Here’s how EU research participation rules are changing, starting this year
Photo credits: Verrone / BigStock
Starting this year, Chinese organisations will no longer be allowed to take part in most projects funded by Horizon Europe, as the EU moves to tighten restrictions on who can take part in its research programme.
In 2023, the EU put a blanket ban on Chinese organisations taking part in Horizon Europe innovation projects, which produce results close to market readiness. This year, it is also banning most participation in research projects for developing new knowledge and exploring the feasibility of new technologies.
As a result, starting in 2026, research actions on topics such as health, digital and civil security are fully closed to Chinese entities, in addition to selected sensitive topics in culture, climate and bioeconomy research.
The European Commission’s reasoning for the ban is simple: it wants to protect European intellectual property from “undesired” transfers, which Chinese state policy actively supports.
“We are in an economic and…
Discover the latest in research funding every Tuesday with Funding Newswire. Dive into detailed articles with our monthly or yearly subscriptions or start with a free trial
NOTE: if you're a part of one of our Network member organisations, you get free access by signing up with your institutional email. Verify your eligibility here.
Receive the Funding Newswire [full access requires a subscription] each Tuesday, our Policy Bulletin each Thursday, and the fortnightly R&D Express, tracking reforms and investments in central and eastern Europe. 
A unique international forum for public research organisations and companies to connect their external engagement with strategic interests around their R&D system.