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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You can read the full archive of this blog here.
More than 200 former EU ambassadors and senior officials are calling in an open letter for the “immediate implementation” of the measures the EU proposed in July against Israel.
The proposed measures include restrictions for certain companies to access funds under Horizon Europe and the newly announced Security Action for Europe programme for defence.
“We express our profound disappointment that, in response to the deteriorating situation in Gaza, no substantive measures have been taken by the EU to pressure Israel to end its brutal war, to resume vital humanitarian assistance by mainstream providers, and to dismantle its illegal occupation of both Gaza and the West Bank,” the signatories wrote.
Read the full open letter here.
All European Academies (ALLEA), the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, has joined the newly created international coalition for science, research and innovation in Ukraine, which aims to strengthen the country’s research and innovation ecosystem as it recovers from the war.
The coalition was launched in July by the European Commission Italy, Germany, Poland and other EU countries with the goal of raising money and know-how to put science, research and innovation at the core of Ukraine’s reconstruction and long-term development.
Read the full statement here.
Europe should promote stronger strategic coherence across member states, better access to financing and harmonised market conditions in order boost its bioeconomy sector, says EU-funded project ShapingBio.
“Fragmented strategies and uneven innovation capacities hold us back,” said Sven Wydra, coordinator of ShapingBio. “To stay globally competitive and deliver on sustainability goals, we need coherent policies that promote stronger collaboration across all member states, better financing, and the securing of Europe’s leadership in sustainable biomanufacturing.”
The European Commission, which closed a public consultation in June, is set to present its new EU Bioeconomy Strategy by the end of 2025.
Read the full statement here.
In line with its new Ocean Pact, the European Commission has granted €116 million to 13 projects under the latest EU Mission Ocean and Waters calls.
The projects, which focus on preserving offshore marine protected areas, reducing the environmental impact of fisheries on marine species and strengthening citizen science in the marine sector, will be implemented across various sea basins, including the Black Sea, the Danube River and the Mediterranean Sea.
More details here.
The Swiss-based Paul Scherrer Institute inaugurated its upgraded Swiss Light Source, a synchrotron facility that produces X-rays billions of times brighter than a hospital scanner, allowing scientists to study materials and biological structures at atomic resolution.
The upgrade will accelerate the path from scientific discovery to practical applications, accelerating scientific discoveries across healthcare, energy, climate, and future technologies.
“The Swiss Light Source was at its inception and is now after its comprehensive upgrade a national infrastructure built for the common good,” said Paul Scherrer Institute’s director Christian Rüegg. “It is a tool for Swiss researchers and industry, and for our international guests to answer questions that matter for the future of people and the planet.”
More details here.
The European Research Council (ERC), the EU’s main funding body for basic research, is holding webinars to guide researchers through its 2026 Work Programme, which outlines €2.7 billion in funding opportunities.
On September 11, the ERC will host a session for applicants, focusing on detailed changes, rules and opportunities in the 2026 programme.
The first webinar, held in July, introduced the €2.7 billion budget, application calendar and eligibility conditions for newcomers to ERC grants. A recording of that session is available online here.
Registration for the September 11 webinar is available here.
The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the upcoming European Biotech Act. The EU executive is seeking opinions from industry, researchers, investors tand other stakeholders.
The consultation will close on 10 November 2025.
More details here.
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence on the upcoming European Research Area (ERA) Act, which will introduce legislative measures to tackle the fragmentation of research efforts across the EU and promote the free movement of knowledge and talent.
Researchers, businesses, policymakers and other stakeholders are invited to share their views on the barriers to the full achievement of the ERA and on potential solutions.
The call for evidence will close on September 10 and will be followed by a 12-week public consultation. The ERA Act proposal is due to be published in the second half of 2026.
Thirty consortia have signed grant agreements with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency for over €200 million under the 2024 Horizon Europe Missions calls.
The projects, which are driven by around 500 beneficiaries from 34 countries, including SMEs, research organisations and schools, will develop innovative actions to contribute to two key Missions: adapting to climate change and restoring oceans and waters by 2030.
Read the full statement here.
The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency has launched a call for expression of interest as it looks to recruit three new programme managers and establish a reserve list for future opportunities.
The agency is looking for experts with scientific, technological or innovation experience in space, quantum, agrifood, sustainable electronics, renewable energy and construction.
Programme managers are set for an expanded role under proposed changes to the European Innovation Council inspired by the US Advanced Research Projects Agency model, some of which will be piloted in 2026.
For now, however, the published job description closely resembles previous calls. The reason given for the recruitment drive is that some of the 10 current programme managers are reaching the end of their contract.
More information about how to apply is available here.
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