This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#15, 2026)
Commission, Parliament, Council sign Single Market Roadmap; EU, Committee of the Regions agree on research/innovation action plan; Parliament drafts on competitiveness fund, social fund; Council prepares Education/Youth session.
April 19, 2026 to April 25, 2026
Commission, Parliament, Council sign Single Market Roadmap; EU, Committee of the Regions agree on research/innovation action plan; Parliament drafts on competitiveness fund, social fund; Council prepares Education/Youth session.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
European Institutions agree Roadmap to achieve 'One Europe, one Market' by end of 2027
The European Commission, together with the Presidents of the European Parliament and the Council, signed the 'One Europe, One Market Roadmap' on 23 April 2026 in Cyprus. The document sets out concrete actions and targets to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, with quarterly reviews and clear institutional responsibilities for all major EU bodies. The Roadmap commits to finalising legislative proposals and agreements by the end of 2027, with regular stocktaking for transparency. President Ursula von der Leyen stated the package will boost economic growth, support digital transformation, and enhance industrial resilience. The agreement responds to ongoing geopolitical and economic volatility, reinforcing the EU's strategic goals for a more cohesive Single Market.
EU to strengthen regional dimension of research and innovation
On 23 April 2026, the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions signed a new Joint Action Plan to enhance cities' and regions' involvement in research and innovation (R&I). The plan outlines four priorities: building local innovation ecosystems, supporting green and digital transitions, raising awareness of Horizon Europe funding, and fostering evidence-based policymaking at regional level. The Joint Action Plan, running through the 2024-2029 mandate, builds on prior cooperation from 2020-2025. The Commission highlighted the plan's role in integrating frontier research into innovation outputs and supporting territorial foresight. Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva underlined the commitment to ensuring R&I deliver benefits across all regions.
President von der Leyen addresses European Youth Event 2026
In a video message opening the European Youth Event 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the Commission’s focus on youth, including a proposed 50% Erasmus+ budget increase and an Affordable Housing Plan. She referenced the establishment of a dedicated Youth Commissioner and Youth Advisory Board, aiming to integrate youth perspectives into EU policymaking. Von der Leyen also pointed to ongoing Youth Dialogues and the necessity for direct youth engagement in shaping EU policies. The message was delivered during European Youth Week, with over a thousand young participants from across the continent.
EU Council
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council to address teachers and AI, Erasmus+, youth policy
EU ministers for education and youth will meet on 11 May 2026 to discuss the Erasmus+ programme, the evolving role of teachers in the era of artificial intelligence, the EU Youth Dialogue, and youth-friendliness of EU and national policies.
EP Committee Work
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy: Draft report on European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF')
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) published its draft report on 20 April 2026 regarding the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), 2025/0555(COD), rapporteur Christian Ehler. The report details amendments to the Commission proposal, including new definitions of competitiveness and productivity, a restructured policy window framework, and additional provisions for skills, digital infrastructure, and critical raw materials. The draft introduces thematic budget lines and procedural rules for implementation, and aligns ECF objectives with recent EU competitiveness and industrial strategies.
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs: Draft report on European Social Fund for 2028-2034
On 20 April 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) released its draft report on the European Social Fund (ESF) for the period 2028-2034, rapporteurs David Casa and Marit Maij. The report proposes specific allocations for child poverty, youth employment, social inclusion, and homelessness, and introduces new eligibility and partnership provisions. It retains existing ESF objectives, reinforces thematic concentration, and includes a dedicated budget for the Child Guarantee. The draft also strengthens the partnership principle and conditions ESF funding on respect for the rule of law and fundamental social rights.
Committee on Budgetary Control: Opinion on European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF') proposal
The Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) adopted its opinion on 24 April 2026 regarding the proposal for a regulation on the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), rapporteur Ondřej Knotek. The opinion addresses financial implementation, evaluation, and oversight mechanisms for the ECF, and provides recommendations for coordination with other EU funding instruments and simplification of administrative procedures.
Committee on Civil Liberties: Draft opinion on institutional aspects of AI and European integration
On 21 April 2026, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) published its draft opinion for the Committee on Constitutional Affairs concerning the institutional aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of European integration, rapporteur Lukas Mandl. The opinion examines the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act) and the proposed Digital Omnibus on AI, referencing the Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI. It discusses Parliament's role in AI governance, resource needs for the AI Office, and the establishment of the proposed European Parliament AI Observatory.
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs: Draft opinion on European Fund for Regional Development 2028-2034
The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) issued its draft opinion on 21 April 2026 concerning the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Fund for Regional Development and the Cohesion Fund for 2028-2034, rapporteur João Oliveira. The opinion addresses conditions for regional development support, employment, and social cohesion, with emphasis on implementation under the National and Regional Partnership Plans.
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy: Draft report on European Competitiveness Fund ('ECF')
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) published its draft report on 20 April 2026 regarding the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), 2025/0555(COD), rapporteur Christian Ehler. The report details amendments to the Commission proposal, including new definitions of competitiveness and productivity, a restructured policy window framework, and additional provisions for skills, digital infrastructure, and critical raw materials. The draft introduces thematic budget lines and procedural rules for implementation, and aligns ECF objectives with recent EU competitiveness and industrial strategies.
What We're Reading This Week
- Third EU-North Macedonia Horizon Europe Joint Research and Innovation Committee meeting: EU and North Macedonia deepen research collaboration, advancing joint projects and innovation under the Horizon Europe framework.
- MSCA 2026 call dates: European Commission announces key deadlines for 2026 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions funding applications and project proposals.
- Choose Belgium Info Session: Research Career Opportunities: Researchers can explore career pathways in Belgium through an information session highlighting programs, funding, and academic prospects.
- EU Funding & Tenders Portal: The EU centralizes access to funding opportunities and tender applications to streamline processes for businesses and organizations.
- EU F&T Portal: Researchers and businesses can now access streamlined funding opportunities and manage projects through the unified EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
