This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#14, 2026)
Commission technical talks with Hungary on EU funds; Horizon Europe 2028-2034 draft opinion published; Parliament debates 10% MFF increase; ECF and education reforms discussed in committees.
April 12, 2026 to April 18, 2026
Commission technical talks with Hungary on EU funds; Horizon Europe 2028-2034 draft opinion published; Parliament debates 10% MFF increase; ECF and education reforms discussed in committees.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On April 20, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Structured dialogue with Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space.
European Commission
Commission holds technical meetings with incoming Hungarian Government on unlocking EU funds
On 17 and 18 April 2026, a high-level delegation from the European Commission conducted technical meetings in Budapest with senior representatives from the incoming Hungarian Government. The meetings were held following exchanges between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister-Designate Peter Magyar. Both sides reiterated their commitment to address urgent topics, particularly relating to rule of law and corruption concerns that have resulted in the freezing of EU funds earmarked for Hungary under the Recovery and Resilience Facility and other programs. Discussions covered practical steps to meet required conditions for access to EU funding, with the Commission indicating that further work will be ongoing. The engagement forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to ensure compliance with democratic standards and the efficient use of EU budget resources.
Commission presents first Action Plan under the Pact for the Mediterranean
On 16 April 2026, the European Commission announced the first Action Plan to implement the Pact for the Mediterranean, a framework adopted in October 2025. Developed in partnership with EU Member States and Southern Mediterranean countries, the Action Plan introduces 21 initiatives for 2026, including the Mediterranean University Initiative aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and research capacity. Other measures support innovation, youth engagement, and regional connectivity in research and education. The Action Plan’s progress will be tracked via an interactive online platform, with updates expected in autumn 2026. The Pact for the Mediterranean was previously welcomed by the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 November 2025 and the European Council on 18 December 2025.
European Parliament
Budgets Committee supports 10% increase for 2028-2034 EU long-term budget
On 15 April 2026, the European Parliament’s Budgets Committee adopted an interim report proposing a 10% increase to the Commission's July 2025 proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), setting it at 1.27% of EU GNI. The report calls for increased allocations to the Common Agricultural Policy, Cohesion Policy, European Social Fund, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and the European Competitiveness Fund. MEPs also warn against the re-nationalisation of the budget and stress the need for transparency, accountability, and dedicated funding for education, research, and innovation. The report will be put to a plenary vote on 29 April 2026.
EU Council
Upcoming Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council to address Erasmus+ and AI in teaching
On 11 May 2026, EU education and youth ministers are scheduled to meet to discuss the Erasmus+ programme, teacher challenges in the era of artificial intelligence, the EU Youth Dialogue, and the youth-friendliness of EU and national policies.
EP Committee Work
CULT Committee issues opinion on Horizon Europe 2028-2034 regulation
On 16 April 2026, the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) published its opinion (PE782.406v03-00, rapporteur Laurence Farreng) on the proposal for the regulation establishing Horizon Europe for 2028-2034 (COM(2025)0543 – 2025/0543(COD)). The opinion calls for reinforced academic freedom, increased support for the European Universities Alliances, and a stronger integration of culture, creativity, and social sciences in research. The document advocates for predictable MSCA funding and a focus on both fundamental and applied research, with recommendations for open access, gender balance, and international cooperation structured around EU values.
SEDE Committee adopts opinion on European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) regulation
On 17 April 2026, the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) published its opinion (PE782.450v03-00, rapporteur Riho Terras) for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, regarding the regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (COM(2025)0555 – 2025/0555(COD)). The opinion addresses the need to bridge innovation gaps across EU regions, strengthen research and industrial value chains, and support defence research and innovation. It calls for measures to enhance cybersecurity, reduce dependencies, and ensure the ECF supports both civilian and defence sectors in research and infrastructure.
EMPL Committee reviews draft report on Youth Guarantee implementation and EU Youth Strategy
During its meeting on 15 April 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) considered draft reports on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee (rapporteur Hristo Petrov) and the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (rapporteur Maravillas Abadía Jover). The agenda also included discussion of psychosocial risks and mental health at work, and a draft opinion on the Union budget tracking and performance framework.
CULT Committee hosts public hearing: 'Education as a driver for empowering youth, fostering inclusiveness and engagement'
On 15 April 2026, the CULT Committee held a public hearing focused on the role of education in promoting youth empowerment and social inclusiveness. Speakers included Damian Kupczyk (Czepczynski Family Foundation), Markus J. Prutsch (Heidelberg University), and Radostina Chaprazova (Arete Youth Foundation-Bulgaria). The session examined best practices in youth engagement, inclusive education, and the development of skills for democratic participation.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU F&T Portal: Researchers and organizations can now access EU funding opportunities and submit proposals through the centralized Funding & Tenders Portal.
- EU F&T Portal: Researchers and businesses can now access centralized EU funding and tender opportunities through a streamlined online portal.
- Knowledge transfer: Organizations are prioritizing strategies to effectively share expertise and skills across teams to boost innovation and productivity.
- Science in action: Celebrate Europe Day with the ERC: The European Research Council marks Europe Day by showcasing groundbreaking scientific achievements and fostering continent-wide collaboration.
- Learn from ERC Video Series to Support Grant Implementation: ERC’s new
