This Week in Higher Ed — Brussels (#18, 2026)
EU Talent Pool regulation adopted; Commission approves Romania's NextGenerationEU payment; Erasmus+ 2028-2034 proposal reviewed; Education Council debates AI and teaching.
May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026
EU Talent Pool regulation adopted; Commission approves Romania's NextGenerationEU payment; Erasmus+ 2028-2034 proposal reviewed; Education Council debates AI and teaching.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission greenlights Romania's fourth payment request for €2.62 billion under NextGenerationEU
The European Commission issued a positive preliminary assessment of Romania's fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) on 13 May 2026. The €2.62 billion payment covers reforms in sustainable forest management, decarbonisation of transport and energy sectors, tax administration, public pensions, healthcare, and social infrastructure for persons with disabilities. Flagship measures in this request include the deployment of a governmental cloud, with more than 30 public institutions now connected, and legislative changes to Romania's tax framework. Romania submitted its payment request on 19 December 2025. Following the Economic and Financial Committee's opinion, and a payment decision by the Commission, funds can be disbursed. With this payment, 60.6% of the total €21.41 billion RRF allocation to Romania will have been paid out.
President von der Leyen addresses European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children
On 11 May 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a keynote at the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children in Copenhagen. She discussed the risks of digital technologies and social media for young people, referencing ongoing Digital Services Act proceedings against TikTok, Meta, and X. Von der Leyen announced the establishment of a Special Panel of experts on Child Safety Online and referenced the potential for a legal proposal on minimum age for social media in summer 2026. She highlighted the development of an age verification app, set for rollout in Denmark by summer, and the upcoming Digital Fairness Act targeting addictive design practices. The speech also addressed the importance of media literacy and the role of education in building resilience among children.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 establishing an EU Talent Pool
Regulation (EU) 2026/1047, published in OJ L on 12 May 2026, establishes an EU Talent Pool to address labour and skills shortages, including those in sectors relevant for the green and digital transitions. The regulation creates a Union-wide platform for matching profiles of third-country jobseekers with vacancies in participating Member States, using ESCO classification. Member States may adapt the list of shortage occupations and opt in or out of participation, with procedures managed by a Secretariat and National Contact Points. Data protection and fair recruitment standards are set out in detail, and the regulation will be directly applicable upon entry into force.
Directive (EU) 2026/1021 on combatting corruption
Directive (EU) 2026/1021, dated 11 May 2026, replaces Council Framework Decision 2003/568/JHA and the Convention on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States. It defines minimum rules for criminal offences and penalties in the area of corruption, including bribery, misappropriation, trading in influence, and obstruction of justice. The Directive also amends Directive (EU) 2017/1371, aligning the protection of EU financial interests with national interests and setting aggravating and mitigating circumstances for penalties.
Framework Agreement [2026/1050] on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission
The Framework Agreement, published in OJ L on 12 May 2026, revises procedures for cooperation between Parliament and Commission. It outlines protocols for legislative planning, information exchange, and the handling of confidential documents, and sets out arrangements for participation in international negotiations and discharge procedures. The Agreement reinforces commitments under the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making and provides new mechanisms for monitoring and dialogue.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1080 on the Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1080, adopted 21 April 2026 and published in OJ L on 13 May, approves the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law on behalf of the EU. The Convention will be implemented via Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 and other Union acquis, with the EU allocated 27 votes in the Conference of the Parties pending consensus on voting arrangements.
Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law
The Council of Europe Framework Convention, published in OJ L on 13 May 2026, sets out principles for the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems, including transparency, accountability, non-discrimination, and effective remedies. The Convention establishes a Conference of the Parties for follow-up and international cooperation, and will be open for signature by EU member states and other participants.
EU Council
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council discusses Erasmus+, teachers and AI
On 11 May 2026, EU ministers for education and youth debated the future of Erasmus+, the role of teachers in the era of artificial intelligence, the EU Youth Dialogue, and youth-friendliness of EU and national policies.
EP Committee Work
EMPL opinion on Erasmus+ 2028-2034 regulation proposal
On 11 May 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), rapporteur Nela Riehl, issued an opinion on the Commission's proposal to establish the Erasmus+ programme for 2028-2034, repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and 2021/888. The opinion addresses aspects relating to social inclusion and employment within the new programme framework.
BUDG draft report on European Fund for economic, social, and territorial cohesion 2028-2034
The Committee on Budgets (BUDG), with rapporteur Andrey Novakov, published a draft report on 11 May 2026 regarding the regulation establishing a European Fund for economic, social, and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for 2028-2034. The report proposes amendments to Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
EMPL opinion on Erasmus+ 2028-2034 regulation proposal
On 11 May 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), rapporteur Nela Riehl, issued an opinion on the Commission's proposal to establish the Erasmus+ programme for 2028-2034, repealing Regulations (EU) 2021/817 and 2021/888. The opinion addresses aspects relating to social inclusion and employment within the new programme framework.
INTA opinion on EU-Swiss Confederation bilateral agreements
The Committee on International Trade (INTA), rapporteur Željana Zovko, adopted an opinion on 12 May 2026 regarding the draft Council decision to conclude a broad package of agreements between the EU and the Swiss Confederation. The opinion covers trade and institutional arrangements, amending Decisions 2011/51/EU and 2011/738/EU.
ITRE recommendation: EU-Canada SAFE Instrument procurement agreement
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), rapporteur Borys Budka, issued a recommendation on 12 May 2026 concerning the draft Council decision for the Agreement between the EU and Canada. The agreement sets conditions for Canadian legal entities and products to participate in procurement under the SAFE Instrument.
2026 Charlemagne Youth Prize: European laureates announced
On 12 May 2026, the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) announced the winners of the 2026 European Charlemagne Youth Prize at a ceremony in Aachen. Projects from Estonia, France, and Spain were recognised for advancing women's leadership, combatting misinformation, and fostering EU-China analysis.
What We're Reading This Week
- Horizon Europe Pillar 2 Info Session for North America: European research funding opportunities under Horizon Europe Pillar 2 are being highlighted to North American institutions and stakeholders.
- EU F&T Portal: Researchers and innovators can now access streamlined funding opportunities and application processes through the updated EU F&T Portal.
- EU F&T Portal: EU launches a centralized Funding & Tenders Portal to streamline access to research and innovation opportunities across member states.
- EU F&T Portal: Researchers and innovators can now access centralized EU funding and tender opportunities through a streamlined online portal.
- EU F&T Portal: Researchers can now use the EU F&T Portal to access funding opportunities, submit proposals, and manage projects online.
