, as well as support coordinated investments.
More details here.
The European Patent Office (EPO) and IP Australia, a government agency responsible for administering intellectual property law in Australia, have announced plans to launch a pilot programme under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in March 2026.
Australian applicants will be able to designate EPO as their international searching authority and international preliminary examining authority for PCT applications.
“Australian applicants will gain a strategic advantage through fast, high-quality search reports and detailed written opinions that help accelerate the path towards European patent protection,” EPO said in a statement.
More details here.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has awarded more than €140 million to 44 projects that participated in its Pathfinder Open call, which this year drew a record interest.
Of the selected consortia, 48% include universities, 27% private companies, and 25% research organisations. These will work in fields ranging from quantum technologies to advanced materials to artificial intelligence.
More details here.
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched a community hub for Greek innovators to access the EIT’s opportunities, networks and support.
“By strengthening local connections and opening doors for innovators across Greece, this new hub makes European support more tangible,” said Vicky D. Kefalas, EIT governing board member. “It’s a step towards a more inclusive and dynamic innovation ecosystem.”
More details here.
The upcoming EU Innovation Act is an opportunity to simplify cross-border scaling, unlock finance for intangible assets like intellectual property (IP) and data, and use procurement to drive innovation, according to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
“Regulations should be designed to enable innovation, not restrict it,” the EIT said, calling on simpler rules such as regulatory sandboxes and a possible single market passport for validated innovations. “Strengthening coordination between EU instruments and expanding access to patient investment can help ambitious ventures scale within Europe and compete globally.”
The EIT also advises the EU to develop standardised valuation methods for IP and data, increase the use of public procurement to boost innovation, and strengthen inclusiveness to prevent innovation from remaining concentrated in a few regions.
More details here.
The European Commission has signed a new initiative to stimulate collaboration between African researchers and European Research Council (ERC) grantees.
Under this agreement, researchers supported by the African Academy of Sciences will be able to temporarily join teams led by ERC grantees in Europe.
More details here.
Universities must be provided with stable conditions for research if Europe is to safeguard academic freedom and foster responsible collaboration, according to CESAER university group.
Ahead of European Commission-hosted conference on research security this week, the university group advises embedding research security into existing governance structures and open-science frameworks, incentivising researchers in protecting knowledge, and co-creating a European level playing field.
“By empowering universities with sufficient guidance, support, and legal certainty to implement proportionate safeguards, Europe can ensure open, responsible, and innovative research that drives societal prosperity and competitiveness,” said Simone Rehm, vice-rector of the University of Stuttgart.
More details here.
The European Commission has published its work programme for 2026, which includes plans for a European Research Area Act in the third quarter of the year aiming to cement knowledge and innovation as the fifth freedom of the single market.
It is one of three major research files set to be presented next year, alongside a European Biotech Act and a Quantum Act, which are both intended to strengthen Europe’s position in strategic technologies.
The Commission is also planning a revision to the EU Chips Act and a new Cloud and AI Development Act for the first quarter of 2026.
Also in the first quarter, there should be proposals for an Innovation Act and a 28th company regime, although start-up associations are worried that the legal bases cited in the work programme mean the latter will take the form of a directive rather than a regulation.
Europe should focus its support for quantum technologies on the most promising national champions to bundle investments and attract private capital, according to a new paper from Berlin-based think tank the Innovate Europe Foundation.
“The current fragmented system, with its emphasis on geographical proportionality rather than excellence, lacks the focus on funding required to scale,” the report warns.
It also urges European governments to act as anchor customers and to embed quantum computing in defence budgets.
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