With new countries joining Horizon Europe, the EU research programme could catalyse great science and technology across the globe. But first, Brussels will have to face up to some big challenges

As 2023 draws to a close, we have put together a list of the stories that shaped research and innovation policy over the past 12 months

Here’s an explainer on how the next seven-year EU research programme, FP10, is being crafted, from the EU institutions and stakeholders, to the budget battle and potential sticking points

The latest step in negotiations between Brussels and Bern opens the door for Switzerland to finally start participating in part of Horizon Europe. But there are still political hurdles to clear

Parliament disappointed with lack of progress as Hungary blocks EU seven-year budget review negotiations. Proposed cuts to R&I still on the table

The independent advice panel is at the centre of a transparency row after its report on pharmaceutical innovation was withdrawn, prompting MEPs to challenge its leadership

With EU relations patched up, UK researchers and policymakers are planning the next moves. There are no firm plans for AI legislation, but an international collaboration fund set up during the wilderness years will continue, and there will be a focus on South American links

Concerted efforts to increase success in winning grants from the research programme are bearing fruit. While still low in the EU league table, the two countries now have the networks and support systems in place to make further headway 

There is some progress, but Manuel Heitor, the Commission’s key adviser on Framework programme 10, says more needs to be done to improve working conditions for Europe’s two million researchers